Leicester to Cambridge train with CrossCountry

Sun 04 Oct
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CrossCountry
East Midlands Railway
Thameslink
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
East Midlands Railway
Thameslink
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Leicester to Cambridge

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 04 Oct

Cheapest price on 04 Oct

£16

Average ticket price on 04 Oct

£16

Fastest journey on 04 Oct

1 h 50 m

Average journey duration on 04 Oct

1 h 52 m

Trains on 04 Oct

6

Distance

98 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Leicester to Cambridge is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Leicester to Cambridge will cost around £16 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £16.

Fast trains

On Sun 04 Oct, we found 6 trains from Leicester to Cambridge, including 6 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 98 km distance in an average of 1 h 52 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 50 m .

The slowest trains will take 1 h 53 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.

  • CrossCountryG00810
    12:151h53
    Leicester station (LEI)
    14:08Cambridge station (CBG)
    £161One-way
    0 changes
  • CrossCountryG00819
    15:161h52
    Leicester station (LEI)
    17:08Cambridge station (CBG)
    £161One-way
    0 changes
  • CrossCountryG00825
    17:151h53
    Leicester station (LEI)
    19:08Cambridge station (CBG)
    £161One-way
    0 changes
  • CrossCountryG00813
    13:181h50
    Leicester station (LEI)
    15:08Cambridge station (CBG)
    £161One-way
    0 changes
  • CrossCountryG00816
    14:161h52
    Leicester station (LEI)
    16:08Cambridge station (CBG)
    £161One-way
    0 changes

Journey information

Overview: Train from Leicester to Cambridge

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Leicester to Cambridge run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 57m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £18 but you can travel from only £12 by coach.

There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:43, the last at 22:24. The fastest train covers the 98 km distance in 1h 47m.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £12
Distance
98 km
Average train duration
1h 57m
Cheapest ticket price
£18
Trains per day
6
Direct trains
4
Fastest train
1h 47m
First train
4:43
Last train
22:24
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Sun
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £12

Live departures

Leicester to Cambridge train times

The table below shows live departures for Leicester to Cambridge trains for today, Saturday 3 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
CrossCountryG00809
On time
11:12 Leicester station (LEI)
1h51
13:03 Cambridge station (CBG)
0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG00811
On time
12:12 Leicester station (LEI)
1h51
14:03 Cambridge station (CBG)
0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG00815
On time
13:12 Leicester station (LEI)
1h51
15:03 Cambridge station (CBG)
0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG00817
On time
14:12 Leicester station (LEI)
1h51
16:03 Cambridge station (CBG)
0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG00820
On time
15:12 Leicester station (LEI)
1h51
17:03 Cambridge station (CBG)
0 changesdirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Leicester to Cambridge trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as East Midlands Railway or Thameslink offer trains services from Leicester to Cambridge.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Leicester 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 East Midlands Railway or Thameslink to find the best option for your trip from Leicester 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 Leicester to Cambridge.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Rome2rio?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of East Midlands Railway or Thameslink to find the best option for your trip from Leicester to Cambridge.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Leicester to Cambridge.

Train companies: CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Thameslink from Leicester to Cambridge trainsCrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Thameslink trains will get you between Leicester and Cambridge from £12. 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
1h 47m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£18
CrossCountry frequency
6 a day
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

East Midlands Railway

About
East Midlands Trains is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London to the East Midlands, Yorkshire, and the North West. East Midlands Trains operates a fleet of Class 158, Class 156, Class 170, Class 222 and Class 180 diesel multiple units, as well as Class 222 Meridian electric multiple units. East Midlands Trains also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for East Midlands Trains are London to Nottingham, Sheffield, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average East Midlands Railway Duration
1h 52m
Cheapest East Midlands Railway Price
£26
East Midlands Railway frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for Advance ticket holders
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be on lead and require a ticket (£6 for day ticket)
Quiet zone

Thameslink

About
Thameslink is a train service that operates in the United Kingdom. It is operated by Govia Thameslink Railway and serves the counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, London, and Surrey. The trains run from early morning until late at night, with some services running 24 hours a day. There are a variety of train types available, including Class 700 Desiro City, Class 377 Electrostar, Class 387/1 Electrostar, and Class 319/0. Ticket types include Anytime, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. The most popular routes for Thameslink are London to Brighton, London to Bedford, and London to Luton.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Thameslink Duration
2h 13m
Cheapest Thameslink Price
£51
Thameslink frequency
3 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
Refund policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on some routes offering drinks and snacks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free of charge. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

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.

  • Must visit

The Fitzwilliam Museum

Major university museum with classical sculptures, paintings, antiquities, and decorative arts. Strong choice for a broad first visit.

  • 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.

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.

FAQs: Leicester to Cambridge train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leicester 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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Leicester to Cambridge can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £18, while the average price tends to be around £34.
The train journey from Leicester to Cambridge covers a distance of 98 km and takes approximately 1h 47m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Leicester to Cambridge is 98 km.
The first train from Leicester to Cambridge leaves at 4:43.
The last train from Leicester to Cambridge departs at 22:24.
Trains from Leicester to Cambridge run approximately 6 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Leicester to Cambridge.
Yes, there is a direct train between Leicester and Cambridge. The service operates 4 times per day, provided by CrossCountry.
There is no night train service from Leicester to Cambridge.
The train station in Leicester that goes to Cambridge is Leicester station (LEI), and it arrives at Cambridge station (CBG).
Booking trains from Leicester 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 Leicester to Cambridge offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, with stretches showcasing the picturesque countryside of the East Midlands and East of England, though it may not be the most notably scenic route compared to others in the UK.
Yes, you can take the train from Leicester to Cambridge.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Leicester and Cambridge

Most Leicester to Cambridge trains use the Leicester to Cambridge station pair, with some services arriving at Cambridge South. Use this guide to compare Leicester and Cambridge train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Leicester
Arrival train stations in Cambridge

Which Leicester station do trains to Cambridge leave from?

Trains from Leicester to Cambridge leave from Leicester. The station is 1 km from Leicester city centre at Leicester station, London Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2 0QB.
LeicesterLeicester station, London Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2 0QB+44 8457125678WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Leicester from Leicester city centre

BusX7 · 4m · £2 · every ~3 min
16 · 7m · every ~6 min
Hop · 11m · £2 · every ~14 min

Leicester train station facilities and services

Leicester has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Leicester.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Leicester. ATMs are available at Leicester.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Leicester. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 08000 11 33 23, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Leicester: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Leicester: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Leicester: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A access station. There is step free access to the main entrance and lifts to all platforms. Customers with wheelchairs who require assistance on graduated slopes should press the ticket gate 'assistance' button located at the bottom of the stairs near the self service ticket machines. To ensure availability of staff to assist, it is imperative that customers book assistance in advance. This station has tactile paving at the edge of all platforms and at the bottom of all staircases, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, 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.

More options for your journey from Leicester to Cambridge

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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