- Must visit
Science and Industry Museum
Leading museum of science, industry, transport, and computing on a historic railway site. Essential for understanding Manchester's global impact.
Cheapest price
$40
Average price
$100
Fastest journey
3 h 33 m
Average duration
3 h 37 m
Trains per day
42
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 $100 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $40.
It's difficult to get from Cambridge to Manchester without transferring at least 2 times.
C04454+
P01764
P01166+
C04396+
W84733
G00967+
G08105+
W84698
P01166+
C04396
W33454+
C93343+
Tube from London Kings Cross to London Euston
W33454+
C93343+
Tube from London Kings Cross to London Euston
G77054+
Tube from London Kings Cross to London Euston+
W33541
G00967+
G08105+
W29934+
C04462
P01166+
C04396+
C02060+
W84726
P01166+
C04396+
C02060+
W84726Omio 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 $14. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 12m. 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 $14, and a flight costs an average of $59.
Distance: 132 miles (213 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$73 Average price | $27 Average price Cheapest | $165 Average price | $59 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 30m Average total duration 4h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 25m Average total duration 4h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 12m Average total duration Fastest 1h 12m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 38m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Cambridge to Manchester:
A bus is $46 (€46) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cambridge to Manchester costing on average $73 (€73).
A bus is $137 (€137) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cambridge to Manchester costing on average $165 (€165).
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 0m.
Bus takes on average 4h 55m.
Tickets start at around $73 (€73) compared to roughly $59 (€59) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-13.54 (€-13.54). The journey takes 4h 0m versus 3h 38m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Cambridge to Manchester trains for tomorrow, Saturday, July 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W45725+ Tube from Finsbury Park to London Euston+ W33782 | 6:25 AM Cambridge South | 3h54 | 10:19 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
G27017+ C04448 | 6:25 AM Cambridge North (CMB) | 4h10 | 10:35 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
C10273+ W45648+ Tube from Finsbury Park to London Euston+ W33782 | 6:28 AM Cambridge South | 3h51 | 10:19 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3 transfers | |
W45726+ Tube from Finsbury Park to London Euston+ W33695 | 6:55 AM Cambridge South | 3h49 | 10:44 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
P76248+ Tube from Tottenham Hale to London Euston+ W33513 | 6:59 AM Cambridge station (CBG) | 4h06 | 11:05 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
G00954+ W70951+ W84668 | 7:00 AM Cambridge station (CBG) | 4h05 | 11:05 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
G00954+ W33743 | 7:00 AM Cambridge station (CBG) | 4h19 | 11:19 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
G00954+ W84668+ G80172 | 7:00 AM Cambridge station (CBG) | 4h05 | 11:05 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
P76253+ Tube from Tottenham Hale to London Euston+ W33743 | 7:18 AM Cambridge station (CBG) | 4h01 | 11:19 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
G77125+ C04451+ W84668+ G80172 | 7:19 AM Cambridge North (CMB) | 3h46 | 11:05 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3 transfers | |
W45717+ Tube from Finsbury Park to London Euston+ W33743 | 7:25 AM Cambridge South | 3h54 | 11:19 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
C10282+ W45679+ Tube from Finsbury Park to London Euston+ W33743 | 7:28 AM Cambridge South | 3h51 | 11:19 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3 transfers | |
P76259+ Tube from Tottenham Hale to London Euston+ W33680 | 7:59 AM Cambridge station (CBG) | 4h06 | 12:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
G00957+ W33454 | 8:00 AM Cambridge station (CBG) | 4h19 | 12:19 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
G00957+ W70957+ W84674 | 8:00 AM Cambridge station (CBG) | 4h05 | 12:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
P76259+ Tube from Tottenham Hale to London Euston+ W33680 | 8:03 AM Cambridge South | 4h02 | 12:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
P01764+ C04454 | 8:30 AM Cambridge North (CMB) | 4h05 | 12:35 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
C93343+ Tube from London Kings Cross to London Euston+ W33454 | 8:46 AM Cambridge South | 3h33 | 12:19 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
G00967+ C21567+ W84698 | 12:00 PM Cambridge station (CBG) | 4h05 | 4:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
G00967+ W33516 | 12:00 PM Cambridge station (CBG) | 4h19 | 4:19 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
G00967 · W29934+ C04462+ G08105 | 12:00 PM Cambridge station (CBG) | 3h35 | 3:35 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3 transfers | |
G00967+ W84698+ G08105 | 12:00 PM Cambridge station (CBG) | 4h05 | 4:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
P76307+ Tube from Tottenham Hale to London Euston+ W33675 | 12:03 PM Cambridge South | 4h02 | 4:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Cambridge to Manchester run on average 8 times per day, taking around 4h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $31 (€31) but you can travel from only $14 (€14) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 132 miles (213 km) distance in 3h 35m.
