Cambridge to Manchester train with Avanti West Coast

Wed, Oct 28
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East Midlands Railway
CrossCountry
London North Eastern Railway
Avanti West Coast
Transpennine Express
2,000+ travel companies
East Midlands Railway
CrossCountry
London North Eastern Railway
Avanti West Coast
Transpennine Express
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cambridge to Manchester

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Oct 28

Cheapest price on Oct 28

€31

Average ticket price on Oct 28

€74

Fastest journey on Oct 28

3 h 33 m

Average journey duration on Oct 28

4 h 7 m

Trains on Oct 28

5

Distance

213 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cambridge to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cambridge to Manchester will cost around €74 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €31.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Cambridge to Manchester without transferring at least once.

  • Greater AngliaP66831+East Midlands RailwayC21593
    12:30 PM4h05
    Cambridge North (CMB)
    4:35 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    €311One-way
    1 transfer
  • Great NorthernC93376+East Midlands RailwayC21809
    12:45 PM4h50
    Cambridge station (CBG)
    5:35 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    €371One-way
    1 transfer
  • TubeTube from London Kings Cross to London Euston+Avanti West CoastW34053+Great NorthernC93377
    12:16 PM3h49
    Cambridge South
    4:05 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    €831One-way
    2 transfers
  • TubeTube from London Kings Cross to London Euston+Avanti West CoastW34280+Great NorthernG77000
    12:46 PM3h33
    Cambridge South
    4:19 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    €901One-way
    2 transfers
  • CrossCountryG00966+Avanti West CoastW34280
    12:00 PM4h19
    Cambridge station (CBG)
    4:19 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    €1271One-way
    1 transfer

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cambridge to Manchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Cambridge to Manchester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €28 but you can travel from only €15 by bus.

The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 213 km distance in 2h 52m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €15
Distance
213 km
Average train duration
3h 29m
Cheapest ticket price
€28
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
2h 52m
First train
12:04 AM
Last train
11:57 PM
Cheapest Month
Apr
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Mon
Best time to book
35 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €15

Live departures

Cambridge to Manchester train times

The table below shows live departures for Cambridge to Manchester trains for today, Tuesday, October 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Great NorthernG27002+TubeTube from London Kings Cross to London Euston+Avanti West CoastW34070
On time
6:45 AM Cambridge South
3h34
10:19 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
2 transfers
CrossCountryG00955 · G00851
On time
6:50 AM Cambridge South
4h39
11:29 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
1 transfer
CrossCountryG00955+London North Eastern RailwayC02087+Transpennine ExpressG15893
On time
6:50 AM Cambridge South
3h48
10:38 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV)
2 transfers

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Cambridge to Manchester trains with Omio?

East Midlands Railway as well as CrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express and more offer trains services from Cambridge to Manchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cambridge to Manchester.

Why book with Omio vs East Midlands Railway?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for East Midlands Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast or Transpennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Cambridge to Manchester.
  • 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 Railway with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cambridge to Manchester.

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, London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast or Transpennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Cambridge to Manchester.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Cambridge to Manchester.

Train companies: Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, London North Eastern Railway, Transpennine Express, Northern Rail from Cambridge to Manchester trainsAvanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, London North Eastern Railway, Transpennine Express, Northern Rail trains will get you between Cambridge and Manchester from €15. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Avanti West Coast Duration
2h 57m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
€64
Avanti West Coast frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CrossCountry Duration
3h 0m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
€28
CrossCountry frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

East Midlands Railway

About
East Midlands Trains is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London to the East Midlands, Yorkshire, and the North West. East Midlands Trains operates a fleet of Class 158, Class 156, Class 170, Class 222 and Class 180 diesel multiple units, as well as Class 222 Meridian electric multiple units. East Midlands Trains also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for East Midlands Trains are London to Nottingham, Sheffield, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average East Midlands Railway Duration
2h 52m
Cheapest East Midlands Railway Price
€29
East Midlands Railway frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for Advance ticket holders
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be on lead and require a ticket (£6 for day ticket)
Quiet zone

London North Eastern Railway

About
LNER is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a wide range of services, from high-speed intercity trains to local services. Its most popular routes include London to Edinburgh, London to Leeds, and London to York. LNER offers a variety of train types, including the Azuma, InterCity 225, and HST. The Azuma is a modern, high-speed train that offers comfortable seating and onboard Wi-Fi. The InterCity 225 is a classic train that offers a more traditional experience. The HST is a high-speed train that offers a smooth ride and plenty of legroom. LNER offers a variety of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak. Advance tickets are the cheapest option and must be booked in advance. Anytime tickets are more expensive but can be used at any time. Off-Peak tickets are the most affordable option for travelling during off-peak times. Onboard facilities include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. LNER also offers a range of discounts and special offers, making it an affordable and convenient way to travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average London North Eastern Railway Duration
2h 53m
Cheapest London North Eastern Railway Price
€42
London North Eastern Railway frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund available if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First Class passengers receive complimentary refreshments
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are included with Advance tickets. Optional for other ticket types at £0-£2 per person depending on route
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two pets per passenger
Quiet zone

