Is the Furness Line scenic?

Yes, it runs along the coast of Morecambe Bay.

How long is the drive?

Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes depending on traffic.

Are there direct trains?

No, you must change at least once.

What is Barrow famous for?

It is known for its long history of shipbuilding.

Is it easy to park in Barrow?

Yes, there are several large car parks available.

Appleby-in-Westmorland

Barrow-in-Furness

Train Driving

Appleby-in-Westmorland to Barrow-in-Furness

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from Appleby-in-Westmorland to Barrow-in-Furness takes you south through the scenic Lake District. By car, you will take the A66 to the M6, then the A590 through the southern lakes. By train, you travel via the West Coast Main Line to Lancaster or Oxenholme, then transfer to the Furness Line. The drive takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes. Barrow is a coastal town famous for its shipbuilding heritage.

Total Distance: 115 km driving distance; 95 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving via the A66 and A590 is the fastest method, taking 1 hour 45 minutes.

Cheapest Way

Driving is the most cost-effective way to reach Barrow from Appleby.

Compare Appleby-in-Westmorland to Barrow-in-Furness Routes

	Train Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	3 hours	1 hour 45 mins
Avg Price	30-45 GBP	20-30 GBP
Operator	Northern Rail	Personal Vehicle
Route	Appleby to Carlisle, then West Coast Main Line to Lancaster, then Furness Line to Barrow.	A66 to M6, then A590 to Barrow.
Tip	The Furness Line offers spectacular views of Morecambe Bay.	The A590 can be very busy; check for traffic updates before leaving.

Travel Tips

Traffic
The A590 is prone to congestion; allow extra time during bank holidays.
Train Tickets
Book in advance to get the best prices on the West Coast Main Line.
Parking
Barrow town centre has several multi-storey car parks.
Coastal Weather
The Furness Peninsula is exposed; bring layers for your visit.
Local Transport
Barrow is well-served by local buses for reaching nearby attractions like Furness Abbey.

Safety Tips

Driving
Be aware of cyclists on the A590.
Rail Safety
Keep your luggage close at busy stations like Lancaster.
Emergency
Keep a physical map as a backup for GPS navigation.
Personal Safety
Stick to well-lit areas when walking in the town centre at night.