- Must visit
Northampton Museum and Art Gallery
The town's main museum, celebrated for its shoe collections, local history, and changing exhibitions in a restored central building.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Cambridge to Northampton
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 14
Cheapest price on Sep 14
$19
Average ticket price on Sep 14
$38
Fastest journey on Sep 14
4 h 25 m
Average journey duration on Sep 14
5 h 57 m
Buses on Sep 14
3
Distance
68 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cambridge to Northampton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cambridge to Northampton will cost around $38 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $19.
Fast buses
On Mon, Sep 14, we found 3 buses from Cambridge to Northampton, including 3 direct services.
On Mon, Sep 14 the direct buses cover the 68 km distance in an average of 5 h 57 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 25 m .
On Mon, Sep 14 the slowest buses will take 7 h 35 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.
12:30 PM7h35Cambridge8:05 PMNorthampton$191One-way0 transfers- 1:00 PM5h50Cambridge6:50 PMNorthampton$241One-way0 transfers
10:40 PM4h25Cambridge3:05 AMNorthampton$711One-way0 transfers
- 10:40 PM4h25Cambridge3:05 AMNorthampton$711One-way0 transfers
- 1:00 PM5h50Cambridge6:50 PMNorthampton$241One-way0 transfers
- 12:30 PM7h35Cambridge8:05 PMNorthampton$191One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Cambridge to Northampton
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Cambridge to Northampton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $66 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 32m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $66, while a train costs an average of $108.
Distance: 42 miles (68 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$66 Average price Cheapest | $108 Average price | $20 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 3m Average total duration 2h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 32m Average total duration Fastest 2h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 12m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Cambridge to Northampton is a bus with an average price of $66 (€54).
This is compared to other travel options from Cambridge to Northampton:
A bus is $41 (€33) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cambridge to Northampton costing on average $108 (€87).
The fastest way to travel from Cambridge to Northampton is by train with an average journey time of 2h 2m.
Other travel options to Northampton take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 33m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cambridge and Northampton including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Cambridge to Northampton among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around $66 (€54) compared to roughly $20 (€16) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-46.11 (€-37.32). The journey takes 2h 33m versus 1h 12m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Cambridge to Northampton Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:00AM | Arrival Time 09:20AM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:05AM | Arrival Time 02:05PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:40AM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:15PM | Arrival Time 06:20PM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:25PM | Arrival Time 09:25PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:10PM | Arrival Time 11:10PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:40PM | Arrival Time 02:05AM | Duration 4h25 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:40PM | Arrival Time 03:05AM | Duration 4h25 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $71 |
Live departures
Cambridge to Northampton bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cambridge to Northampton buses for today, Sunday, September 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:25 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 5h00 | 9:25 PM Northampton, Town Centre | 1 transfer | |
| NX786 · NX707 | 7:10 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 4h00 | 11:10 PM Northampton, Town Centre | 1 transfer | |
| NX786 · NX707 | 7:10 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 3h50 | 11:00 PM Northampton, Far Cotton | 1 transfer | |
| NX786 · NX707 | 7:10 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 3h45 | 10:55 PM Northampton, London Road | 1 transfer | |
| NX786 · NX707 | 10:40 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 4h25 | 3:05 AM Northampton, Town Centre | 1 transfer | |
| NX786 · NX707 | 10:40 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 4h10 | 2:50 AM Northampton, London Road | 1 transfer | |
| NX786 · NX707 | 10:40 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 4h15 | 2:55 AM Northampton, Far Cotton | 1 transfer | |
| Monday, September 14 | |||||
| 12:30 PM Cambridge | 7h35 | 8:05 PM Northampton | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 1:00 PM Cambridge | 5h50 | 6:50 PM Northampton | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cambridge to Northampton by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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.
Mon
Sep 14
Sep 14
Tue
Sep 15
Sep 15
Wed
Sep 16
Sep 16
Thu
Sep 17
Sep 17
Fri
Sep 18
Sep 18
Sat
Sep 19
Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20
Sep 20
Why should you book Cambridge to Northampton buses with Omio?
FlixBus as well as National Express offer buses services from Cambridge to Northampton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cambridge to Northampton.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of National Express to find the best option for your trip from Cambridge to Northampton.
- 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 FlixBus with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cambridge to Northampton.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of National Express to find the best option for your trip from Cambridge to Northampton.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cambridge to Northampton.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cambridge to Northampton
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Cambridge to Northampton run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 33m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $16 (€13) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 01:25, the last at 23:25. The fastest bus covers the 42 miles (68 km) distance in 2h 10m.
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
Distance 42 miles (68 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price $16 (€13) |
Buses per day 8 |
Fastest bus 2h 10m |
First bus 1:25 AM |
Last bus 11:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 3 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
Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus from Cambridge to NorthamptonYou can travel by bus between Cambridge to Northampton with National Express, FlixBus for as low as $16 (€13). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixBus Duration
2h 50m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
$16 (€13)
FlixBus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
National Express
About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average National Express Duration
2h 10m
Cheapest National Express Price
$55 (€45)
National Express frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.
Complete guide to Northampton
Things to do in Northampton
Discover the best of Northampton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Northampton trip today.
