Is Durham a good place to visit?

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

How long is the train journey?

Approximately 2.5 hours including transfers.

Are there direct trains?

No, you will need to change in Penrith.

What is the best route by car?

The A66/A1(M) route is the most direct.

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

Keswick

Train Driving

Keswick to Durham

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from Keswick to Durham is a trip of approximately 140 kilometers, taking you across the scenic Pennines. By car, you will travel east on the A66, then join the A1(M) north to reach Durham. By train, you will travel to Penrith, then take a service to Durham. This journey takes you from the mountainous Lake District to the historic city of Durham in County Durham.

Total Distance: 140 km driving distance; 110 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving is the fastest, taking approximately 2 hours.

Cheapest Way

Driving is generally more cost-effective for groups.

Compare Keswick to Durham Routes

	Train Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	2 hours 30 mins	2 hours
Avg Price	50-100 GBP	35-60 GBP
Operator	Avanti West Coast / LNER	N/A
Route	Bus to Penrith, train to Durham.	A66 East, A1(M) North to Durham.
Tip	The train from Penrith to Durham 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 A1(M) is a major route; check for accidents before you leave.
Booking
Book train tickets well in advance to avoid high prices.
Parking
Durham has several large car parks; check for pre-booking options.
Weather
County Durham can be rainy; dress in layers.