- Must visit
The Fitzwilliam Museum
Major university museum with masterpieces, antiquities and decorative arts in a grand building. A leading cultural highlight in Cambridge.
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 €103 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €75.
It's difficult to get from Cardiff to Cambridge without transferring at least once.
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Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+
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Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+
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Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+
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Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+
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Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+
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Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+
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Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+
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Trains from Cardiff to Cambridge run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 38m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €46 but you can travel from only €15 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 2h 53m.
Distance 149 miles (240 km) |
Average train duration 3h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price €46 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 53m |
First train 12:42 AM |
Last train 9:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Cardiff to Cambridge.
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Cambridge trains for today, Sunday, November 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C00165+ C37780+ W45801 | On time 9:39 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h07 | 1:46 PM Cambridge South | 2 transfers | |
C00123+ C37805+ P76310 | On time 10:20 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h45 | 2:05 PM Cambridge South | 2 transfers | |
W34979 · C05988+ Tube from London Paddington to London Liverpool Street+ P76322 | On time 10:25 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h40 | 3:05 PM Cambridge South | 3 transfers | |
C33109+ C37453+ P76322 | On time 11:20 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h45 | 3:05 PM Cambridge South | 2 transfers | |
C00850 · C01238+ G77029+ Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross | On time 11:25 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h49 | 4:14 PM Cambridge station (CBG) | 3 transfers |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Cambridge — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cambridge trip today.
Major university museum with masterpieces, antiquities and decorative arts in a grand building. A leading cultural highlight in Cambridge.
Compact museum of polar exploration with artifacts, sledges and expedition stories. Excellent for understanding Arctic and Antarctic history.
Acclaimed anthropology museum displaying world cultures through remarkable objects and thoughtful interpretation. Rich, memorable and family friendly.
The city's most famous riverside walking area, lined with college gardens and views. Classic place for strolling, punting and photography.
Historic central square with market stalls, buskers and everyday city life. A practical and lively base for sightseeing and shopping.
Leafy riverside common ideal for walking, picnics and broad views of the college skyline. Popular with locals and visitors year-round.
A creamy dessert of whipped cream, meringue and raspberry coulis, created at Cambridge’s Trinity College and named after the River Cam.
The Cambridge version of crème brûlée, linked to Trinity College. It has a rich custard base with a hard caramelised sugar top.
Tender local asparagus from the Cambridgeshire fens, prized in spring for its sweetness and freshness, often served simply with butter or eggs.
Elegant riverside fine dining restaurant known for refined British tasting menus and polished service in a historic setting.
Historic city-centre restaurant serving modern British cooking with seasonal ingredients in a smart, intimate atmosphere.
Well-known Cambridge pub and dining room offering classic British dishes, cask ales and a lively, traditional atmosphere.
Moderate for the UK: hotels often cost more in peak season, but dining and local buses are manageable for most tourists.
Service may be included; if not, 10-12.5% in restaurants is common. Round up for taxis. Cafes usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Cambridge Railway Station -> Cambridge City Centre
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in 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.

Most Cardiff to Cambridge trains use the Cardiff Central to Cambridge station pair, with some services arriving at Cambridge South. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Cambridge train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Cardiff Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Cardiff Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff Queen Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Queen Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Cardiff Bay is 1 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:
Cardiff Bay has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Bay.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Bay: Parking, Taxis.
Available at Cardiff Bay: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Bay: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B. The platform has level access from Bute Street and Lloyd George Avenue, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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.
Check train stations information for Cardiff and Cambridge, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
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