Getting around Cambridge

Public transport

The city's main sites are within easy walking distance from the centre, so most visitors to Cambridge are able to explore the city on foot.

Stagecoach (tel: +44 1223 433 250; stagecoachbus.com) operates regular buses throughout the city, several of which pass the railway station (a 20-minute walk from the centre).

Taxis

There are several taxi ranks across Cambridge, including at the railway and bus stations. You can also hail taxis anywhere on the street. To pre-book a taxi, try Atlas Cabs (tel: +44 1223 242 424) or CamCab (tel: +44 1223 704 704).

Driving

Do not attempt to drive into the city centre unless it is absolutely essential. Signposting is poor, the road layout is disorienting, and car parking spaces are hard to find, except for the two large shopping centre car parks where the daily charges are among the most expensive in the UK. Much of the historic centre is also prohibited to private cars. Instead use one of the five Park & Ride sites that are well signposted as you approach the city. Parking is free though each adult is charged to use the bus.

Car hire

There are numerous car hire companies operating in Cambridge, though you will only need a car if you want to explore the region. These include Avis (tel: +44 844 544 6046; avis.co.uk), Cambridge Car and Van Rental (tel: +44 1223 309 409; cambridgecarandvanrental.co.uk). You usually have to be at least 23 years old to hire a car.

Bicycle hire

Cambridge is one of the best cycling cities in the UK, with over 130km (80 miles) of cycle lanes and routes. Beware however that if you are not an experienced cyclist you may wish to avoid the rush hours during term time when many hundreds of student cyclists take to the streets en masse.

There are plenty of cycle hire shops, many of which are located in the heart of the city. Try Station Cycles, Grand Arcade, Corn Exchange Street (tel: +44 1223 307 655; stationcycles.co.uk), and City Cycle Hire, 61 Newnham Road (tel: +44 1223 365 629; citycyclehire.com).