- 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
$90
Average price
$90
Fastest journey
2 h 1 m
Average duration
2 h 15 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
111 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Reading to Cambridge is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Reading to Cambridge will cost around $90 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $90.
It's difficult to get from Reading to Cambridge without transferring at least once.
C37753+
P76273
C37788+
W45424
C37745+
W45478
C93356+
G14896+
Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross
C93350+
Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+
W34552
C93356+
G14896+
Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross
C93350+
Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+
W34552
W45478+
W35357+
Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon
C37788+
W45424
C37745+
W45478Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Cambridge 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 train which can get you there in 1h 59m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $14, and a train costs an average of $46.
Distance: 68 miles (111 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$84 Average price | $69 Average price Cheapest | $32 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 29m Average total duration Fastest 1h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 40m Average total duration 4h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 1m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg 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 Reading to Cambridge:
A bus is $15 (€12) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Reading to Cambridge costing on average $84 (€68).
Other travel options to Cambridge take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 10m.
You'll arrive about 2m sooner (1h 59m by train vs 2h 1m by car). Tickets start at around $84 (€68) compared to roughly $32 (€26) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Cambridge trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, June 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C93350+ W34552+ Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross | 8:10 AM Reading station (RDG) | 2h03 | 10:13 AM Cambridge station (CBG) | 2 transfers | |
W45478+ C37745 | 8:13 AM Reading station (RDG) | 2h26 | 10:39 AM Cambridge station (CBG) | 1 transfer | |
W45478+ W35357+ Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon | 8:18 AM Reading station (RDG) | 2h21 | 10:39 AM Cambridge station (CBG) | 2 transfers | |
P76273+ C37753 | 8:24 AM Reading station (RDG) | 2h43 | 11:07 AM Cambridge station (CBG) | 1 transfer | |
C93356+ G14896+ Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross | 8:42 AM Reading station (RDG) | 2h01 | 10:43 AM Cambridge station (CBG) | 2 transfers | |
W45424+ C37788 | 8:45 AM Reading station (RDG) | 2h24 | 11:09 AM Cambridge station (CBG) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Reading to Cambridge run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 59m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $46 (€37) but you can travel from only $14 (€11) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:40, the last at 23:12. The fastest train covers the 68 miles (111 km) distance in 2h 2m.
Distance 68 miles (111 km) |
Average train duration 1h 59m |
Cheapest ticket price $46 (€37) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 2h 2m |
First train 12:40 AM |
Last train 11:12 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 21 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 Reading 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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