Is York a good place to visit?

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

How long is the train journey?

Approximately 3 hours including transfers.

Are there direct trains?

No, you will need to change in Leeds or Darlington.

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 York.

Keswick

York

Train Driving

Keswick to York

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from Keswick to York is a trip of approximately 180 kilometers, taking you across the scenic Pennines. By car, you will travel east on the A66, then join the A1(M) south to reach York. By train, you will travel to Penrith, then take a service to Leeds or Darlington before connecting to York. This journey takes you from the mountainous Lake District to the historic city of York in North Yorkshire.

Total Distance: 180 km driving distance; 150 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving is the fastest, taking approximately 2.5 hours.

Cheapest Way

Driving is generally more cost-effective for groups.

Compare Keswick to York Routes

	Train Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	3 hours	2 hours 30 mins
Avg Price	60-120 GBP	40-70 GBP
Operator	Avanti West Coast / LNER	N/A
Route	Bus to Penrith, train to Leeds, train to York.	A66 East, A1(M) South to York.
Tip	The train from Leeds to York 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
York has several large car parks; check for pre-booking options.
Weather
Yorkshire is generally drier than Cumbria.