- Must visit
The Fitzwilliam Museum
Major university museum with masterpieces, antiquities and decorative arts in a grand building. A leading cultural highlight in Cambridge.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest buses from Northampton to Cambridge
Showing times and prices for Jul 31
Cheapest price
$15
Average price
$20
Fastest journey
5 h 20 m
Average duration
6 h 29 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
68 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Northampton to Cambridge is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Northampton to Cambridge will cost around $20 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $15.
Fast buses
Of the 5 buses that leave Northampton for Cambridge on Fri, Jul 31, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jul 31 the direct buses cover the 68 km distance in an average of 6 h 29 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 20 m .
On Fri, Jul 31 the slowest buses will take 7 h 40 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.
4:40 PM5h20Northampton10:00 PMCambridge$151One-way0 transfers- 4:30 AM7h40Northampton12:10 PMCambridge$201One-way0 transfers
- 5:30 AM5h45Northampton11:15 AMCambridge$221One-way0 transfers
- 5:05 AM7h05Northampton12:10 PMCambridge$221One-way0 transfers
- 3:40 PM6h35Northampton10:15 PMCambridge$241One-way0 transfers
- 4:40 PM5h20Northampton10:00 PMCambridge$151One-way0 transfers
- 5:30 AM5h45Northampton11:15 AMCambridge$221One-way0 transfers
- 3:40 PM6h35Northampton10:15 PMCambridge$241One-way0 transfers
- 5:05 AM7h05Northampton12:10 PMCambridge$221One-way0 transfers
- 4:30 AM7h40Northampton12:10 PMCambridge$201One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Northampton to Cambridge
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Northampton to Cambridge among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $15. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 6m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $15, and a train costs an average of $53.
Distance: 42 miles (68 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$22 Average price Cheapest | $95 Average price | $20 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 47m Average total duration 3h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 36m Average total duration Fastest 2h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 11m 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 Northampton to Cambridge is a bus with an average price of $22.
This is compared to other travel options from Northampton to Cambridge:
A bus is $73 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Northampton to Cambridge costing on average $95.
The fastest way to travel from Northampton to Cambridge is by train with an average journey time of 2h 6m.
Other travel options to Cambridge take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 17m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Northampton and Cambridge including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Northampton to Cambridge 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.
Northampton to Cambridge Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:40AM | Arrival Time 08:10AM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:30AM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:05AM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:30AM | Arrival Time 11:15AM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:05AM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:25AM | Arrival Time 10:25AM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:28AM | Arrival Time 10:25AM | Duration 3h57 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 10:25AM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:40AM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:55AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:58AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 5h02 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:55PM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:58PM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 4h47 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:40PM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 6h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:40PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:50PM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 4h25 | Departure days Mon, Wed | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:25PM | Arrival Time 10:25PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:28PM | Arrival Time 10:25PM | Duration 3h57 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 10:25PM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:40PM | Arrival Time 10:25PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $58 |
Live departures
Northampton to Cambridge bus times
The table below shows live departures for Northampton to Cambridge buses for tomorrow, Friday, July 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4:30 AM Northampton | 7h40 | 12:10 PM Cambridge | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 5:05 AM Northampton | 7h05 | 12:10 PM Cambridge | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 5:30 AM Northampton | 5h45 | 11:15 AM Cambridge | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 3:40 PM Northampton | 6h35 | 10:15 PM Cambridge | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 4:40 PM Northampton | 5h20 | 10:00 PM Cambridge | 0 transfersDirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Northampton to Cambridge 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.
Fri
Jul 31
Jul 31
Sat
Aug 01
Aug 01
Sun
Aug 02
Aug 02
Mon
Aug 03
Aug 03
Tue
Aug 04
Aug 04
Wed
Aug 05
Aug 05
Thu
Aug 06
Aug 06
Why should you book Northampton to Cambridge buses with Omio?
National Express as well as FlixBus or Stagecoach Midlands offer buses services from Northampton to Cambridge.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Northampton to Cambridge.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus or Stagecoach Midlands to find the best option for your trip from Northampton to Cambridge.
- 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 Northampton to Cambridge.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus or Stagecoach Midlands to find the best option for your trip from Northampton to Cambridge.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Northampton to Cambridge.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Northampton to Cambridge
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Northampton to Cambridge run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 17m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $15 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 01:25, the last at 22:40. The fastest bus covers the 42 miles (68 km) distance in 3h 45m.
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 3h 17m |
Cheapest ticket price $15 |
Buses per day 7 |
Fastest bus 3h 45m |
First bus 1:25 AM |
Last bus 10:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 1 day |
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, Stagecoach Midlands from Northampton to CambridgeYou can travel by bus between Northampton to Cambridge with National Express, FlixBus, Stagecoach Midlands for as low as $15. 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 Duration
3h 45m
Cheapest Price
$15
FlixBus frequency
2 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 Duration
3h 45m
Cheapest Price
$58
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.
Stagecoach Midlands
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 23m
Cheapest Price
$11
Stagecoach Midlands frequency
8 a day
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
Scott Polar Research Institute Museum
Compact museum of polar exploration with artifacts, sledges and expedition stories. Excellent for understanding Arctic and Antarctic history.
