To and from Cambridge
Airports
Stansted is the closest airport to Cambridge and is easily accessible by bus or train. For travel to and from the other nearby airports (Gatwick, Heathrow and Luton), you’ll have to either take a coach or go via London on the train (and cross the capital on the underground).
Trains
If you’ve exhausted weather-related chat with your nearest Englishman and still wish to pursue the conversation, get him started on the trains. It is definitely worthwhile procuring a Young Person’s Railcard (for which you’re eligible as a full-time student, regardless of your age) as it does offer significant discounts on full train fares. From Cambridge train station, you can travel direct to London, King’s Cross (0h45 to 1h15 journey time) and London, Liverpool Street (1h10 to 1h20). There are also direct trains to Stansted airport taking 30 to 40 minutes. For full details, see the recently revamped (although still not massively user-friendly) National Rail website: www.nationalrail.co.uk.
Coach
National Express www.nationalexpress.co.uk operates from Parker’s Piece, and travels to destinations throughout the UK (and onwards to continental Europe). If you intend to travel a lot on National Express, it is worth buying a Young Person’s Coach Card for discounted travel (this is distinct from the railcard of a similar name).
In Cambridge
Bicycle
As already mentioned, a bicycle is one of the best ways to get around Cambridge. For advice on how best to acquire such a contraption, view our what to acquire page.
Bus
If you’re feeling brave, you may decide to get on a local bus.
There are a number of bus routes running from central Cambridge to the outlying villages. Unfortunately, there is no direct bus route from the train station to the Wychfield site. A notable route is the Uni4/Citi4, which runs from Addenbrooke’s to the West Cambridge Site via Homerton, Trumpington Street and the UL. It only costs 50p per journey if you show your University Card.
Taxi
There are multiple taxi companies in Cambridge, but you will almost certainly end up becoming a regular customer of Panther (01223 715 715). You can book journeys in advance by phone or online at www.panthertaxis.co.uk.
Rates are council-dictated (more expensive at night and on the weekend). There are taxi ranks located at the railway station, on St Andrew’s Street and on Drummer Street. There are also night ranks at Market Square and on Sidney Street (opposite Boots).
Car
You will presumably already have been warned off bringing a car to Cambridge.