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Getting to Cumbria

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Getting To Cumbria

Train connections link Cumbria directly with a host of major cities including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool and Newcastle, with London only three hours by comfortable rail from the Lake District! Major rail operators that enable you to get to Cumbria include Avanti, Northern and Transpennine Express. Find out more about the train services operating in and around Cumbria on our trains page.

If you are coming from further afield, the international airports in Liverpool, Manchester and Newcastle all within 90 minutes of the Lake District by train or by car. Find out more about the nearest airports on our Airports page.

Browse below for some information on getting here from different parts of the UK. The map below shows just how accessible Cumbria is from all parts of the UK, whatever your preferred mode of transport.

Getting to Cumbria

For more detailed information on travel times from UK cities and different ways to get here, use the links below.

From Glasgow

By Rail

Both Avanti West Coast and First TransPennine Express provides services from Edinburgh to Lancaster via Carlisle, Penrith and Oxenholme. The journey takes approximately 1hr 10m to Carlisle and 2 hr to Lancaster.

By Air

Flights run most days from Glasgow Airport to Manchester International Airport, approximately 1 hour in duration. First TransPennine Express offers a direct train service from Manchester Airport to Oxenholme taking approximately 1 hr 30m.

By Road

Glasgow is well serviced by the M74/A74(M) which runs directly into the M6 at Carlisle.
Drivetimes from Glasgow:
Appleby: 2h 4 m
Barrow: 3h 6m
Carlisle: 1h 38m
Kendal 2h 19m
Keswick: 2h 8m
Penrith: 1h 52m
Sedbergh: 2h 18m
Silloth: 2h 12m
Whitehaven: 2h 33m
Windermere: 2h 49m

From Edinburgh

By Rail

Both Avanti Trains and First TransPennine Express provides services from Edinburgh to Lancaster via Carlisle, Penrith and Oxenholme. The journey takes approximately 1hr 15m to Carlisle and 2 hr 10m to Lancaster.

By Air

Regular flights run between Edinburgh Airport and Manchester International Airport, approximately 1hr 10m in duration. First TransPennine Express offers a direct train service from Manchester Airport to Oxenholme taking approximately 1.5 hours.

By Road

The A702 connects Edinburgh to the A74(M), which then runs directly into the M6 at Carlisle.

Drivetimes from Edinburgh:
Appleby: 2h 42 m
Barrow: 3h 44m
Carlisle: 2h 4m
Kendal 2h 53m
Keswick: 2h 44m
Penrith: 2h 24m
Sedbergh: 2h 56m
Silloth: 2h 48m
Whitehaven: 2h 56m
Windermere: 3h 4m

From Stranraer

By Ferry

Both Stena Line and P&O Ferries operate services to Cairnryan Ferry Port from Belfast. takes approximately 2 hours. The nearest railway station is Stranraer, which is around four miles away from the port.

By Rail

ScotRail connects Stranraer to Glasgow, from which either the Avanti West Coast or First TransPennine Express services can be used to travel to Carlisle, Penrith, Oxenholme and Lancaster. The journey takes approximately 4hr to Carlisle and 4 hr 55m to Lancaster.

By Road

The A75 connects Stranraer to Dumfries and onward to the join the M6 at Gretna.

Drivetimes from Stranraer:
Appleby: 3h 26 m
Barrow: 4h 29m
Carlisle: 2h 48m
Kendal 3h 37m
Keswick: 3h 29m
Penrith: 3h 9m
Sedbergh: 3h 40m
Silloth: 3h 32m
Whitehaven: 3h 40m
Windermere: 3h 48m

Newcastle

By Ferry

DFDS Seaways provides daily overnight ferry crossings from Ijmuiden, Holland to Newcastle’s Port of Tyne. A connecting bus service to Newcastle Central Railway Station runs every 20 minutes.

By Rail

Northern Rail run hourly train services from Newcastle via the Hadrian's Wall Country line to Carlisle. The journey takes approximately 1hr 30m. From Carlisle the West Coast Main Line provides connections via Avanti Trains to the other Cumbria Hubs of Penrith, Oxenholme and Lancaster.

