Manchester to Cambridge train with East Midlands Trains

Sun, Jan 04
+ Add return
East Midlands Trains
CrossCountry
LNER
TransPennine Express
Avanti West Coast
1,000+ travel companies
East Midlands Trains
CrossCountry
LNER
TransPennine Express
Avanti West Coast
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Cambridge

Showing times and prices for Jan 04

Cheapest price

€90

Average price

€120

Fastest journey

4 h 10 m

Average duration

4 h 26 m

Trains per day

6

Distance

213 km

Cheap tickets

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 €120 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €90.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Manchester to Cambridge without transferring at least 2 times.

TransPennine ExpressC00109+East Midlands TrainsY12358+Abellio Greater AngliaP47331
09:09AM4h31
Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
01:40PMCambridge North (CMB)
901One-way
2 transfers
TransPennine ExpressC43539+LNERY11696+ThameslinkX19131+Great NorthernGN246600
08:12AM4h18
Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
12:30PMCambridge station (CBG)
1101One-way
3 transfers
TransPennine ExpressL36560+East Midlands TrainsY12362+Abellio Greater AngliaP47337
10:14AM4h26
Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
02:40PMCambridge North (CMB)
1301One-way
2 transfers
TransPennine ExpressC43819+LNERY11700+ThameslinkX04301+Great NorthernGN053200
08:45AM4h49
Manchester Victoria (MCV)
01:34PMCambridge station (CBG)
1301One-way
3 transfers
TransPennine ExpressL36641+LNERY11704+East Midlands TrainsY12358+Abellio Greater AngliaP47331
09:30AM4h10
Manchester Victoria (MCV)
01:40PMCambridge North (CMB)
1301One-way
3 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, 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 €16. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 4m. 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 €16, and a flight costs an average of €83.

Distance: 213 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight

€87

Average price

€30

Average price

Cheapest

€185

Average price

4h 3m

Average total duration

3h 33m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 50m

Average total duration

5h 20m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 4m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 4m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

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 today, Saturday, January 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 6:47 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
transpennine_expressL36637+london_north_eastern_railwayY11698+cross_countryC74801+great_northernX19832
On time
8:30 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV)
4h05
12:35 PM Cambridge North (CMB)
3 transfers
east_midlands_railwayY12359+greater_angliaP47320
On time
8:43 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h57
12:40 PM Cambridge North (CMB)
1 transfer
avanti_west_coastW02879+cross_countryC74803+great_northernX19830
On time
8:54 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
4h41
1:35 PM Cambridge North (CMB)
2 transfers
transpennine_expressL36643+london_north_eastern_railwayY11703+cross_countryC74803+great_northernX19830
On time
9:30 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV)
4h05
1:35 PM Cambridge North (CMB)
3 transfers
east_midlands_railwayY12361+greater_angliaP47330
On time
9:43 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h57
1:40 PM Cambridge North (CMB)
1 transfer
avanti_west_coastW02864+cross_countryC74806+great_northernX19828
On time
9:54 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
4h41
2:35 PM Cambridge North (CMB)
2 transfers
transpennine_expressL36649+london_north_eastern_railwayY11708+cross_countryC74806+great_northernX19828
On time
10:30 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV)
4h05
2:35 PM Cambridge North (CMB)
3 transfers
east_midlands_railwayY12365+greater_angliaP47336
On time
10:43 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h57
2:40 PM Cambridge North (CMB)
1 transfer
avanti_west_coastW02852+cross_countryC74809+great_northernX19826
On time
10:54 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
4h41
3:35 PM Cambridge North (CMB)
2 transfers
transpennine_expressL36655+london_north_eastern_railwayY11710+cross_countryC74809+great_northernX19826
On time
11:30 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV)
4h05
3:35 PM Cambridge North (CMB)
3 transfers
east_midlands_railwayY12368+greater_angliaP47346
On time
11:43 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h57
3:40 PM Cambridge North (CMB)
1 transfer
avanti_west_coastW02840+cross_countryC74812+great_northernX19824
On time
11:54 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
4h41
4:35 PM Cambridge North (CMB)
2 transfers

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 train, bus, or flight

Compare train, bus, 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.

