Ely station is a busy hub for rail services. It is a major interchange for east-west rail services and is a popular destination. The station is located in a beautiful historic city, with plenty of attractions to see and do.
Greater Anglia has recently made a number of improvements at the station, including a Changing Places toilet facility and new safer zebra crossings. These improvements will help people to plan their journeys more confidently.
It is a major interchange for east-west rail services
The station serves the cathedral city of Ely in Cambridgeshire and is a major interchange for east-west rail services. The line from London Liverpool Street splits here into three routes. The line to March and Peterborough diverges to the north while the line to Norwich, Ipswich, and King’s Lynn splits to the south. A track from the Breckland Line also connects to the northern part of the station. The station is served by CrossCountry and Greater Anglia trains. It won first prize in the 1987 station of the year competition for medium sized stations.
A short walk from the station reveals breathtaking views of the river and a city whose medieval cathedral seems to float above its flat Fen landscape. Its historic streets offer a variety of shops, from the large Waterside Antiques to wisteria-hung Peacocks tearoom and Babylon Gallery. In addition to the main shopping street, there’s a lively riverside area with a choice of pubs and restaurants.
The station is served by four hourly trains during the morning peak, two of which start at King’s Lynn and the other two from London. At other times there are up to five services, depending on the time of day. These are operated by Class 379 and Class 317 electric multiple units. A modern passenger control room was opened in 2012. There are also three car parking areas.
It is a busy station
Ely is the second smallest city in England but it’s big on character and charm. Peaceful water meadows and the impressive cathedral make it a great place to walk around, while its connections with Oliver Cromwell make it an interesting destination for history buffs.
The station is a hub for long distance train journeys and is well served by bus routes as well. The best way to reach the station is by using Moovit, an all-in-one transit app that allows you to see all available buses and trains in one place. It’s simple to use and makes traveling around Ely a breeze.
You can catch a train to Ely from many places in England, including London, Birmingham, and Coventry. The train ride from Ely to Coventry takes about 1h 20m and costs about $20. There are also several bus lines that operate to Ely, including National Express, Megabus, and FlixBus.
The main train operator in the area is Greater Anglia. Their website includes a virtual tour of the station that will help you plan your journey with confidence. It is particularly useful for disabled customers who want to know how accessible the station is. Other train companies that serve Ely include East Midlands trains and CrossCountry trains.
It is a crowded station
Ely Station is a crowded station that serves as a major junction where five rail lines converge. The station is currently operating at capacity which limits growth of passenger services. The Ely area capacity enhancement (EACE) programme aims to increase the capacity of the railway through the city to up to 10 trains per hour off peak in both directions. This will reduce congestion on the road by shifting freight traffic to rail.
The station has three platforms accessed via an underground pedestrian ramp. There is a staffed ticket office and a number of shops, including an L.A Golden Bean kiosk on platform 1 and a coffee bar on platform 2/3. Both platforms have access to toilets and waiting rooms. There are also vending machines for hot and cold drinks and snacks.
The city centre is easily reached from the station and is home to the cathedral, museums, and the vibrant riverside. A short stroll will take you past the peaceful water meadows and to the octagonal tower of Ely Cathedral, which appears to float on the misty Fens landscape. You can also visit the Ely Museum in the old Bishop’s gaol, which has a fascinating collection of tools like multi-pronged eel spears and peat spades.
The historic city of Ely is a great car-free destination. Many people choose to walk around the town, and there are also several bus routes. The Plusbus ticket offers good value and is available when you buy your train tickets. The hourly bus 9, for example, runs from Tesco near the station to Market Street.
It is a popular destination
Located in the heart of Cambridgeshire, Ely is a beautiful small city with plenty to offer. Its 11th century cathedral and quaint waterside streets are surrounded by pristine Fen countryside. The city is also a popular destination for students and tourists. Taking a train from Chesterfield to Ely will give you the opportunity to experience this charming destination and learn about its rich history and culture.
From Ely Station, a short stroll takes you past peaceful water meadows to the cathedral’s entrance. The only museum dedicated to stained glass in the UK is housed inside this magnificent cathedral. You can also climb up to one of the towers and see the amazing views of Ely’s octagon. A guided ground floor tour is included in the entry fee, and tower tours are available for a small extra cost.
The outskirts of Ely are home to Wicken Fen, one of the most species-rich wildlife wetlands in Europe. The National Trust’s oldest nature reserve, Wicken Fen has become a hotspot for bird watching and is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Whether you’re looking to spend a day out or have a longer stay, Wicken Fen has something for everyone.
If you’re traveling with children, you can take advantage of the family ticket offer, which saves you 50% on tickets for two adults and two children. You can also use a student discount for train travel, which is valid with your Railcard or NUS card.