By Air

Newcastle International Airport provides easy access to the Lake District from many worldwide destinations. The North East Metro Service provides a connecting service through to Newcastle Central Railway Station every 12 minutes, and the journey takes approximately 25 minutes.

By Road

The A69 directly connects Newcastle with Carlisle, taking approximately 1hr 15m. From Carlisle, the M6 provides access to Penrith, Oxenholme and Lancaster.

Drivetimes from Newcastle Ferry Port:
Appleby: 1h 42 m
Barrow: 3h
Carlisle: 1h 35m
Kendal 2h 10m
Keswick: 2h 14m
Penrith: 1h 55m
Sedbergh: 2h 2m
Silloth: 2h 21m
Whitehaven: 2h 29m
Windermere: 2h 21m

Blackpool

By Rail

Northern Rail run hourly services from the Squires Gate Railway Station to Preston (lasting approximately 30m), from which the Avanti West Coast Main Line services can be used to travel onward to the Cumbria Hubs. Alternatively First TransPennine Express also run hourly services to Preston from Blackpool North Railway Station, which take approximately 25m in duration.

By Road

The M55 runs from Blackpool through to the M6 J32 just north of Preston, and onward travel can then be made to the Cumbria Hubs.

Drivetimes from Blackpool Airport:
Appleby: 1h 40 m
Barrow: 1h 43m
Carlisle: 1h 45m
Kendal 1h 2m
Keswick: 1h 48m
Penrith: 1h 26m
Sedbergh: 1h 9m
Silloth: 2h 28m
Whitehaven: 2h 24m
Windermere: 1h 13m

Liverpool

By Ferry

P&O Ferries provides daily crossings between Dublin and Liverpool. Stena Line also operate daily routes between Liverpool and Belfast. The nearest railway station is Birkenhead Hamilton Square, which is a 15 minute walk from the ferry terminal.

By Rail

Regular services run from Liverpool Lime Street Railway Station to Wigan North Western Railway Station (via Northern Rail) or Warrington Bank Quay Railway Station (via First Transpennine Express), from which the Avanti West Coast Main Line services can be used to travel onward to the Cumbria Hubs. Rail journeys from Liverpool to Wigan and Warrington take between 30m and 50m.

By Air

Liverpool John Lennon Airport is an international airport connecting over 50 European destinations with the North West of the UK. Arriva provides regular bus services to the airport from Liverpool City Centre. Liverpool South Parkway is the nearest railway station to the airport, and both Northern Rail and First TransPennine Express operate regular services to Warrington Central Railway Station. A short walk away is Warrington Bank Quay, from which the Virgin Trains West Coast Main Line services can be used to travel onward to the Cumbria Hubs.

By Road

Liverpool has excellent road transport links, with the M62 running from Liverpool across the country through to Hull. The M6 can be accessed at J21A near Warrington, and onward travel made to the Cumbria Hubs.

Drivetimes from Liverpool Airport:
Appleby: 2h 14 m
Barrow: 2h 17m
Carlisle: 2h 19m
Kendal 1h 36m
Keswick: 2h 21m
Penrith: 2h
Sedbergh: 1h 43m
Silloth: 3h 2m
Whitehaven: 2h 58m
Windermere: 1h 46m

Manchester

By Rail

First TransPennine Express offers a direct service from Manchester Airport via Manchester Piccadilly, Bolton and Preston to Grange-over- Sands, Ulverston, Barrow-in-Furness, Oxenholme, Kendal, Windermere, Penrith and Carlisle.

By Air

Manchester Airport is an international airport providing access to the North West of the UK from a multitude of worldwide destinations. First TransPennine Express and Northern Rail provide 24/7 rail services to and from the airport. First TransPennine Express provide both direct and connecting routes (via Preston) to the Lake District.

By Road

Manchester has excellent road transport links and is surrounded by the M60 ringroad. The M61 joins the M60 ringroad with the M6, which then leads to the Cumbria Hubs.

