How long is the drive?

Approximately 5 hours 45 minutes without traffic.

Which motorway is best?

The M6 is the primary route south.

National Express operates, but it is significantly slower than the train.

Is Crawley near Gatwick?

Yes, Crawley is adjacent to Gatwick Airport.

Workington

Crawley

Train Driving

Workington to Crawley

Updated: 29 May 2026

The journey from Workington to Crawley spans approximately 450 km. You will primarily use the West Coast Main Line to reach London. Expect a transfer between London Euston and London Victoria stations. The route traverses the heart of England via the M6 and M25 motorways if driving. This trip connects the industrial coast of Cumbria to the bustling commuter hub of West Sussex.

Total Distance: 450 km driving, 380 km air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving, provided there is no congestion on the M25.

Cheapest Way

Train, if booked via Advance tickets at least 8 weeks prior.

Compare Workington to Crawley Routes

	Train Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	6 hours 15 mins	5 hours 45 mins
Avg Price	80-150 GBP	70-100 GBP fuel
Operator	Avanti West Coast / Southern	N/A
Route	Workington to London Euston, then Victoria to Crawley.	M6, M42, M40, M25, M23.
Tip	Book your Avanti ticket 12 weeks in advance for significant savings.	Avoid the M25 during rush hour to prevent severe delays.

Travel Tips

Station Transfer
Use the London Underground Victoria Line to move between Euston and Victoria stations.
Oyster Card
Use a contactless bank card for your London Underground transfer to save time.
M6 Traffic
Check National Highways live maps before departing Workington.
Seat Reservation
Always reserve a seat on the Avanti West Coast leg to ensure comfort.
Luggage
Keep your luggage light as station transfers in London involve stairs.

Safety Tips

Night Driving
Avoid driving the M6 at night if you are not experienced with long-haul motorway travel.
Valuables
Keep your belongings in sight at all times in busy London stations.
Emergency
Dial 999 for emergency services if you encounter a major incident on the motorway.
Weather
Cumbria can experience sudden heavy rain; check local forecasts before driving.