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There's no direct train between Heathrow and Cambridge, but direct National Express coaches link the airport with Cambridge city centre. You can also take the train with a change in central London, or a taxi door to door. This guide compares each option in both directions, Heathrow to Cambridge and Cambridge to Heathrow.
Heathrow to Cambridge: the quick answer
- Direct coach: National Express routes 727 and 728 run between Heathrow and Cambridge Parkside, from about 2 hours 15 minutes.
- Train: no direct service. Take the Elizabeth line to Farringdon, then Thameslink to Cambridge.
- Distance: about 112 km (70 miles).
- Easiest with luggage: a pre-booked taxi from your terminal to your Cambridge address.
Heathrow to Cambridge: All Options Compared
| Option | Changes | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| National Express coach | None | From about 2 hours 15 min |
| Elizabeth line + Thameslink via Farringdon | One, at Farringdon | Thameslink about 1 hour 13 min from Farringdon, plus the Elizabeth line |
| Pre-booked taxi | None | Depends on traffic |
Typical times published by the operators, not guarantees. They vary with traffic and service changes.
Heathrow to Cambridge by Coach
National Express runs direct coaches between Heathrow and Cambridge, with no changes.
- Routes: 727, up to 7 coaches a day, and 728, up to 2 a day.
- Journey time: from about 2 hours 15 minutes, depending on the service and traffic.
- At Heathrow: coaches call at Heathrow Central Bus Station for Terminals 2 and 3, and at Terminal 5. Check your stop when you book.
- In Cambridge: coaches stop at Trumpington Park & Ride and at Cambridge Parkside in the city centre.
Heathrow to Cambridge by Train
There's no direct train from Heathrow to Cambridge, but you can make the journey with one change:
- Elizabeth line: from Heathrow to Farringdon, direct from Terminals 2 & 3, Terminal 4 and Terminal 5. Oyster and contactless are accepted.
- Thameslink: from Farringdon to Cambridge, about 1 hour 13 minutes.
Another option is the Elizabeth line or Underground to King's Cross for Great Northern trains to Cambridge. See our King's Cross to Heathrow guide and Liverpool Street to Heathrow guide for more on the Elizabeth line.
Taxi from Heathrow to Cambridge
The coach is limited to a few times a day, and the train means a change across London with your luggage. A pre-booked taxi goes straight from your terminal to your address. It's usually the easier choice when:
- you have heavy luggage, a pushchair or sports equipment;
- you're travelling as a family or group;
- you land late at night or fly out very early;
- your address isn't close to Cambridge Parkside or the station.
Book a Heathrow to Cambridge transfer
- Door to door: Heathrow airport transfers to Cambridge and other destinations beyond London, 24/7, with TfL-licensed drivers.
- Arriving at Heathrow: your exact meeting point is in your booking instructions; with Meet & Greet, your driver meets you in the arrivals area.
- Flight monitoring: we offer flight monitoring for pre-booked airport pickups. Add your flight number when booking, and flight monitoring helps us coordinate your pickup around updated arrival information.
- Fixed fares: fixed fares for pre-booked airport transfers. Know your fare before confirming your booking, with no meter-based fare surprises.
- Vehicles: saloons to 16-seat minibuses in our fleet. Get an instant fare quote.
Cambridge to Heathrow
The same options work in reverse. National Express coaches leave Cambridge Parkside and Trumpington Park & Ride for Heathrow. By train, take Thameslink to Farringdon, then the Elizabeth line to your Heathrow terminal.
If you're dropped off at Heathrow by car or taxi, Heathrow charges £7 for every vehicle entering a terminal drop-off area, including taxis. Travelling with Banana Cars? Check your quote and booking details for how this airport charge applies to your journey.
Which Option Should You Choose?
- Travelling light on a budget: the direct National Express coach, if the times suit you.
- Prefer the train: the Elizabeth line to Farringdon, then Thameslink.
- Lots of luggage, a family or a group: one vehicle, door to door; see group transfers.
Flying from Stansted instead? It's closer to Cambridge; see our Stansted airport transfers.
Heathrow to Cambridge FAQs
Yes. National Express routes 727 and 728 run direct between Heathrow and Cambridge, with the fastest taking about 2 hours 15 minutes.
No. Take the Elizabeth line to Farringdon, then Thameslink to Cambridge, about 1 hour 13 minutes from Farringdon.
At Trumpington Park & Ride and at Cambridge Parkside, the city-centre coach stop.
About 112 km (70 miles) by the coach route.
Heathrow Central Bus Station for Terminals 2 and 3, and Terminal 5. For Terminal 4, use the free transfer from Terminals 2 & 3.
It depends on traffic, the time of day and your exact address. Fixed fares for pre-booked airport transfers. Know your fare before confirming your booking, with no meter-based fare surprises.
We offer flight monitoring for pre-booked airport pickups. Add your flight number when booking, and flight monitoring helps us coordinate your pickup around updated arrival information. Airport waiting allowances vary between 45 and 60 minutes depending on your flight category, under the terms of your booking. Any additional waiting charges are also subject to your booking terms.
Yes. MPVs, the Executive MPV-7 and 16-seaters suit families and groups. Child seats are free on advance request: Group 0/0+ (infant), Group 1 (toddler) and Group 2/3 (booster). Tell us each child's age and how many seats you need when you book.
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