- 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 Chester to Windermere
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£24
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£24
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
2 h 4 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
2 h 4 m
Trains on 18 Sept
1
Distance
132 km
Cheap tickets
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 £24 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £24.
Fast trains
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 1 trains from Chester to Windermere, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 132 km distance in an average of 2 h 4 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 4 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 4 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.
12:522h04Chester14:56Windermere£241One-way0 changes
- 12:522h04Chester14:56Windermere£241One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train for Chester to Windermere
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 an average ticket price of £29 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 48m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £29, while a train costs an average of £29.
Distance: 132 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£29 Average Price Cheapest | £28 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 48m Average total duration Fastest 2h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 51m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Chester to Windermere is a train with an average price of £29.
The fastest way to travel from Chester to Windermere is by train with an average journey time of 2h 18m.
Yes, you can take a train between Chester and Windermere.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around £29 compared to roughly £28 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-1.18. The journey takes 2h 18m versus 1h 51m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Compare prices and tickets Chester to Windermere by train
Compare train 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.
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18 Sept
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19 Sept
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21 Sept
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24 Sept
Why should you book Chester to Windermere trains with Omio?
Avanti West Coast as well as Northern Rail, Transport for Wales, Northern Trains Limited and more offer trains services from Chester to Windermere.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Chester 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 Northern Rail, Transport for Wales or Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip from Chester 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.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Raileurope or Trip?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Northern Rail, Transport for Wales or Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip from Chester to Windermere.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chester to Windermere
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Chester to Windermere run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £23 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 6m.
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 132 km |
Average train duration 2h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price £23 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 6m |
First train 4:48 |
Last train 21:47 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 28 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: Avanti West Coast, Northern Rail, Transport for Wales, Northern Trains Limited from Chester to Windermere trainsAvanti West Coast, Northern Rail, Transport for Wales, Northern Trains Limited trains will get you between Chester and Windermere from £23. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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
2h 6m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£23
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
Average Northern Rail Duration
4h 19m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
£69
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
Transport for Wales
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transport for Wales Duration
1h 56m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
£33
Transport for Wales frequency
9 a day
Northern Trains Limited
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Northern Trains Limited Duration
2h 13m
Cheapest Northern Trains Limited Price
£76
Northern Trains Limited frequency
7 a day
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: Chester to Windermere train
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.
The cost of a train ticket from Chester to Windermere can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £23, while the average price tends to be around £29.
The train journey from Chester to Windermere covers a distance of 132 km and takes approximately 2h 6m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Chester to Windermere is 132 km.
The first train from Chester to Windermere leaves at 4:48.
The last train from Chester to Windermere departs at 21:47.
Trains from Chester to Windermere run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Chester to Windermere.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Chester to Windermere.
To travel from Chester to Windermere, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Chester to Windermere.
The train station in Chester that goes to Windermere is Chester station (CTR), and it arrives at Windermere station (WDM).
The cheapest way to get from Chester to Windermere is by train, costing approximately £23.
Booking trains from Chester to Windermere in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
Yes, the train journey from Chester to Windermere is considered scenic, offering picturesque views of the English countryside, rolling hills, and charming villages as it travels through parts of the Lake District.
A day trip from Chester to Windermere is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 6m. There are 5 trains per day covering the 132 km distance.
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 Chester to Windermere.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Chester and Windermere
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.
Departure train stations in Chester
Arrival train stations in Windermere
Which Chester station do trains to Windermere leave from?
Trains from Chester to Windermere leave from Chester. The station is 1 km from Chester city centre at Chester Station, City Road, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 3NS.
ChesterChester Station, City Road, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 3NS+44 3450507080
City-centre transport
Getting to Chester from Chester city centre
Chester is 1 km from Chester city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus100, 16 · 4m · £4 · every ~2 min
Chester train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Chester.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Chester.
Tickets and information
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.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Chester: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Chester: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
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.
Which Windermere station do trains from Chester arrive at?
Trains from Chester 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 Chester
More options for your journey from Chester to Windermere
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Windermere and Chester
Most popular train connections to Windermere
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