Cambridge South station has welcomed more than 400,000 passenger journeys in the 100 days since opening, underlining strong demand for rail travel to one of the UK's most important centres for healthcare, research and innovation.
The new station, which opened on 28 June following £250 million of government investment, has quickly established itself as a key transport hub for the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Europe's largest biomedical campus and home to leading scientific organisations, NHS facilities and businesses.
Current passenger numbers suggest the station is on course to achieve around 1.6 million journeys annually, placing it firmly on track to reach the projected medium-term figure of 1.8 million journeys.
During peak periods, up to 20 train services call at Cambridge South each hour, providing connections to London, including onward international links via St Pancras, alongside services to Birmingham, Stansted Airport and Norwich. Services are operated by Greater Anglia, Great Northern, Thameslink and CrossCountry.
To mark the milestone, GBR Anglia has released a new video featuring passenger feedback and highlighting the station's impact on local communities, commuters and visitors.
Government Investment Delivering Results
Rail Minister Lord Hendy said:
“In just 100 days, more than 400,000 journeys have started or finished at Cambridge South – connecting people to work, community and their loved ones. Backed by £250 million government investment, this station proves that connecting people with better transport drives growth through its powering of one of the world's leading biomedical campuses.
"As our first Great British Railways branded station, it's a glimpse of what's coming: a nationalised railway, owned by the public, built for the public, delivering real change in people's everyday lives."
Positive Passenger Feedback
Rob Mullen, Chief Customer and Commercial Officer at GBR Anglia, said:
“The response from passengers to the new station at Cambridge South has been incredibly positive. We're seeing people choose rail as a convenient way to reach the nearby biomedical campus, helping to reduce congestion on local roads and providing easier access for communities across the region and beyond. It’s clear that customers are finding the station very convenient and user-friendly.
“As we continue the journey towards Great British Railways, we're working together more closely than ever to deliver a railway that is simpler, more efficient, and more focused on the needs of passengers and customers.”
Supporting Sustainable Growth
Nick Kirby, Managing Director for Cambridge Biomedical Campus Ltd, said:
“Over the first 100 days, Cambridge South has become part of everyday life on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. It’s making it easier for patients, staff and visitors from across the region to get to the campus for appointments, work and events.
“We’ve seen hundreds of thousands of passengers through the station since opening and are already on track for over one and a half million journeys in its first year, helping people come from further, faster, and more sustainably. Investing in infrastructure like this is key to sustainable, inclusive growth.”
A Showcase for Great British Railways
As the first fully branded Great British Railways station, Cambridge South is being positioned as an early example of closer integration between infrastructure management and passenger operations. The station brings together Network Rail's infrastructure responsibilities with train operator services under the GBR Anglia model, showcasing the direction of travel for future rail reform.
With passenger growth already exceeding expectations, Cambridge South is rapidly becoming a vital gateway to one of the UK's most significant economic and scientific centres.
Image credits: Network Rail
