- 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 Manchester to Ambleside
Showing times and prices for Aug 16
Cheapest price
$18
Average price
$18
Fastest journey
5 h 45 m
Average duration
5 h 45 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
116 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Manchester to Ambleside is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Ambleside will cost around $18 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $18.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Manchester to Ambleside without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus11:30 PM5h45Manchester, Shudehill Interchange5:15 AMPenrith, Brunswick Road (Booths)$181One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus11:30 PM5h45Manchester, Shudehill Interchange5:15 AMPenrith, Brunswick Road (Booths)$181One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Manchester to Ambleside
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Ambleside among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $8. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 36m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $8, and a bus costs an average of $20.
Distance: 72 miles (116 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$26 Average price | $20 Average price Cheapest | $32 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 15m Average total duration 5h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 6m Average total duration Fastest 1h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 49m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Manchester to Ambleside is a train with an average price of $20.
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Ambleside:
A train is $6 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Manchester to Ambleside costing on average $26.
The fastest way to travel from Manchester to Ambleside is by train with an average journey time of 1h 36m.
Other travel options to Ambleside take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 45m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Manchester and Ambleside including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Manchester 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.
Manchester to Ambleside Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 04:15AM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 05:15AM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $18 |
Live departures
Manchester to Ambleside bus times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Ambleside buses for today, Saturday, August 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:30 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 5h45 | 5:15 AM Penrith, Brunswick Road (Booths) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Ambleside by train or bus
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Manchester to Ambleside
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Manchester to Ambleside run on average 7 times per day, taking around 5h 45m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $20 but you can travel from only $8 by train.
The earliest bus runs at 06:26, the last at 20:45. The fastest bus covers the 72 miles (116 km) distance in 5h 45m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $8
Distance 72 miles (116 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price $20 |
Buses per day 7 |
Fastest bus 5h 45m |
First bus 6:26 AM |
Last bus 8:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 14 days |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $8
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 Manchester to Ambleside
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester 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 Manchester to Ambleside can start from as little as $20 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Manchester to Ambleside is $26 ; 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 Manchester to Ambleside is 5h 45m to travel the 72 miles (116 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 Manchester to Ambleside leaves at 6:26 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Manchester to Ambleside leaves at 8:45 PM.
When departing from Manchester , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, Manchester, Airport . When arriving in Ambleside , you can end your journey in bus stations like Penrith, Brunswick Road (Booths) .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Penrith, Brunswick Road (Booths), located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Ambleside from Manchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 45m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Manchester to Ambleside is April.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Manchester and Ambleside including taking a train and bus.
No, the bus from Manchester to Ambleside has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from Manchester to Ambleside.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from Manchester 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 Manchester to Ambleside.
No, luggage for the bus from Manchester to Ambleside needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from Manchester to Ambleside.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Manchester to Ambleside.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from Manchester to Ambleside.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from Manchester to Ambleside.
Since neither Manchester 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 Manchester 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 Manchester to Ambleside
Most Manchester to Ambleside buses use the Manchester, Shudehill Interchange to Penrith, Brunswick Road (Booths) station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Ambleside bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Manchester
Arrival bus stations in Ambleside
Which Manchester station do buses to Ambleside leave from?
Buses from Manchester to Ambleside leave from Manchester, Shudehill Interchange. The station is from Manchester city centre at Shudehill Interchange, Manchester M4 2AF, United Kingdom.
Manchester, Shudehill InterchangeShudehill Interchange, Manchester M4 2AF, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester, Shudehill Interchange from Manchester city centre
Bus163, 118, 119, 18, 112, 114, 117, 81 · 3m · $2 · every ~69 min
TramBlue Line, Navy Line, Green Line, Yellow Line · 2m · $2 · every ~23 min
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange bus station facilities and services
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Elevators, ramps.
Manchester, AirportManchester Airport, Manchester M90 3RR, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester, Airport from Manchester city centre
Manchester, Airport is 2 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainLiverpool Lime Street - Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly - Crewe, Blackpool North - Manchester Airport, Barrow-in-Furness - Manchester Airport, Windermere - Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly - Wilmslow, Manchester Piccadilly - Manchester Airport, Millom - Manchester Airport, Lancaster - Manchester Airport, Manchester Oxford Road - Manchester Airport, Corkickle - Manchester Airport, Preston - Manchester Airport · 17m · $6 · every ~9 min
BusUk980, Uk076, Uk074, Uk072, Ukn23 · 30m · $1 · every ~2 min
43, 103 · 1h 2m · $2 · every ~29 min
43, 103 · 1h 6m · $2 · every ~29 min
TramNavy Line · 51m · $5 · every ~16 min
Navy Line · 54m · $5 · every ~8 min
Manchester, Airport bus station facilities and services
Manchester, Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Burger King (in the station), Giraffe (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located throughout the airport, offering multiple currency options.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Airport.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester, Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Airport: Elevators, ramps, assistance.
More options for your journey from Manchester to Ambleside
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Ambleside and Manchester
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