- 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.
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 train with prices starting from €49. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 40m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €49, and a bus costs an average of €73.
Distance: 195 miles (314 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€68 Average price Cheapest | €89 Average price | €72 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 10m Average total duration Fastest 4h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 52m Average total duration 8h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 47m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Cambridge to Barnstaple:
A train is €22 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Cambridge to Barnstaple costing on average €89.
Other travel options to Barnstaple take longer:
Bus takes on average 8h 22m.
The journey is about 7m faster (4h 40m by train vs 4h 47m by car) and roughly €4 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (€68 vs €72). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
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 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €49 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:39, the last at 22:41. The fastest train covers the 195 miles (314 km) distance in 5h 15m.
Distance 195 miles (314 km) |
Average train duration 4h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price €49 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 5h 15m |
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 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.
Cambridge North is 3 km from Cambridge city centre. Public transport options include:
Cambridge North has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Cambridge North.
Wi-Fi is available at Cambridge North.
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 2878.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cambridge North: Parking, WC.
Available at Cambridge North: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cambridge North: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible taxis: Details of the nearest taxi will be supplied by station staff, 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.
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.
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