First Class
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£16
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£16
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
20 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
20 m
Trains on 18 Sept
1
Distance
33 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Ely to Thetford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Ely to Thetford will cost around £16 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £16.
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 1 trains from Ely to Thetford, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 33 km distance in an average of 20 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 20 m .
The slowest trains will take 20 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.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Ely to Thetford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £13 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 52m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £13, while a train costs an average of £13.
Distance: 33 km
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£13 Average Price Cheapest | £7 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
52m Average total duration Fastest 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 44m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
You'll arrive about 22m sooner (22m by train vs 44m by car). Tickets start at around £13 compared to roughly £7 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with East Midlands Railway, Greater Anglia, east_midlands_trains.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Ely to Thetford trains for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:21 Ely | 0h23 | 6:44 Thetford | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 7:07 Ely | 0h23 | 7:30 Thetford | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 7:17 Ely | 0h26 | 7:43 Thetford | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 8:17 Ely | 0h20 | 8:37 Thetford | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 8:38 Ely | 0h22 | 9:00 Thetford | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 9:25 Ely | 0h20 | 9:45 Thetford | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 9:43 Ely | 0h22 | 10:05 Thetford | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 10:23 Ely | 0h20 | 10:43 Thetford | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 10:44 Ely | 0h22 | 11:06 Thetford | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 11:23 Ely | 0h20 | 11:43 Thetford | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 11:43 Ely | 0h22 | 12:05 Thetford | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 12:23 Ely | 0h20 | 12:43 Thetford | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 12:43 Ely | 0h22 | 13:05 Thetford | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 13:23 Ely | 0h20 | 13:43 Thetford | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 13:43 Ely | 0h22 | 14:05 Thetford | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 14:23 Ely | 0h20 | 14:43 Thetford | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 14:43 Ely | 0h22 | 15:05 Thetford | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 15:23 Ely | 0h20 | 15:43 Thetford | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 15:43 Ely | 0h22 | 16:05 Thetford | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train 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.
Trains from Ely to Thetford run on average 8 times per day, taking around 22m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £11 if you book in advance.
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:00, the last at 23:14. The fastest train covers the 33 km distance in 20m.
Distance 33 km |
Average train duration 22m |
Cheapest ticket price £11 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 8 |
Fastest train 20m |
First train 6:00 |
Last train 23:14 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 1 day |
Compare Greater Anglia classes and the amenities included in each one.
Discover the best of Thetford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Thetford trip today.
Museum dedicated to Thomas Paine, with exhibits on his life, political ideas and the town he once lived in.
Town museum in a former court building, covering local archaeology, wildlife, industry and daily life across centuries.
Volunteer-run military museum exploring the regiment’s history through uniforms, medals and stories linked to Norfolk service.
Broad heathland and forest landscape near Thetford, popular for walking, cycling and experiencing the distinctive Breckland scenery.
Riverside green space ideal for gentle walks, wildlife spotting and views of nearby historic buildings in the heart of town.
Central public garden with lawns, seating and a war memorial, offering a peaceful stop close to shops and historic streets.
A Norfolk staple of cured ham, traditionally sliced thick and served cold. It reflects the county’s long pig-rearing and curing heritage.
Free-range turkey reared in Norfolk, commonly roasted for Sunday lunch or festive meals. The county is strongly associated with British turkey farming.
A rustic game dish using rabbit, often slow-cooked in pie or stew. It reflects Breckland’s historic heathland hunting and country cooking traditions.
Popular Indian restaurant and takeaway known for reliable curries and a casual atmosphere, well established with local diners in Thetford.
Casual steakhouse and grill serving burgers, steaks and hearty mains. A familiar choice for relaxed group meals in the town centre.
Traditional riverside pub in Thetford serving British classics, roasts and drinks in a relaxed historic setting near the Little Ouse.
Thetford is generally cheaper than larger UK tourist cities, with lower dining and lodging costs and limited public transport spending for most visitors.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Cafes do not require tips, but small change is appreciated.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ely to Thetford 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 Thetford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Ely to Thetford trains use the Ely to Thetford station pair. Use this guide to compare Ely and Thetford train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 options are available at Ely.
Wi-Fi is available at Ely.
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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Ely: Parking, WC.
Available at Ely: Bike Parking.
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.
Thetford has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Thetford.
Wi-Fi is available at Thetford.
Ticket office support is available at Thetford.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Thetford: Parking, WC.
Available at Thetford: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Thetford: Staff help available: 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 ticket machines note: On platform 2, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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