Travel Documents

The GLOCAL 2027 Conference takes place in Cambridge, United Kingdom. Depending on your nationality, you will need either a Standard Visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK. To find out which applies to you, please use the UK Government’s visa checker: Check if you need a UK visa (gov.uk).

Standard Visitor visa

If you need a visa, you may attend an academic conference as a Standard Visitor. You can apply up to 3 months before your date of travel. As decisions usually take around 3 weeks, and longer at busy times of the year, we recommend applying as early as the rules allow and not booking non-refundable travel until you have a decision. For more information Click Here.

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

If you do not need a visa, you will most likely need an ETA before you travel, including if you are travelling from Europe, the United States, Canada or Australia. Every traveller needs their own ETA, including children. For more information Click Here.

Please apply only through the official UK Government website (gov.uk). Unofficial websites may charge additional fees.

Airport Transport

Cambridge is served by several London airports. All of them connect to Cambridge by train or coach.

London Stansted Airport (IATA: STN) is the closest airport to Cambridge. Direct trains run from the station beneath the terminal to Cambridge in around 30 minutes. For more information Click Here.

London Heathrow Airport (IATA: LHR) is the UK’s largest international airport. From Heathrow, travel into central London and take a train from London King’s Cross to Cambridge, or take a direct National Express coach to Cambridge. Allow around 2 to 2.5 hours in total.

London Gatwick Airport (IATA: LGW) has direct Thameslink trains to Cambridge, taking around 2 hours.

London Luton Airport (IATA: LTN) is connected to Cambridge by National Express coach, or by train with a change of trains.

Train times and tickets: National Rail (nationalrail.co.uk)
Coach times and tickets: National Express (nationalexpress.com)

Local Travel Information

Trains from London to Cambridge

Frequent trains run to Cambridge from London King’s Cross (fastest services around 50 minutes) and from London Liverpool Street (around 1 hour 15 minutes). Cambridge has two stations, Cambridge and Cambridge North. Cambridge station is the closer of the two to the city centre, about a 20 to 25 minute walk away.

For train times and tickets, please visit https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/

Getting around Cambridge

Cambridge city centre is compact, and most places are best reached on foot or by bicycle. Local buses connect the railway station with the city centre, and licensed taxis and ride-hailing services are available at the station and across the city.

For visitor information, maps and local transport, please visit https://www.visitcambridge.org/

Car Hiring Services

A car is not needed to attend the conference. Parking in central Cambridge is very limited, and visitors who drive are encouraged to use the Park & Ride sites on the edge of the city. If you plan to hire a car, you may arrange this at the airport or contact any of the major car hiring companies.