Manchester to Cambridge (Cambridgeshire) from $26: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from Manchester to Cambridge : Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$26 by busBest price
240 milesDistance
3h 2m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Manchester to Cambridge (Cambridgeshire) with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.
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| Type | Mo 06/01 | Tu 07/01 | We 08/01 | Th 09/01 | Fr 10/01 | Sa 11/01 | Su 12/01 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | $19 | $16 | $31 | $17 | $33 | $17 | $25 |
| Train | $79 | $105 | $77 | $86 | $87 | $66 | $71 |
Traveling From Manchester to Cambridge (Cambridgeshire)
Traveling from Manchester to Cambridge offers a fascinating contrast, as you transition from the bustling urban energy of a vibrant city to the serene charm of a historic university town.
Best Neighbourhoods in Cambridge (Cambridgeshire)
Cambridge boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering its own charm and attractions.
City Centre
• Home to iconic University buildings.
• Vibrant shopping and dining options.
Chesterton
• Scenic riverside views along the River Cam.
• Quaint shops and cozy cafés for relaxation.
Mill Road
• Bustling multicultural atmosphere with unique eateries.
• Regular markets and independent shops to explore.
Best Times To Visit Cambridge (Cambridgeshire)'s Attractions
Timing your visit to Cambridge's attractions can greatly enhance your experience.
King's College Chapel
Early mornings on weekdays offer a quieter, more reflective atmosphere.
The Fitzwilliam Museum
Visit during late afternoons for fewer crowds and a more relaxed pace.
Punting on the River Cam
Late afternoon during weekdays provides a peaceful and picturesque experience.
Cambridge (Cambridgeshire) Weather: What to Expect Year-Round
Cambridge experiences a temperate maritime climate, featuring mild summers and chilly winters, making spring and early autumn ideal for outdoor exploration. Understanding local weather patterns helps you pack appropriately and plan activities, ensuring a more enjoyable visit.
Dining Recommendation in Cambridge (Cambridgeshire)
Try the traditional Cambridge tea at The Orchard Tea Garden, where the lush surroundings and serene atmosphere provide a refreshing contrast to the vibrant dining scene in Manchester. The focus on local ingredients and classic flavors creates a unique culinary experience that showcases the town's rich heritage.
Manchester - Cambridge (Cambridgeshire) operators
Explore transport companies operating between Manchester and Cambridge (Cambridgeshire), with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Contact phone
00 44 345 528 0253Website
https://www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/
Train from Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston
Average Duration
2h 6mEstimated price
$80-210Train from Manchester Piccadilly to Cambridge
Average Duration
3h 16mEstimated price
$113-282Contact phone
0345 026 4700Website
https://www.greatnorthernrail.com/
Train from London Kings Cross to Cambridge
Average Duration
49mEstimated price
$27-40Contact phone
0345 026 4700Website
https://www.thameslinkrailway.com/
Train from London Kings Cross to Cambridge
Average Duration
1h 6mEstimated price
$30-70Contact phone
+44 345 600 1671Website
https://www.tpexpress.co.uk/
Train from Manchester Piccadilly to Doncaster
Average Duration
1h 21mEstimated price
$30-65Contact phone
+44 345 722 5333Website
https://www.lner.co.uk/
Train from Doncaster to Peterborough
Average Duration
48mEstimated price
$75-110Contact phone
+44 345 603 4852Website
https://www.grandcentralrail.com/
Train from Doncaster to Peterborough
Average Duration
49mEstimated price
$28-30Contact phone
+44 345 071 0222Website
https://www.hulltrains.co.uk/
Train from Doncaster to Peterborough
Average Duration
1h 1mEstimated price
$28-40Contact phone
0344 736 9123Website
https://www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/
Train from Peterborough to Cambridge
Average Duration
51mEstimated price
$35-75Contact phone
03457 125 678Website
https://www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk/
Train from Manchester Piccadilly to Peterborough
Average Duration
2h 55mEstimated price
$70-190Contact phone
+49 30 300 137 300Website
https://www.flixbus.co.uk
Bus from Manchester to Cambridge
Average Duration
4h 20mEstimated price
$26-40Website
britishairways.com
Plane from Manchester Airport (MAN) to London Heathrow (LHR)
Average Duration
1h 3mEstimated price
$55-330Manchester to Cambridge : Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Manchester and Cambridge (Cambridgeshire) offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.
🚗 Embark on a picturesque journey from Manchester to Cambridge, covering a driving distance of 265.5 km in approximately 3 hours and 2 minutes.
💰 Experience a range of price options, with car travel costs from Manchester to Cambridge ranging between £39 to £63, offering flexibility for all budget types.
Average price
£39 - £62
🚆 Starting from Manchester Piccadilly, you will board an Avanti West Coast train heading to Euston station in London.
🚆 Upon reaching Euston, you will have to transfer to London Kings Cross station to catch the Great Northern train to Cambridge. The total travel time, with transfers, is approximately 3 hours and 16 minutes.
