- Must visit
Wordsworth Grasmere
Wordsworth’s former home with period rooms and a major literary museum. Essential for understanding Romantic-era Lakeland culture.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Edinburgh to Ambleside
Showing times and prices for Aug 23
Cheapest price
€14
Average price
€15
Fastest journey
4 h 9 m
Average duration
4 h 16 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
170 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Edinburgh to Ambleside is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Edinburgh to Ambleside will cost around €15 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €14.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Edinburgh to Ambleside without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus10:15 PM4h15Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HH)2:30 AMPenrith, Brunswick Road (Booths)€141One-way1 transfer- FlixBus · FlixBus10:05 PM4h25Edinburgh, Bus Station2:30 AMPenrith, Brunswick Road (Booths)€141One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus10:21 PM4h09Edinburgh, Drum Brae South2:30 AMPenrith, Brunswick Road (Booths)€161One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus10:21 PM4h09Edinburgh, Drum Brae South2:30 AMPenrith, Brunswick Road (Booths)€161One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus10:15 PM4h15Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HH)2:30 AMPenrith, Brunswick Road (Booths)€141One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus10:05 PM4h25Edinburgh, Bus Station2:30 AMPenrith, Brunswick Road (Booths)€141One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Edinburgh to Ambleside
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Ambleside among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 11m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €12, and a train costs an average of €22.
Distance: 105 miles (170 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€13 Average price Cheapest | €26 Average price | €75 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 10m Average total duration 4h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 41m Average total duration Fastest 2h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 13m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Edinburgh to Ambleside is a bus with an average price of €13.
This is compared to other travel options from Edinburgh to Ambleside:
A bus is €13 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh to Ambleside costing on average €26.
The fastest way to travel from Edinburgh to Ambleside is by train with an average journey time of 2h 11m.
Other travel options to Ambleside take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 40m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Edinburgh and Ambleside including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Edinburgh to Ambleside among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
Edinburgh to Ambleside Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:20PM | Arrival Time 01:30AM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €15 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:31PM | Arrival Time 01:30AM | Duration 4h59 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €18 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:15PM | Arrival Time 02:30AM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €11 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:20PM | Arrival Time 02:30AM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €13 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:05PM | Arrival Time 02:30AM | Duration 4h25 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €14 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:15PM | Arrival Time 02:30AM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €14 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:21PM | Arrival Time 02:30AM | Duration 4h09 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €16 |
Live departures
Edinburgh to Ambleside bus times
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Ambleside buses for today, Saturday, August 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:20 PM Edinburgh | 5h10 | 1:30 AM Ambleside | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 9:20 PM Edinburgh | 5h10 | 2:30 AM Ambleside | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Edinburgh to Ambleside by bus or train
Compare bus and train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Edinburgh to Ambleside
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Edinburgh to Ambleside run on average 5 times per day, taking around 4h 40m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €12 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 05:20, the last at 21:34. The fastest bus covers the 105 miles (170 km) distance in 4h 15m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 105 miles (170 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price €12 |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 4h 15m |
First bus 5:20 AM |
Last bus 9:34 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Complete guide to Ambleside
Things to do in Ambleside
Discover the best of Ambleside — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ambleside trip today.
- Must visit
Hill Top House Museum
Museum displays within Beatrix Potter’s preserved farmhouse. The original rooms offer intimate insight into her life and work.
- Recommended
The Armitt Museum and Gallery
Independent museum with local history, Beatrix Potter material, and art collections. A compact, rewarding introduction to the area.
- Must visit
Stock Ghyll Force
Large waterfall reached by woodland paths from town. A classic Ambleside walk with fast water, mossy rock, and photo-worthy views.
- Must visit
Loughrigg Fell
Popular fell walk above town with wide views over Windermere and the central fells. Short but rewarding for most walkers.
- Must visit
Rydal Water
Quiet lakeshore and island-dotted water near Rydal. The setting inspired poets and remains one of the area’s most scenic walks.
- Vegetarian
Cumberland Rum Nicky
A spiced fruit cake from Cumbria, traditionally enriched with tea, dried fruit and warming spices. It is a classic Lake District bake often served with tea.