Drivetimes from Manchester Airport:
Appleby: 2h 6 m
Barrow: 2h 9m
Carlisle: 2h 11m
Kendal 1h 28m
Keswick: 2h 13m
Penrith: 1h 52m
Sedbergh: 1h 34m
Silloth: 2h 53m
Whitehaven: 2h 50m
Windermere: 1h 38m

Leeds

By Rail

Northern Rail operates a direct service from Leeds Central to Carlisle along the scenic Settle – Carlisle Railway. The journey takes approximately 2hr 40m. For Oxenholme and Lancaster, a connecting Avanti West Coast service can be picked up at Preston.

By Air

Leeds Bradford International Airport provides access to the UK from a large number of European destinations and several worldwide locations. Regular bus services connect Leeds City Railway Station with Leeds Bradford International Airport.

By Road

There are two routes to travel from Leeds to the Lake District. The M62 from Leeds passes north of Manchester and connects to the M6, from which the Cumbria Hubs can be accessed. For a more picturesque route, the A65 passes through Otley, Skipton and Settle to then meet up with the M6 between Lancaster and Kendal.

Drivetimes from Leeds:
Appleby: 1h 58 m
Barrow: 2h 25m
Carlisle: 2h 28m
Kendal 1h 44m
Keswick: 2h 30m
Penrith: 2h 8m
Sedbergh: 1h 45m
Silloth: 3h 10m
Whitehaven: 3h 6m
Windermere: 1h 55m

Hull

By Ferry

P&O Ferries provide daily overnight services to Hull Ferry Port from Rotterdam and Zeebrugge. Hull Ferry Port is located close to the town centre and is accessible by regular bus services.

By Rail

First TransPennine Express provide hourly services to Leeds City Station lasting approximately 1hr, from which connections can then be made to the Cumbrian Hubs.

By Air

Humberside Airport provides connections from several European destinations. The Stagecoach 'Humber Flyer' operates Monday to Saturday between Cleethorpes, Grimsby, Humberside Airport, Barton and Hull. The nearest railway station to the Airport is Barnetby, which is serviced by both First Transpennine Express and East Midlands Railway.

By Road

Hull has excellent road transport links, with the M62 running from Hull across the country through to Liverpool. The M6 can be accessed at J21A near Warrington, and onward travel made to the Cumbria Hubs.

Drivetimes from Hull Ferry Port:
Appleby: 2h 42 m
Barrow: 3h 30m
Carlisle: 3h 21m
Kendal 2h 50m
Keswick: 3h 22m
Penrith: 2h 58m
Sedbergh: 2h 52m
Silloth: 4h 3m
Whitehaven: 3h 59m
Windermere: 3h

Crewe

By Rail

Crewe is on the West Coast Main Line and Virgin Trains run hourly services from Crewe to the Cumbria Hubs. Journey times are approximately 1hr to Lancaster, 1hr 15m to Oxenholme, 1hr 35m to Penrith and 1hr 50m to Carlisle.

By Road

The M6 is 7 miles from Crewe and be accessed at Sandbach.

Drivetimes from Crewe:
Appleby: 2h 5 m
Barrow: 2h 19m
Carlisle: 2h 21m
Kendal 1h 40m
Keswick: 2h 20m
Penrith: 2h 6m
Sedbergh: 1h 45m
Silloth: 2h 50m
Whitehaven: 3h
Windermere: 2h 6m

Birmingham

By Rail

Birmingham International Railway Station is located in the city centre and provides direct access via the Avanti West Coast hourly services to the Cumbria Hubs.

By Air

Birmingham International Airport provides connections from over 110 worldwide destinations to the UK. A free 'Air-Rail Link' system runs to Birmingham International Airport and operates between 05:00 and 02:00 daily.

By Road

Birmingham is a central hub for road transport connections, and provides direct access to the M6.

Drivetimes from Birmingham:
Appleby: 3h 19 m
Barrow: 3h 22m
Carlisle: 3h 23m
Kendal 2h 41m
Keswick: 3h 26m
Penrith: 3h 4m
Sedbergh: 2h 48m
Silloth: 4h 6m
Whitehaven: 4h 3m
Windermere: 2h 51m

Norwich

By Rail

Half-hourly Greater Anglia trains run to London Liverpool Street to and from Norwich, taking approximately 1hr 50 mins. Greater Anglia also run a service to Stansted Airport, taking approximately 2 hrs.

