- 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 Poole to Cambridge
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 05 Sept
Cheapest price on 05 Sept
£39
Average ticket price on 05 Sept
£44
Fastest journey on 05 Sept
4 h 3 m
Average journey duration on 05 Sept
4 h 4 m
Trains on 05 Sept
6
Distance
220 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Poole to Cambridge is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Poole to Cambridge will cost around £44 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £39.
Fast trains
To travel from Poole to Cambridge you need to make at least 2 changes.
L80075+
Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross+
G7701310:364h03Poole station (POO)14:39Cambridge South£391One-way2 changes- L80191+C93369+Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross8:034h06Poole station (POO)12:09Cambridge South£441One-way2 changes
- L80203+G77007+Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross10:024h07Poole station (POO)14:09Cambridge South£441One-way2 changes
- L80066+C93375+Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross8:364h03Poole station (POO)12:39Cambridge South£441One-way2 changes
- L80197+C93379+Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross9:024h07Poole station (POO)13:09Cambridge South£481One-way2 changes
- L80075+Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross+G7701310:364h03Poole station (POO)14:39Cambridge South£391One-way2 changes
- L80070+Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross+G770039:364h03Poole station (POO)13:39Cambridge South£481One-way2 changes
- L80066+C93375+Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross8:364h03Poole station (POO)12:39Cambridge South£441One-way2 changes
- L80191+C93369+Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross8:034h06Poole station (POO)12:09Cambridge South£441One-way2 changes
- L80197+C93379+Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross9:024h07Poole station (POO)13:09Cambridge South£481One-way2 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Poole to Cambridge
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Poole to Cambridge among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £19 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 14m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £19, while a train costs an average of £61.
Distance: 220 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£61 Average Price | £19 Average Price Cheapest | £44 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 14m Average total duration Fastest 3h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 50m Average total duration 6h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 21m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Poole to Cambridge is a coach with an average price of £19.
This is compared to other travel options from Poole to Cambridge:
A coach is £42 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Poole to Cambridge costing on average £61.
The fastest way to travel from Poole to Cambridge is by train with an average journey time of 3h 44m.
Other travel options to Cambridge take longer:
Coach takes on average 6h 20m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Poole and Cambridge including taking a coach and train.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around £61 compared to roughly £44 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-17.41. The journey takes 3h 44m versus 3h 21m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Poole to Cambridge train times
The table below shows live departures for Poole to Cambridge trains for tomorrow, Saturday 5 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L80191+Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross+C93369 | 8:03 Poole station (POO) | 4h06 | 12:09 Cambridge South | 2 changes | |
| L80066+C93375+Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross | 8:36 Poole station (POO) | 4h03 | 12:39 Cambridge South | 2 changes | |
| L80197+Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross+C93379 | 9:02 Poole station (POO) | 4h07 | 13:09 Cambridge South | 2 changes | |
| L80070+Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross+G77003 | 9:36 Poole station (POO) | 4h03 | 13:39 Cambridge South | 2 changes | |
| L80203+Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross+G77007 | 10:02 Poole station (POO) | 4h07 | 14:09 Cambridge South | 2 changes | |
| L80075+G77013+Tube from London Waterloo to London Kings Cross | 10:36 Poole station (POO) | 4h03 | 14:39 Cambridge South | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Poole 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.
Sat
05 Sept
05 Sept
Sun
06 Sept
06 Sept
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07 Sept
07 Sept
Tue
08 Sept
08 Sept
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11 Sept
Why should you book Poole to Cambridge trains with Omio?
South Western Railway operates all trains services from Poole to Cambridge.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Poole to Cambridge.
Why book with Omio vs South Western Railway?
- 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 South Western Railway with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Poole to Cambridge.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Poole to Cambridge.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Poole to Cambridge
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Poole to Cambridge run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 44m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £35 but you can travel from only £15 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:53, the last at 23:12. The fastest train covers the 220 km distance in 4h 6m.
