Is Darlington a good place to visit?

Yes, it is a historic town with a great cultural scene.

How long is the train journey?

Approximately 2.25 hours including transfers.

Are there direct trains?

No, you will need to change in Penrith.

What is the best route by car?

The A66 route is the most direct.

No, there are no direct ferries from Cumbria to Darlington.

Keswick

Darlington

Train Driving

Keswick to Darlington

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from Keswick to Darlington is a trip of approximately 130 kilometers, taking you across the scenic Pennines. By car, you will travel east on the A66 to reach Darlington. By train, you will travel to Penrith, then take a service to Darlington. This journey takes you from the mountainous Lake District to the historic town of Darlington in County Durham.

Total Distance: 130 km driving distance; 100 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving is the fastest, taking approximately 1.75 hours.

Cheapest Way

Driving is generally more cost-effective for groups.

Compare Keswick to Darlington Routes

	Train Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	2 hours 15 mins	1 hour 45 mins
Avg Price	40-80 GBP	30-50 GBP
Operator	Avanti West Coast / TransPennine Express	N/A
Route	Bus to Penrith, train to Darlington.	A66 East to Darlington.
Tip	The train from Penrith to Darlington is very frequent.	The A66 is a scenic but winding road; drive carefully.

Travel Tips

A66 Safety
The A66 can be challenging in bad weather; check conditions before you leave.
Traffic
The A66 is a major route; check for accidents before you leave.
Booking
Book train tickets well in advance to avoid high prices.
Parking
Darlington has several large car parks; check for pre-booking options.
Weather
County Durham can be rainy; dress in layers.