By Air

Norwich International Airport provides links to Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Guernsey, and Manchester as well as other international destinations. A Park and Ride service is available that runs regularly to the city centre (please note is does not operate on Sundays).

By Road

Norwich is approximately a 2 hr drive from the A1 via the A47.

Drivetimes from Norwich:
Appleby: 5h
Barrow: 5h 43m
Carlisle: 5h 39m
Kendal 5h 27m
Keswick: 5h 37m
Penrith: 5h 19m
Sedbergh: 5h 22m
Silloth: 6h 6m
Whitehaven: 6h 16m
Windermere: 5h 32m

Cardiff

By Rail

Arriva Train Wales runs regular services from Cardiff Central Railway Station to Crewe (journey approximately 2hr 50m), from which the Avanti West Coast Main Line can be accessed for onward travel to the Cumbria Hubs.

By Road

The A48(M) connects Cardiff to the M4 which runs across the southern coast of Wales. The M5 is then joined at J20, which then merges with the M6 for onward travel to the Cumbria Hubs.

Drivetimes from Cardiff:
Appleby: 4h 57 m
Barrow: 5h
Carlisle: 5h 2m
Kendal 4h 19m
Keswick: 5h 4m
Penrith: 4h 42m
Sedbergh: 4h 26m
Silloth: 5h 44m
Whitehaven: 5h 41m
Windermere: 4h 29m

By Air

Cardiff Airport providing connections to Newcastle, Isle of Anglesey, Jersey, Aberdeen and Edinburgh as well as a multitude of worldwide destinations. Hourly trains run to Cardiff Airport from Cardiff Central and Bridgend train stations. The Cardiff Airport Express service provides connections from Cardiff city centre.

London

By Rail

London Euston Railway Station provides direct rail routes via Avanti West Coast to all of the Cumbria Hubs. Eurostar services now operate direct into London St Pancras International, which is a short distance away from London Euston where direct Virgin Trains services operate to Lancaster, Oxenholme, Penrith and Carlisle daily.

By Air

London Heathrow is the main international airport in London. The London Underground Piccadilly line connects the airport terminals to central London. Change at Leicester Square onto the Northern line for Euston railway station.
London City Airport is located in East London and provides routes from other UK and European destinations into London. A bus service connects the airport with the Docklands Light Railway, which operates routes through central London. Change at Bank onto the Northern line for Euston railway station.

By Road

The M1 leads directly out of London towards the North West. At J15 merge onto the M6, from which the Cumbria Hubs can be accessed. (Please note that this route includes toll roads.)

Drivetimes from London:
Appleby: 5h 19 m
Barrow: 5h 25m
Carlisle: 5h 26m
Kendal 4h 44m
Keswick: 5h 29m
Penrith: 5h 7m
Sedbergh: 4h 51m
Silloth: 6h 9m
Whitehaven: 6h 6m
Windermere: 4h 54m

Dover

By Ferry

P&O Ferries, AFerry and DFDS run daily crossings to Calais from Dover Ferry Port. In addition, DFDS run daily crossings to Dunkirk. The nearest railway station is Dover Priory Station. Services operate from London Victoria or London Charing Cross. National Express operate a bus service to Dover Ferry Port from London Victoria.

By Rail

Southeastern Trains run regular services to London St Pancras from Dover Priory Railway Station, lasting approximately 1hr 50m. London Euston is either a short walk or Underground journey from London St Pancras, from which Avanti West Coast operates the main line service directly to the Cumbria Hubs.

By Road

The A20/M20 connects dover with the M25 ring road around London. Travelling anti-clockwise around the M25, the M1 leads away from London towards the North West. At J15 merge onto the M6, from which the Cumbria Hubs can be accessed. (Please note that this route includes toll roads.)

Drivetimes from Dover Ferry Port:
Appleby: 6h 14 m
Barrow: 6h 25m
Carlisle: 6h 27m
Kendal 5h 44m
Keswick: 6h 29m
Penrith: 6h 8m
Sedbergh: 5h 51m
Silloth: 7h 9m
Whitehaven: 7h 6m
Windermere: 5h 54m