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Trip Summary
16 trains operate daily from Manchester to Cambridge. The train trip from Manchester to Cambridge is usually about 3 hours and 59 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest TransPennine Express + Connections train can get you there in as little as 3 hours and 33 minutes.
| Distance | 132 mi (213 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 33m |
| Lowest price | $51.96 |
| Most frequent service | TransPennine Express + Connections |
| Train lines | 4 |
Which train should you take from Manchester to Cambridge?
There are 4 train lines with service from Manchester to Cambridge. TransPennine Express + Connections is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 13 trains each day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| CrossCountry + Connections | 1 | 4h 11m | $84.86 |
| East Midlands Trains + Connections | 1 | 4h 5m | $81.46 |
| TransPennine Express + Connections | 13 | 4h 0m | $155.13 |
| Virgin Trains + Connections | 1 | 3h 35m | $146.70 |
CrossCountry + Connections train tickets from Manchester to Cambridge start from $85, and on average cost . Daily there are 1 CrossCountry + Connections schedules to Cambridge. CrossCountry + Connections in Manchester leaves from Manchester Piccadilly . And in Cambridge trains arrive at Station Road .
From Manchester to Cambridge train travel on CrossCountry + Connections takes 4 hours and 11 minutes. If you are looking to get to Cambridge faster, CrossCountry + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 3 hours and 33 minutes.
East Midlands Trains + Connections train tickets from Manchester to Cambridge start from $81, and on average cost . Daily there are 1 East Midlands Trains + Connections schedules to Cambridge. East Midlands Trains + Connections in Manchester leaves from Manchester Piccadilly . And in Cambridge trains arrive at Station Road .
From Manchester to Cambridge train travel on East Midlands Trains + Connections takes 4 hours and 5 minutes. If you are looking to get to Cambridge faster, East Midlands Trains + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 3 hours and 33 minutes.
TransPennine Express + Connections train tickets from Manchester to Cambridge start from $52, and on average cost . Daily there are 13 TransPennine Express + Connections schedules to Cambridge. TransPennine Express + Connections in Manchester leaves from Manchester Airport and 2 other stations. And in Cambridge trains arrive at Station Road .
From Manchester to Cambridge train travel on TransPennine Express + Connections takes 4 hours and 0 minutes. If you are looking to get to Cambridge faster, TransPennine Express + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 3 hours and 33 minutes.
Virgin Trains + Connections train tickets from Manchester to Cambridge start from $147, and on average cost . Daily there are 1 Virgin Trains + Connections schedules to Cambridge. Virgin Trains + Connections in Manchester leaves from Manchester Piccadilly . And in Cambridge trains arrive at Station Road .
From Manchester to Cambridge train travel on Virgin Trains + Connections takes 3 hours and 35 minutes. If you are looking to get to Cambridge faster, Virgin Trains + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 3 hours and 33 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Manchester and Cambridge is approximately 132 miles, or 213 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 59 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 33 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Manchester to Cambridge on Tuesday. Tickets for Tuesday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Tuesday. Tuesday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Manchester at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 16 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Cambridge to Manchester.
City Information
Manchester
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Most recognizable for its world-famous football team, Manchester is a modern, vibrant city with a diverse range of attractions that will appeal to explorers of all kinds. Often referred to as "The Capital of the North," Manchester is also known for being the birthplace of the industrial revolution. Visitors can relive this booming era by taking a trip to the Science and Industry Museum to see how this previously small town changed the world's ideas of industry and manufacturing forever. These days, Manchester is famous for its music and art scene, with it being the birthplace of bands like The Smiths and Oasis.
Art and music-lovers may want to visit Afflecks, a vast and eclectic emporium of all things indie and grunge, to purchase records, artwork, and memorabilia, among many other things. Manchester is also home to 15 parks and gardens, with Fletcher Moss Park and Botanical Gardens among the most popular. This park provides a beautiful setting for picnics and scenic walks, perfect for when you need an escape from the bustling city.
And if you really are only here for Man U, both Old Trafford and Etihad Stadium are stops on our itinerary to visit every premier league stadium in England.
With three large train stations—Piccadilly, Oxford Road, and Victoria—Manchester is easily accessible via rail. National Express and Megabus coaches also allow access from all over the country. In addition, Manchester Airport houses three large terminals, which provide global entry to the city.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Manchester?
Main departure station: Manchester Victoria
Manchester has 3 stations where passengers can board the train to Cambridge.
All train stations in Manchester:
Manchester Victoria
Manchester Airport
Manchester Piccadilly
Where is the train station in Cambridge?
Main arrival station: Station Road
Cambridge has one train station.
Train stations in Cambridge:
Station Road
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Need a return trip from Cambridge to Manchester?
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