- Must visit
The Fitzwilliam Museum
Major university museum with classical sculptures, paintings, antiquities, and decorative arts. Strong choice for a broad first visit.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Ely to Cambridge
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 15 Sept
Cheapest price on 15 Sept
£5
Average ticket price on 15 Sept
£6
Fastest journey on 15 Sept
12 m
Average journey duration on 15 Sept
14 m
Trains on 15 Sept
9
Distance
24 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Ely to Cambridge is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Ely to Cambridge will cost around £6 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £5.
Fast trains
On Tue 15 Sept, we found 9 trains from Ely to Cambridge, including 9 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 24 km distance in an average of 14 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 12 m .
The slowest trains will take 14 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
C038816:310h12Ely station (ELY)6:43Cambridge North (CMB)£51One-way0 changes- P666595:530h15Ely station (ELY)6:08Cambridge North (CMB)£51One-way0 changes
- P762587:260h15Ely station (ELY)7:41Cambridge North (CMB)£51One-way0 changes
- P666646:500h15Ely station (ELY)7:05Cambridge North (CMB)£51One-way0 changes
C933115:210h14Ely station (ELY)5:35Cambridge North (CMB)£71One-way0 changes
- C038816:310h12Ely station (ELY)6:43Cambridge North (CMB)£51One-way0 changes
- C933115:210h14Ely station (ELY)5:35Cambridge North (CMB)£71One-way0 changes
- C933175:490h14Ely station (ELY)6:03Cambridge North (CMB)£71One-way0 changes
- C933317:170h14Ely station (ELY)7:31Cambridge North (CMB)£71One-way0 changes
- G270026:170h14Ely station (ELY)6:31Cambridge North (CMB)£71One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Ely to Cambridge
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Ely to Cambridge among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £3 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 44m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £3, while a train costs an average of £3.
Distance: 24 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£3 Average Price Cheapest | £5 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
44m Average total duration Fastest 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 42m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Ely to Cambridge is a train with an average price of £3.
The fastest way to travel from Ely to Cambridge is by train with an average journey time of 14m.
Other travel options to Cambridge take longer:
Coach takes on average 34m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Ely and Cambridge including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.
The journey is about 28m faster (14m by train vs 42m by car) and roughly £2 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£3 vs £5). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with CrossCountry, Great Northern, Greater Anglia, Cross Country.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Ely to Cambridge train times
The table below shows live departures for Ely to Cambridge trains for today, Monday 14 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17:26 Ely | 0h12 | 17:38 Cambridge | 0 changesdirect | |
| Tuesday 15 September | |||||
| C93311 | 5:21 Ely station (ELY) | 0h14 | 5:35 Cambridge North (CMB) | 0 changesdirect | |
| C93317 | 5:49 Ely station (ELY) | 0h14 | 6:03 Cambridge North (CMB) | 0 changesdirect | |
| P66659 | 5:53 Ely station (ELY) | 0h15 | 6:08 Cambridge North (CMB) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G27002 | 6:17 Ely station (ELY) | 0h14 | 6:31 Cambridge North (CMB) | 0 changesdirect | |
| C03881 | 6:31 Ely station (ELY) | 0h12 | 6:43 Cambridge North (CMB) | 0 changesdirect | |
| C93325 | 6:47 Ely station (ELY) | 0h14 | 7:01 Cambridge North (CMB) | 0 changesdirect | |
| P66664 | 6:50 Ely station (ELY) | 0h15 | 7:05 Cambridge North (CMB) | 0 changesdirect | |
| C93331 | 7:17 Ely station (ELY) | 0h14 | 7:31 Cambridge North (CMB) | 0 changesdirect | |
| P76258 | 7:26 Ely station (ELY) | 0h15 | 7:41 Cambridge North (CMB) | 0 changesdirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Ely to Cambridge by train or coach
Compare train and coach prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Tue
15 Sept
15 Sept
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16 Sept
16 Sept
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17 Sept
17 Sept
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18 Sept
18 Sept
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21 Sept
21 Sept
Why should you book Ely to Cambridge trains with Omio?
CrossCountry as well as Great Northern, Greater Anglia, Cross Country and more offer trains services from Ely to Cambridge.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Ely to Cambridge.
Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Great Northern, Greater Anglia or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Ely to Cambridge.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Ely to Cambridge.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Great Northern, Greater Anglia or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Ely to Cambridge.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Ely to Cambridge.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Ely to Cambridge
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Ely to Cambridge run on average 9 times per day, taking around 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £2 if you book in advance.
