Transport, driving and facilities
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 a 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.
Useful public transport links
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- Cumbria County Council bus timetables
- First TransPennine Express Trains
- Lakeside and Haverthwaite preserved railway
- Manchester Airport Guide
- National Rail for timetables
- NorthernRail
- Public transport in the Lake District leaflet by Mosaic including map (PDF)
- Ravenglass and Eskdale preserved railway
- Trainline for online tickets
- Traveline for bus, train and coach information
- Virgin Trains serving Oxenholme, Penrith and Carlisle
- Western Lake District including Wasdale on Saturdays by train and bus, new for 2012
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 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
(All links open in new window unless otherwise stated)
- Postcodes for Sat Nav on this website
- The AA
- Frixo up-to-date road reports
- Keswick Car Share Scheme - for Keswick and the rest of Cumbria
- 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.