- Must visit
The Fitzwilliam Museum
Major university museum with masterpieces, antiquities and decorative arts in a grand building. A leading cultural highlight in Cambridge.
Cheapest price on Sep 07
$55
Average ticket price on Sep 07
$57
Fastest journey on Sep 07
2 h 45 m
Average journey duration on Sep 07
3 h 32 m
Buses on Sep 07
6
Distance
73 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Ipswich to Cambridge is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Ipswich to Cambridge will cost around $57 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $55.
It's difficult to get from Ipswich to Cambridge without transferring at least once.
NX717 · NX727
NX717 · NX727
NX717 · NX727
NX717 · NX727
NX717 · NX727
NX717 · NX727
NX717 · NX727
NX717 · NX728
NX717 · NX727
NX717 · NX727Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Ipswich to Cambridge among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $28 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 48m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $28, while a bus costs an average of $52.
Distance: 45 miles (73 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$52 Average price | $28 Average price Cheapest | $21 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 54m Average total duration 2h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 48m Average total duration Fastest 1h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 15m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Ipswich to Cambridge:
A train is $23 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Ipswich to Cambridge costing on average $52.
Other travel options to Cambridge take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 24m.
Tickets start at around $52 compared to roughly $21 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-30.28. The journey takes 2h 24m versus 1h 15m 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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greater Anglia | Departure Time 04:20AM | Arrival Time 06:31AM | Duration 2h11 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 11:35AM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:15AM | Arrival Time 11:35AM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator Greater Anglia | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 10:22AM | Duration 2h02 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator Greater Anglia | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 11:24AM | Duration 2h04 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:15AM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 05:25PM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:05PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:05PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:05PM | Arrival Time 09:35PM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:50PM | Arrival Time 10:35PM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 11:35PM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 01:45AM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $49 |
The table below shows live departures for Ipswich to Cambridge buses for today, Sunday, September 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX717 · NX727 | 6:05 PM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) | 3h30 | 9:35 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 1 transfer | |
NX717 · NX727 | 8:50 PM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) | 2h45 | 11:35 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 1 transfer | |
| Monday, September 7 | |||||
NX717 · NX728 | 8:00 AM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) | 3h35 | 11:35 AM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 1 transfer | |
NX717 · NX727 | 11:15 AM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) | 4h15 | 3:30 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 1 transfer | |
NX717 · NX727 | 1:30 PM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) | 3h55 | 5:25 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 1 transfer | |
NX717 · NX727 | 4:05 PM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) | 3h55 | 8:00 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Ipswich to Cambridge run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 24m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $22 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 03:50, the last at 22:50. The fastest bus covers the 45 miles (73 km) distance in 2h 5m.
Distance 45 miles (73 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price $22 |
Buses per day 6 |
Fastest bus 2h 5m |
First bus 3:50 AM |
Last bus 10:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Cambridge — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cambridge trip today.
Major university museum with masterpieces, antiquities and decorative arts in a grand building. A leading cultural highlight in Cambridge.
Compact museum of polar exploration with artifacts, sledges and expedition stories. Excellent for understanding Arctic and Antarctic history.
Acclaimed anthropology museum displaying world cultures through remarkable objects and thoughtful interpretation. Rich, memorable and family friendly.
The city's most famous riverside walking area, lined with college gardens and views. Classic place for strolling, punting and photography.
Historic central square with market stalls, buskers and everyday city life. A practical and lively base for sightseeing and shopping.
Leafy riverside common ideal for walking, picnics and broad views of the college skyline. Popular with locals and visitors year-round.
A creamy dessert of whipped cream, meringue and raspberry coulis, created at Cambridge’s Trinity College and named after the River Cam.
The Cambridge version of crème brûlée, linked to Trinity College. It has a rich custard base with a hard caramelised sugar top.
Tender local asparagus from the Cambridgeshire fens, prized in spring for its sweetness and freshness, often served simply with butter or eggs.
Elegant riverside fine dining restaurant known for refined British tasting menus and polished service in a historic setting.
Historic city-centre restaurant serving modern British cooking with seasonal ingredients in a smart, intimate atmosphere.
Well-known Cambridge pub and dining room offering classic British dishes, cask ales and a lively, traditional atmosphere.
Moderate for the UK: hotels often cost more in peak season, but dining and local buses are manageable for most tourists.
Service may be included; if not, 10-12.5% in restaurants is common. Round up for taxis. Cafes usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) -> Cambridge City Centre
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ipswich to Cambridge 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 Cambridge, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Ipswich to Cambridge buses use the Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) to Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) station pair. Use this guide to compare Ipswich and Cambridge bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Restaurants available near Cardinal Park Cinema.
Wi-Fi is available at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema). ATMs are available at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema).
Ticket office support is available at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema).
Available at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema): Bus stop accessible for wheelchairs.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need