- Must visit
The Fitzwilliam Museum
Major university museum with masterpieces, antiquities and decorative arts in a grand building. A leading cultural highlight in Cambridge.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bristol to Cambridge
Showing times and prices for Jul 19
Cheapest price
$69
Average price
$109
Fastest journey
3 h 20 m
Average duration
3 h 38 m
Trains per day
18
Distance
204 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bristol to Cambridge is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bristol to Cambridge will cost around $109 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $69.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Bristol to Cambridge without transferring at least 2 times.
C32967+
P76364+
C381473:00 PM3h47Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)6:47 PMCambridge station (CBG)$691One-way2 transfers- C02510+C37998+P763401:00 PM3h43Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)4:43 PMCambridge South$691One-way2 transfers
- C01232+P76305+C3813810:00 AM3h43Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)1:43 PMCambridge South$691One-way2 transfers
- C02510+P76340+C379981:00 PM3h47Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)4:47 PMCambridge station (CBG)$691One-way2 transfers
- C01233+P76328+C3791912:00 PM3h47Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)3:47 PMCambridge station (CBG)$691One-way2 transfers
- C32966+
W45756+C368472:30 PM3h20Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)5:50 PMCambridge station (CBG)$1411One-way2 transfers - C02510+C37998+P763401:00 PM3h43Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)4:43 PMCambridge South$691One-way2 transfers
- C01232+P76305+C3813810:00 AM3h43Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)1:43 PMCambridge South$691One-way2 transfers
- C01231+P76293+C380689:00 AM3h43Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)12:43 PMCambridge South$691One-way2 transfers
- C01233+P76328+C3791912:00 PM3h43Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)3:43 PMCambridge South$691One-way2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Bristol to Cambridge
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bristol 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 51m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $15, and a train costs an average of $37.
Distance: 126 miles (204 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$76 Average price | $25 Average price Cheapest | $67 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 21m Average total duration Fastest 2h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 49m Average total duration 5h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 12m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Bristol to Cambridge is a bus with an average price of $25 (€21).
This is compared to other travel options from Bristol to Cambridge:
A bus is $51 (€42) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bristol to Cambridge costing on average $76 (€63).
The fastest way to travel from Bristol to Cambridge is by train with an average journey time of 2h 51m.
Other travel options to Cambridge take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 19m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bristol and Cambridge including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Bristol to Cambridge among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 21m sooner (2h 51m by train vs 3h 12m by car). Tickets start at around $76 (€63) compared to roughly $67 (€55) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with Cross Country.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Bristol to Cambridge train times
The table below shows live departures for Bristol to Cambridge trains for today, Saturday, July 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C42318 · C42301+ Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+ G77045 | On time 2:13 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h30 | 5:43 PM Cambridge station (CBG) | 3 transfers | |
| Sunday, July 19 | |||||
| C01231+C38068+P76293 | 9:00 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h43 | 12:43 PM Cambridge South | 2 transfers | |
| C01231+Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+G76999 | 9:00 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 4h10 | 1:10 PM Cambridge South | 2 transfers | |
| C01231+Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+W45779 | 9:00 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h46 | 12:46 PM Cambridge South | 2 transfers | |
C50038+G76999+ G01066+Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross | 9:15 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h55 | 1:10 PM Cambridge South | 3 transfers | |
| C01232+C38138+P76305 | 10:00 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h43 | 1:43 PM Cambridge South | 2 transfers | |
| C01232+Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+W45801 | 10:00 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h46 | 1:46 PM Cambridge South | 2 transfers | |
| C01233+C37919+P76328 | 12:00 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h47 | 3:47 PM Cambridge station (CBG) | 2 transfers | |
| C01233+C37919+P76328 | 12:00 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h43 | 3:43 PM Cambridge South | 2 transfers | |
| C01233+Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+G77029 | 12:00 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 4h10 | 4:10 PM Cambridge South | 2 transfers | |
| C01233+Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+W45776 | 12:00 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h46 | 3:46 PM Cambridge South | 2 transfers | |
| C00850 · C01238+Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+G77029 | 12:16 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h58 | 4:14 PM Cambridge station (CBG) | 3 transfers | |
| C00850 · C01238+Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+G77029 | 12:16 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h54 | 4:10 PM Cambridge South | 3 transfers | |
| C02510+C37998+P76340 | 1:00 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h47 | 4:47 PM Cambridge station (CBG) | 2 transfers | |
| C02510+C37998+P76340 | 1:00 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h43 | 4:43 PM Cambridge South | 2 transfers | |
| C02510+Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+W45806 | 1:00 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h46 | 4:46 PM Cambridge South | 2 transfers | |
| W34492+C38077+P76352 | 2:00 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h47 | 5:47 PM Cambridge station (CBG) | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bristol 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.
