The cheapest and fastest trains from Cambridge to Manchester
Cheapest price
$49
Average price
$129
Fastest journey
3 h 35 m
Average duration
3 h 35 m
Trains per day
83
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 $129 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only $49.
To travel from Cambridge to Manchester you need to make at least 3 changes.
C21811+
C933358:49 AM4h46Cambridge North (CMB)1:35 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$491One-way1 change
G00959+
G08088+
G890959:00 AM4h01Cambridge station (CBG)1:01 PMManchester Victoria (MCV)$711One-way2 changes
G00956+
G08088+
G890958:00 AM5h01Cambridge station (CBG)1:01 PMManchester Victoria (MCV)$711One-way2 changes
C21590+
P768288:25 AM4h10Cambridge North (CMB)12:35 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$851One-way1 change
P76233+
C218127:26 AM4h09Cambridge North (CMB)11:35 AMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$851One-way1 change
G00960+
G08095+
G01184+
C2181110:00 AM3h35Cambridge station (CBG)1:35 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$1511One-way3 changes
P66825+
C21810+
G80176+
W8469211:30 AM3h35Cambridge North (CMB)3:05 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$1511One-way3 changes
G00969+
G08112+
G01186+
C215931:00 PM3h35Cambridge station (CBG)4:35 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$1511One-way3 changes
P66836+
C21809+
G80179+
W847021:30 PM3h35Cambridge North (CMB)5:05 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$1511One-way3 changes
G00973+
G08117+
W29937+
C218092:00 PM3h35Cambridge station (CBG)5:35 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$1511One-way3 changes
Travel 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 $17. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 12m. 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 $17, and a flight costs an average of $73.
Distance: 213 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$90 Average Price | $34 Average Price Cheapest | $204 Average Price |
4h 30m Average total duration 4h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 25m Average total duration 4h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 12m Average total duration Fastest 1h 12m 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, 21 May. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W34070+ G27002+ Tube from London Kings Cross to London Euston | Delayed 7:13 AM 6:42 AMCambridge station (CBG) | 3h37 | 10:19 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
W34273+ G28268+ Tube from Finsbury Park to London Euston | Delayed 7:33 AM 6:51 AMCambridge station (CBG) | 3h53 | 10:44 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
C93325+ W33961+ Tube from London Kings Cross to London Euston | On time 7:12 AM Cambridge station (CBG) | 3h53 | 11:05 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
C82678+ W34038+ Tube from London Kings Cross to London Euston | On time 7:25 AM Cambridge station (CBG) | 3h54 | 11:19 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
P76233+ C21812 | On time 7:26 AM Cambridge North (CMB) | 4h09 | 11:35 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
P76233+ C21812+ G80171+ W84667 | On time 7:26 AM Cambridge North (CMB) | 3h39 | 11:05 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3 changes | |
W45391+ Tube from Finsbury Park to London Euston+ W34185 | On time 7:51 AM Cambridge station (CBG) | 3h53 | 11:44 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
G00956+ W34102 | On time 8:00 AM Cambridge station (CBG) | 4h19 | 12:19 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
W34059+ Tube from London Kings Cross to London Euston+ C93336 | Delayed 8:53 AM 8:12 AMCambridge station (CBG) | 3h53 | 12:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
C21590+ P76828 | Delayed 7:53 AM 8:25 AMCambridge North (CMB) | 4h10 | 12:35 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
W34102+ Tube from London Kings Cross to London Euston+ G27004 | Delayed 9:13 AM 8:42 AMCambridge station (CBG) | 3h37 | 12:19 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
C21811+ C93335 | Delayed 8:48 AM 8:49 AMCambridge North (CMB) | 4h46 | 1:35 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
G00966+ W34280 | On time 12:00 PM Cambridge station (CBG) | 4h19 | 4:19 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
W34053+ C93377+ Tube from London Kings Cross to London Euston | Delayed 12:53 PM 12:12 PMCambridge station (CBG) | 3h53 | 4:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
C21593+ P66831 | Delayed 11:48 AM 12:30 PMCambridge North (CMB) | 4h05 | 4:35 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
W34280+ G77000+ Tube from London Kings Cross to London Euston | Delayed 1:13 PM 12:42 PMCambridge station (CBG) | 3h37 | 4:19 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
W33926+ W45491+ Tube from Finsbury Park to London Euston | Delayed 1:33 PM 12:51 PMCambridge station (CBG) | 3h53 | 4:44 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
W34157+ P76317+ Tube from Tottenham Hale to London Euston | Delayed 1:53 PM 12:59 PMCambridge station (CBG) | 4h06 | 5:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
| Friday, 22 May | |||||
G00955+ C02087+ W84667 | 6:57 AM Cambridge station (CBG) | 4h12 | 11:09 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 2 changes | |
G00955+ W34038 | 6:57 AM Cambridge station (CBG) | 4h22 | 11:19 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
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.
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Why should you book Cambridge to Manchester trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs East Midlands Railway?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for East Midlands Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, London North Eastern Railway 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 Railway 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, London North Eastern Railway 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 8 times per day, taking around 4h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $38 but you can travel from only $17 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 213 km distance in 3h 35m.
Distance 213 km |
Average train duration 4h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price $38 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 3h 35m |
First train 12:04 AM |
Last train 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 56 days |
Train companies: East Midlands Railway, CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, London North Eastern Railway, Transpennine Express, Thameslink, Cross Country, Great Northern from Cambridge to Manchester trainsEast Midlands Railway, CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, London North Eastern Railway, Transpennine Express, Thameslink, Cross Country, Great Northern trains will get you between Cambridge and Manchester from $17. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
East Midlands Railway
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
London North Eastern Railway
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 - Sunday 06:30 - 22:30
- Type of shops available: Passport Photo Booth
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: re Step free access is provided from the Ground Transport Interchange to all platforms via lifts or ramps. This station is staffed for all services. This station is Category A. Station staff can provide assistance from Meeting Point 1 (adjacent to the Station Booking Office) and throughout the railway station, and with boarding and alighting the train. Customers requiring assistance should make themselves known to station staff no less than 20 minutes prior to the departure time of their train. Customers requiring assistance to access other services or to connect with terminals should request this from their airline or Manchester Airport Group. Assistance can be requested in advance by contacting the TransPennine Express Assisted Travel Team on 0800 107 2149 (18001 prefix for TextRelay). Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge.
- Accessible public telephones: In the station cafe on platforms 2 and 3
- 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: The toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts. The Ladies toilets are located at the end of Platform 3. The Gents toilets are located at the end of Platform 2. The National key toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts, at the end of Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National key toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts, at the end of Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: No cycle storage
- Storage CCTV: No
- Information available from staff: ,Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0800 107 2149
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail Replacement bus services depart from stands L & M of the adjacent Bus Station which is situated close to the ticket office.



