- 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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Travel Information
Compare train for Preston to Windermere
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Windermere among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £44 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 28m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £44, while a train costs an average of £44.
Distance: 244 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£44 Average Price Cheapest | £14 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 28m Average total duration Fastest 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 43m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Preston to Windermere is a train with an average price of £44.
The fastest way to travel from Preston to Windermere is by train with an average journey time of 58m.
Yes, you can take a train between Preston and Windermere.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 2h 45m sooner (58m by train vs 3h 43m by car). Tickets start at around £44 compared to roughly £14 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with Northern Trains Limited.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Compare prices and tickets Preston 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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Why should you book Preston to Windermere trains with Omio?
Avanti West Coast as well as Northern Trains Limited or TransPennine Express offer trains services from Preston to Windermere.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Preston 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 Trains Limited or TransPennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Preston 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.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Preston to Windermere
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Preston to Windermere run on average 12 times per day, taking around 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £11 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:36, the last at 21:43. The fastest train covers the 244 km distance in 51m.
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 244 km |
Average train duration 58m |
Cheapest ticket price £11 |
Trains per day 12 |
Fastest train 51m |
First train 5:36 |
Last train 21:43 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
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 Trains Limited, TransPennine Express from Preston to Windermere trainsAvanti West Coast, Northern Trains Limited, TransPennine Express trains will get you between Preston and Windermere from £11. 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
54m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£72
Avanti West Coast frequency
6 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 Trains Limited
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Northern Trains Limited Duration
56m
Cheapest Northern Trains Limited Price
£11
Northern Trains Limited frequency
4 a day
TransPennine Express
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average TransPennine Express Duration
51m
Cheapest TransPennine Express Price
£35
TransPennine Express frequency
6 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: Preston to Windermere train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston 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 Preston to Windermere can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £11, while the average price tends to be around £44.
The train journey from Preston to Windermere covers a distance of 244 km and takes approximately 51m. Trains run 12 per day.
The train distance from Preston to Windermere is 244 km.
The first train from Preston to Windermere leaves at 5:36.
The last train from Preston to Windermere departs at 21:43.
Trains from Preston to Windermere run approximately 12 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Preston to Windermere.
Yes, there is a direct train between Preston and Windermere. The service operates 0 times per day, provided by Northern Trains Limited.
To travel from Preston to Windermere, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Preston to Windermere.
The train station in Preston that goes to Windermere is Corby station (COR), and it arrives at Windermere station (WDM).
The cheapest way to get from Preston to Windermere is by train, costing approximately £11.
Booking trains from Preston 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 Preston to Windermere is scenic, offering views of the picturesque countryside, rolling hills, and the beautiful landscapes of the Lake District.
A day trip from Preston to Windermere is not feasible as the journey takes 51m. Trains run 15 times per day. The distance is 244 km.
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 Preston to Windermere.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Preston and Windermere
Most Preston to Windermere trains use the Corby to Windermere station pair. Use this guide to compare Preston and Windermere train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Preston
Arrival train stations in Windermere
Which Windermere station do trains from Preston arrive at?
Trains from Preston 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 Preston to Windermere
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Windermere and Preston
Most popular train connections to Windermere
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