Leicester to Cambridge train with CrossCountry

Thu 20 Aug
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CrossCountry
East Midlands Railway
Greater Anglia
Thameslink
Great Northern
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
East Midlands Railway
Greater Anglia
Thameslink
Great Northern
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Leicester to Cambridge

Showing times and prices for 20 Aug

Cheapest price

£14

Average price

£16

Fastest journey

1 h 51 m

Average duration

1 h 51 m

Trains per day

2

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 £14.

Fast trains

Of the 2 trains that leave Leicester for Cambridge every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 98 km distance in an average of 1 h 51 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 51 m .

The slowest trains will take 1 h 51 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.

  • CrossCountry
    7:181h51
    Leicester
    9:09Cambridge
    £141One-way
    0 changes
  • CrossCountry
    8:181h51
    Leicester
    10:09Cambridge
    £181One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Leicester to Cambridge

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Leicester to Cambridge among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 18m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £12, and a train costs an average of £14.

Distance: 98 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

£24

Average Price

£18

Average Price

Cheapest

2h 48m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 18m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 44m

Average total duration

3h 14m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Leicester to Cambridge train times

The table below shows live departures for Leicester to Cambridge trains for today, Wednesday 19 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
CrossCountryG00805
On time
8:19 Leicester station (LEI)
1h50
10:09 Cambridge station (CBG)
0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG00841
On time
9:14 Leicester station (LEI)
1h49
11:03 Cambridge station (CBG)
0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG00806
On time
10:15 Leicester station (LEI)
1h47
12:02 Cambridge station (CBG)
0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG00808
On time
11:13 Leicester station (LEI)
1h50
13:03 Cambridge station (CBG)
0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG00812
On time
12:12 Leicester station (LEI)
1h51
14:03 Cambridge station (CBG)
0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG00814
On time
13:12 Leicester station (LEI)
1h51
15:03 Cambridge station (CBG)
0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG00818
On time
14:12 Leicester station (LEI)
1h51
16:03 Cambridge station (CBG)
0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG00821
On time
15:12 Leicester station (LEI)
1h57
17:09 Cambridge station (CBG)
0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG00824
On time
16:12 Leicester station (LEI)
2h00
18:12 Cambridge station (CBG)
0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG00826
On time
17:13 Leicester station (LEI)
1h51
19:04 Cambridge station (CBG)
0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG00828
On time
17:56 Leicester station (LEI)
1h55
19:51 Cambridge station (CBG)
0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Leicester to Cambridge by coach or train

Compare coach and 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.

Thu
20 Aug
Fri
21 Aug
Sat
22 Aug
Sun
23 Aug
Mon
24 Aug
Tue
25 Aug
Wed
26 Aug

Why should you book Leicester to Cambridge trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as East Midlands Railway, Greater Anglia, Thameslink, Great Northern and more 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, Greater Anglia, Thameslink or Great Northern 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 bus and train 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, Greater Anglia, Thameslink or Great Northern to find the best option for your trip from Leicester to Cambridge.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Leicester to Cambridge.

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 7 times per day, taking around 2h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £14 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 48m.

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
2h 18m
Cheapest ticket price
£14
Trains per day
7
Direct trains
4
Fastest train
1h 48m
First train
4:43
Last train
22:24
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Sat
Best time to book
21 days
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

Train companies: CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Greater Anglia, Thameslink, Great Northern, east_midlands_trains, Cross Country from Leicester to Cambridge trainsCrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Greater Anglia, Thameslink, Great Northern, east_midlands_trains, Cross Country 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 Duration
1h 48m
Cheapest Price
£14
CrossCountry frequency
5 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 Duration
2h 42m
Cheapest Price
£33
East Midlands Railway frequency
4 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

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
Greater Anglia frequency
1 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

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 Duration
2h 35m
Cheapest Price
£50
Thameslink frequency
2 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

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 Duration
3h 40m
Cheapest Price
£43
Great Northern frequency
1 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

east_midlands_trains

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 26m
Cheapest Price
£94
east_midlands_trains frequency
14 a day

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 47m
Cheapest Price
£81
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.

  • 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 £14, while the average price tends to be around £24.
The train journey from Leicester to Cambridge covers a distance of 98 km and takes approximately 1h 48m. Trains run 7 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 7 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, Cross Country.
To get from Leicester to Cambridge, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
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).
The cheapest way to get from Leicester to Cambridge is by coach, costing approximately £12.
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, a day trip from Leicester to Cambridge is feasible as the journey takes 1h 48m and trains run 6 times per day over a distance of 98 km.
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 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 North. 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

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Cambridge Leicester to Cambridge train

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