Europe > United Kingdom > Cambridge (CBG)
The Car or no Car advice for Cambridge can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Cambridge ; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Cambridge ?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Cambridge?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
🚲 Cycling is the natural way to move
Cambridge is Britain’s cycling capital. Lanes are flat, distances are short and there are bike racks everywhere. You can cycle between colleges, museums, libraries and riverside meadows in minutes. Rental bikes are easy to arrange. Guided tours exist too. In addition, locals also cycle to Grantchester, which sits just outside the city. The route follows the river through orchards and fields. It is one of the region’s most pleasant short rides.
🛣️ The guided busway and cycling alongside it
Cambridge has a unique guided busway. It runs from the city north toward St Ives and south to Trumpington and Addenbrooke’s Hospital. What matters to visitors is that there is a smooth cycle path beside it. You can follow that path toward St Ives and reach nature reserves and quiet riverside spots. Although the busway does not connect many major tourist attractions beyond Ely, riding the cycle lane itself can be enjoyable. It is safe, flat and ideal for stretching your legs.
🏛️ Day trips without a car
The most popular excursion is Ely Cathedral. Trains run frequently and take only around 15–20 minutes. Ely’s riverside, ancient streets and imposing cathedral make a perfect half-day trip. Moreover, Cambridge itself is an obvious day trip from London. Fast trains run from King’s Cross and Liverpool Street. Because everything sits close together, you can arrive, rent a bike and explore without needing a car.
🛬 Airports and arrivals
Cambridge Airport (IATA: CBG) is small and has no regular commercial flights. So international travellers usually arrive via Stansted, or one of the other London airports. Trains and coaches from Stansted are simple and fast.
🎯 Conclusion: Should you rent a car in Cambridge?
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❌ Skip the car for city breaks, cycling days, college visits and rail day trips to Ely.
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❔ Consider renting a car in Cambridge only if you want to explore wider East Anglia beyond rail and bus routes.