Distance 132 miles (213 km) |
Average train duration 4h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price $31 (€31) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 3h 35m |
First train 12:04 AM |
Last train 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 56 days |
Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.
Leading museum of science, industry, transport, and computing on a historic railway site. Essential for understanding Manchester's global impact.
Major art museum with Pre-Raphaelite works, design, and changing exhibitions. A central cultural stop with broad appeal.
The University of Manchester museum spans dinosaurs, Egypt, nature, and anthropology. Recently renewed and excellent for varied interests.
Historic canal-side district with Roman remains, warehouses, and walkable towpaths. One of Manchester's most atmospheric urban areas.
Central square framed by grand civic buildings, museums, and monuments. A classic starting point for exploring the city centre.
Creative quarter of street art, music history, indie shops, and nightlife. It is one of Manchester's most characterful neighborhoods.
A flaky pastry pie filled with spiced potatoes, onion and often chickpeas. Created by Manchester’s South Asian community and now a city staple.
A comforting Northern pudding of suet pastry filled with beef and onion, traditionally steamed and served with gravy. Common in Greater Manchester pubs.
Manchester’s classic order of battered fish with chips, often served with mushy peas and curry sauce. A long-standing local takeaway favourite.
Iconic market bakery and café known for Manchester tarts, Eccles cakes and hearty lunches. Casual, busy and deeply rooted in local food culture.
Refined modern British fine dining in a restored townhouse. Known for tasting menus, polished service and one of Manchester’s top culinary reputations.
Lively Indian restaurant famous for bold curries, grills and chaat. A long-established Rusholme favourite with a casual, energetic atmosphere.
Moderate for the UK: hotels often cost less than London, while dining and transit are manageable for tourists with many mid-range options.
Service may be included. If not, 10-12.5% in restaurants is common for good service. Round up or add a little for taxis. Cafe tipping is optional.
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.

Most Cambridge to Manchester trains use the Cambridge to Manchester Piccadilly station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester Victoria. Use this guide to compare Cambridge and Manchester 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.
Manchester Piccadilly has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Burger King, Caffè Nero, Carluccio’s, Hotel Chocolat, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Costa Coffee, Pret a Manger, Upper Crust, McDonald's, & more
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi. ATMs are there are ATM machines on the main concourse, Platform 10 and on the mezzanine level.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30, Sun: 07:00 - 22:30. Information desks are located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Luggage storage is operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Piccadilly: There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Premier Inn Manchester City, Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly.
Manchester Victoria has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Victoria.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Victoria.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Manchester Victoria: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Victoria: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Victoria: 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.
Manchester Airport is 13 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Airport.
Wi-Fi is available at Manchester Airport. ATMs are available at Manchester Airport.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Airport. Information desks are information available from staff: ,Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 107 2149, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Available at Manchester Airport: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Airport: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Airport: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: re Step free access is provided from the Ground Transport Interchange to all platforms via lifts or ramps. This station is staffed for all services. This station is Category A. Station staff can provide assistance from Meeting Point 1 (adjacent to the Station Booking Office) and throughout the railway station, and with boarding and alighting the train. Customers requiring assistance should make themselves known to station staff no less than 20 minutes prior to the departure time of their train. Customers requiring assistance to access other services or to connect with terminals should request this from their airline or Manchester Airport Group. Assistance can be requested in advance by contacting the TransPennine Express Assisted Travel Team on 0800 107 2149 (18001 prefix for TextRelay). Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible public telephones: In the station cafe on platforms 2 and 3, 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