Kirkby Stephen is easily accessible by car and by public transport.

By car
From the M6 driving north leave at Junction 38 Tebay and join the A685 signed to Kirkby Stephen.
From the M6 driving south leave at Junction 40 Penrith and join the A66 signed to Brough. Leave the A66 at Brough and join the A685 signed Kirkby Stephen.
From the A1 leave at Scotch Corner and join the A66 to Brough. Leave the A66 at Brough and join the A685 signed Kirkby Stephen.
There is free parking in Kirkby Stephen town centre but this is limited to 2 hours in peak hours during the summer. A free unrestricted car park (overnight stay permitted but no camping) can be found at the north end of the town - turn into Silver Street and continue into Christian Head. It is on your left by the fire station. There is another at Stoneshot and unrestricted parking in most side streets.

By train
Kirkby Stephen is on the famous Settle-Carlisle line, which sees 7 daily trains between Leeds and Carlisle on Mondays through Saturdays, as well as a year-round Sunday service. Travelling from London can take as little as 4 hours 12 minutes. The station is situated on the A685 road a mile west of Kirkby Stephen, with connections to the town provided by bus, taxi or on foot. Timetable and connection information (PDF)

On the fast West Coast line the nearest stations are Oxenholme (Lake District) and Penrith. The fastest train from London is 2 hours 38 minutes.

If you cannot connect with a bus service your accommodation provider may be able to pick you up or you can book a taxi. A taxi from the town centre to Kirkby Stephen railway station costs around £4. There is also a brand new tarmac path from the station to the town centre, a pleasant walk of a little over a mile. 

By bus

A number of bus routes pass through Kirkby Stephen. Buses run to Oxenholme (564) and Penrith (563). You can download timetables in PDF format from the Cumbria County Council website.

Classic Coaches have a service linking Newcastle, Lancaster and Blackpool passing through Kirkby Stephen. Kirkby Stephen TIC is now a ticket agent for the trans-pennine Classic express coach service. It runs daily in the summer months and Fridays to Mondays in the winter connecting the town with the North East of England and Lancashire. Main calling points include Newcastle, Durham, Scotch Corner, Barnard Castle, Lancaster and Blackpool.  Tickets must be booked the day before travel from the TIC.  Eastbound services pickup at the bus stop opposite Market Square, westbound services pickup from the bus stop in front of HSBC bank. For more information please visit the TIC or call them on 017683 71199.

Coach parking is available at the Auction Mart but not on auction days; see www.livestock-sales.co.uk

You can plan your journey using the Traveline website.