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The cheapest and fastest trains from Leicester to Cambridge
Showing times and prices for 21 Nov
Cheapest price
£22
Average price
£39
Fastest journey
1 h 50 m
Average duration
1 h 52 m
Trains per day
5
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 £39 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £22.
Fast trains
Of the 5 trains that leave Leicester for Cambridge every day 5 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 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 54 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.
16:561h54
Leicester18:50Cambridge
£221One-way
0 changes
08:141h54
Leicester10:08Cambridge
£381One-way
0 changes
09:151h50
Leicester11:05Cambridge
£391One-way
0 changes
07:181h51
Leicester09:09Cambridge
£391One-way
0 changes
19:151h50
Leicester21:05Cambridge
£591One-way
0 changes
09:151h50
Leicester11:05Cambridge
£391One-way
0 changes
19:151h50
Leicester21:05Cambridge
£591One-way
0 changes
07:181h51
Leicester09:09Cambridge
£391One-way
0 changes
16:561h54
Leicester18:50Cambridge
£221One-way
0 changes
08:141h54
Leicester10:08Cambridge
£381One-way
0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach 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 £11. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 20m. 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 £11, and a train costs an average of £20.
Distance: 98 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£36 Average Price | £20 Average Price Cheapest |
2h 50m Average total duration Fastest 2h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 14m Average total duration 2h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  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, Thursday 20 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 01:55
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 04:47 Leicester | 2h43 | 07:30 Cambridge | 0 changesdirect | |
| 06:14 Leicester | 1h56 | 08:10 Cambridge | 0 changesdirect | |
| 08:14 Leicester | 1h54 | 10:08 Cambridge | 0 changesdirect | |
| 15:12 Leicester | 2h02 | 17:14 Cambridge | 0 changesdirect | |
| 16:56 Leicester | 1h54 | 18:50 Cambridge | 0 changesdirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Leicester 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.
Fri
21 Nov
21 Nov
Sat
22 Nov
22 Nov
Sun
23 Nov
23 Nov
Mon
24 Nov
24 Nov
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27 Nov
Journey information
Overview: Train from Leicester to Cambridge
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Leicester to Cambridge run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 20m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £20 but you can travel from only £11 by coach.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:08, the last at 22:24. The fastest train covers the 98 km distance in 1h 50m.
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 £11
Distance 98 km |
Average train duration 2h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price £20 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 1h 50m |
First train 04:08 |
Last train 22:24 |
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 £11
Train companies: CrossCountry, East Midlands Trains, Thameslink, Abellio Greater Anglia, Great Northern, east_midlands_trains, Cross Country from Leicester to Cambridge trainsCrossCountry, East Midlands Trains, Thameslink, Abellio Greater Anglia, Great Northern, east_midlands_trains, Cross Country trains will get you between Leicester and Cambridge from £11. 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 50m
Cheapest Price
£19
CrossCountry frequency
4 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 Trains
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 43m
Cheapest Price
£34
East Midlands Trains frequency
3 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
Abellio 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
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 39m
Cheapest Price
£74
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 37m
Cheapest Price
£59
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
£95
east_midlands_trains frequency
15 a day
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 49m
Cheapest Price
£80
Cross Country frequency
9 a day
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.
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.
The cost of a train ticket from Leicester to Cambridge can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £20, while the average price tends to be around £36.
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.
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.
The cheapest way to get from Leicester to Cambridge is by coach, costing approximately £11.
The train journey from Leicester to Cambridge covers a distance of 98 km and takes approximately 1h 50m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Leicester to Cambridge is 98 km.
The train station in Leicester that goes to Cambridge is Leicester station (LEI), and it arrives at Cambridge station (CBG).
The last train from Leicester to Cambridge departs at 22:24.
The first train from Leicester to Cambridge leaves at 4:08.
Yes, there is a direct train between Leicester and Cambridge. The service operates 3 times per day, provided by CrossCountry, Cross Country.
There is no night train service from Leicester to Cambridge.
Trains from Leicester to Cambridge run approximately 6 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Leicester to Cambridge.
Yes, you can take the train from Leicester to Cambridge.
To get from Leicester to Cambridge, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Leicester and Cambridge
Leicester
Cambridge
The major train station for departures in Leicester is Leicester. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Leicester for your trip from Leicester to Cambridge.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:20 - 22:30 Saturday 05:20 - 22:30 Sunday 07:15 - 22:30
Parking
- Car Park: Short stay car park
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on the Main Concourse, Platform 1/2 and Platform 3/4. The National key toilets are located on Platform 1/2 and Platform 3/4; these toilets are operated by a radar key. The radar key is available from the Duty Manager located on the end of Platform 3/4.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Cycle hub situated on the lower floor (old Red Star parcels area) which can be accessed via the lift located to the left of the Customer Information desk. Stands also available in main car park and station front near short stay car park.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- 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
Public transport options for Leicester
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Coaches leave from the Station front
The major train station for arrivals in Cambridge is Cambridge. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cambridge for your journey to Cambridge from Leicester.
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotel
Lounge
Lost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
Car Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:10 - 23:00 Saturday 05:10 - 23:00 Sunday 07:00 - 22:55
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: Premium Bay
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 4. The accessible toilets are on platform 4
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: Platforms 1, 4 and 7
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Cycle point is by the Car Park
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Cambridge
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail replacement buses depart from the front of the station
Amenities at train station
WifiParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Distance to city center
3 kmParking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: Station foyer
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: Waiting rooms are available on each platform
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Adjacent station building.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from information point
- Helpline Contact: 0800 028 2878
Public transport options for Cambridge North
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: From bus stop on station forecourt.
Most popular train connections from Leicester
More options for your journey from Leicester to Cambridge
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cambridge and Leicester
Most popular train connections to Cambridge
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