- Recommended
Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
Acclaimed anthropology museum displaying world cultures through remarkable objects and thoughtful interpretation. Rich, memorable and family friendly.
- Must visit
The Backs
The city's most famous riverside walking area, lined with college gardens and views. Classic place for strolling, punting and photography.
- Recommended
Market Square
Historic central square with market stalls, buskers and everyday city life. A practical and lively base for sightseeing and shopping.
- Recommended
Jesus Green
Leafy riverside common ideal for walking, picnics and broad views of the college skyline. Popular with locals and visitors year-round.
- Vegetarian
Cambridge Burnt Cream
A creamy dessert of whipped cream, meringue and raspberry coulis, created at Cambridge’s Trinity College and named after the River Cam.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Trinity Cream
The Cambridge version of crème brûlée, linked to Trinity College. It has a rich custard base with a hard caramelised sugar top.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Cambridgeshire Asparagus
Tender local asparagus from the Cambridgeshire fens, prized in spring for its sweetness and freshness, often served simply with butter or eggs.
Midsummer House
Elegant riverside fine dining restaurant known for refined British tasting menus and polished service in a historic setting.
Restaurant Twenty-Two
Historic city-centre restaurant serving modern British cooking with seasonal ingredients in a smart, intimate atmosphere.
The Eagle
Well-known Cambridge pub and dining room offering classic British dishes, cask ales and a lively, traditional atmosphere.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK: hotels often cost more in peak season, but dining and local buses are manageable for most tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a casual meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
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.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2
- Day pass
- £5.50
To the city center
Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) -> Cambridge City Centre
- Distance
- 0.4 km
- Travel time
- 5 min
- Contactless payment is accepted on Stagecoach buses in Cambridge; tap your card or device when you board.
- Parkside is already very central, so many city centre destinations are reachable on foot in about 5 min.
FAQs: Bus from Northampton to Cambridge
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Northampton 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.
Cheap bus tickets from Northampton to Cambridge can start from as little as $15 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Northampton to Cambridge is $22 ; 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 Northampton to Cambridge is 3h 45m 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 Northampton to Cambridge leaves at 1:25 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Northampton to Cambridge leaves at 10:40 PM.
There are 7 buses a day from Northampton to Cambridge which require at least one change with National Express, FlixBus, Stagecoach Midlands. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Northampton to Cambridge, you can count on National Express, FlixBus, Stagecoach Midlands for the best way to get you to Cambridge. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Northampton and Cambridge and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Cambridge from Northampton is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 45m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Northampton to Cambridge is December.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Northampton and Cambridge including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Northampton to Cambridge:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Northampton to Cambridge for bus company National Express, FlixBus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Cambridge are:
- King's College Chapel, a stunning example of Gothic architecture known for its impressive fan vault and beautiful stained glass windows
- The Fitzwilliam Museum, a renowned museum housing a vast collection of art and antiquities from around the world
- The Backs, a picturesque area along the River Cam offering scenic views of the colleges and lush gardens
- Trinity College, one of the largest and wealthiest colleges in Cambridge, famous for its historic Great Court and library
- Cambridge University Botanic Garden, a 40-acre garden showcasing a diverse range of plant species and offering a tranquil escape from the city.
The best things to do in Cambridge include:
- Punting on the River Cam, a traditional Cambridge activity offering scenic views of the colleges and bridges
- Visit the Cambridge Science Centre, an interactive museum perfect for families and science enthusiasts
- Explore the historic Market Square, where you can find local produce, crafts, and street food
- Attend a performance at the Cambridge Arts Theatre, featuring a variety of shows from drama to comedy
- Take a guided walking tour to discover the rich history and hidden gems of Cambridge.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Northampton to Cambridge 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 National Express, FlixBus.
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 Northampton to Cambridge.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Northampton to Cambridge:
- 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 Northampton to Cambridge:
- 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 Northampton to Cambridge. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Northampton to Cambridge with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Northampton to Cambridge with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Northampton to Cambridge with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus.
Since neither Northampton nor Cambridge 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 Northampton to Cambridge 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 Cambridge, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas such as market squares and public transport. Common scams include overcharging by taxi drivers and unofficial tour guides offering services at inflated prices. It's advisable to use licensed taxis and official tour operators. Additionally, travelers should be wary of distraction scams near popular landmarks. Staying alert and securing personal belongings can help 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 Northampton to Cambridge
Most Northampton to Cambridge buses use the Northampton, Town Centre to Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) station pair. Use this guide to compare Northampton and Cambridge bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Northampton
Arrival bus stations in Cambridge
Northampton, Town Centre
Northampton, Saxon Avenue / Wake Way (Grange Park)Northampton Grange Park, Saxon Ave, NN4 5BR
City-centre transport
Getting to Northampton, Saxon Avenue / Wake Way (Grange Park) from Northampton city centre
BusX6 · 24m · $2 · every ~5 min
X6, 11, 11A · 24m · $2 · every ~10 min
X6 · 47m · $6 · every ~5 min
Northampton, Far Cotton
City-centre transport
Getting to Northampton, Far Cotton from Northampton city centre
Bus4A, 4 · 16m · $2 · every ~15 min
X10, 7, 58, 10, 2, 8A, 7B · 19m · $6 · every ~24 min
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 Northampton to Cambridge
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Cambridge and Northampton
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
