The Ultimate Day Trip from London to Cambridge: A Perfect 1-Day Itinerary
Escape the hustle of London and step into a world of cobblestone lanes, soaring gothic chapels, and scholarly whispers. A day trip to Cambridge is a journey back in time, and it’s one of the easiest, most rewarding escapes from the capital. This guide provides everything you need for a seamless one day trip from London to Cambridge, from transport hacks to a minute-by-minute itinerary.
Ever wonder, “Can you really do a day trip from London to Cambridge?” The answer is an enthusiastic and resounding yes! With stunning architecture at every turn, the gentle flow of the River Cam, and a vibrant student atmosphere, Cambridge is the perfect storybook city just waiting to be explored.
Quick Facts: Your Cambridge Day Trip at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance from London | Approx. 60 miles (97 km) |
| Travel Time (Fastest) | ~50 minutes by train |
| Average Return Cost | £30-£80 (Train), £15-£30 (Bus) |
| Best Time to Visit in 2025 | April-May & September-October (weekdays) |
| Must-Do Activity | Punting on the River Cam |
How to Get from London to Cambridge
Choosing your transport is the first step to a perfect day out. The best way to get to Cambridge from London is by train for speed and convenience, or by bus for the lowest cost. Here’s a quick breakdown of your options.
| Mode of Transport | Journey Time | Approx. Cost (Return) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train | 50-80 mins | £30 – £80+ | Fast, frequent, scenic, city centre arrival. | Can be expensive if not booked in advance. |
| Bus/Coach | 1.5 – 2.5 hours | £15 – £30 | Cheapest option, comfortable seats. | Slower, subject to traffic delays. |
| Car | 1.5 – 2+ hours | £20 (fuel) + Parking | Flexible schedule, good for groups. | Central London traffic, difficult & expensive parking. |
Cambridge Day Trip from London by Train (The Best Option)
For a swift and stress-free journey, the train is unbeatable. You have two main routes:
- From London King’s Cross: This is the fastest route. Great Northern trains will get you to Cambridge in as little as 50 minutes.
- From London Liverpool Street: A slightly slower but often scenic route. Greater Anglia trains take around 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Insider Tip: To save a significant amount of money, book “Advance” tickets 4-6 weeks ahead of your travel date. “Off-Peak” tickets offer flexibility outside of morning and evening rush hours, while “Anytime” tickets are the most flexible but also the most expensive.
London to Cambridge by Bus (The Budget Option)
If you’re watching your wallet, the bus is your best friend. National Express operates regular services from London Victoria Coach Station directly to Cambridge. While the journey takes between 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on traffic, the fares are a fraction of last-minute train prices, making it ideal for budget-conscious or spontaneous travellers.
Driving from London to Cambridge
Driving via the M11 motorway offers the most flexibility, but comes with a major caveat: parking. Central Cambridge is notoriously difficult and expensive for cars.
Crucial Tip: Do not drive into the city centre. Instead, use one of the excellent Park & Ride services located on the outskirts of the city, such as at Trumpington or Madingley Road. You can park your car all day for a small fee (around £3) and take a quick, cheap bus into the heart of the action.
Top 7 Things to Do on a Cambridge Day Trip
With only a day to explore, you’ll want to hit the highlights. Here is our recommended list of must-see attractions to make your trip unforgettable.
- Marvel at King’s College Chapel
Prepare to be awestruck. This is the icon of Cambridge, home to the largest fan-vaulted ceiling in the world and breathtaking stained-glass windows. Its sheer scale and beauty are worth the entry fee alone. (Approx. £15 adult entry).
Writer’s Tip: Check opening times on their website before you go, as the chapel often closes to the public for university services and events. - Go Punting on the River Cam
You simply cannot visit Cambridge without going punting. This is the quintessential Cambridge experience. Glide along “The Backs” and see the colleges from a unique, stunning perspective. You can hire a self-punt boat or, for a more relaxing time, take a chauffeured tour. (Shared tours ~£20-£30 per person).
Writer’s Tip: Book your punt tour online for a potential discount. Also, the further you walk from the main tourist hubs like King’s Parade, the better the price you’re likely to get from vendors. - Explore Trinity College & the Wren Library
Walk in the footsteps of giants like Isaac Newton, whose famous (apocryphal) apple tree sits outside the main gate. The college’s Great Court is magnificent, and the Wren Library is a treasure trove of rare books and manuscripts. (Approx. £8-£10 entry).
Writer’s Tip: The Wren Library has very limited public opening hours, usually for a couple of hours in the early afternoon. Check its specific schedule online to avoid disappointment. - Wander Through the Fitzwilliam Museum
Cambridge’s answer to the British Museum, the Fitzwilliam is a spectacular building housing a world-class collection of art and antiquities, from ancient Egyptian sarcophagi to Impressionist masterpieces. Best of all, entry is free! (Donations welcome).
Writer’s Tip: This is the perfect activity for a rainy hour or two. Don’t try to see everything; pick a gallery that interests you and enjoy it properly. - See the Bridge of Sighs at St John’s College
Named after its Venetian counterpart, this covered bridge is one of the most famous and photographed landmarks in Cambridge. While you can glimpse it from the river on a punt, the best views are from within the college grounds. (Approx. £12-£15 entry).
Writer’s Tip: The college entry fee is well worth it. The grounds are expansive and beautiful, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling streets. - Climb Great St Mary’s Church Tower
For the best view in the city, head to the University Church. After climbing 123 narrow steps, you’ll be rewarded with an incredible 360-degree panoramic view of the city, its colleges, and King’s College Chapel directly opposite. (Approx. £6-£7 entry).
