- Must visit
The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction
Popular family museum bringing Beatrix Potter’s stories to life through recreated scenes, displays, and themed exhibits in Bowness.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Windermere
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 07 Oct
Cheapest price on 07 Oct
£65
Average ticket price on 07 Oct
£131
Fastest journey on 07 Oct
4 h 59 m
Average journey duration on 07 Oct
5 h 2 m
Trains on 07 Oct
6
Distance
323 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Windermere is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Windermere will cost around £131 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £65.
Fast trains
To travel from Cardiff to Windermere you need to make at least 2 changes.
G38983+
W34292+
G8540412:555h06Cardiff Central (CDF)18:01Windermere station (WDM)£651One-way2 changes
G66712+W33935+G890718:455h09Cardiff Central (CDF)13:54Windermere station (WDM)£1401One-way2 changes- G38953+W34290+G8906711:535h00Cardiff Central (CDF)16:53Windermere station (WDM)£1461One-way2 changes
- G38949+W34286+
W85188+G853849:535h03Cardiff Central (CDF)14:56Windermere station (WDM)£1461One-way3 changes - G38967+W33935+G890718:554h59Cardiff Central (CDF)13:54Windermere station (WDM)£1461One-way2 changes
- G38967+W33935+G890718:554h59Cardiff Central (CDF)13:54Windermere station (WDM)£1461One-way2 changes
- G38953+W34290+G8906711:535h00Cardiff Central (CDF)16:53Windermere station (WDM)£1461One-way2 changes
- G38949+W34286+W85188+G853849:535h03Cardiff Central (CDF)14:56Windermere station (WDM)£1461One-way3 changes
- G38975+C01372+W85191+G8539410:535h03Cardiff Central (CDF)15:56Windermere station (WDM)£1461One-way3 changes
- G38983+W34292+G8540412:555h06Cardiff Central (CDF)18:01Windermere station (WDM)£651One-way2 changes
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Windermere
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Windermere run on average 7 times per day, taking around 4h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £78 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:19, the last at 19:01. The fastest train covers the 323 km distance in 4h 4m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 323 km |
Average train duration 4h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price £78 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 4h 4m |
First train 4:19 |
Last train 19:01 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 35 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Live departures
Cardiff to Windermere train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Windermere trains for tomorrow, Wednesday 7 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G66712+W33935+G89071 | 8:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 5h09 | 13:54 Windermere station (WDM) | 2 changes | |
| G38967+W33935+G89071 | 8:55 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h59 | 13:54 Windermere station (WDM) | 2 changes | |
| G38949+W34286+G85384+W85188 | 9:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 5h03 | 14:56 Windermere station (WDM) | 3 changes | |
| G38975+C01372+W85191+G85394 | 10:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 5h03 | 15:56 Windermere station (WDM) | 3 changes | |
| G38953+W34290+G89067 | 11:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 5h00 | 16:53 Windermere station (WDM) | 2 changes | |
| G38983+W34292+G85404 | 12:55 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 5h06 | 18:01 Windermere station (WDM) | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Cardiff to Windermere trains with Omio?
Avanti West Coast as well as Transport for Wales offer trains services from Cardiff to Windermere.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Windermere.
Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Avanti West Coast, but also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Windermere.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Avanti West Coast with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Windermere.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Windermere.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Windermere.
Train companies: Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast from Cardiff to Windermere trainsTransport for Wales, Avanti West Coast trains will get you between Cardiff and Windermere from £78. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Transport for Wales
About
Transport for Wales is a public transport provider in Wales, UK. It operates a comprehensive network of trains, buses and ferries across the country. The trains are modern and comfortable, with a range of different types including InterCity Express Trains, Regional Trains, and Metro Trains. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. There are a variety of ticket types available, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and group tickets. The most popular routes include Cardiff to Swansea, Cardiff to Newport, and Cardiff to Manchester.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transport for Wales Duration
4h 4m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
£97
Transport for Wales frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policy depends on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks. Some stations have cafes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket (£5 per day). Guide dogs free
Quiet zone
Avanti West Coast
About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Avanti West Coast Duration
4h 15m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£78
Avanti West Coast frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Windermere
Things to do in Windermere
Discover the best of Windermere — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Windermere trip today.
- Recommended
Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House
Working Arts and Crafts house museum with original interiors, decorative details, and insight into the life of writer Harriet Martineau.
- Recommended
Old Courthouse Gallery
Independent gallery showing contemporary and traditional artworks, with changing exhibitions and a central Bowness location.
- Must visit
Bowness-on-Windermere
Lakeside village area with boat piers, shops, and easy access to cruises, promenades, and classic views across Windermere.
- Must visit
Orrest Head
Broad wooded viewpoint above Windermere, reached by foot or shuttle, known for panoramic lake and fell views.
- Recommended
Cockshott Point
Formal lakeside gardens with lawns, flowerbeds, picnic space, and direct access to the shore near Bowness.
Cumberland Sausage
A famous Cumbrian sausage with protected status, made from local pork and herbs. It is a classic Lake District breakfast and pub staple.