There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:53. The fastest train covers the 24 km distance in 12m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 24 km |
Average train duration 14m |
Cheapest ticket price £2 |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 9 |
Fastest train 12m |
First train 0:05 |
Last train 23:53 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 1 day |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Train companies: CrossCountry, Great Northern, Greater Anglia, Cross Country from Ely to Cambridge trainsCrossCountry, Great Northern, Greater Anglia, Cross Country trains will get you between Ely and Cambridge from £2. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CrossCountry Duration
15m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£2
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone
Greater Anglia
About
Greater Anglia is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a wide range of services, from commuter trains to intercity services. The commuter trains run at regular intervals throughout the day, while the intercity services run at peak times. The train types include the InterCity 125, InterCity 225, Class 90, Class 91, Class 360 and Class 379. The ticket types available are Standard, First Class and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and refreshment trolleys. The most popular routes for Greater Anglia are London Liverpool Street to Norwich, London Liverpool Street to Cambridge and London Liverpool Street to Ipswich.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Greater Anglia Duration
12m
Cheapest Greater Anglia Price
£4
Greater Anglia frequency
15 a day
Luggage included
Two items of luggage per person included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar service on intercity routes with hot and cold drinks, snacks. No service on local routes.
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for First Class tickets.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs require a ticket (£6 flat fee). Guide dogs travel free.
Quiet zone
Great Northern
About
Great Northern is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It offers a wide range of services, including high-speed trains, regional trains, and sleeper services. The high-speed trains are called InterCity Express Trains and they offer a fast and comfortable journey between major cities. The regional trains are called Regional Express Trains and they provide a slower but more frequent service to smaller towns and villages. The sleeper services are called Caledonian Sleeper Trains and they offer overnight journeys with comfortable sleeping compartments. Great Northern offers a variety of ticket types, including single, return, and group tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. The most popular routes for Great Northern are London to Cambridge, London to Peterborough, and London to Norwich. These routes offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel between the cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Northern Duration
19m
Cheapest Great Northern Price
£13
Great Northern frequency
25 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
See refund policy for ticket types
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some services
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free, maximum two dogs per passenger, must be on lead
Quiet zone
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Cross Country Duration
14m
Cheapest Cross Country Price
£26
Cross Country frequency
10 a day
Complete guide to Cambridge
Things to do in Cambridge
Discover the best of Cambridge — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cambridge trip today.
- Recommended
Kettle's Yard
Contemporary art gallery in a former chapel, showing changing exhibitions by modern and international artists near the city centre.
- Recommended
Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences
Museum of Earth sciences with dinosaur skeletons, fossils, and minerals. Compact, family-friendly, and useful for a rainy day.
- Must visit
The Backs
Riverside green linking college backs and open meadows. Ideal for walking, punting views, and classic Cambridge photographs.
- Must visit
Market Square
Lively square and shopping area with the market, historic streets, and buskers. A practical starting point for exploring the old centre.
- Recommended
Trinity Lane
Historic lane of colleges, chapels, and gateways. A rewarding walk for architecture, student atmosphere, and easy access to central sights.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Cambridge burnt cream
A Cambridge creation: a rich dessert of vanilla ice cream, raspberry sauce, whipped cream and meringue, long associated with Cambridge college dining.
- Gluten-free
Cambridgeshire fidget pie
A traditional Cambridgeshire farm dish of braised beef or mutton with onions and root vegetables, reflecting the county’s rural cooking heritage.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Pippin paste
An old East Anglian fruit preserve made from windfall apples slowly cooked to a dark, tangy spread, once common in Cambridgeshire households.
Midsummer House
Refined British tasting menus in an elegant, intimate setting just outside the city centre.
The Riverbar Steakhouse and Grill
Long-running riverside restaurant known for modern European cooking and views over the Cam in a smart but relaxed room.
The Eagle
Popular city-centre pub serving cask ales and hearty British food in a lively, historic atmosphere.
Pound sterling (£)
Cambridge is pricier than many UK cities. Hotels and dining are above average, but walking and buses help keep transport costs manageable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £60+ per person for fine dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service may be included in restaurants; otherwise tip around 10% for good service. Taxis are often rounded up or tipped 10%. Cafés usually do not expect tips.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2
- Day pass
- £5.50
To the city centre
Cambridge station -> Cambridge City Centre
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Contactless card and mobile payments are accepted on Stagecoach buses in Cambridge.
- Frequent Citi 1, 3 and 7 buses link Cambridge station with the city centre.
Trains from Ely to Cambridge
There are three networks that operate trains from Ely to Cambridge: Abellio Greater Anglia, Great Northern and CrossCountry. Trains depart from Ely in the morning just before 6:00 a.m. with between 5 and 7 trains scheduled to run each hour throughout the day. The final train leaves shortly after 11:30 p.m. Journey time takes between 15 and 25 minutes to cover the 17 mile distance and requires no changes.
What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Ely to Cambridge?
Departure Station: Ely Station, Station Road in Cambridgeshire is on the Fen and Breckland Lines. Walking into the town centre takes about 10 minutes. Buses and taxis are available from the station, as well as a cycle hire service.