Departure Point
Manchester Piccadilly station
Arrival Point
Cambridge station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services for your journey from Manchester to Cambridge will depend on the service provider. The main operators, such as Avanti West Coast and Greater Anglia, offer catering options including a selection of snacks, sandwiches, and beverages. Avanti West Coast provides a complimentary refreshments service in First Class, while in Standard Class, you can purchase items from the onboard café. Check their websites for more information: Avanti West Coast and Greater Anglia.
• For seating options, Avanti West Coast offers Standard Class and First Class, with more spacious seating and complimentary refreshments in First Class. Greater Anglia provides Standard Class and First Class as well, but also has 'Business Class' available on certain types of services. Book early to secure the best seating options online.
• Upon arrival at Cambridge Station, you’ll find facilities for leaving your luggage at the station’s left luggage office. It's important to note that the office typically opens at 7:00 AM and closes at 9:00 PM. The station features restrooms and baby-changing facilities, but there are no shower services available. For a smooth arrival experience, look for the station’s signage to navigate towards local bus services, or head out towards the front of the station for taxis.
🛫 Depart from Manchester Airport and board a direct flight to London Heathrow Airport, with a travel time of just 1 hour. British Airways operates flights on this route, ensuring a comfortable journey.
🚗 Upon arrival at London Heathrow Airport, you can take a train, bus, or taxi to reach Cambridge in approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, offering various transport options to suit your preferences and budget.
Departure Point
Manchester Airport
Arrival Point
London Heathrow Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• After arriving at London Heathrow Airport, plan for a smooth transition by utilizing the Heathrow Express train to Paddington Station, which takes around 15-20 minutes; from there, you can easily catch a train to Cambridge. Check the schedule at Heathrow Express.
• Once you arrive at the Cambridge train station, navigating to the city center is straightforward, but consider taking a taxi if you have lots of luggage; taxi fares to the city center typically range from £5 to £10, depending on traffic and exact destination.
• While onboard British Airways, take advantage of their complimentary Wi-Fi and inflight dining options to plan your visit to Cambridge; visit British Airways for more details on services and flight options.
🚌 The journey from Manchester to Cambridge by bus is a convenient option, with direct services departing five times a week on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
🚌 FlixBus operates the Manchester to Cambridge bus route, with departures from Manchester station and arrivals at Cambridge station. The journey typically takes around 4 hours and 20 minutes to complete.
🚌 Travelers can expect bus ticket prices for the Manchester to Cambridge route to range from £21 to £32, offering an affordable transportation option for exploring Cambridgeshire from the bustling city of Manchester.
Departure Point
Manchester station
Arrival Point
Cambridge station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Book your tickets in advance through the FlixBus website (flixbus.co.uk) to secure the best fares, as prices can range from £20 to £30 depending on availability.
• Be aware that Manchester's bus services primarily operate from Manchester Coach Station (Chorlton Street), so allow extra time to navigate to the station and find your platform before departure.
• Upon arriving at Cambridge, easily navigate the station by referring to the station map (cambridge.gov.uk) and note that the bus terminal is conveniently located just outside the train station, making transfer to local transport seamless.
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Manchester to Cambridge (Cambridgeshire).
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The distance between Manchester and Cambridge is approximately 214.0 km by road. It takes around 3 hours and 2 minutes to drive from Cambridge to Manchester. Alternatively, it takes 3 hours and 16 minutes to reach Cambridge from Manchester by train. If you prefer a combination of flying and taking a train, it would take approximately 4 hours and 28 minutes to travel from Manchester to Cambridge. Taking a bus would be the longest option, with a travel time of 4 hours and 20 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Manchester to Cambridge is by bus, with prices ranging from £20-£31. This option takes approximately 4 hours and 20 minutes. However, if time efficiency is a priority, driving is the quickest option, taking around 3 hours and 2 minutes. The cost for driving is slightly higher, ranging from £39-£63.
The price range for a train ticket from Manchester to Cambridge is between £88 and £220. On the other hand, the cost of a bus ticket from Cambridge to Manchester varies from £20 to £31.
To travel from Manchester to Cambridge without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of approximately 265.5 km. The journey typically takes around 3 hours and 2 minutes by car. The prices for car rentals from Manchester to Cambridge range from £39 to £63, depending on the rental company and vehicle chosen.
The best way to travel from Manchester to Cambridge without a car is by taking a train via London. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and 16 minutes and the cost can vary between £86 and £227. You can catch a train from Manchester to London, then change at London to a train bound for Cambridge.
Yes, there is a direct link between Manchester and Cambridge, although it involves transfers. Train services operated by Avanti West Coast depart from Manchester Piccadilly and arrive at Cambridge via Euston station and London Kings Cross, taking approximately 3h 16m including transfers. Alternatively, there is a direct bus service operated by FlixBus that departs from Manchester and arrives at Cambridge, with a journey time of approximately 4h 20m.
The flight between Manchester and Cambridge typically takes around 1 hour.
There are over 602 hotels available in Cambridge, providing a wide range of options for accommodation. Prices for hotels in Cambridge start at £45, offering choices for different budget preferences.
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