- Must visit
Fitzwilliam Museum
Cambridge’s principal art and antiquities museum, known for major collections of paintings, manuscripts, sculpture, and Egyptian artifacts. A top cultural stop in the city.
Cheapest price
$80
Average price
$83
Fastest journey
3 h 50 m
Average duration
4 h 9 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
240 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Cambridge is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Cambridge will cost around $83 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $80.
Of the 5 trains that leave Cardiff for Cambridge on Fri, Jun 26, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 26 the direct trains cover the 240 km distance in an average of 4 h 9 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 50 m .
On Fri, Jun 26 the slowest trains will take 5 h 17 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 Cardiff to Cambridge among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $16. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 59m. 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 $16, and a train costs an average of $47.
Distance: 149 miles (240 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$79 Average price | $28 Average price Cheapest | $63 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 29m Average total duration Fastest 3h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 47m Average total duration 6h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 53m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.6kg 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Cambridge:
A bus is $51 (€42) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Cambridge costing on average $79 (€66).
Other travel options to Cambridge take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 17m.
Tickets start at around $79 (€66) compared to roughly $63 (€52) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-15.82 (€-13.08). The journey takes 3h 59m versus 3h 53m 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 Cardiff to Cambridge trains for tomorrow, Friday, June 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:45 AM Cardiff | 5h17 | 2:02 PM Cambridge | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:49 AM Cardiff | 3h50 | 12:39 PM Cambridge | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:49 AM Cardiff | 3h54 | 1:43 PM Cambridge | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:50 AM Cardiff | 3h53 | 1:43 PM Cambridge | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:50 AM Cardiff | 3h53 | 2:43 PM Cambridge | 0 transfersDirect |
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 Cardiff to Cambridge run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 59m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $47 (€39) but you can travel from only $16 (€13) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:42, the last at 21:20. The fastest train covers the 149 miles (240 km) distance in 3h 46m.
Distance 149 miles (240 km) |
Average train duration 3h 59m |
Cheapest ticket price $47 (€39) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 46m |
First train 12:42 AM |
Last train 9:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 63 days |
Discover the best of Cambridge — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cambridge trip today.
Cambridge’s principal art and antiquities museum, known for major collections of paintings, manuscripts, sculpture, and Egyptian artifacts. A top cultural stop in the city.
Renowned house-gallery combining modern art with intimate domestic spaces. One of Cambridge’s most distinctive and photogenic cultural venues.
University museum with strong collections on world archaeology and anthropology, including Pacific, Asian, and British material. Compact but highly rewarding.
The historic central square, lively with market stalls and surrounded by key university and shopping streets. A practical and cultural hub.
The city’s most famous street, lined with major college facades and classic Cambridge views. A priority walk for first-time visitors.
Scenic walking area along the River Cam behind the colleges, with some of the best views in Cambridge.
A rich custard dessert with a caramelised sugar top, closely associated with Trinity College and often described as Cambridge’s answer to crème brûlée.
Sticky spiced currant buns long linked with the famous Fitzbillies bakery in Cambridge, cherished locally as a classic tea-time treat.
A traditional English spread of finger sandwiches, scones, cakes, and tea, widely enjoyed in Cambridge in historic tea rooms and hotels.
A celebrated fine-dining restaurant on the River Cam known for refined modern British tasting menus and an elegant special-occasion atmosphere.
One of Cambridge’s most famous historic pubs, known for classic British dishes, real ale, and a lively atmosphere with deep wartime and academic history.
An iconic Cambridge institution best known for Chelsea buns, cakes, brunch, and tea-room classics in a friendly, long-established setting.
Costs are high by UK standards, especially hotels and dining in the centre, though pubs and chains offer cheaper meals.
Service is often included at restaurants. If not, 10-12.5% is standard for good service. Round up in taxis. Tipping is not usually expected for counter service, pubs, or coffee shops.
Official public transport app
Cambridge Railway Station, Cambridge -> Cambridge City Centre, Cambridge
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff 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.

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