- Must visit
78 Derngate
Specialist display areas and interpretation at the historic 78 Derngate house, illuminating Charles Rennie Mackintosh's interior design legacy.
- Recommended
Abington Park Museum
Historic country house museum in extensive parkland. Displays reveal aristocratic life, the Civil War, and the estate's wider landscape.
- Must visit
Delapré Park
Extensive riverside parkland around Delapré Abbey, valued for walking, views, and access to one of the town's most historic estates.
- Must visit
Abington Park
Popular urban park with a lake, birdlife, and family-friendly paths. A pleasant stop for a quieter break from the town centre.
- Recommended
Derngate
Historic shopping street famous for 78 Derngate and fine Victorian architecture. It is ideal for a short heritage walk near the town centre.
- Gluten-free
Northamptonshire Sausage
A spiced cured beef sausage long linked with Northamptonshire. It is a classic local breakfast and sandwich filling with a distinctive peppery flavour.
- Vegetarian
Northamptonshire Pudding
A historic county pudding of suet pastry filled with apples or jam, then boiled or steamed. It is a traditional farmhouse dessert in Northamptonshire.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Northamptonshire Cheese
Crumbly local cheese traditionally made in Northamptonshire. Its mild, creamy taste makes it a regional staple on cheeseboards and in ploughman’s lunches.
Hibiscus
Elegant fine dining restaurant known for modern British tasting menus, polished service and a refined special-occasion atmosphere.
The Tollemache Arms
Popular gastropub serving British classics, steaks and Sunday roasts in a relaxed village-style setting with a strong local reputation.
Miller & Carter Northampton
Well-regarded central venue for dry-aged steaks and grilled dishes, offering a contemporary interior and dependable service.
British pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals stay fairly affordable for tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis, and small change is fine in cafes.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.40
- Day pass
- £4.50
To the city center
Northampton Town Centre -> Northampton Town Centre
- Distance
- 0 km
- Travel time
- 0 min
- Contactless card and mobile payment are accepted on most Stagecoach buses in Northampton.
- Bus fares can vary by operator, so check the Stagecoach Bus app before travel for live tickets and journey updates.
FAQs: Bus from Cambridge to Northampton
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cambridge to Northampton by bus. 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 bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Northampton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Cambridge to Northampton can start from as little as $16 (€13) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Cambridge to Northampton is $66 (€54) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Cambridge to Northampton is 2h 10m to travel the 42 miles (68 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Cambridge to Northampton leaves at 1:25 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Cambridge to Northampton leaves at 11:25 PM.
There are 8 buses a day from Cambridge to Northampton which require at least one change with FlixBus, National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Cambridge to Northampton, you can count on FlixBus, National Express for the best way to get you to Northampton. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Cambridge and Northampton and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Northampton from Cambridge is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 10m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Cambridge to Northampton is December.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cambridge and Northampton including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Cambridge to Northampton:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Cambridge to Northampton for bus company FlixBus, National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Cambridge to Northampton depends on the bus companies:
- National Express
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company FlixBus, National Express.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Cambridge to Northampton.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Cambridge to Northampton:
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Cambridge to Northampton:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Cambridge to Northampton. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Cambridge to Northampton with the following bus company: FlixBus, National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Cambridge to Northampton with the following bus company: FlixBus, National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Cambridge to Northampton with the following bus company: FlixBus, National Express.
Since neither Cambridge nor Northampton are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Cambridge to Northampton among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Northampton, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in busy areas like the town center and market. Common scams include overcharging by unofficial taxi drivers and fake charity collectors. It's advisable to use licensed transportation and keep personal belongings secure. Staying aware of surroundings and avoiding poorly lit areas at night enhances safety.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Cambridge to Northampton
Most Cambridge to Northampton buses use the Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) to Northampton, Town Centre station pair, with some services arriving at Northampton, Far Cotton. Use this guide to compare Cambridge and Northampton bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Cambridge
Arrival bus stations in Northampton
Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
City-centre transport
Getting to Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) from Cambridge city centre
BusTour · 31m · $2 · every ~6 min
Northampton, Town Centre
Northampton, Far CottonFar Cotton, Northampton NN4, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Northampton, Far Cotton from Northampton city centre
Northampton, Far Cotton is 2 km from Northampton city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus4A, 4 · 16m · $2 · every ~15 min
X10, 7, 58, 10, 2, 8A, 7B · 19m · $6 · every ~24 min
Northampton, Far Cotton bus station facilities and services
Northampton, Far Cotton has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Northampton, Far Cotton. ATMs are available at Northampton, Far Cotton.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Northampton, Far Cotton.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Northampton, Far Cotton: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Northampton, Far Cotton: Accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
Northampton, London Road
City-centre transport
Getting to Northampton, London Road from Northampton city centre
Bus11A, 11 · 26m · $2 · every ~5 min
12 · 27m · $2 · every ~5 min
12, 12A · 28m · $2 · every ~10 min
11A, 11 · 50m · $6 · every ~5 min
More options for your journey from Cambridge to Northampton
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Northampton and Cambridge
Most popular bus connections to Northampton
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