Writer’s Tip: The spiral staircase is tight, so it’s not for the claustrophobic, but the photo opportunity at the top is absolutely unbeatable. - Have a Pint at The Eagle Pub
This is more than just a pub; it’s a piece of scientific history. It was here in 1953 that Francis Crick and James Watson burst in to announce they had discovered “the secret of life” – the structure of DNA.
Writer’s Tip: Pop your head into the back room, known as the “RAF Bar,” where WWII pilots scribbled their names and squadron numbers on the ceiling with lighters and lipstick.
A Perfect Cambridge Day Trip from London Itinerary
This logical route helps you see the best of Cambridge in one day without backtracking.
Morning (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM): Arrival and Academic Wonders
9:00 AM: Arrive at Cambridge Station. It’s a pleasant 20-minute walk into the city centre, or you can hop on one of the frequent buses.
10:00 AM: Head straight to King’s College Chapel. Visiting early helps you beat the worst of the crowds and allows you to soak in the atmosphere in relative peace.
11:30 AM: Wander through the historic Market Square. Browse the stalls, listen to the buskers, and grab a coffee from a local vendor to refuel.
Afternoon (1:00 PM – 5:00 PM): Punting and Pubs
1:00 PM: Time for lunch! For a historic experience, have a classic pub meal at The Eagle Pub. For something quicker, grab delicious street food from the market.
2:30 PM: It’s punting time! Settle in for a 45-minute chauffeured punt tour along The Backs. This is the most relaxing way to see the backs of the colleges, including the Bridge of Sighs and the Mathematical Bridge.
3:30 PM: After your punt, walk through the magnificent grounds of St John’s College to see the Bridge of Sighs up close.
4:30 PM (Optional): If you have time and energy, pop into the free Fitzwilliam Museum for a quick dose of culture.
Evening (5:00 PM onwards): A Final View and Departure
5:00 PM: Climb Great St Mary’s Tower. The light at this time of day (“golden hour”) is perfect for taking spectacular photos of the city skyline.
6:00 PM: Enjoy a final walk through the charming streets. Stop by Fitzbillies to grab one of their world-famous, sticky Chelsea Buns for the train ride home.
7:00 PM: Head back to Cambridge Station for your train to London, full of memories from a perfect day.
Where to Eat in Cambridge (For Every Budget)
Budget Bites (£5-£15)
- Cambridge Market Square: The ultimate choice for variety, from Greek gyros to artisan sandwiches.
- Aromi: Incredible Sicilian pizza, focaccia, and arancini served fresh and fast. Expect a queue!
- Jack’s Gelato: Not a meal, but an essential Cambridge experience. Unique, delicious flavours.
Classic Pubs (£15-£25)
- The Eagle: Good pub grub steeped in history. A must-visit.
- The Anchor: Lovely riverside location perfect for a sunny afternoon pint and meal.
- The Mill: Another idyllic pub right by the Mill Pond where you can watch the punts go by.
A Treat-Yourself Meal (£25-£40)
- Parker’s Tavern: A stylish brasserie serving high-end British comfort food.
- The Varsity Hotel Roof Terrace: The best place for drinks with a panoramic view of the city skyline.
Insider Tips for Your London to Cambridge Day Trip
- Book Everything in Advance: For the best prices, book your train tickets and entry to popular colleges online before you go. This guarantees entry and saves money.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking on beautiful but unforgiving cobblestone streets.
- Check College Opening Times: A college can close at short notice for private events or have restricted hours during exam season (late April to mid-June 2025). Always check their official website on the day.
- Go on a Weekday: If your schedule allows, visit between Monday and Thursday to avoid the weekend and bank holiday crowds.
- Walk Along The Backs: There is a public footpath that runs behind some of the colleges, offering stunning, free views of King’s Chapel and the River Cam.
- Don’t Drive into the City: It’s worth repeating! Use the Park & Ride system. It’s cheaper, easier, and stress-free.
What to Pack for Your Day Trip
- ☑ Comfortable walking shoes
- ☑ A waterproof jacket or umbrella (this is England, after all!)
- ☑ A portable power bank for your phone
- ☑ Your camera for all the photo opportunities
- ☑ Student ID (if applicable, for discounts on entry fees)
- ☑ Pre-booked tickets (on your phone or printed out)
Estimated Budget Breakdown
Here’s a rough idea of what to expect to spend per person for your day trip.
| Expense | Budget Traveller | Mid-Range Traveller | Splurge Traveller |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport | £20 (Bus/Adv. Train) | £45 (Off-Peak Train) | £70 (Anytime Train) |
| Attractions | £25 (Punt + 1 College) | £40 (Punt + 2 Colleges) | £50+ (Multiple Colleges) |
| Food & Drink | £20 (Market food) | £40 (Pub lunch + coffee) | £70+ (Restaurant meal) |
| Total per Person | ~ £65 | ~ £125 | ~ £190+ |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I do a day trip to Cambridge from London?
Absolutely! With a direct train journey of under an hour from King’s Cross, Cambridge is one of the easiest, quickest, and most rewarding day trips you can take from the capital.
What is the best day trip from London by train?
Cambridge is a top contender for the best day trip due to its fast train link and incredibly walkable city centre. Other popular choices include Oxford, Brighton, and Bath. We argue Cambridge is the best for its unique punting experience and compact, charming layout that feels less sprawling than Oxford.
Is Cambridge worth a day trip?
Yes, 100%. In a single day, you can experience world-class history, stand inside breathtaking architectural marvels, partake in the unique activity of punting on the river, and soak up a lively, scholarly atmosphere. It’s an unforgettable day out.
What is the cheapest way to get from London to Cambridge?
The cheapest way is typically by coach, with operators like National Express offering return tickets often under £20. The second-cheapest method is to book an “Advance” single train ticket several weeks before your travel date, which can offer huge savings over last-minute fares.
