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Best Ways to Travel to Cambridge

For those visiting Cambridge from further afield, there are plenty of options for getting here and enjoying the charm of the city.

Train

If you are coming from Stansted Airport to the South of the city, you can get the direct Cross Country train towards Birmingham and get off at Cambridge.

From London, there are two direct trains – the slower London Liverpool Street has more stops (1 hr 30 mins), which would also be suitable if you are coming from Shelford, Audley End, Bishops Stortford, parts of Essex and more. The popular fast train is direct from Kings Cross and takes around an hour.

From Suffolk the best train is the Greater Anglia service to Cambridge, starting at Ipswich and calling at Needham Market, Stowmarket, Elmswell, Thurston, Bury St Edmunds, Kennett and Newmarket.

Those traveling from the North of the city are best suited to take the Great Northern service from Kings Lynn to Cambridge, stopping at Watlington, Downham Market, Littleport, Ely, Waterbeach and Cambridge North.

Park & Ride

All Park & Ride buses are accessible for wheelchair users and those with buggies or pushchairs. They also feature free wifi, USB charging, and greener engines. Park & Ride is a great option for those wishing to skip the traffic in the city centre, and save money and time on parking.

Babraham Road

Babraham Road Park & Ride suits those needing to visit Addenbrookes and the city centre with its final stops being near The Backs, Grafton Centre and Parker’s Piece. This is easily accessible via the A1307 from locations such as Haverhill, Horseheath, Linton, Great Abington and more.

Trumpington

Easily accessed via the M11 and the A10, Trumpington services those traveling from Stansted Airport, London, Royston, Stevenage, Huntingdon and Peterborough.

Cambridge, Newmarket Road

This Park & Ride is suitable for people coming from Suffolk locations such as Newmarket, Bury St Edmunds on the A1303 or the A14, and those entering from the North via the B1047 from Horningsea and Waterbeach.

Madingley Road

Situated to the West of the city, Madingley Road is best for those traveling on the A1303 from locations such as St Neots, Bedford and Milton Keynes, and the M11 from Stansted Airport or London.

Parking in the city

Cambridge is connected to many locations via the A14, M11, A10 and the A428 from Cambourne, and if you are choosing to drive to the centre and park in town, there are multiple options.

Castle Hill, 15 min walk to centre (112 spaces)

  • Monday to Sunday, 24 hours
  • Ranges from £2.60 – £8.20, free between 7pm and 8am (9am Saturdays)
  • First 3 hours free for Blue Badge holders

Grafton East, 15 min walk to centre (526 spaces)

  • Monday to Sunday, 24 hours
  • Ranges from £2.30 – £28.30, peak time charges apply
  • Evenings and overnight: 80p per hour
  • First 3 hours free for Blue Badge holders

Park Street, 10 min walk to centre (287 spaces)

  • Monday to Sunday, 24 hours
  • Ranges from £2.50 – £28.30, peak time charges apply
  • Evenings and overnight: 80p per hour
  • First 3 hours free for Blue Badge holders

Grand Arcade, in centre (953 spaces)

  • Monday to Sunday, 24 hours
  • Ranges from £2.50 – £30.40, peak time charges apply
  • Evenings and overnight: £1.20 per hour
  • First 3 hours free for Blue Badge holders

Find more information on parking and charges at the Cambridge City Council website.

Guided busway

The Cambridgeshire Guided Busway connects Cambridge, Huntington and St Ives and is the longest Busway in the world. It is a perfect way to avoid congestion coming in and out of the city.

It is situated to conveniently serve Peterborough, Yaxley, Sawtry, Huntingdon, St Ives and more from the North West and locations such as Royston, Melbourn, Foxton, Harston and Trumpington from the South.

Cambridge park and ride bus service
Travelling to Cambridge by train

Leaving the car at home and choosing the train or bus is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and avoid traffic and parking charges.

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