Travelling to Cambridge

Cambridge is one of the most beautiful cities in the UK. Situated in the east of England and within easy reach of London, it retains the ambiance of an historic mediaeval town based on the banks of the River Cam.  More information about Cambridge can be found at the Visit Cambridge website.

BEFORE DEPARTING FOR IAEA 2008:

  • DRESS CODE: We recommend business/smart casual dress for both social events and conference sessions.  If you have reserved a place at the gala dinner, you may choose either formal, traditional or smart/casual dress.  Conference badges must be worn at all times. Cambridge can have many fine or sunny days however the weather can sometimes be a little cooler, particularly in the evenings, and there can be rain. A light jacket or sweater should be suitable. 
  • SMOKEFREE LEGISLATION IN ENGLAND: Smokefree legislation effective from 1 July 2007 means that virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces in England are smokefree. This includes cafes, restaurants, bars, hotels and conference venues.

  • TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION: You are reminded to check that your passport is valid for travel. Please ensure that you arrange travel and medical insurance. Information about visas can be found at http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/.

  • CURRENCY: Major currencies can be exchanged within UK airports or in Cambridge (at the Post Office on St Andrews Street or in the Marks & Spencer department store on Sidney Street). Credit cards are widely accepted in the UK. However, credit cards are not accepted at the conference and gala dinner venues.

TRAVELLING TO IAEA 2008:

Please note that because there are so many different entry points into the UK, it will not be possible for the IAEA 2008 conference organisers to provide transport from airports. We recommend that you plan your journey from the airport to Cambridge in advance. Useful information can be found on the page below.
  • AIRPORTS:The nearest international airports to Cambridge are: Stansted (approx. 30 miles), Luton (approx. 40), London City (approx. 55 miles) Heathrow (approx. 71 miles), Gatwick (approx. 96 miles) and Birmingham International (approx. 93).  After immigration and customs clearance, you will find several modes of ground transport to your accommodation. Each airport has a dedicated website providing further details about transport and customs:

http://www.heathrowairport.com/

http://www.gatwickairport.com/

http://www.stanstedairport.com/

http://www.london-luton.co.uk/

www.bhx.co.uk/

http://www.londoncityairport.com/

Cambridge has excellent transport links with UK airports.  It is typically easier and more cost-effective to travel to Cambridge from the airport(s) by coach however there are also good links by train or by road. 

  • COACH / BUS: There is a frequent express service between London and Cambridge and coach/bus services run several times a day between most major UK airports (excluding London City) and Cambridge. National Express (national coach/bus service): Telephone +44(0)871 781 8179 or visit http://www.nationalexpress.com/.  Robinson College and city centre hotels are a short taxi ride or a 10-15 minute walk from Cambridge bus station.
  • TRAIN: A good train service exists from London (from King's Cross or Liverpool Street train stations) to Cambridge, and the fastest trains take only 52 minutes.  Visit http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/ or telephone +44(0)8457 48 49 50 for National Rail Timetables and Journey Planner. Cambridge train station is located one mile from Cambridge city centre and almost two miles from Robinson College. A taxi from Cambridge train station to Robinson College (or the city centre) takes 10-15 minutes. There are also buses from Cambridge train station into Cambridge city centre and you may then take a taxi or walk to Robinson College or your city centre hotel.
  • TAXI: There are taxi ranks at each UK airport (please visit the airport website for directions), Cambridge Train Station and Cambridge Bus Station.
  • CAR: Directions to Robinson College can be found at http://www.robinson.cam.ac.uk/contact/directions.php.  The post code for GPS route planners is CB3 9AN.  Directions to West Road Concert Hall, West Road, Cambridge, CB3 9DP, (venue for the Monday opening ceremony and keynote presentation) can be found at http://www.westroad.org/contact/find_us.html.  Directions to Clare College, Memorial Court, Queens Road, Cambridge, CB3 9AJ. can be found at http://www.clare.cam.ac.uk/about/directions.shtml. Car parking will be available, upon request, near to Robinson College. If you have requested car parking by indicating the relevant section on the registration form, then further details will be given to you before 5 August. 

UPON ARRIVAL IN CAMBRIDGE:

  • ACCOMMODATION:   If you have booked accommodation at Robinson College, kindly note that bedrooms are available for check in from 12:00 on the day of arrival. On the day of departure, rooms must be vacated by 09:00. If you have booked accommodation at Clare College, kindly note that bedrooms are available for check in from 14:00 on the day of arrival. On the day of departure, rooms must be vacated by 09:30. If you are staying in a hotel, please refer to the check-in and check-out times on your confirmation document.

  • REGISTRATION: Please visit the conference registration desk at your earliest convenience. You will be given your name badge (this is essential for access to all conference sessions) and further conference information. You may register at the following times:

Sunday 7 September: 10:00 and 17:30 in the auditorium foyer area at Robinson College.
Monday 8 September: 08:00 and 08:45 in the foyer area at West Road Concert Hall.
Tuesday 9 September and Thursday 11 September: 08:00 and 08:45 in the auditorium foyer area at Robinson College.

If you have not already booked a place on one of our optional conference tours, you may book a place at the registration desk on the Sunday and Monday.

If you have requested a pass to access the University Library, please note that you will need to bring a form of identity (passport, Driving Licence, European ID card) with you each time you visit the library. Your pass will be given to you upon registration.