Cambridge North (CMB) (Train Station): Departures and guide

Travel to Cambridge North train station from Cambridge city center

Cambridge is one of the world's great university cities, with an annual influx of new students arriving at the prestigious colleges. Until 2017 the city's only railway station was the main terminus, built in the Victorian era and sited more than a mile south of the city center in a deliberate attempt to deter students from hopping on a train to London. The city's newest train station, Cambridge North, is located in a less traffic-congested area of Cambridge. The train station Cambridge North is the terminus for some trains from London, and services from King's Lynn, Norwich, and Suffolk. It is easily accessible from the city center, with local bus routes and Guided Busway services stopping close to the entrance. Locals tend to cycle to the station, but passengers with several bags might prefer a taxi, which is quicker than the bus but substantially more costly. 

What is the best way to get to the train station from the city center?

The Cambridge North station can be reached on foot by passengers who are traveling light, with the walk taking about 30 minutes from the historic center, along a path following the River Cam.  Passengers with luggage may prefer public transport options, which include Cambridgeshire Guided Busway services on route D, offering frequent connections from the city center, from stops on the central Parkside and Drummer Street Bus station. The Citi bus route 2 also stops close to the Cambridge North train station, following a similar route to the Busway. Cambridge could claim to be the UK's most dedicated cycling city and there is a spacious cycle park at the station, encouraging passengers to use the bike paths from the city center. Cambridge North also has rail links with the main station in the city.     

How far is it from the city center to the train station? 

The train station Cambridge North is located close to the Science Park, in the suburb of Chesterton, about two miles (three kilometers) northeast of central Cambridge. Cambridge's other station is more than a mile (around two kilometers) south of the city center. On foot, the journey to Cambridge North station takes around 30 minutes. Guided Busway and Citi 2 bus services from central Cambridge take about 15 minutes to reach the Cambridge North train station. Cambridge is notorious for traffic congestion in its central area, however, and at peak times, in the early morning and late afternoon, it is advisable to plan for a long journey to the rail station. Biking, with some of the route on dedicated cycle paths, takes about ten minutes. Taxis don't have to make the same stops as buses so can usually make the trip from the center to the station in about ten minutes, but are also vulnerable to traffic congestion. Train connections between the main train station and Cambridge North take about five minutes, with frequent services.    

How accessible is the train station for those with limited mobility?

The Cambridgeshire Busway and Citi bus route services use wheelchair accessible low-level access vehicles in the majority of cases, with a designated wheelchair space on board. The city center has accessible bus stops. Trains operating between the main station and Cambridge North offer assistance with boarding and wheelchair ramps.  Accessible taxis are usually available in Cambridge city center, but pre-booking is advised. At the train station Cambridge North there is step-free access to the concourse, accessible restrooms and elevator links between platforms. Station staff offer assistance during the hours of operation, and there are wheelchairs available at the station for passenger use.   

Local tips: the train station points of interest

Locals have been quick to realize that Cambridge North offers a quieter and less crowded alternative to the main city station, with plenty of space for parking and for bicycle storage. It's particularly convenient for workers or visitors at the nearby Science Park. Guided Busway services are usually the most reliable way of getting to the station, as they are less vulnerable to traffic hold-ups. They also have some storage space for luggage, although passengers carrying a couple of large suitcases might be advised to invest in a taxi.  The station has WiFi and a coffee shop, but its out-of-town location means there is little in the way of restaurants in the immediate vicinity, although there is a fast-food option a one minute walk away. Passengers with a little time to spare could enjoy a relaxing stroll in the nearby Chesterton nature reserve.