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Jul 19
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Why should you book Bristol to Cambridge trains with Omio?
Great Western Railway as well as Cross Country or Great Western Railway (GWR) offer trains services from Bristol to Cambridge.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bristol to Cambridge.
Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Cross Country or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Bristol 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 Great Western Railway with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bristol to Cambridge.
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 Bristol to Cambridge.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Bristol to Cambridge
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Bristol to Cambridge run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 51m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $37 (€31) but you can travel from only $15 (€13) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:34, the last at 22:30. The fastest train covers the 126 miles (204 km) distance in 3h 13m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $15 (€13)
Distance 126 miles (204 km) |
Average train duration 2h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price $37 (€31) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 13m |
First train 12:34 AM |
Last train 10:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 21 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $15 (€13)
Train companies: Great Western Railway, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Bristol to Cambridge trainsGreat Western Railway, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Bristol and Cambridge from $15 (€13). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Railway
About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 13m
Cheapest Price
$37 (€31)
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 38m
Cheapest Price
$231 (€190)
Cross Country frequency
1 a day
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 9m
Cheapest Price
$211 (€173)
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
6 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
To the city center
Cambridge Railway Station -> Cambridge City Centre
- Distance
- 1.6 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Contactless bank cards are accepted on Stagecoach buses in Cambridge; ask the driver for the best fare if unsure.
- Cambridge has no tram or metro. Most local public transport is by bus, and fares can vary by operator and route.
FAQs: Trains from Bristol to Cambridge
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bristol to Cambridge by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Cambridge, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Bristol to Cambridge can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $37 (€31), while the average price is around $76 (€63).
The train from Bristol to Cambridge takes 3h 13m and runs 7 per day.
The first train from Bristol to Cambridge leaves at 12:34 AM.
The distance by train from Bristol to Cambridge is 126 miles (204 km).
The last train from Bristol to Cambridge leaves at 10:30 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Bristol to Cambridge.
Yes, there is a direct train from Bristol to Cambridge. This service operates 0 times per day, provided by Cross Country.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Bristol to Cambridge.
The train station in Bristol that goes to Cambridge is Bristol Temple Meads (BRI), which connects to Cambridge station (CBG).
The cheapest way to get from Bristol to Cambridge is by bus, with a cost of around $15 (€13).
The train journey from Bristol to Cambridge is not typically considered scenic, as it primarily passes through urban and suburban areas, with limited views of the countryside.
A day trip from Bristol to Cambridge is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 13m. Trains run 6 times per day over a distance of 126 miles (204 km).
In Cambridge, you can enjoy punting on the River Cam for scenic views, visit the interactive Cambridge Science Centre, explore the historic Market Square, or attend a performance at the Cambridge Arts Theatre. Discover the city's rich history on a guided walking tour. Don't miss the stunning King's College Chapel, the art-filled Fitzwilliam Museum, the picturesque Backs, the historic Trinity College, and the tranquil Cambridge University Botanic Garden.
For a fulfilling experience in Cambridge, spending two to three days is ideal to explore its historic colleges, museums, and the picturesque River Cam.
Yes, you can take the train from Bristol to Cambridge.
Since neither Bristol 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.
Popular day trips by train from Cambridge include London, Stevenage, Hitchin, Peterborough, Letchworth Garden City.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Bristol to Cambridge among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the BritRail Pass are valid on most trains within the United Kingdom, offering unlimited travel on participating train operators for a set period.
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.
Most popular train connections from Bristol
More options for your journey from Bristol to Cambridge
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cambridge and Bristol
Most popular train connections to Cambridge
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