- 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.
Cheapest price
£70
Average price
£70
Fastest journey
2 h 2 m
Average duration
2 h 2 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
132 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chester to Windermere is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chester to Windermere will cost around £70 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £70.
Of the 1 trains that leave Chester for Windermere every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 132 km distance in an average of 2 h 2 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 2 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 2 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chester to Windermere among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £15. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 18m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £15, and a coach costs an average of £69.
Distance: 132 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£38 Average Price Cheapest | £69 Average Price |
2h 48m Average total duration Fastest 2h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 24m Average total duration 3h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The table below shows live departures for Chester to Windermere trains for today, Sunday 2 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 22:42 Chester | 9h07 | 7:49 Windermere | 2 changes | |
| Monday 3 August | |||||
![]() | 11:52 Chester | 2h02 | 13:54 Windermere | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Chester to Windermere run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £15 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:48, the last at 21:47. The fastest train covers the 132 km distance in 2h 2m.
Distance 132 km |
Average train duration 2h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price £15 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 2m |
First train 4:48 |
Last train 21:47 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 6 days |
Discover the best of Windermere — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Windermere trip today.
Popular family museum bringing Beatrix Potter’s stories to life through recreated scenes, displays, and themed exhibits in Bowness.
Working Arts and Crafts house museum with original interiors, decorative details, and insight into the life of writer Harriet Martineau.
Independent gallery showing contemporary and traditional artworks, with changing exhibitions and a central Bowness location.
Lakeside village area with boat piers, shops, and easy access to cruises, promenades, and classic views across Windermere.
Broad wooded viewpoint above Windermere, reached by foot or shuttle, known for panoramic lake and fell views.
Formal lakeside gardens with lawns, flowerbeds, picnic space, and direct access to the shore near Bowness.
A famous Cumbrian sausage with protected status, made from local pork and herbs. It is a classic Lake District breakfast and pub staple.
A dark, rich fruit cake from Cumbria made with currants, spice and often tea. It is a traditional accompaniment to local cheese.
A sweet peppermint glucose bar from nearby Kendal, long linked with walkers and climbers for quick energy in the Lakes.
Well-regarded local venue for coffee, brunch and homemade cakes, with a friendly atmosphere and reliable daytime food.
Long-established Lake District restaurant with contemporary British dishes and a refined country-house atmosphere.
Popular casual restaurant serving tapas-style small plates and pizzas in a lively modern setting near the station.
Moderate for the Lake District. Hotels and dining cost more in peak season, but cafés, pubs and local buses keep daily visitor costs manageable.
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.
Official public transport app
Windermere railway station -> Bowness-on-Windermere
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chester 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.

Most Chester to Windermere trains use the Chester to Windermere station pair. Use this guide to compare Chester and Windermere train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Chester is 1 km from Chester city centre. Public transport options include:
Chester has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Chester.
ATMs are available at Chester.
Ticket office support is available at Chester. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Chester: Parking, WC.
Available at Chester: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chester: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A. Step free access is available to all platforms via lifts, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Windermere has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Windermere.
Ticket office support is available at Windermere.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Windermere: Parking, WC.
Available at Windermere: Bike Parking.
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.
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