Arrival Station: Cambridge Railway Station is situated on Station Road, just off Hills Road and is approximately 1 mile south-east of Cambridge city centre. It takes about a 30-minute walk to reach the main shops and colleges. There are Stagecoach buses that leave from the station and travel into the city, as well as a taxi from outside the entrance.
FAQs: Ely to Cambridge train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ely to Cambridge by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Cambridge, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Ely to Cambridge can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £2, while the average price tends to be around £3.
The train journey from Ely to Cambridge covers a distance of 24 km and takes approximately 12m. Trains run 9 per day.
The train distance from Ely to Cambridge is 24 km.
The first train from Ely to Cambridge leaves at 0:05.
The last train from Ely to Cambridge departs at 23:53.
Trains from Ely to Cambridge run approximately 9 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Ely to Cambridge.
Yes, there is a direct train between Ely and Cambridge. The service operates 9 times per day, provided by CrossCountry, Great Northern, Greater Anglia, Cross Country.
To get from Ely to Cambridge, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Ely to Cambridge.
The train station in Ely that goes to Cambridge is Ely station (ELY), and it arrives at Cambridge station (CBG).
The cheapest way to get from Ely to Cambridge is by train, costing approximately £2.
Booking trains from Ely to Cambridge in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Ely to Cambridge offers pleasant views of the English countryside, with glimpses of fields, small villages, and waterways, providing a relaxing travel experience.
Yes, a day trip from Ely to Cambridge is feasible as the journey takes only 12m and the distance is 24 km. Trains run 7 times per day.
In Cambridge, you can enjoy punting on the River Cam for scenic views of the colleges and bridges, visit the interactive Cambridge Science Centre, explore the historic Market Square for local produce and crafts, attend a performance at the Cambridge Arts Theatre, or take a guided walking tour to discover the city's rich history. Some of the best sights include King's College Chapel, The Fitzwilliam Museum, The Backs, Trinity College, and the Cambridge University Botanic Garden.
Two to three days in Cambridge allows you to explore its historic university, enjoy punting on the River Cam, visit the Fitzwilliam Museum, and stroll around the city's beautiful gardens and colleges.
Yes, you can take the train from Ely to Cambridge.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Ely and Cambridge
Most Ely to Cambridge trains use the Ely to Cambridge station pair, with some services arriving at Cambridge North. Use this guide to compare Ely and Cambridge train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Ely
Arrival train stations in Cambridge
Which Ely station do trains to Cambridge leave from?
Trains from Ely to Cambridge leave from Ely. The station is 1 km from Ely city centre at Ely station, Station Road, Ely, Cambridgeshire, CB7 4BS.
ElyEly station, Station Road, Ely, Cambridgeshire, CB7 4BS+44 3450507080
City-centre transport
Getting to Ely from Ely city centre
Bus112 · 9m · £4 · every ~3 min
Ely train station facilities and services
Ely has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Ely.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Ely.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Ely. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Ely: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Ely: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Ely: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Which Cambridge station do trains from Ely arrive at?
Trains from Ely to Cambridge most often arrive at Cambridge. Some services arrive at Cambridge North, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Cambridge arrival station.
CambridgeCambridge station, Station Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB1 2JW+44 8450507080
City-centre transport
Getting to Cambridge from Cambridge city centre
Cambridge is 1 km from Cambridge city centre. Public transport options include:
BusU1, U2 · 11m · every ~11 min
Tour · 13m · £2
75 · 15m
A · 15m · £2 · every ~11 min
Cambridge train station facilities and services
Cambridge has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cambridge.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Cambridge. ATMs are available at Cambridge.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cambridge.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cambridge: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cambridge: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cambridge: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Cambridge NorthCambridge North Station, Cowley Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB4 0WZ+44 8450507080
City-centre transport
Getting to Cambridge North from Cambridge city centre
Cambridge North is 3 km from Cambridge city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainLondon Liverpool Street - Cambridge North, Stansted Airport - Norwich, Cambridge - Norwich, London Liverpool Street - Ely, Stansted Airport - Lowestoft, Cambridge - Cambridge North, Bishops Stortford - Cambridge North, Audley End - Cambridge North, Audley End - Norwich · 3m · £2 · every ~6 min
BusB · 12m · £2 · every ~8 min
114 · 18m
2, B · 23m · £2 · every ~19 min
Cambridge North train station facilities and services
Cambridge North has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cambridge North.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Cambridge North.
Tickets and information
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 2878.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cambridge North: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cambridge North: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cambridge North: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible taxis: Details of the nearest taxi will be supplied by station staff, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Cambridge SouthTrumpington, Cambridge CB2 9FQ, UK
Most popular train connections from Ely
More options for your journey from Ely to Cambridge
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cambridge and Ely
Most popular train connections to Cambridge
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