Cumberland Sausage
Northern Cumberland sausage is coiled and boldly seasoned with pepper and herbs. It is a protected regional specialty strongly associated with Cumbria.
- Vegetarian
Kendal Mint Cake
A rich fruit cake made with currants, candied peel and spice, baked for celebrations and afternoon tea. It is a long-standing Cumbrian farmhouse tradition.
The Old Stamp House
Established Michelin-starred dining room at The Samling, known for refined British tasting menus and elegant Lake District views.
Lake Road Kitchen
Popular independent restaurant serving modern British small plates with local produce in a lively yet polished setting.
Fellinis
Well-known vegetarian restaurant with globally inspired dishes, homemade cakes and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere near the centre.
Pound sterling (£)
Ambleside is pricier than many UK towns due to Lake District demand. Hotels, pub meals, and parking add up, though buses and casual cafés can help control costs.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food, bakery items, or a light café meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a pub or restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining or tasting menus.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino or similar coffee.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. In cafés, tipping is optional, such as small change.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- £8.50
To the city center
Ambleside, Kelsick Road -> Ambleside Town Centre
- Distance
- 0.3 km
- Travel time
- 5 min
- Most local buses around Ambleside are run by Stagecoach. Contactless card payment is commonly accepted on board.
- Check seasonal timetables before travel, as Lake District bus frequencies can change by day and time of year.
FAQs: Bus from Edinburgh to Ambleside
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh to Ambleside by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Ambleside, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Edinburgh to Ambleside can start from as little as €12 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Edinburgh to Ambleside is €13 ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Edinburgh to Ambleside is 4h 15m to travel the 105 miles (170 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Edinburgh to Ambleside leaves at 5:20 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Edinburgh to Ambleside leaves at 9:34 PM.
A trip to Ambleside from Edinburgh is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 15m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Edinburgh to Ambleside is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Edinburgh and Ambleside including taking a bus and train.
No, the bus from Edinburgh to Ambleside has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from Edinburgh to Ambleside.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from Edinburgh to Ambleside.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the bus from Edinburgh to Ambleside.
No, luggage for the bus from Edinburgh to Ambleside needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from Edinburgh to Ambleside.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Edinburgh to Ambleside.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from Edinburgh to Ambleside.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from Edinburgh to Ambleside.
Since neither Edinburgh nor Ambleside are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Edinburgh to Ambleside among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Ambleside, travelers should be mindful of typical countryside safety concerns such as uneven hiking paths and changing weather conditions. There are no widely reported scams specific to the area, but standard precautions like safeguarding personal belongings and avoiding unsolicited offers are advisable.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Edinburgh to Ambleside
Most Edinburgh to Ambleside buses use the Edinburgh, Bus Station to Penrith, Brunswick Road (Booths) station pair. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Ambleside bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Edinburgh
Arrival bus stations in Ambleside
Edinburgh, Bus StationElder Street, Edinburgh EH1 3DX, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Edinburgh, Bus Station from Edinburgh city centre
Bus10, 11 · 2m · €2 · every ~30 min
Uk090 · 5m · €1 · every ~32 min
TramEdinburgh York Place - Edinburgh Airport, T50 · 3m · €4 · every ~38 min
Edinburgh, Bus Station bus station facilities and services
Edinburgh, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Sandwich Shop (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Edinburgh, Bus Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.
Edinburgh, St Andrew's HouseEdinburgh EH7 5BN, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Edinburgh, St Andrew's House from Edinburgh city centre
BusX19, 43, X18, X27, X28 · 6m · €2 · every ~36 min
15, 26, 44, X26 · 7m · €1 · every ~40 min
Uk090 · 8m · €1 · every ~1 min
Uk090 · 8m · €1 · every ~15 min
Edinburgh, St Andrew's House bus station facilities and services
Edinburgh, St Andrew's House has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, St Andrew's House: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
More options for your journey from Edinburgh to Ambleside
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Ambleside and Edinburgh
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