- Must visit
The Fitzwilliam Museum
The University of Cambridge’s flagship museum, known for major collections of art, antiquities, and manuscripts. A top cultural stop with free permanent galleries.
Cheapest price
$100
Average price
$153
Fastest journey
4 h 53 m
Average duration
5 h 2 m
Trains per day
10
Distance
361 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Carlisle to Cambridge is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Carlisle to Cambridge will cost around $153 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $100.
It's difficult to get from Carlisle to Cambridge without transferring at least 2 times.
C31936+
C01935+
C10246
C31936+
C01935 · G07983+
G00811
C32722+
C02016+
P01162+
C04351
C32722+
C02016+
G00811
C31895+
C01973 · G07987+
G00815
W33694+
Tube from London Euston to London Kings Cross+
G77003
W33472+
Tube from London Euston to London Kings Cross+
G77013
C32722+
G25712+
X64006
C31895+
C01973 · G07987+
G00815
C31895+
W29885 · G00815+
G07987Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Carlisle to Cambridge among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $44. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 12m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $44, and a flight costs an average of $82.
Distance: 224 miles (361 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$107 Average price | $49 Average price Cheapest | $220 Average price | $94 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 1m Average total duration 5h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 20m Average total duration 10h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 12m Average total duration Fastest 1h 12m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 41m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Carlisle to Cambridge:
A bus is $57 (€47) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Carlisle to Cambridge costing on average $107 (€87).
A bus is $171 (€140) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Carlisle to Cambridge costing on average $220 (€180).
Other travel options to Cambridge take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 31m.
Bus takes on average 10h 50m.
Tickets start at around $107 (€87) compared to roughly $94 (€77) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-12.70 (€-10.41). The journey takes 5h 31m versus 4h 41m 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 Carlisle to Cambridge trains for tomorrow, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C32722+ G25712+ X64006 | 8:05 AM Carlisle station (CAR) | 5h04 | 1:09 PM Cambridge station (CBG) | 2 transfers | |
C32722+ C02016+ G00811 | 8:05 AM Carlisle station (CAR) | 5h58 | 2:03 PM Cambridge station (CBG) | 2 transfers | |
C32722+ C02016+ C04351+ P01162 | 8:05 AM Carlisle station (CAR) | 5h34 | 1:39 PM Cambridge North (CMB) | 3 transfers | |
W33694+ Tube from London Euston to London Kings Cross+ G77003 | 8:50 AM Carlisle station (CAR) | 4h53 | 1:43 PM Cambridge station (CBG) | 2 transfers | |
C31936+ C01935 · G07983+ G00811 | 8:52 AM Carlisle station (CAR) | 5h11 | 2:03 PM Cambridge station (CBG) | 3 transfers | |
C31936+ C01935+ C10246 | 8:52 AM Carlisle station (CAR) | 5h13 | 2:05 PM Cambridge station (CBG) | 2 transfers | |
W33472+ Tube from London Euston to London Kings Cross+ G77013 | 9:49 AM Carlisle station (CAR) | 4h54 | 2:43 PM Cambridge station (CBG) | 2 transfers | |
C31895+ W29885+ G07987+ G00815 | 9:53 AM Carlisle station (CAR) | 5h10 | 3:03 PM Cambridge station (CBG) | 3 transfers | |
C31895+ C01973 · G07987+ G00815 | 9:53 AM Carlisle station (CAR) | 5h10 | 3:03 PM Cambridge station (CBG) | 3 transfers | |
C31895+ C01973+ C10215 | 9:53 AM Carlisle station (CAR) | 5h12 | 3:05 PM Cambridge station (CBG) | 2 transfers | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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 Carlisle to Cambridge run on average 6 times per day, taking around 5h 31m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $93 (€76) but you can travel from only $44 (€36) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:05, the last at 22:08. The fastest train covers the 224 miles (361 km) distance in 5h 10m.
Distance 224 miles (361 km) |
Average train duration 5h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price $93 (€76) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 5h 10m |
First train 5:05 AM |
Last train 10:08 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Cambridge — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cambridge trip today.
The University of Cambridge’s flagship museum, known for major collections of art, antiquities, and manuscripts. A top cultural stop with free permanent galleries.
A renowned modern and contemporary art house museum with intimate displays and a distinctive domestic setting. One of Cambridge’s most characterful art venues.
University museum with important world archaeology and anthropology collections, including Pacific, African, and British material. Excellent for a deeper academic side of Cambridge.
The city’s most famous street, lined with historic college architecture and classic views of King’s College Chapel. Essential for first-time visitors.
A celebrated walking area with riverside paths and some of the city’s most iconic college views. Especially beautiful in spring and autumn.
The busy historic center of Cambridge, surrounded by major sights and a long-running market tradition. Good for atmosphere and people-watching.
A sticky spiced currant bun strongly associated with Cambridge through Fitzbillies, a long-standing local bakery and tea room.
Traditional local pork sausages, often served with mash or in breakfast plates, reflecting the county’s farming heritage.
A classic English Sunday roast commonly enjoyed in Cambridge pubs, with roasted beef, gravy, vegetables, and Yorkshire pudding.
A celebrated fine dining restaurant on the River Cam, known for refined modern British tasting menus and polished service.
A well-regarded independent restaurant serving seasonal modern British cuisine in an intimate, elegant townhouse setting.
A historic Cambridge pub famous for classic British food, ales, and its longstanding connection to the city’s academic history.
Costs are high by UK standards, especially for hotels and dining in the centre, though markets and pubs offer cheaper options.
Service charge may be added in restaurants; if not, tip 10-12.5% for good service. Round up in taxis. Tipping is not expected for counter service, though small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Cambridge Railway Station, Cambridge -> Cambridge City Centre, Cambridge
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Carlisle 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 Carlisle to Cambridge trains use the Carlisle to Cambridge station pair, with some services arriving at Cambridge North. Use this guide to compare Carlisle and Cambridge train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Carlisle has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Carlisle.
ATMs are available at Carlisle.
Ticket office support is available at Carlisle. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Carlisle: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Carlisle: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Carlisle: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This station has step-free access to all platforms / the platform Lifts available to platforms via subway. Alternatively there is a ramped footbridge. Staff are available to assist on request, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, 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.
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.
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