Getting around
Why not have a carefree day out by leaving the car behind? Many of the Lake District's best loved places are easily explored by bus, boat, bike or boot. Enjoy the views without worrying about traffic or parking and help the environment.
Public transport
Trains
The West Coast mainline runs to the east of the Lake District, connecting Oxenholme, Penrith and Carlisle with London and Glasgow. A direct train runs from Manchester to Windermere. Local trains call at Kendal, Staveley and Windermere. There is also route following the Cumbrian coastline.
Buses
Towns and villages such as Ambleside, Windermere, Coniston and Keswick are linked by bus, with extra services in the summer.
Steamers and launch trips
Taking a cruise is a great way to experience the beautiful Lake District views. Our on the water section has more details.
Give the driver a break
Our give the driver a break leaflets show maps, timetables and great ideas for days out by bus, train and even boat. Or pop into one of our information centres for details of travel packages, ticket deals and bus services.
Useful public transport links
(open in new window)
- Cumbria County Council bus timetables
- First TransPennine Express Trains
- Traveline for bus, train and coach information
- National Rail for timetables
- NorthernRail
- Virgin Trains serving Oxenholme, Penrith and Carlisle
- Trainline for online tickets
- Lakeside and Haverthwaite preserved railway
- Ravenglass and Eskdale preserved railway
- Manchester Airport Guide
By car
The average journey time from London and the south east is about five hours. It takes about one and half hour from Manchester and two hours from York.
The M6 runs to the east of the Lake District National Park:
- Take Junction 36 and then A590 for the southern end of the Lake District
- Take Junction 40 and the A66 or A592 for the northern end of the Lake District
If you're using satellite navigation, check out our Postcodes for Sat Nav page.
Even A roads can be quite twisting so allow extra time for your journey and for finding a space in Car parks in high season. Example journey times are:
- Kendal to Keswick: one hour
- Windermere to Keswick: 40 minutes
- Kendal to Wasdale: one and a half hours
Hardknott Pass and Wrynose Pass between Eskdale and the Langdales have gradients of 1 in 3 and Honister Pass between Borrowdale and Buttermere is 1 in 4, making them some of the steepest roads in England!
Useful car transport links (open in new window)
- The AA
- Frixo up-to-date road reports
- Keswick Car Share Scheme - for Keswick and the rest of Cumbria
- Multimap - if you know start and end postcodes, use the Directions button at the top
- RAC route planner
- Wikipedia - Hardknott Pass
Want even more visitor information?
Visit Golakes (opens in new window), the official website of the tourist board for The Lake District and Cumbria. Browse and book accommodation and attractions online and see what's on in the area.
