Planning a trip to or from Cambridge and not sure which London airport makes life easiest? You are not alone. With Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, and Luton all within reach, the best choice depends on distance, travel time, and how you prefer to travel. This guide gives you clear comparisons for road and rail, plus practical tips for families and business travellers. You will also see how a fully electric transfer with e-Wave keeps your journey smooth, stress free, and sustainable.
Quick answer: which airport is closest to Cambridge?
Closest by distance: Stansted, roughly 30 miles, around 40 to 50 minutes by road in normal traffic.
Next closest: Luton, roughly 35 to 40 miles, around 1 hour by road.
Heathrow and Gatwick: Heathrow is closer than Gatwick to Cambridge. Heathrow sits around 70 to 80 miles away and Gatwick around 95 to 105 miles away.
So, is Cambridge closer to Heathrow or Gatwick? Heathrow is closer, usually by about 20 to 30 miles and often 30 to 45 minutes in journey time.
Typical travel times at a glance
Times vary with traffic, engineering works, weather, and time of day. Use these as sensible ranges.
Stansted to Cambridge
Road: 40 to 50 minutes.
Rail: Direct Greater Anglia services can take about 30 to 40 minutes.
Luton to Cambridge
Road: Around 60 to 80 minutes.
Rail: Often 1 hour 30 to 1 hour 50 with changes via London.
Heathrow to Cambridge
Road: Around 1 hour 40 to 2 hours, longer at peak times or in poor weather.
Rail: Heathrow Express or Elizabeth line to London, then Underground to King’s Cross, then fast train to Cambridge. Often 2 to 2.5 hours plus changes.
Gatwick to Cambridge
Road: Typically 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on M25 and M11 conditions.
Rail: Gatwick Express or Southern/Thameslink into London, change to King’s Cross, then fast train to Cambridge. Often 2.25 to 2.75 hours.
If you have flexibility, Stansted usually wins for speed. If you are choosing between Heathrow and Gatwick, Heathrow is closer and often simpler.
Road vs rail: what is the easiest airport to get to from Cambridge?
Easiest overall: Stansted. Short distance, quick road and direct rail options, and fewer changes with luggage.
Best balance of long-haul choice and distance: Heathrow. More long haul flights than Stansted, still manageable by road with a direct, door to door transfer.
Good value for many European flights: Luton. Road is straightforward but rail usually involves changes.
Works for some international routes: Gatwick. Expect longer times and more changes compared with Heathrow.
If you prefer minimal changes, door to door comfort, and guaranteed space for luggage, a private electric transfer is often the easiest option.
Pros and cons by airport
Stansted
Pros: Closest, fastest, frequent direct trains, compact terminals.
Cons: Fewer long haul options than Heathrow.
Luton
Pros: Good for European flights, improving facilities, reasonable road time.
Cons: Train journeys usually require changes and can be time consuming.
Heathrow
Pros: Huge choice of flights, better for intercontinental routes, plentiful services and amenities.
Cons: Busier roads around the M25 and M4, rail involves multiple changes.
Gatwick
Pros: Strong global network, frequent trains to London.
Cons: Farthest from Cambridge of the four, longer on the road, more rail changes.
Why a fully electric airport transfer keeps things simple
You want a journey that is calm, punctual, and kind to the planet. With e-Wave you get:
Zero tailpipe emissions from a modern all electric fleet.
Professional drivers who track your flight in real time, adjust pick up times, and message you on arrival.
24/7 availability for early departures and late arrivals.
Clean, quiet vehicles with climate control and generous luggage space.
A tree planted for every passenger, supporting reforestation projects.
Travelling with children? Ask about child seats when you book. Carrying skis, pushchairs, or samples for a meeting? We will match you with a vehicle that fits your luggage comfortably. Business travellers appreciate discreet service, punctual pickups, and reliable Wi Fi hotspots when requested. If you are arriving late, our driver meets you, keeps in touch via WhatsApp, and gets you home without the train connection puzzle.
Real world route guidance from Cambridge
To Heathrow: The M11 and M25 route is the usual choice. In good conditions you can expect around 1 hour 40 to 2 hours. If you need a direct, comfortable ride without rail changes, pre book a fully electric transfer. You can also read more about booking a taxi from Cambridge to Heathrow here: taxi from cambridge to heathrow.
To Gatwick: The M11, M25, and M23 corridor can be slow during peak hours. Allow 2 to 2.5 hours by road, longer in winter weather. If arriving late, a private transfer avoids the multiple rail changes across London.
To Stansted: Fastest of the four, with reliable journey times. Handy for early morning flights and quick returns.
To Luton: Often straightforward by road, but plan extra time during peak periods or on wet and icy days.
Winter tip: Build a 20 to 40 minute buffer for darker mornings, wet roads, or frost. Electric vehicles deliver smooth torque in stop start traffic, which helps keep the ride calm and predictable.
Is it cheaper to pre book an airport transfer?
In most cases, yes. Pre booking locks in your fare, avoids surge pricing, and ensures the right vehicle for your luggage. You also secure a trusted driver who will track your flight and wait if your arrival time shifts. This is especially valuable during holidays, school breaks, and winter periods when demand spikes.
If you are comparing door to door options, consider the total cost and time. A pre booked electric transfer can beat the combined price of multiple rail tickets plus the time and effort of changes. It also removes the risk of missing a connection after a delayed landing.
When should you choose rail?
Rail can be a good choice if you are travelling light and landing at Stansted. The direct service to Cambridge is quick and frequent. For Heathrow or Gatwick, the multiple changes through central London are manageable if you know the stations, but families with buggies or travellers with several bags usually prefer a direct transfer.
The best option for airport transfers
The best option is the one that makes your day simpler. If you want a guaranteed seat, quiet space to work or rest, and a lower carbon footprint, choose a fully electric, door to door ride. e-Wave operates 24/7 with friendly, professional drivers who make the journey effortless from pickup to drop off. If you are starting your research, our page on airport transfers in cambridge explains how we plan routes, monitor flights, and match vehicle sizes.
For corporate travellers, our team supports scheduled pickups, return trips, and account options. Explore how we help teams move reliably and sustainably on our cambridge business travel page.
Summary: choose the airport that fits your trip
Closest airport: Stansted.
Between Heathrow and Gatwick, Heathrow is closer to Cambridge and usually faster.
Light luggage and short hops: Stansted rail can be great.
Families, late night arrivals, and business trips: a pre booked electric transfer saves time and stress.
Pre booking usually costs less than on the day, avoids surge pricing, and secures the right vehicle.
Ready for a smooth, green ride? Book online in minutes or message us on WhatsApp for instant help. We are here 24/7 with live flight monitoring, zero emission vehicles, and a calm, comfortable journey from door to door
