The cheapest and fastest trains from Cambridge to Manchester
Cheapest price
$129
Average price
$144
Fastest journey
3 h 35 m
Average duration
3 h 49 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
213 km
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 travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cambridge to Manchester will cost around $144 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only $129.
To travel from Cambridge to Manchester you need to make at least 2 changes.
C75396+
C40797+
L36843
C75394+
C40792+
L36837
P47295+
Y12446+
C41018+
L37231
W58525 · W58711+
C40791+
L36645
C75392+
L02244 · VT984700
C75396+
C40797+
L36843
C75394+
C40792+
L36837
W58525 · W58711+
C40791+
L36645
P47295+
Y12446+
C41018+
L37231
C75392+
L02244 · VT984700Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Cambridge to Manchester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cambridge to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from $24. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 17m. 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 coach costs an average of $24, and a flight costs an average of $74.
Distance: 213 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$97 Average Price | $50 Average Price Cheapest | $185 Average Price |
4h 15m Average total duration 3h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 4m Average total duration 5h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 17m Average total duration Fastest 1h 17m 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
Cambridge to Manchester train times
The table below shows live departures for Cambridge to Manchester trains for today, Thursday, 19 February. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C75405+ C40817+ L36860 | On time 1:00 pm Cambridge station (CBG) | 3h36 | 4:36 pm Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 2 changes | |
| Friday, 20 February | |||||
C75392+ L02244 · VT984700 | On time 8:00 am Cambridge station (CBG) | 4h25 | 12:25 pm Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
W58525 · W58711+ C40791+ L36645 | On time 8:12 am Cambridge station (CBG) | 3h40 | 11:52 am Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 3 changes | |
C75394+ C40792+ L36837 | On time 9:00 am Cambridge station (CBG) | 3h37 | 12:37 pm Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 2 changes | |
P47295+ Y12446+ C41018+ L37231 | On time 9:30 am Cambridge North (CMB) | 3h48 | 1:18 pm Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 3 changes | |
C75396+ C40797+ L36843 | On time 10:00 am Cambridge station (CBG) | 3h35 | 1:35 pm Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cambridge to Manchester by train, coach or flight
Compare train, coach 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.
20 Feb
21 Feb
22 Feb
23 Feb
24 Feb
25 Feb
26 Feb
27 Feb
28 Feb
01 Mar
02 Mar
03 Mar
04 Mar
05 Mar
06 Mar
07 Mar
08 Mar
09 Mar
10 Mar
11 Mar
12 Mar
Why should you book Cambridge to Manchester trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs East Midlands Trains?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for East Midlands Trains, but also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, LNER 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 Trains 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, Avanti West Coast, LNER 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.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cambridge to Manchester?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cambridge to Manchester
Trains from Cambridge to Manchester run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 45m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $41 but you can travel from only $24 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 213 km distance in 3h 26m.
Distance 213 km |
Average train duration 3h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price $41 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 26m |
First train 00:04 |
Last train 23:57 |
Train companies: East Midlands Trains, CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, LNER, TransPennine Express, Thameslink, Cross Country, Great Northern from Cambridge to Manchester trainsEast Midlands Trains, CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, LNER, TransPennine Express, Thameslink, Cross Country, Great Northern trains will get you between Cambridge and Manchester from $24. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
East Midlands Trains
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
LNER
TransPennine Express
Thameslink
Great Northern
Cross Country
FAQs: Cambridge to Manchester train
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.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cambridge and Manchester
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:10 - 23:00 Saturday 05:10 - 23:00 Sunday 07:00 - 22:55
- Car Park: Premium Bay
- 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
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 4. The accessible toilets are on platform 4
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Waiting rooms location: Platforms 1, 4 and 7
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Cycle point is by the Car Park
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail replacement buses depart from the front of the station
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- 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
- Toilets Location: Station foyer
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Waiting rooms location: Waiting rooms are available on each platform
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Adjacent station building.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Information available from staff: Yes - from information point
- Helpline Contact: 0800 028 2878
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: From bus stop on station forecourt.
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
- Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi.
- Operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
- Burger King
- Caffè Nero
- Carluccio’s
- Hotel Chocolat
- Starbucks
- The Pasty Shop
- Costa Coffee
- Pret a Manger
- Upper Crust
- McDonald's
- & more
- There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly
- Premier Inn Manchester City
- Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
- Located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
- Bus lines: 1, 2, 3, 147
- Train lines: Northern, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:00 Sunday 08:00 - 22:15
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Toilets Location: A key is available in the Duty's Manager's office.
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: on platform and approach
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- 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.
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:40 Sunday 07:30 - 22:00
- Car Park: No
- 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
- 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
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: on Platform 4/5
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- 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)
