The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Cambridge
Cheapest price
$45
Average price
$118
Fastest journey
4 h 13 m
Average duration
4 h 36 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
213 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Cambridge is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Cambridge will cost around $118 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $45.
Of the 5 trains that leave Manchester for Cambridge on Sun, Mar 01, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Mar 01 the direct trains cover the 213 km distance in an average of 4 h 36 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 13 m .
On Sun, Mar 01 the slowest trains will take 4 h 49 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.










Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Manchester to Cambridge
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Cambridge among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $22. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 10m. 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 $22, and a flight costs an average of $87.
Distance: 132 miles (213 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$101 Average price | $43 Average price Cheapest | $233 Average price |
4h 0m Average total duration 3h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 56m Average total duration 5h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 10m Average total duration Fastest 1h 10m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Manchester to Cambridge train times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Cambridge trains for tomorrow, Sunday, March 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:09 AM Manchester | 4h49 | 1:58 PM Cambridge | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:20 AM Manchester | 4h38 | 1:58 PM Cambridge | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:51 AM Manchester | 4h48 | 2:39 PM Cambridge | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Cambridge by bus, train, or flight
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.
Mar 01
Mar 02
Mar 03
Mar 04
Mar 05
Mar 06
Mar 07
Mar 08
Mar 09
Mar 10
Mar 11
Mar 12
Mar 13
Mar 14
Why should you book Manchester to Cambridge trains with Omio?
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, LNER, Avanti West Coast or TransPennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Cambridge.
- 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 bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Cambridge.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Rome2rio or Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, LNER, Avanti West Coast or TransPennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Cambridge.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Cambridge.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Manchester to Cambridge
Trains from Manchester to Cambridge run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 30m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $45 (€36) but you can travel from only $22 (€17) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:06, the last at 22:51. The fastest train covers the 132 miles (213 km) distance in 3h 29m.
Distance 132 miles (213 km) |
Average train duration 3h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price $45 (€36) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 3h 29m |
First train 00:06 |
Last train 22:51 |
Train companies: East Midlands Trains, CrossCountry, LNER, Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express, Northern Rail (3) from Manchester to Cambridge trainsEast Midlands Trains, CrossCountry, LNER, Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express, Northern Rail (3) trains will get you between Manchester and Cambridge from $22 (€17). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
East Midlands Trains
CrossCountry
LNER
Avanti West Coast
TransPennine Express
Northern Rail (3)
FAQs: Trains from Manchester to Cambridge
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Manchester to Cambridge
- 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)
- 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.
Most popular train connections from Manchester
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