Getting from Cambridge to Central London is straightforward on paper. In practice, the right option depends on how many bags you’re carrying, how many people are travelling with you, and how much your time is actually worth.
The distance is roughly 60 miles by air and approximately 60 to 66 miles by road. If you took the train or other public commute options like buses, it would become much more of a logistical exercise than a simple journey.
However, you don’t have to think about all the nitty-gritties. We are here to break down everything about how to get from Cambridge to Central London, the options you have, and their pros and cons, so you can make the right call before you step out the door.
There are many ways to get from Cambridge to Central London, such as booking train or bus tickets, opting for a ride-sharing option, or booking a private taxi from Cambridge to Central London.
All options come with their own travel time, price point, and level of comfort, and the best one for you will depend on your priorities. Let us explain in simple words:
Train: Good option if you’re travelling solo, packing light, and don’t mind navigating stations
National Express Coach/ Bus: Budget-friendly but slow, works only if time isn’t a factor and cost is your main concern.
Private Transfer: Best option if you want a door-to-door ride with no connections, no luggage hassle, and a fixed price agreed upfront.
As we said, there are three best ways to travel to Central London, either you can go with a personal and comfortable journey with a private transfer, or choose public transport.
The right answer isn’t the same for everyone. To help you out, we will break down each option honestly so you can decide what actually makes sense for your trip.
By far, the train is the most common option if you want to travel from Cambridge to Central London. It takes around 1 hour and 10 to 20 minutes on average, which sounds reasonable until you factor in getting to Cambridge station, waiting on the platform, and then making your way from whichever London terminus you land at to your actual destination.
The drop-off location is also not decided by you. Depending on the service, you may arrive at London Liverpool Street or London King’s Cross. If neither of those is close to where you’re heading, you have to book a taxi. However, it’s not an expensive option for solo travellers, which makes it an ideal option if budget is your top concern.
The next option is the National Express Coach, the most budget-friendly way to get from Cambridge to Central London. Coaches run regularly from Cambridge Park Side (City Centre) and drop you at London Victoria Coach Station or any other designated stop.
That said, the trade-off is time. The journey typically takes anywhere from 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic. Unlike the train, there’s very little you can do if the coach runs late.
Luggage space is limited, stops can add to your overall travel time, and sitting on a coach for that long with bags at your feet is a very different experience from a comfortable, direct ride to your destination.
The third and best option is to book a private taxi from Cambridge to Central London. You can choose the Cambridge Transfers service for a seamless, door-to-door experience that takes the stress out of the journey entirely.
Your driver meets you at your chosen pickup location. Then the driver handles your luggage and takes you directly to wherever you need to be in Central London, whether that’s a hotel, an office, or a private address.
The journey time by private transfer typically runs between 1 hour 45 minutes and more, depending on traffic, with a fixed price agreed upfront.
As mentioned earlier, distance is one of the key factors in determining the fare of a private transfer to Stansted Airport. Use our online booking system to see the price of airport taxis to Stansted Airport by pickup city, based on the areas currently served by Cambridge Transfers.
| Traveller Type | Train (Standard) | Train (First Class) | National Express | Private Transfer |
| Solo Traveller | £15 – £30 | £40+ | £23 – £28 | £150 (Executive Saloon, up to 4 passengers) |
| Couple | £30 – £60 | £80+ | £46 – £56 | £150 (Executive Saloon, up to 4 passengers) |
| Family of 4 | £60 – £120 | £160+ | £92 – £112 | £160 (Executive Estate, up to 4 passengers) |
| Group of 6+ | £90 – £180 | £240+ | £138 – £168 | £270 (Executive MPV, up to 7 passengers) |
Vehicle | Passengers | Drop-Off | Pick-Up |
Executive Saloon | Up to 4 passengers | £150.00 | £150.00 |
Executive Estate | Up to 4 passengers | £160.00 | £160.00 |
Luxury Saloon | Up to 3 passengers | £195.00 | £195.00 |
Executive MPV | Up to 7 passengers | £270.00 | £270.00 |
Location | Executive Saloon (up to 4) | Executive Estate (up to 4) | Luxury Saloon (up to 3) | Executive MPV (up to 7) |
Ely | £170 | £180 | £221 | £306 |
Haverhill | £170 | £180 | £221 | £306 |
Huntingdon | £170 | £180 | £221 | £306 |
March | £200 | £210 | £260 | £360 |
Newmarket | £170 | £180 | £221 | £306 |
Royston | £165 | £175 | £214.50 | £297 |
St Neots | £170 | £180 | £221 | £306 |
Thetford | £220 | £230 | £286 | £396 |
When you book with Cambridge Transfers, the price you see is the price you pay. There are no add-ons waiting for you at the end of the journey. Every fare on the Cambridge to Central London route includes:
Congestion zone charges, tolls, and parking fees: All covered upfront, so there’s nothing to calculate or claim back later.
Complimentary waiting time: Your driver waits up to 15 minutes at no extra charge, giving you breathing room if you’re running slightly behind.
In-ride comfort extras: Every vehicle comes with complimentary Wi-Fi, bottled water, phone charging, and tissues as standard.
Child seats on request: Available across all vehicle types, just add it when booking.
The National Express Coach is the cheapest option on paper, with fares starting around £23 to £28 per person from Cambridge Park Side.
However, if cost per head is your priority and you’re travelling as a group, a private transfer with Cambridge Transfers can work out comparably priced, with the added benefit of a direct, door-to-door journey.
Figuring out how to get from Cambridge to Central London is really a question of what kind of journey you want to have.
The train works for solo travelers with light packing. The coach works if the budget is the only priority. But if you’re traveling with family, carrying luggage, or simply want to arrive relaxed and on time, a private transfer is the option that removes every variable from the equation.
Cambridge Transfers operates 24/7, covers Cambridge and all surrounding towns, and handles everything from the moment you book to the moment you arrive. Fill in the booking form to get your fare, confirm your vehicle, and have your Central London transfer sorted in minutes.
