Penrith
Penrith
Barrow-in-Furness
Barrow-in-Furness
Train Driving

Penrith to Barrow-in-Furness

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from Penrith to Barrow-in-Furness takes you from the heart of the Lake District to the southern tip of the Furness Peninsula. You can take the train, which involves a change at Lancaster or Carlisle to join the coastal line, or drive via the M6 and A590. Barrow is a town with a rich shipbuilding history and a beautiful coastline.

Total Distance: Driving distance 90 km + straight-line air distance 70 km.
Fastest Way
Driving, taking approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
Cheapest Way
Train, if booked in advance, starting at 20 GBP.
Compare Penrith to Barrow-in-Furness Routes
Train
Connecting
Driving
Direct
Duration 2 hours 15 mins 1 hour 30 mins
Avg Price 20-35 GBP 15-22 GBP (fuel)
Operator Northern Trains N/A
Route Penrith to Lancaster, then Furness Line. M6 and A590.
Tip The coastal train journey is very scenic. The A590 can be slow due to traffic.
Travel Tips
  • Train Tickets
    Book in advance for cheaper fares.
  • Coastal Views
    Sit on the right side of the train for the best coastal views.
  • Parking
    Use the town center car parks.
  • Local Food
    Try the local seafood in the town.
  • Planning
    Check train times carefully as connections can be tight.
Safety Tips
  • Road Safety
    The A590 is a busy road; drive with care.
  • Personal Safety
    Barrow is generally safe, but stay aware at night.
  • Emergency
    Dial 999 for any emergencies.
  • Weather
    Coastal weather can be windy; bring a warm jacket.
People Also Ask
  • Is the train direct?
    No, you must change at Lancaster or Carlisle.
  • How long is the train ride?
    It takes about 2 hours 15 minutes.
  • Can I drive to Barrow?
    Yes, it is a straightforward drive.
  • Is Barrow worth visiting?
    Yes, it is a town with a lot of history.
  • What is Barrow famous for?
    It is famous for its shipbuilding history.
Quick Info
  • From Penrith, Cumbria, United Kingdom
  • To Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, United Kingdom
  • Modes
Best Time to Travel

Summer for the best coastal views.

Things to Do in Barrow-in-Furness
1
Dock Museum
A fantastic museum covering the history of the town and shipbuilding.
2
Furness Abbey
The ruins of a magnificent 12th-century abbey.
3
Walney Island
A beautiful island with nature reserves and beaches.
4
Piel Island
A small island with a castle and a pub, accessible by ferry.
Tags
Penrith to Barrow train Cumbrian Coast Line Barrow-in-Furness travel Penrith to Barrow drive Cumbria transport coastal travel UK Barrow town guide Penrith transport
More from Penrith
Carlisle
Penrith → Carlisle
Keswick
Penrith → Keswick
Appleby-in-Westmorland
Penrith → Appleby-in-Westmorland
Kendal
Penrith → Kendal
Whitehaven
Penrith → Whitehaven
Workington
Penrith → Workington
Lancaster
Penrith → Lancaster
Preston
Penrith → Preston
Manchester
Penrith → Manchester
Liverpool
Penrith → Liverpool
More to Barrow-in-Furness
Wrexham
Wrexham → Barrow-in-Furness
Kendal
Kendal → Barrow-in-Furness
Ambleside
Ambleside → Barrow-in-Furness
Windermere
Windermere → Barrow-in-Furness
Milnthorpe
Milnthorpe → Barrow-in-Furness
More to Penrith
Keswick
Keswick → Penrith
Carlisle
Carlisle → Penrith
Appleby-in-Westmorland
Appleby-in-Westmorland → Penrith