- Must visit
Tate St Ives
Major modern art museum with sea-facing setting and rotating exhibitions. A top stop for British modernism and St Ives artistic history.
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Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Cambridge to St Ives
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cambridge to St Ives among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €79. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 6h 50m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €79, and a train costs an average of €99.
Distance: 278 miles (449 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€79 Average price Cheapest | €99 Average price | €100 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 34m Average total duration 10h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 20m Average total duration Fastest 6h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 9m 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 St Ives is a bus with an average price of €79.
This is compared to other travel options from Cambridge to St Ives:
A bus is €20 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cambridge to St Ives costing on average €99.
The fastest way to travel from Cambridge to St Ives is by train with an average journey time of 6h 50m.
Other travel options to St Ives take longer:
Bus takes on average 10h 4m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cambridge and St Ives including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Cambridge to St Ives among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
Cambridge to St Ives Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:55AM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 11h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price €99 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:15PM | Arrival Time 05:53AM | Duration 12h38 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €77 |
Compare prices and tickets Cambridge to St Ives 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.
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Why should you book Cambridge to St Ives buses with Omio?
National Express operates all buses services from Cambridge to St Ives.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cambridge to St Ives.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- 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 National Express with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cambridge to St Ives.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cambridge to St Ives.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cambridge to St Ives
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Cambridge to St Ives run on average 7 times per day, taking around 10h 4m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €79 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 05:45, the last at 22:20. The fastest bus covers the 278 miles (449 km) distance in 12h 5m.
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 278 miles (449 km) |
Average bus duration 10h 4m |
Cheapest ticket price €79 |
Buses per day 7 |
Fastest bus 12h 5m |
First bus 5:45 AM |
Last bus 10:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 7 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 from Cambridge to St IvesYou can travel by bus between Cambridge to St Ives with National Express for as low as €79. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
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 Duration
12h 5m
Cheapest Price
€79
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 St Ives
Things to do in St Ives
Discover the best of St Ives — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect St Ives trip today.
- Must visit
Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden
Barbara Hepworth’s preserved studio and garden display her sculptures in the place she lived and worked. Essential for art lovers.
- Recommended
St Ives Museum
Compact museum covering fishing, mining, maritime, and social history. It gives valuable context to the town beyond its beaches and galleries.
- Must visit
Porthmeor Beach
Golden crescent beach backed by Tate St Ives and surfing waves. One of the town’s most famous and scenic places to walk and linger.
- Must visit
Porthminster Beach
Long sandy beach east of the center with broad bay views. Popular for swimming, walks, and a quieter atmosphere than the harbour.
- Must visit
Downalong
Historic maze of narrow lanes and cottages near the harbour. It captures the old fishing-town character that gives St Ives its charm.
- Gluten-free
Stargazy-Inspired Cornish Fish Stew
A rich Cornish fish stew of mixed local seafood in a saffron broth. It is a classic coastal dish linked closely with Cornwall’s fishing heritage.
Cornish Pasty
Cornwall’s famous baked pastry with beef, potato, swede and onion. Traditionally made as a portable meal for miners and still widely loved locally.
Pilchard Hoggans
A split bread roll filled with local pilchards or sardines. It reflects St Ives fishing traditions and is a simple, classic Cornish seaside lunch.
Porthminster Beach Cafe
A Celebrated beachside restaurant with refined Cornish seafood, tasting menus and sea views. Ideal for a special meal in St Ives.
Porthminster Kitchen
A Popular seafood restaurant and fishmonger near the harbour, known for very fresh Cornish fish in a relaxed modern setting.
St Ives Bakery
A Long-established bakery and cafe famous for Cornish pasties, saffron cake and other regional bakes. Good for a traditional quick bite.
British pound sterling (£)
Moderate for UK seaside resorts. Summer stays cost more, but dining and local buses are similar to other Cornwall tourist towns.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food, bakery items, or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a casual restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for cappuccino or flat white.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if not already added. Round up for taxis. Cafes usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
FAQs: Bus from Cambridge to St Ives
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cambridge to St Ives 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 St Ives, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Cambridge to St Ives can start from as little as €79 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Cambridge to St Ives is €79 ; 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 St Ives is 12h 5m to travel the 278 miles (449 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 St Ives leaves at 5:45 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Cambridge to St Ives leaves at 10:20 PM.
There are 7 buses a day from Cambridge to St Ives which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Cambridge to St Ives, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to St Ives. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Cambridge and St Ives and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to St Ives from Cambridge is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 12h 5m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Cambridge to St Ives is August.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cambridge and St Ives including taking a train and bus.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Cambridge to St Ives for bus company National Express.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Cambridge to St Ives:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in St Ives are:
- Tate St Ives, a renowned art gallery showcasing modern and contemporary art with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean
- Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, dedicated to the works of the famous sculptor with a beautiful garden displaying her sculptures
- St Ives Harbour, a picturesque working harbor surrounded by charming shops and cafes
- Porthmeor Beach, a popular sandy beach ideal for surfing and sunbathing with scenic coastal views
- The Leach Pottery, a historic pottery studio and museum celebrating the legacy of Bernard Leach and traditional pottery techniques.
The best things to do in St Ives include:
- Take a scenic walk along the South West Coast Path, offering breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and the chance to spot local wildlife
- Enjoy a boat trip to Seal Island, where you can observe seals in their natural habitat
- Visit the St Ives Museum, which offers fascinating insights into the local history and culture
- Participate in a local art workshop to create your own masterpiece inspired by the stunning surroundings
- Explore the vibrant local markets, where you can find unique crafts and delicious local produce.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Cambridge to St Ives 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company 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 St Ives.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Cambridge to St Ives:
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Cambridge to St Ives:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Cambridge to St Ives.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Cambridge to St Ives with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Cambridge to St Ives with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Cambridge to St Ives with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither Cambridge nor St Ives 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 St Ives 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 St Ives, travelers should be mindful of pickpocketing in crowded areas, especially around popular beaches and markets. Beware of unofficial taxi services and always use licensed transportation to avoid overcharging. Additionally, be cautious when booking accommodations or tours through unofficial channels to prevent scams. Staying aware of surroundings and securing valuables helps ensure a safe visit.
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 St Ives
Most Cambridge to St Ives buses use the Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) to St Erth, A30 station pair. Use this guide to compare Cambridge and St Ives 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 St Ives
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
More options for your journey from Cambridge to St Ives
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from St Ives and Cambridge
Most popular bus connections to St Ives
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