Keswick becomes virtual railway station to support sustainable journeys in the Lakes
Keswick added to railway journey planners so visitors can travel seamlessly across train and bus to the Lakes this summer.
- Avanti West Coast and Stagecoach launch integrated rail and bus ticket in Cumbria
- Visitors can travel seamlessly across rail and bus with one ticket covering entire journey to Keswick
- Initiative supports Cumbria Tourism’s Go Car Free campaign to make greener journeys
Keswick is set to become a “virtual railway station” this summer with visitors being able to enjoy seamless journeys by train and bus to the picturesque Lake District town.
Avanti West Coast has added Keswick as a destination on rail journey planners so just one ticket covering travel across both modes of transport can be purchased to travel there.
It comes as bus company, Stagecoach, has this summer doubled the frequency of services connecting Penrith and Keswick to 30 minutes.
Both transport operators have worked with tourist board, Cumbria Tourism, on a “Go Car Free” campaign this year, making it easier than ever for visitors to enjoy a more sustainable holiday in the heart of the Lakes without the need for a car.
The creation of a virtual railway station means people can view the timings of the train and bus departures, as well as book a single fully integrated ticket for their entire journey.
Available for travel on the West Coast Main Line, the ticket can be used on Avanti West Coast’s services to Penrith (gateway to the North Lakes) and Stagecoach’s X4 and X5 bus service to Keswick – preventing the need for multiple tickets and transactions.
Tickets are now on sale for travel until early September with more set to be released in the coming weeks for travel dates up to November 1 – the end of the scheme. Customers simply select ‘Keswick Bus’ as their destination when booking via Avanti West Coast’s website and app or at ticket offices, to receive one ticket for their complete journey.
After arriving at Penrith by train, visitors travelling on the integrated ticket can board the connecting X4 or X5 bus to Keswick, which departs outside Penrith railway station, for only an extra £2 on top of the cost of the train fare.
By offering improved connectivity into the heart of the Lake District and a seamless journey experience across public transport, the partnership between the train company, bus operator and Cumbria Tourism hopes to encourage people to leave their car behind.
With the average journey time from London to the centre of the North Lakes taking three and a half hours by rail and bus, and a single fare costing from £33.50, the ticket aims to make it easier for people to choose sustainable travel options.
It follows the launch of Avanti West Coast’s partnership with Cumbrian cycle business, Arragon’s Cycles, offering an electric bike (e-bike) hire service with free delivery and collection at Penrith – giving visitors a seamless transfer between the train and two wheels.
Sarah Copley, Executive Director of Commercial at Avanti West Coast, said: “We’re proud to serve the gateway to the Lakes and play our part in enabling visitors to reach this beautiful part of the world more easily.
“By bringing together rail and bus travel, entire journeys can now be completed with just one ticket – supporting Cumbria Tourism’s car free campaign. Whether you’re visiting the Lakes for the day or a weekend away, the integrated ticket means you have everything you need for your journey before you board, so it’s even easier to make greener travel choices. We hope it will inspire more people to ditch the car and take the train and bus before exploring the region’s beautiful scenery on foot or public transport.”
Gill Haigh, Managing Director at Cumbria Tourism, said: “We are delighted that Avanti West Coast along with Stagecoach have created this integrated ticket. Keswick is such a great and popular town to visit, so for visitors to be able to seamlessly book tickets that transfer them from their point of origin right into the heart of the town sits perfectly alongside our Destination Management Plan Vision for Cumbria to become Britain’s most sustainable rural destination. Providing easy car free connections not only supports this vision but also facilitates even more relaxing, enjoyable, inclusive and welcoming ways to visit and enjoy great Cumbrian experiences and hospitality.”
Tom Waterhouse, Managing Director for Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership on this joint ticketing initiative. It is a real step change in helping people to visit this beautiful part of the world in a sustainable way and makes travelling by bus and train easier than it has been before.”
Bookings can be made up to 12 weeks before travel on weekdays, and up to eight weeks for weekends at www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk.
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One-way Avanti West Coast Standard Class fares to Penrith are available from London Euston (£33.50); Birmingham New Street (£14.50); Preston (£6.00); Glasgow Central (£13.00).
About Cumbria Tourism
Cumbria Tourism is the county’s Destination Management Organisation (DMO) and one of VisitEngland’s official Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEPs), operating at the heart of the Cumbria Visitor Economy.
It is also the largest membership organisation in Cumbria with 2,500 members. Most recent figures* show that more than 37 million people visit Cumbria annually, contributing £2.63 billion to the local economy and supporting 31,843 full time jobs (*2021). www.cumbriatourism.org
About Stagecoach
Founded in 1980, Stagecoach has established itself as the UK’s biggest transport operator, with services connecting more than 100 major towns and cities in England, Scotland, and Wales. We work with our partners to deliver a greener, smarter, safer, healthier, and fairer country. Providing extensive expertise in commercial and contracted markets, we assist national and regional government to deliver on ambitions plans for their citizens, communities, and local economy. Our team of 23,000 employees are proud to serve our customers and be an integral part of their local communities.
Welcome to Stagecoach (stagecoachbus.com)
About Avanti West Coast
Avanti West Coast, operator of intercity rail services on the West Coast Main Line, is a joint venture between FirstGroup and Trenitalia, delivering a cleaner, greener railway that drives the West Coast forward.
We’re on a mission to revolutionise train travel. Our refurbed Pendolinos have returned to the rails with a £117m investment that’s delivering the best in class comfort. Known as the UK’s hardest working fleet, the programme is transforming all 56 of these iconic trains boasting better seats, improved lighting, new interior carpets, customer-friendly passenger information screens, additional luggage space, power points at every seat and refurbished toilets.
Our new Evero fleet was introduced in June 2024 and will replace our Voyagers. Built by Hitachi, the 23-strong fleet, consisting of 10 seven-carriage electric trains and 13 five-carriage bi-modes, will serve routes from London to the Midlands, Chester, North Wales and the North West, leading to a substantial cut in carbon emissions with an increase in seats, and offering improved comfort. Quieter and roomier, with more reliable Wi-Fi, wireless charging for electrical devices and a real-time customer information system, these new trains are the result of a £350m investment in sustainable travel.
We’re tackling climate change wherever we can, from reducing energy and water use to training drivers in eco-driving techniques and sourcing food and drink from local suppliers. Our goal is to be net zero carbon by 2031. We’re on track.
For the latest news, visit the Avanti West Coast Media Centre: https://newsdesk.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/
Press Office: 0845 000 3333