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 £15
Distance 220 km |
Average train duration 3h 44m |
Cheapest ticket price £35 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 4h 6m |
First train 4:53 |
Last train 23:12 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 28 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 £15
Train companies: South Western Railway from Poole to Cambridge trainsSouth Western Railway trains will get you between Poole and Cambridge from £15. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
South Western Railway
About
South Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom, providing services in the south and south-west of England. It operates a variety of train types, including high-speed trains, local stopping services, and suburban commuter trains. It also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for South Western Railway include London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour, London Waterloo to Weymouth, and London Waterloo to Bournemouth.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average South Western Railway Duration
4h 6m
Cheapest South Western Railway Price
£35
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund depends on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar service with hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee, free for some ticket types
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free, dogs must be on lead
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.
- 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.
FAQs: Poole to Cambridge train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Poole 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 Poole to Cambridge can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £35, while the average price tends to be around £61.
The train journey from Poole to Cambridge covers a distance of 220 km and takes approximately 4h 6m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Poole to Cambridge is 220 km.
The first train from Poole to Cambridge leaves at 4:53.
The last train from Poole to Cambridge departs at 23:12.
Trains from Poole to Cambridge run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Poole to Cambridge.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Poole to Cambridge.
To get from Poole to Cambridge, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Poole to Cambridge.
The train station in Poole that goes to Cambridge is Poole station (POO), and it arrives at Cambridge station (CBG).
The cheapest way to get from Poole to Cambridge is by coach, costing approximately £15.
Booking trains from Poole 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 Poole to Cambridge offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, with views of the Dorset countryside, rolling hills, and some charming towns along the route, although it is not typically considered one of the most scenic train journeys in the UK.
A day trip from Poole to Cambridge is not feasible, as the journey duration is 4h 6m. Trains run 4 times per day. The distance is 220 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 Poole to Cambridge.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Poole and Cambridge
Most Poole to Cambridge trains use the Poole to Cambridge station pair, with some services arriving at Cambridge North. Use this guide to compare Poole and Cambridge train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Poole
Arrival train stations in Cambridge
Which Poole station do trains to Cambridge leave from?
Trains from Poole to Cambridge leave from Poole. The station is 1 km from Poole city centre at Poole station, Serpentine Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 2BQ.
PoolePoole station, Serpentine Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 2BQ
City-centre transport
Getting to Poole from Poole city centre
Poole is 1 km from Poole city centre. Public transport options include:
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesStation forecourt, off Serpentine Road
Poole train station facilities and services
Poole has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Poole.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Poole. ATMs are available at Poole.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Poole.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Poole: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Poole: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Poole: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category B Station - There is level access to both sides of the station by ramps. Interchange between platforms is via a ramped underpass at the London end of the platforms. Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Parkstone (Dorset)Parkstone station, Station Road, Parkstone, Dorset, BH14 8UD
City-centre transport
Getting to Parkstone (Dorset) from Poole city centre
Parkstone (Dorset) is 3 km from Poole city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainPoole - London Waterloo, Poole - Eastleigh, Weymouth - London Waterloo, Weymouth - Southampton Central, Weymouth - Bournemouth, Poole - Brockenhurst, Poole - Winchester, Poole - Bournemouth, Weymouth - Woking, Weymouth - Eastleigh, Poole - Southampton Central · 3m · £0.90 · every ~4 min
Buscity_sightseeing_bournemouth · 7m · every ~2 min
m1, 419, 449, N1 · 13m · £2 · every ~34 min
m1, U2, N1 · 14m · £2 · every ~47 min
Parkstone (Dorset) train station facilities and services
Parkstone (Dorset) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Parkstone (Dorset).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Parkstone (Dorset).
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Parkstone (Dorset): Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Parkstone (Dorset): Bike Parking.
Which Cambridge station do trains from Poole arrive at?
Trains from Poole 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
More options for your journey from Poole to Cambridge
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cambridge and Poole
Most popular train connections to Cambridge
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