By Tracey Lattimore
Travel to Cambridgeshire with ease, with major road networks and rail systems leading the way. If you're feeling adventurous you can even try your hand at punting.
Getting here
By train
There is a fast and frequent rail service from London King’s Cross and London Liverpool Street through to Cambridge. There are excellent connections from Scotland and the North via Peterborough, and regional services from Birmingham and the Midlands, East Anglia and the north west. For bus services from Cambridge railway station into the city centre look for the Citi 1, Citi 3 or Citi 7 services.
Travel to Cambridgeshire easily via rail networks
By road
From the South and from London, Cambridge is a short trip up the M11 motorway. From the north, the A1 and M1 link to the A14 dual carriageway straight to the city, and from the east and west, the A14 again takes you to Cambridge. For short stay trips, the city centre car parks offer great convenience, but for longer visits there are five world-class Park & Ride sites located on the outskirts of the city that provide free parking and a swift and frequent bus ride to the city centre.
By coach
National Express operates coach services to Cambridge from major towns and cities throughout the UK There are frequent coach services from both Central London, and London Stansted Airport through to the city. The X5 cross county Stagecoach service links Oxford to Cambridge, via Bicester, Buckingham, Milton Keynes and Bedford.
By bus
Stagecoach operates a comprehensive service to the city from around the county. The Busway offers an innovative and frequent service from Huntingdon to the city centre including stops at the Rail Station and Addenbrookes Hospital. Park and Ride sites for this service can be found at St Ives, Longstanton and Trumpington. Please visit thebusway.info for full details.
Take in the wonderful views when you travel to Cambridge on bus
By air
Cambridge is within easy reach of London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Birmingham International Airport. London Stansted is the nearest international airport to Cambridge, located just 30 miles to the South of the city, with easy access by train, coach, or car (M11).
By sea
Located just 67 miles south east of Cambridge, it is possible to sail into Harwich from the Hook of Holland and Esbjerg. Excellent road and rail links makes Cambridge easily accessible.
Getting around
Travelling around this area couldn’t be simpler! Whether you’re hiring a cycle or a punt, taking a bus or taxi, or even if you decide to walk, all parts of the city are easily accessible.
Park & Ride
Try using one of Cambridge’s five world-class Park & Ride sites when visiting the city. All are well signed from major routes into Cambridge. Park your car all day for free, and pay a small fee for your journey into the city. For further information on the Park & Ride service call 0345 045 5213.
Punting
Punting is a must when you visit Cambridge! It provides the perfect opportunity to view buildings connected with the most historical colleges in Cambridge. Look out for the impressive King’s College Chapel, the Wren Library at Trinity College and The Bridge of Sighs at St John’s. Allow your chauffeur to punt, whilst you relax and enjoy this unique Cambridge experience. Punts can be hired from Silver Street, The Quayside, the back of Trinity College, the Granta Mill Pond and next to Jesus Green park. Discounted Tickets for chauffeured punt tours of the Cambridge ‘Backs’ can be purchased from the Tourist Information Centre at Peas Hill.
You must experience punting when you come to Cambridge!
Walking
Many of the University buildings, museums, churches, open spaces and amenities that Cambridge has to offer are located in the very heart of the city. Walking is therefore a realistic and enjoyable way to move around Cambridge. It’s quick, free, healthy and green.
Pedestrian zone
Cambridge has a number of Pedestrian Zones. These provide a relaxing atmosphere in which visitors and shoppers can explore the commercial and historic centre. Access to the centre by car and cycle is therefore limited, especially during working hours.
Cycling
Cambridge has a wealth of cycle hire shops many of which are located in the heart of the city. Why not take the opportunity to explore the many cycle routes and paths that both Cambridge and its surrounding area have to offer? Relax and enjoy the Cambridgeshire countryside at your own pace. Cycles can be hired from as little as £5 per day. A list of cycle hire shops can be collected from the Tourist Information Centre.
Cycling is very popular with tourists exploring the city
CitySightseeing
CitySightseeing is the hop on, hop off tour bus that operates around Cambridge. It provides an excellent opportunity for visitors to gain an understanding and overview of the city. A full tour takes approximately one hour 20 minutes. Tickets for the tour are valid for 24 hours and can be purchased through the Tourist Information Centre. During the Summer season tours run between 10am and 5pm. The departure times vary depending upon which bus stop you wait at, however they come every 20 minutes to each one.
Cycle routes
The Cambridge area is a great place for cyclists and is one of the top cycling cities in Britain. Cycling in Cambridge offers an excellent opportunity to admire the city’s open spaces and beautiful architecture. The city boasts over 80 miles of cycle lanes and routes. These routes offer a quick and easy way to travel throughout the city. A map of the cycle routes in Cambridge and the surrounding villages can be downloaded from the city council website.
Read more about Cambridgeshire
