Ely Railway Station
A functional and clean railway station serving Ely, offering essential amenities and good connections, with a bonus view of Ely Cathedral.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Staff are present and helpful
Ely Railway Station
Best Time
Staff are present and helpful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A functional and clean railway station serving Ely, offering essential amenities and good connections, with a bonus view of Ely Cathedral.
"Much cleaner than the Cambridge station or King's Cross station. Has a few shops."
🎯 Check Early Service Staffing
Early morning trains might have limited staff. Have a backup plan or contact info ready.
👟 Walk to Ely Cathedral
If time permits, a brisk walk to the cathedral is highly recommended.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ely Cathedral Glimpse
Platform 2 / Car Park
Catch a view of the stunning Ely Cathedral from the station, a worthwhile distraction while waiting for your train.
Helpful Station Staff
Information Desk
Experience professional and friendly staff who are great at keeping passengers informed during delays.
Warm Waiting Room
Main Building
Escape the cold in the station's dedicated warm room, a welcome amenity for travelers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Beyond the Platform
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Early Service Staffing
Early morning trains might have limited staff. Have a backup plan or contact info ready.
👟 Walk to Ely Cathedral
If time permits, a brisk walk to the cathedral is highly recommended.
☕ Grab a Snack
The station has a couple of food and snack outlets for your convenience.
🚇 Accessible Subway
A warm underground subway connects the two platforms, with disabled toilet facilities.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Early Service Staffing
Early morning trains might have limited staff. Have a backup plan or contact info ready.
👟 Walk to Ely Cathedral
If time permits, a brisk walk to the cathedral is highly recommended.
☕ Grab a Snack
The station has a couple of food and snack outlets for your convenience.
🚇 Accessible Subway
A warm underground subway connects the two platforms, with disabled toilet facilities.
📱 Stay Updated on Delays
Staff are excellent at providing constant updates during train delays.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ely Railway Station is generally seen as a clean and functional station with helpful staff, particularly praised for their communication during delays. While it offers basic amenities like a warm waiting room and food outlets, early morning services can sometimes lack staff presence, and the station itself can feel bleak in poor weather. The proximity to Ely Cathedral is a notable bonus for those with extra time.
"Ely station is ok. Its not in bad condition. The reason for 3 stars is that sometimes you get to the station for the 05:18 to London and there's no-one there. Doors are locked, no signage, no contact number, nothing. I was lucky enough for an extremely kind Network Rail Engineer who unlocked the back gate for everyone...someone like that being around isn't always guaranteed."
Shane Mann
"Nice station serving Ely. Has a couple of food and snack outlets. Also has a very warm room to keep out of the cold. Warm underground subway connects the two platforms. Also toilet facilities available and one for the disabled. Staff here were very helpful with questions and directions."
Chris O
"Nice train station. Much cleaner than the Cambridge station or King's Cross station. Has a few shops."
Bo-Shiun Lai
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Direct trains run from London Kings Cross to Ely Railway Station. The journey typically takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. Booking train tickets for this route in advance can often secure better prices. +1
Trains from Ely to Cambridge North are frequent. You can check live train times and book tickets through National Rail Enquiries or other train operator websites.
Yes, there are regular trains connecting Cambridge and Ely. The journey is relatively short, making it a convenient option for commuters and visitors.
Trains from Ely serve various destinations including London, Cambridge, and other local areas. It's best to check a live departures board or journey planner for the most up-to-date schedule.
The train journey from Littleport to Ely is a short local service. It's a quick hop, perfect for connecting to longer routes from Ely.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase train tickets for the Ely to Kings Cross route online through train operator websites, National Rail Enquiries, or at the ticket office at Ely Railway Station. Booking in advance is often recommended for cost savings. +1
Yes, Ely Railway Station typically has ticket machines available for purchasing tickets. However, for specific services or during peak times, it's advisable to check operational status.
While the station building may have specific opening hours, train services operate throughout the day. For early morning or late-night travel, confirm platform access and staff availability.
Refund policies for delayed trains vary. Generally, if your journey is significantly delayed, you may be eligible for compensation. Check with your train operator for details.
Specific contact numbers for individual stations can be hard to find. For general inquiries or issues, it's best to contact the train operator (e.g., Greater Anglia) or National Rail Enquiries.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
Ely Railway Station offers essential facilities including a warm waiting room, toilets (including disabled facilities), and a couple of food and snack outlets. An underground subway connects the platforms.
Compared to some larger stations like Cambridge or King's Cross, Ely Railway Station is often noted as being cleaner and more pleasant.
The staff at Ely Railway Station are frequently praised for being helpful, professional, friendly, and efficient, especially when managing train delays. +1
Yes, you can catch glimpses of the magnificent Ely Cathedral from the car park or the end of platform 2, offering a scenic view while you wait.
The underground subway at Ely Railway Station is described as warm and connects the two platforms, making it comfortable to move between them.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Ely Railway Station has a couple of food and snack outlets available for passengers.
The outlets typically offer snacks and light refreshments. For a wider dining selection, consider exploring the town of Ely before or after your journey.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks to consume while waiting for your train at Ely Railway Station.
📸 📸 Photography
While not a primary photography destination, the station offers views of trains and platforms. For more iconic train imagery, consider the Nevada Northern Railway Museum in Ely, Nevada, which features old engines. 
You can capture shots of trains arriving and departing, as well as the station architecture. The view of Ely Cathedral from platform 2 also provides a unique photographic opportunity.
Generally, casual photography for personal use is permitted. However, it's always wise to be mindful of other passengers and avoid intrusive photography, especially of staff.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing snacks and entertainment for the journey, as the food outlets are limited to snacks and light refreshments.
🚶 Solo Travelers & Commuters
Be mindful of early morning services, as staff presence might be reduced, so ensure you have your tickets and know your platform.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The view of Ely Cathedral from platform 2 or the car park provides a unique and scenic backdrop for your shots. For those specifically interested in vintage trains and locomotives, the Nevada Northern Railway Museum in Ely, Nevada, is a more dedicated destination, featuring impressive old engines.
+1 However, for capturing the essence of British rail travel with a touch of local landmark, Ely Station can still yield interesting perspectives. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Your Journey: Train Connections
Beyond London, Ely connects to other significant hubs like Cambridge. Trains from Cambridge to Ely are frequent and relatively short, facilitating easy transfers. For local travel, services to and from Littleport are also readily available, making Ely a central point for regional rail travel.
When planning your trip, especially for early morning departures, it's worth noting that staff presence can sometimes be limited. While the station is generally well-maintained, checking for potential delays and having contact information handy can prevent unexpected issues.
Station Amenities and Comfort
The station is equipped with essential facilities, including toilet amenities, with a specific provision for disabled access, ensuring convenience for all travelers. A warm underground subway system efficiently connects the two platforms, making movement between them easy and comfortable, regardless of the weather.
In terms of cleanliness, Ely Station often receives positive remarks, being described as cleaner than larger, busier stations like Cambridge or King's Cross. This attention to upkeep contributes to a more pleasant atmosphere for those waiting for their trains.
The Ely Cathedral Connection
Even if time is tight, you don't have to miss out entirely. The cathedral's grandeur can be appreciated from afar, with glimpses visible from the station's car park or the end of platform 2. This scenic backdrop can make your waiting time more enjoyable and visually interesting.
This connection between the functional railway station and the historic, awe-inspiring cathedral offers a unique dual experience for travelers passing through Ely. It's a reminder that even functional spaces can offer moments of beauty and discovery.
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