- 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 and prices for 23 Aug
Cheapest price
£95
Average price
£159
Fastest journey
4 h 56 m
Average duration
5 h 5 m
Trains per day
9
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 £159 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £95.
Fast trains
To travel from Cardiff to Windermere you need to make at least 2 changes.
10:436h09Cardiff16:52Windermere£951One-way1 change- 11:405h12Cardiff16:52Windermere£1521One-way2 changes
- 8:425h11Cardiff13:53Windermere£1691One-way2 changes
- 9:454h56Cardiff14:41Windermere£1691One-way2 changes
- 10:435h05Cardiff15:48Windermere£1691One-way2 changes
- 9:454h56Cardiff14:41Windermere£1691One-way2 changes
- 13:515h01Cardiff18:52Windermere£1691One-way2 changes
- 10:435h05Cardiff15:48Windermere£1691One-way2 changes
- 8:425h11Cardiff13:53Windermere£1691One-way2 changes
- 12:395h11Cardiff17:50Windermere£1691One-way2 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Cardiff to Windermere
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Windermere among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £73. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 56m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £73, and a train costs an average of £43.
Distance: 323 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£85 Average Price | £73 Average Price Cheapest |
5h 26m Average total duration Fastest 4h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 16h 2m Average total duration 15h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Cardiff to Windermere train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Windermere trains for tomorrow, Sunday 23 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:42 Cardiff | 5h11 | 13:53 Windermere | 2 changes | |
| 9:45 Cardiff | 4h56 | 14:41 Windermere | 2 changes | |
| 10:43 Cardiff | 5h05 | 15:48 Windermere | 2 changes | |
| 10:43 Cardiff | 6h09 | 16:52 Windermere | 1 change | |
| 11:40 Cardiff | 5h12 | 16:52 Windermere | 2 changes | |
| 12:39 Cardiff | 5h11 | 17:50 Windermere | 2 changes | |
| 13:51 Cardiff | 5h01 | 18:52 Windermere | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Windermere by train or coach
Compare train and coach prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Sun
23 Aug
23 Aug
Mon
24 Aug
24 Aug
Tue
25 Aug
25 Aug
Wed
26 Aug
26 Aug
Thu
27 Aug
27 Aug
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28 Aug
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29 Aug
29 Aug
Why should you book Cardiff to Windermere trains with Omio?
Transport for Wales as well as Avanti West Coast, Northern Rail, Transport for Wales and more 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 Transport for Wales?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Transport for Wales, but also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast, Northern Rail or 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 Transport for Wales 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, Raileurope or Trip?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast, Northern Rail or 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.
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 56m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £43 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 59m.
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 56m |
Cheapest ticket price £43 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 4h 59m |
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
Train companies: Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast, Northern Rail from Cardiff to Windermere trainsTransport for Wales, Avanti West Coast, Northern Rail trains will get you between Cardiff and Windermere from £43. 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 Duration
4h 59m
Cheapest Price
£43
Transport for Wales frequency
5 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 Duration
5h 7m
Cheapest Price
£60
Avanti West Coast frequency
2 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
Northern Rail
About
Northern Trains is a publicly owned train operating company in the United Kingdom, headquartered in York. It runs local and commuter services across the north of England, connecting regions including the North East, North West, East Midlands, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, and the Humber coastline. As part of the National Rail network, Northern operates under a coordinated fare and ticketing system alongside other UK train companies.Ticket types include Advance, Off-Peak, Anytime Day, single, return, and season tickets, with only one class option available: Standard. Onboard amenities may include comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and refreshments on select services. Popular routes include connections between major northern cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Northern Rail frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
See refund policy for ticket types
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most services with drinks and snacks. Some stations have cafes and shops
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking advance tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
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.
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 £43, while the average price tends to be around £85.
The train journey from Cardiff to Windermere covers a distance of 323 km and takes approximately 4h 59m. 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.
To get from Cardiff to Windermere, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
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).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Windermere is by train, costing approximately £43.
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.
A day trip from Cardiff to Windermere is not feasible as the journey takes 4h 59m. The distance is 323 km, and there are 7 train trips per day.
In Windermere, you can explore Brockhole on Windermere, a family-friendly visitor centre with gardens and adventure activities, and visit Wray Castle, a mock-Gothic castle with extensive grounds. Discover the history of boats and steamers at the Windermere Jetty Museum, or enjoy stunning views from Claife Viewing Station. Fell Foot Park offers a perfect spot for picnics and leisurely walks. For scenic experiences, take a boat cruise on Lake Windermere or visit The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction. Orrest Head provides panoramic vistas, while Blackwell showcases exquisite Arts & Crafts architecture. Finally, Holehird Gardens offers diverse plant collections and beautiful landscapes.
Typically, a stay of 2 to 3 days in Windermere is ideal to explore the town, enjoy lake cruises, visit nearby attractions, and partake in outdoor activities.
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.
Cardiff Queen StreetCardiff Queen Street station, Station Terrace, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 4EY
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff Queen Street from Cardiff city centre
Bus52, 57, 58 · 13m · £2 · every ~25 min
C1 · 21m · every ~8 min
Cardiff Queen Street train station facilities and services
Cardiff Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff Queen Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Queen Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
CathaysCathays station, Plas-y-Parc, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 3LU
City-centre transport
Getting to Cathays from Cardiff city centre
TrainCardiff Central - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Treherbert, Cardiff Central - Pontypridd, Aberdare - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Radyr, Radyr - Radyr · 6m · £0.90 · every ~8 min
BusC1 · 16m · every ~8 min
Cathays train station facilities and services
Cathays has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cathays.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cathays. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cathays: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B3. While both platforms are step-free, there is no facility for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users or persons with reduced mobility to cross between Platform 1 and 2 due to a steep footbridge. Customers who have travelled from the Valleys and wish to access the University or the Civic Centre are advised to travel to Queen Street station, change onto a North-bound service and alight at Cathays on the return service, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards. The machine on the Cardiff-bound platform is only available during staffing hours. The machine on the Pontypridd-bound platform is available all the time, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
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.
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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