Nestled along the River Cam, the city of Cambridge is a charming place to unwind away from the busy atmosphere of the capital.

A day trip to Cambridge from London takes you on a journey through time with its centuries-old university buildings and architecturally perfect spires.

No visit to Cambridge is complete without a gentle punt down the river and a traditional pint to end the day.

Read on for all you need to know about Cambridge, one of the most popular destinations for day trips from London.

How to get to Cambridge from London

Home to one of the top universities in the world, Cambridge sits in the county of Cambridgeshire, around 100 kilometers north of London.

By car: The journey from London to Cambridge by car takes 1.5 to 2 hours via the M11.
By train: There are multiple trains from Kings Cross station to Cambridge departing every hour. Direct services take just under an hour, while tickets cost between £25 and £40.
Guided tour: Cambridge day tours meet at a variety of landmarks all over the city from the iconic London Bridge to Victoria Coach Station. They begin between 8:30 AM and 9 AM, and last eight to 10 hours, arriving back in the capital city in the early evening.

Typical itinerary of a Cambridge day trip from London

Once you've reached your meeting point in the center of the city, you'll embark on your Cambridge day tour. You'll travel directly to the historic city where you'll usually participate in a walking tour. This includes the colleges comprising Cambridge University that makes the town so famous.

Afterward, you'll have several hours of free time to soak in the atmosphere before boarding the bus to travel back to London.

Best day trips to Cambridge

Guided tours to Cambridge from London

This day trip begins with a ride to Cambridge and a guided walking tour of the city. Cambridge is full of interesting landmarks and you'll pass by many on your way to the Tower of Saint Mary the Great for a bird's-eye view of the city of scholars.

After your walking tour, you'll have plenty of free time to roam the streets of Cambridge at your leisure to explore or enjoy a punt ride, before traveling back to London.

Our pick: Cambridge Day Trip from London

Includes: Luxury coach transfers, sightseeing tour with local guide, entry to Tower of Saint Mary the Great
Price: £79 (adults) and £69 (children 5-17)
Duration: 9 hours

Day trips to Cambridge plus Oxford from London

Tick both iconic university towns in England off your bucket list on a combination tour of Oxford and Cambridge. Enjoy live commentary aboard the coach all the way to Oxford, where you'll participate in a guided tour of the lofty spires and historic university.

After a thorough exploration of Oxford, you'll travel to the medieval city of Cambridge, where you'll take a guided tour of the university grounds. You'll admire the winding River Cam before returning to London.

Our pick: Oxford and Cambridge Universities Tour from London

Includes: Roundtrip transfers, multilingual audio guide, live commentary, walking tours of Oxford and Cambridge, entry to Christ Church College in Oxford
Price: £105 (adults), £100 (children 5-16 and seniors 60+)
Duration: 10 hours

Private Transfers to Cambridge

Seize the day and discover the wonders of Cambridge on your day away from London, without having to worry about set itineraries and train schedules. These chauffeured trips to Cambridge include transportation in a luxury vehicle, allowing you to kick back, enjoy the ride and explore the city on your own terms.

Our pick: Private Chauffeured Return Trip to Cambridge

Includes: Roundtrip transfer in luxury Range Rover, hotel pick-up and drop-off, optional walking tour
Price: £916 for group of up to 4 travelers, £40 for option guided walking tour
Duration: 8 hours

Prices for Cambridge day trips from London

Day trips to Cambridge typically cost around £80 per traveler, which includes a sightseeing tour with a local guide.

Prices for Oxford and Cambridge day trips start at around £100 and typically include walking tours in both cities with a professional guide and round-trip transportation.

Private transfers to Cambridge from London are calculated on a group basis and typically cost around £800 and £900, depending on vehicle size and class.

Best time to visit Cambridge

The best time to visit Cambridge from London for a day trip is during spring (April to June) or early autumn (September to October). These months offer pleasant weather, ideal for exploring the university town's outdoor sights and punting on the river.

Weekdays are preferable to avoid the crowds, especially outside of university term time when the city is less busy. Start early to maximize your day and enjoy a relaxed pace.

What to see and do in Cambridge

King's College

King's College is one of the oldest and most prestigious of the 31 colleges scattered throughout Cambridge. Founded in 1441 by King Henry VI, it has a rich and storied history. Today, the college is best known for its stunning chapel, which was completed in 1515.

The chapel is famous for its Gothic design and it is widely considered to be one of the finest examples of late medieval architecture in England. Standard tickets for the college grounds and chapel cost about £15, with discounts available for advance bookings.

Cambridge University Botanic Garden

The Cambridge University Botanic Garden is home to an incredible array of plant life from all over the world. You can stroll through the carefully manicured gardens, admiring the diverse range of over 8,000 flowers, trees and shrubs.

The garden is a hub of learning and often holds workshops to develop visitors' green fingers. In addition to its impressive collection of plants, the garden is also home to a number of ponds and streams.

Ducks and swans can often be seen swimming in the water, and the gardens are a popular spot for picnicking and relaxing on sunny days. Tickets cost about £8 per adult.

The River Cam

The River Cam is a peaceful oasis in the bustling city of Cambridge. Lined with trees and greenery, the Cam is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. On a sunny day, people punt down the river, sunbathe on the banks or picnic with friends.

If you want to explore the Cam for yourself, there are a number of boat rental companies that offer punting trips and boat tours. Several pubs and cafés dot the banks of the river where you can stop in for a refreshing pint on a hot day.

Travel tips

Don't miss Cambridge Market, which is open from 10 AM and 4 PM every day, and sells everything from green juices to pottery.
Cambridge is a very bicycle friendly city, with many local shops offering rentals if you would like to explore the city on two wheels.
Aside from its world-class academic institutions, Cambridge is also known for its lively pub scene.
Strawberry Fair, which takes place on Midsummer Common the first Saturday of June every year, is a free music, arts and crafts festival.
Tours of the city include a lot of walking, so ensure you're wearing comfortable shoes.

More tours to Cambridge from cities in England

You can visit Cambridge on excursions departing from several other cities in England:

Day trips to Cambridge from Brighton
Day tours to Cambridge from Oxford

Cambridge: Day Trips and Tours from London