Transpennine Express

About
Transpennine Express is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from Manchester and Liverpool to Scotland, the North East and Yorkshire. It offers a range of services, including express, regional and local trains. Express trains are the fastest, with journey times of up to three hours. Regional trains are slower, but offer more stops and a more relaxed atmosphere. Local trains are the slowest, but offer the most stops. Transpennine Express offers a range of ticket types, including single, return, group and season tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Transpennine Express are Manchester to Edinburgh, Liverpool to Leeds and Manchester to York. These routes offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel between the cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transpennine Express Duration
2h 58m
Cheapest Transpennine Express Price
€61
Transpennine Express frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 large items and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks, plus a small selection of hot and cold food items
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are free of charge and recommended for busy routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance booking service
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Northern Rail

About
Northern Trains is a publicly owned train operating company in the United Kingdom, headquartered in York. It runs local and commuter services across the north of England, connecting regions including the North East, North West, East Midlands, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, and the Humber coastline. As part of the National Rail network, Northern operates under a coordinated fare and ticketing system alongside other UK train companies.Ticket types include Advance, Off-Peak, Anytime Day, single, return, and season tickets, with only one class option available: Standard. Onboard amenities may include comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and refreshments on select services. Popular routes include connections between major northern cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Northern Rail Duration
3h 29m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
€61
Northern Rail frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
See refund policy for ticket types
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most services with drinks and snacks. Some stations have cafes and shops
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking advance tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Cambridge and Manchester

Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.

When taking a train from Cambridge to Manchester, you can count on East Midlands Railway, CrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, Northern Rail for the best way to get you to Manchester. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Cambridge and Manchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.

FAQs: Trains from Cambridge to Manchester

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cambridge to Manchester 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 Manchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Cambridge to Manchester can start from as little as €28 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Cambridge to Manchester is €98; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by train from Cambridge to Manchester is 2h 52m to travel the 213 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest train from Cambridge to Manchester leaves at 12:04 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The latest train from Cambridge to Manchester leaves at 11:57 PM.
There are 6 trains a day from Cambridge to Manchester which require at least one change with East Midlands Railway, CrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, Northern Rail. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer trains.
Yes, there's a high-speed train to Manchester. Take the fast train with East Midlands Railway, London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express from Cambridge to Manchester.
A trip to Manchester from Cambridge is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 52m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cambridge and Manchester including taking a train, bus, and flight.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Cambridge to Manchester

Most Cambridge to Manchester trains use the Cambridge to Manchester Piccadilly station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester Victoria. Use this guide to compare Cambridge and Manchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Cambridge
Arrival train stations in Manchester

Which Cambridge station do trains to Manchester leave from?

Trains from Cambridge to Manchester leave from Cambridge. The station is 2 km from Cambridge city centre at Cambridge station, Station Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB1 2JW.
CambridgeCambridge station, Station Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB1 2JW+44 8450507080WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Cambridge from Cambridge city centre

Cambridge is 1 km from Cambridge city centre. Public transport options include:

BusU1, U2 · 11m · every ~11 min
Tour · 13m · €2
75 · 15m
A · 15m · €2 · every ~11 min

Cambridge train station facilities and services

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

Food and drink options are available at Cambridge.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Cambridge. ATMs are available at Cambridge.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Cambridge.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cambridge: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Cambridge: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

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 NorthCambridge North Station, Cowley Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB4 0WZ+44 8450507080WifiParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Cambridge North from Cambridge city centre

Cambridge North is 3 km from Cambridge city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainLondon Liverpool Street - Cambridge North, Stansted Airport - Norwich, Cambridge - Norwich, London Liverpool Street - Ely, Stansted Airport - Lowestoft, Cambridge - Cambridge North, Bishops Stortford - Cambridge North, Audley End - Cambridge North, Audley End - Norwich · 3m · €2 · every ~6 min
BusB · 12m · €2 · every ~8 min
114 · 18m
2, B · 23m · €2 · every ~19 min

Cambridge North train station facilities and services

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

Food and drink options are available at Cambridge North.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Cambridge North.

Tickets and information

Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 2878.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cambridge North: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Cambridge North: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

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.

Cambridge SouthTrumpington, Cambridge CB2 9FQ, UK

Most popular flights to and from Manchester and Cambridge

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