The cheapest and fastest trains from Cambridge to Manchester
Cheapest price
$130
Average price
$145
Fastest journey
4 h 13 m
Average duration
4 h 46 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
213 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cambridge to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cambridge to Manchester will cost around $145 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $130.
It's difficult to get from Cambridge to Manchester without transferring at least once.
X38128+
C41063+
L36574
G81626+
Y12435+
C41063+
C75087
X38130+
C41112+
L36569
G81619+
C40800+
L36656
G81626+
Y12435
G81626+
Y12435
G81626+
Y12435+
C41063+
C75087
X38130+
C41112+
L36569
X38128+
C41063+
L36574
G81619+
C40800+
L36656Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Cambridge to Manchester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cambridge to Manchester 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 flight which can get you there in 1h 6m. 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 flight costs an average of €61.
Distance: 132 miles (213 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€100 Average price | €30 Average price Cheapest | €185 Average price |
4h 11m Average total duration 3h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 2m Average total duration 5h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 6m Average total duration Fastest 1h 6m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Cambridge to Manchester train times
The table below shows live departures for Cambridge to Manchester trains for tomorrow, Sunday, January 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G81619+ C40800+ L36656 | On time 8:42 AM Cambridge station (CBG) | 5h11 | 1:53 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 2 transfers | |
X38130+ C41112+ L36569 | On time 9:15 AM Cambridge station (CBG) | 4h48 | 2:03 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
X38128+ C41063+ L36574 | On time 10:15 AM Cambridge station (CBG) | 4h53 | 3:08 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
G81626+ Y12435+ C41063+ C75087 | On time 10:23 AM Cambridge North (CMB) | 4h45 | 3:08 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4 transfers | |
G81626+ Y12435 | On time 10:23 AM Cambridge North (CMB) | 4h13 | 2:36 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cambridge to Manchester by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, and flight 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.
Jan 25
Jan 26
Jan 27
Jan 28
Jan 29
Jan 30
Jan 31
Feb 01
Feb 02
Feb 03
Feb 04
Feb 05
Feb 06
Feb 07
Why should you book Cambridge to Manchester trains with Omio?
East Midlands Trains as well as CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast and LNER offer trains services from Cambridge to Manchester. Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cambridge to Manchester.
Why book with Omio vs East Midlands Trains?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for East Midlands Trains, but also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast and LNER to find the best option for your trip from Cambridge to Manchester.
- 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 East Midlands Trains with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cambridge to Manchester.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Multiple travel company options: While East Midlands Trains tickets can be bought on East Midlands Trains's website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast and LNER to help you choose the right option for your journey from Cambridge to Manchester.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Cambridge to Manchester.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cambridge to Manchester?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cambridge to Manchester
Trains from Cambridge to Manchester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 41m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $45 (€36) but you can travel from only $19 (€15) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 21:13. The fastest train covers the 132 miles (213 km) distance in 3h 35m.
Distance 132 miles (213 km) |
Average train duration 3h 41m |
Cheapest ticket price $45 (€36) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 35m |
First train 00:04 |
Last train 21:13 |
Train companies: East Midlands Trains, CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, LNER, TransPennine Express, Thameslink, Cross Country, Great Northern from Cambridge to Manchester trainsEast Midlands Trains, CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, LNER, TransPennine Express, Thameslink, Cross Country, Great Northern trains will get you between Cambridge and Manchester from $19 (€15). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
East Midlands Trains
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
LNER
TransPennine Express
Thameslink
Great Northern
Cross Country
FAQs: Trains from Cambridge to Manchester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cambridge to Manchester 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 Manchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cambridge to Manchester
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:10 - 23:00 Saturday 05:10 - 23:00 Sunday 07:00 - 22:55
- Car Park: Premium Bay
- 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
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 4. The accessible toilets are on platform 4
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Waiting rooms location: Platforms 1, 4 and 7
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Cycle point is by the Car Park
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail replacement buses depart from the front of the station
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- 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
- Toilets Location: Station foyer
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Waiting rooms location: Waiting rooms are available on each platform
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Adjacent station building.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Information available from staff: Yes - from information point
- Helpline Contact: 0800 028 2878
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: From bus stop on station forecourt.
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
- Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi.
- Operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
- Burger King
- Caffè Nero
- Carluccio’s
- Hotel Chocolat
- Starbucks
- The Pasty Shop
- Costa Coffee
- Pret a Manger
- Upper Crust
- McDonald's
- & more
- There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly
- Premier Inn Manchester City
- Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
- Located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
- Bus lines: 1, 2, 3, 147
- Train lines: Northern, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:00 Sunday 08:00 - 22:15
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category A station, Scooter Friendly Station - Step free access around the whole station via use of lifts between platforms 3-6, connection with Manchester Metrolink using ramps
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards Located near the ticket office.
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Wheelchairs available open hours: As per ticket office opening hours
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Toilets Location: A key is available in the Duty's Manager's office.
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: on platform and approach
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick up point is on Station Approach (M3 1WY) directly outside the station main entrance, outside the M & S shop.
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:40 Sunday 07:30 - 22:00
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Category B Station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station - There are two lifts at the Piccadilly end of platform 4 and 2/3 which connect the concourse area platform 4 and 5 with 2/3. Note: there is no lift access to platform 1 at all
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Toilets Location: There will be no toilet provision at Manchester Oxford Road from 15th July to 25th July to allow for existing toilets to be refurbished
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: on Platform 4/5
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at the bus stops on Whitworth St West (200 yards from station) (station side for Liverpool, opposite side for Piccadilly)
Most popular train connections from Cambridge
More options for your journey from Cambridge to Manchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
