- Recommended
Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon
Local museum on Barnstaple's history, archaeology, and culture. A strong first stop for understanding the town and wider North Devon.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$97
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$97
Fastest journey on Sep 19
5 h 56 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
5 h 56 m
Trains on Sep 19
1
Distance
314 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cambridge to Barnstaple is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cambridge to Barnstaple will cost around $97 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $97.
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 1 trains from Cambridge to Barnstaple, including 1 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct trains cover the 314 km distance in an average of 5 h 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 56 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest trains will take 5 h 56 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.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cambridge to Barnstaple among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $95 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 5h 1m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $95, while a train costs an average of $116.
Distance: 195 miles (314 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$116 Average price | $95 Average price Cheapest | $88 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 1m Average total duration Fastest 4h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 18m Average total duration 7h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 47m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Cambridge to Barnstaple:
A bus is $20 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cambridge to Barnstaple costing on average $116.
Other travel options to Barnstaple take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 48m.
You'll arrive about 16m sooner (4h 31m by train vs 4h 47m by car). Tickets start at around $116 compared to roughly $88 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.
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.
The table below shows live departures for Cambridge to Barnstaple trains for tomorrow, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 12:42 PM Cambridge | 5h56 | 6:38 PM Barnstaple | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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.
Trains from Cambridge to Barnstaple run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 31m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $99 but you can travel from only $75 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:39, the last at 22:41. The fastest train covers the 195 miles (314 km) distance in 4h 16m.
Distance 195 miles (314 km) |
Average train duration 4h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price $99 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 4h 16m |
First train 5:39 AM |
Last train 10:41 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Discover the best of Barnstaple — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Barnstaple trip today.
Local museum on Barnstaple's history, archaeology, and culture. A strong first stop for understanding the town and wider North Devon.
Regional arts venue presenting contemporary exhibitions, film, and performances. Worth visiting for changing visual art shows in central Barnstaple.
Maritime museum in a historic signal station at nearby Instow. Displays explain local seafaring and estuary links relevant to North Devon.
Traffic-free trail along the old railway, linking Barnstaple with coast and countryside. Excellent for walking or cycling with estuary scenery.
Historic shopping street lined with characterful buildings. Ideal for appreciating Barnstaple's commercial heritage and everyday town-centre atmosphere.
Green riverside park popular for walks, sports, and family time. It offers open views and a relaxed break close to the town centre.
A rich North Devon cream made by slowly heating milk. Served with scones and jam, it is a defining regional treat across Devon tea rooms.
Traditional Devon split scones filled with jam and clotted cream. The Devon style puts cream before jam and is a proud local custom.
A classic West Country cider from nearby orchards. Dry or sparkling styles are widely drunk in North Devon pubs and with local food.
Smart modern restaurant in Barnstaple known for seasonal British cooking, tasting menus, and polished service in an intimate setting.
Established Italian restaurant with a loyal local following, serving pasta, pizza, and seafood in a relaxed riverside area.
Historic pub and restaurant in the town centre, popular for cask ales, classic British dishes, and a traditional atmosphere.
Moderate for the UK: hotels and meals are usually lower than major cities, while local buses and everyday dining stay fairly manageable for tourists.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual for good service if not already added. Round up for taxis, and small change is fine in cafes.
Official public transport app
Barnstaple Railway Station -> The Square, Barnstaple
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cambridge to Barnstaple 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 Barnstaple, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cambridge to Barnstaple trains use the Cambridge South to Barnstaple station pair. Use this guide to compare Cambridge and Barnstaple train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Cambridge is 1 km from Cambridge city centre. Public transport options include:
Cambridge has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Cambridge.
Wi-Fi is available at Cambridge. ATMs are available at Cambridge.
Ticket office support is available at Cambridge.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cambridge: Parking, WC.
Available at Cambridge: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cambridge: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Barnstaple has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food options include: Station Masters Cafe
Ticket office support is available at Barnstaple.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Barnstaple: Parking, WC.
Available at Barnstaple: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Barnstaple: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step free Category A station - step free access available to the platform. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need