How to Navigate Your First Trip to Cambridge
Planning your first trip to Cambridge can be challenging, especially when it comes to navigating your arrival from any of London’s major airports such as Heathrow, Gatwick or Stansted. By the end of this travel guide, you’ll know exactly how to get from Cambridge from any of the main London airports to the city centre smoothly and affordably.
How to Get From Stansted Airport to the City Centre in 5 Easy Steps
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- Arrive at Stansted Airport and exit through the terminal onto the drop off and pick up zone
- Decide whether to take a taxi, train or National Express bus for transport
- Purchase advance train tickets at the transportation desk or bus tickets onboard
- Take your chosen transport – taxi, Stansted Express train, or Busway route to Cambridge city centre
- Find your accommodation along the River Cam or in the historic city centre
Additional Cambridge Transfer Information
With its medical and research campuses Cambridge has for many years needed to be well connected to ensure quick and easy transit to all of London’s major airports, in particular London Heathrow and London Stansted. This travel guide is for first-time visitors without pre-arranged transportation who wish to secure safe and good value transfers to or from Cambridge.
Step 1: Arrive and Exit Through the Terminal
When your flight lands, follow signs to the terminal exit and if you are travelling via private transfer then ensure that you make contact with your waiting driver/chauffeur as soon as possible. Collect checked baggage and keep your passport handy before meeting your driver in the arrivals hall.
The arrivals hall has restrooms, an information desk, and currency exchange kiosks. There are also shops and restaurants before heading out to the car parks.
Pro Tip: Use the facilities and purchase any items while still in the secure airport area before exiting.
Step 2: Decide on Taxi, Train, or Bus Transport
You have three main options to reach Cambridge from any of London’s main airports:
Taxi: Most convenient but costs ~£75+ (for transfers from and to London Stansted Airport). Can be booked prior to arrival or join the taxi queue outside arrivals. To avoid long queues and to secure the best value, you can pre-book cheap airport transfers to Cambridge with providers like NLG Airport Transfers.
Train: Cheaper at ~£25+ per ticket. Take the Stansted Express from the on-site train station to Cambridge Station. Trains depart every 30 minutes.
Bus: Most budget-friendly at £7-10 per ticket. Take National Express bus #7 from outside arrivals to central Cambridge. Check the schedule.
Pro Tip: Have cash ready as many options only accept cash payments.
Step 3: Purchase Your Train or Bus Ticket
If taking the train or bus, purchase tickets at the transportation desk or onboard. Have cash ready as some only accept cash.
Follow signs to the train station or bus stop #7 just outside arrivals.
Step 4: Take Your Chosen Transport to Cambridge City Centre
Taxi: Provide your city centre accommodation address and enjoy the ride!
Train: Board the Stansted Express on Platform 1. Disembark at Cambridge Station in the city centre.
Bus: Board the National Express bus and pay the driver.
The journey takes approximately 45-60 minutes from London Stansted depending on traffic. Enjoy the views on your way into town!
Step 5: Find Your Cambridge Accommodation
Once at Cambridge Station or the central bus station, follow directions to your hotel, B&B or short-term rental. Cambridge city centre is very compact so you can walk or take a local taxi.
Conclusion
Now, you have navigated from London’s main airports such as London Stansted to accommodation in the historic city centre. Repeat these steps on departure and future flights. Now it’s time to settle in and explore Cambridge’s colleges, museums, and punting along the River Cam!