Sat
Jan 03
Sun
Jan 04
Mon
Jan 05
Wed
Jan 07
Fri
Jan 09
Sun
Jan 11
Wed
Jan 14
Thu
Jan 15
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Jan 21
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Jan 22
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Jan 23

Journey information

Overview: Train from Manchester to Cambridge

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Manchester to Cambridge run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 33m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €39 but you can travel from only €16 by bus.

The earliest train runs at 00:06, the last at 22:14. The fastest train covers the 213 km distance in 3h 30m.

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 €16
Distance
213 km
Average train duration
3h 33m
Cheapest ticket price
€39
Trains per day
7
Fastest train
3h 30m
First train
00:06
Last train
22:14
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 €16

Train companies: East Midlands Trains, CrossCountry, LNER, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, Northern Rail (3) from Manchester to Cambridge trainsEast Midlands Trains, CrossCountry, LNER, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, Northern Rail (3) trains will get you between Manchester and Cambridge from €16. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

East Midlands Trains

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 Duration
3h 49m
Cheapest Price
€39
East Midlands Trains frequency
2 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

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 Duration
3h 35m
Cheapest Price
€123
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

LNER

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 Duration
3h 35m
Cheapest Price
€63
LNER 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 Duration
3h 40m
Cheapest Price
€57
TransPennine Express frequency
2 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

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 Duration
3h 45m
Cheapest Price
€81
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

Northern Rail (3)

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 Duration
3h 56m
Cheapest Price
€60
Northern Rail (3) 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

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.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Manchester to Cambridge can start from as little as €39 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Manchester to Cambridge is €99; 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 Manchester to Cambridge is 3 h 38 min   to travel the 212 km long journey, with around there are 6 trains per day. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Manchester to Cambridge leaves at 00: 06. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last train from Manchester to Cambridge leaves at 22: 14.
There are 6 trains a day from Manchester to Cambridge which require at least one change with East Midlands Trains, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, LNER, CrossCountry, Northern Rail (3), east_midlands_trains or first_transpennine_express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer trains.
Yes, there's a high-speed train to Cambridge. Take the fast train with East Midlands Trains from Manchester to Cambridge.
For the route from Manchester to Cambridge you can take a train with East Midlands Trains, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, LNER, CrossCountry, Northern Rail (3), east_midlands_trains or first_transpennine_express. Be sure to check out all possible train providers that offer services from Manchester to Cambridge on Omio to compare what amenities they may have.
No, there are no night trains, the latest train for this route is 22: 14.
A trip to Cambridge from Manchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3 h 38 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Manchester to Cambridge is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel from Manchester to Cambridge including taking a train or coach.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Manchester to Cambridge

Manchester
Cambridge
The major train station for departures in Manchester is Manchester Piccadilly. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Manchester Piccadilly for your trip from Manchester to Cambridge.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
  • Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
Wifi
Wifi
  • Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi.
Lockers
Lockers
  • Operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Dining
Dining
  • Burger King
  • Caffè Nero
  • Carluccio’s
  • Hotel Chocolat
  • Starbucks
  • The Pasty Shop
  • Costa Coffee
  • Pret a Manger
  • Upper Crust
  • McDonald's
  • & more
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Hotel
Hotel
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly
  • Premier Inn Manchester City
  • Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
  • Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Public transit options for Manchester Piccadilly
  • Bus lines: 1, 2, 3, 147
  • Train lines: Northern, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:00 Sunday 08:00 - 22:15
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: A key is available in the Duty's Manager's office.
  • Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage location: on platform and approach
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Manchester Victoria
  • 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.​​​​​​​
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:40 Sunday 07:30 - 22:00
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • 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
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: on Platform 4/5
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Manchester Oxford Road
  • 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)

More options for your journey from Manchester to Cambridge

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrain Times to CambridgeManchester to Cambridge train

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