I would appreciate the voice of experience on how exactly to travel to Cambridge and the best way to see buildings, punts, etc. once there.

i am thinking of a day trip, not an overnight stay.

thank you in advance.

Take a train from King's Cross or Liverpool Street (usually cheaper)

Times and prices here https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/

Info on Cambridge here https://www.visitcambridge.org/

Best way to see things -- just walk. Easy peasy. There are also walking tours.

Train leaves from Kings Cross

was posting the same time as sofarsogood

We took the train for a day trip. I downloaded the Thameslink app to buy tickets. It worked fine going there. I did not purchase a round trip because I was unsure of what time I'd return. Once I knew my schedule I purchased the return ticket in the app. Never received the ticket. I ended up purchasing another ticket at the station. Took me months to get a refund. That being said, just buy tickets at the station. it's easy.

When I was a poor student I stayed in Cambridge for a while doing my postgrad work. I used to catch the bus (National Express) from the coach station at Victoria. I recall it was a lot cheaper than the trains. But it was perfectly good and fast and the bus drops you directly in the town. Worth looking into.

Lavandula

"In the town" is a good thing as the train station is a hike or a taxi ride away from the center where you want to be.