- Vegetarian
Kendal Mint Cake
A dark, rich fruit cake from Cumbria made with currants, spice and often tea. It is a traditional accompaniment to local cheese.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Kendal Mint Cake
A sweet peppermint glucose bar from nearby Kendal, long linked with walkers and climbers for quick energy in the Lakes.
Cedar Manor Restaurant
Well-regarded local venue for coffee, brunch and homemade cakes, with a friendly atmosphere and reliable daytime food.
Hooked
Long-established Lake District restaurant with contemporary British dishes and a refined country-house atmosphere.
Homeground Coffee + Kitchen
Popular casual restaurant serving tapas-style small plates and pizzas in a lively modern setting near the station.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the Lake District. Hotels and dining cost more in peak season, but cafés, pubs and local buses keep daily visitor costs manageable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for a casual meal or takeaway.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £40+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual for good service if not already added. Round up taxi fares. Café tipping is not expected, but small change is appreciated.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3.00
- Day pass
- : null
To the city centre
Windermere railway station -> Bowness-on-Windermere
- Distance
- 2.4 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Single bus fares in Cumbria and North Lancashire are capped at £3.00 on participating Stagecoach services. Check the operator app before travel.
- Windermere station is linked to Bowness and Ambleside by bus, including route 599. Contactless bank card and mobile payments are accepted by Stagecoach.
Best day trips from Windermere by train
The most popular day trips by train from Windermere are Kendal, Lancaster, Oxenholme, Penrith and Carlisle. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Windermere on Omio.
Day trip from Windermere to Kendal by train
Why visit Kendal for the day?
Kendal is a Cumbrian market town on the edge of the Lake District, known for Kendal Castle and Kendal Mint Cake. Its stone streets, River Kent setting and strong local identity make it feel more lived-in than purely touristic.
How to get from Windermere to Kendal by train?
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:21, the last at 22:47. The fastest train covers the 12 km distance in 11m.
Day trip from Windermere to Lancaster by train
Why visit Lancaster for the day?
Lancaster is known for its castle, Georgian architecture and ties to the House of Lancaster. Its compact centre, River Lune setting and student energy give the city a historic yet easy-going feel.
How to get from Windermere to Lancaster by train?
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:59, the last at 22:47. The fastest train covers the 35 km distance in 31m.
Day trip from Windermere to Oxenholme by train
Why visit Oxenholme for the day?
Oxenholme is a small Cumbrian settlement best known for its station linking Kendal with the wider Lake District. Close to rolling countryside and the market town of Kendal, it feels quiet, practical and distinctly rural.
How to get from Windermere to Oxenholme by train?
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:17, the last at 22:47. The fastest train covers the 15 km distance in 17m.
Day trip from Windermere to Penrith by train
Why visit Penrith for the day?
Penrith is a Cumbrian market town known for its red sandstone streets and easy access to the Lake District. It has a practical, lived-in feel, with independent shops, historic buildings, and nearby landmarks such as Penrith Castle.
How to get from Windermere to Penrith by train?
The earliest train runs at 05:59, the last at 21:48. The fastest train covers the 33 km distance in 43m.
Day trip from Windermere to Carlisle by train
Why visit Carlisle for the day?
Carlisle is a Cumbrian border city known for its Roman past, medieval castle and centuries of Anglo-Scottish history. Its compact centre blends historic streets with a practical market-city character.
How to get from Windermere to Carlisle by train?
The earliest train runs at 04:35, the last at 21:47. The fastest train covers the 57 km distance in 56m.
FAQs: Cardiff to Windermere train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Windermere by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Windermere, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Windermere can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £78, while the average price tends to be around £108.
The train journey from Cardiff to Windermere covers a distance of 323 km and takes approximately 4h 4m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to Windermere is 323 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Windermere leaves at 4:19.
The last train from Cardiff to Windermere departs at 19:01.
Trains from Cardiff to Windermere run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Windermere.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff to Windermere.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Windermere.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Windermere is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Windermere station (WDM).
Booking trains from Cardiff to Windermere in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Cardiff to Windermere is considered scenic, offering views of the Welsh countryside, rolling hills, and picturesque Lake District landscapes as you approach Windermere.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Windermere.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Windermere
Most Cardiff to Windermere trains use the Cardiff Central to Windermere station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Windermere train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Cardiff
Arrival train stations in Windermere
Cardiff CentralCentral Square, Cardiff CF10 1EP, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre
Bus24, 25, 27, 86, 62, 30, 35, 21, 136, 7, 23, 63, 64 · 3m · £2 · every ~47 min
C1 · 5m · every ~8 min
Cardiff Central train station facilities and services
Cardiff Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Which Windermere station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
Trains from Cardiff to Windermere arrive at Windermere. Windermere is from Windermere city centre.
WindermereWindermere station, Station Precinct, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1AH+44 800 200 6060
City-centre transport
Getting to Windermere from Windermere city centre
Bus597 · 1m · £8
Windermere train station facilities and services
Windermere has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Windermere.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Windermere.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Windermere: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Windermere: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Windermere: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, Scooter Friendly Station - Level access to platform, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible public telephones: On Station Forecourt, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: As per ticket office opening hours, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Most popular train connections from Cardiff
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Windermere
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Windermere and Cardiff
Most popular train connections to Windermere
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