- Must visit
National Museum of Scotland
Scotland’s flagship museum with collections spanning natural history, science, design, fashion, and Scottish history. A top all-round choice for first-time visitors.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest trains from Ambleside to Edinburgh
Showing times and prices for May 29
Cheapest price
$28
Average price
$43
Fastest journey
2 h 17 m
Average duration
2 h 29 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
170 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Ambleside to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Ambleside to Edinburgh will cost around $43 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $28.
Fast trains
Of the 4 trains that leave Ambleside for Edinburgh on Fri, May 29, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, May 29 the direct trains cover the 170 km distance in an average of 2 h 29 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 17 m .
On Fri, May 29 the slowest trains will take 2 h 50 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
8:01 AM2h17Ambleside10:18 AMEdinburgh$281One-way0 transfers- 7:01 AM2h17Ambleside9:18 AMEdinburgh$331One-way0 transfers
- 11:47 AM2h32Ambleside2:19 PMEdinburgh$381One-way0 transfers
7:51 PM2h50Ambleside10:41 PMEdinburgh$721One-way0 transfers
- 8:01 AM2h17Ambleside10:18 AMEdinburgh$281One-way0 transfers
- 7:01 AM2h17Ambleside9:18 AMEdinburgh$331One-way0 transfers
- 11:47 AM2h32Ambleside2:19 PMEdinburgh$381One-way0 transfers
- 7:51 PM2h50Ambleside10:41 PMEdinburgh$721One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Ambleside to Edinburgh
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Ambleside to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $14. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 22m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $14, and a train costs an average of $25.
Distance: 105 miles (170 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$44 Average price | $17 Average price Cheapest | $49 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 52m Average total duration Fastest 2h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 44m Average total duration 5h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 6m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Ambleside to Edinburgh is a bus with an average price of $17 (€14).
This is compared to other travel options from Ambleside to Edinburgh:
A bus is $27 (€22) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Ambleside to Edinburgh costing on average $44 (€36).
The fastest way to travel from Ambleside to Edinburgh is by train with an average journey time of 2h 22m.
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 14m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Ambleside and Edinburgh including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Ambleside to Edinburgh among Omio's users.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.
The journey is about 44m faster (2h 22m by train vs 3h 6m by car) and roughly $5 (€4) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($44 (€36) vs $49 (€40)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
Compare prices and tickets Ambleside to Edinburgh 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.
Fri
May 29
May 29
Sat
May 30
May 30
Sun
May 31
May 31
Mon
Jun 01
Jun 01
Tue
Jun 02
Jun 02
Wed
Jun 03
Jun 03
Thu
Jun 04
Jun 04
Why should you book Ambleside to Edinburgh trains with Omio?
Transpennine Express as well as Avanti West Coast offer trains services from Ambleside to Edinburgh.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Ambleside to Edinburgh.
Why book with Omio vs Transpennine Express?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Transpennine Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from Ambleside to Edinburgh.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Transpennine Express with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Ambleside to Edinburgh.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from Ambleside to Edinburgh.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Ambleside to Edinburgh.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Ambleside to Edinburgh
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Ambleside to Edinburgh run on average 15 times per day, taking around 2h 22m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $25 (€20) but you can travel from only $14 (€11) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 06:12, the last at 20:51. The fastest train covers the 105 miles (170 km) distance in 2h 17m.
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
Bus from $14 (€11)
Distance 105 miles (170 km) |
Average train duration 2h 22m |
Cheapest ticket price $25 (€20) |
Trains per day 15 |
Fastest train 2h 17m |
First train 6:12 AM |
Last train 8:51 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 1 day |
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
Bus from $14 (€11)
Train companies: Transpennine Express, Avanti West Coast from Ambleside to Edinburgh trainsTranspennine Express, Avanti West Coast trains will get you between Ambleside and Edinburgh from $14 (€11). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Transpennine Express
About
Transpennine Express is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from Manchester and Liverpool to Scotland, the North East and Yorkshire. It offers a range of services, including express, regional and local trains. Express trains are the fastest, with journey times of up to three hours. Regional trains are slower, but offer more stops and a more relaxed atmosphere. Local trains are the slowest, but offer the most stops. Transpennine Express offers a range of ticket types, including single, return, group and season tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Transpennine Express are Manchester to Edinburgh, Liverpool to Leeds and Manchester to York. These routes offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel between the cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 50m
Cheapest Price
$25 (€20)
Transpennine Express frequency
7 a day
Luggage included
2 large items and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks, plus a small selection of hot and cold food items
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are free of charge and recommended for busy routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance booking service
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Avanti West Coast
About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 17m
Cheapest Price
$25 (€20)
Avanti West Coast frequency
9 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Edinburgh
Things to do in Edinburgh
Discover the best of Edinburgh — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Edinburgh trip today.
- Must visit
Scottish National Gallery
The national art gallery in central Edinburgh, known for European masters and Scottish art. Easy to combine with Princes Street Gardens and the Royal Mile.
- Recommended
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
A striking red-sandstone gallery dedicated to portraits of people who shaped Scottish history and culture. Popular for both the collection and the architecture.
- Must visit
Royal Mile
Edinburgh’s most famous historic street, linking the castle and Holyroodhouse through closes, courtyards, shops, and major heritage sites.
- Must visit
Princes Street Gardens
A central public garden below the castle with iconic skyline views, floral displays, and easy access to both Old and New Town sights.
- Must visit
Calton Hill
One of the city’s classic viewpoints, known for panoramic views, monuments, and sunrise or sunset photography. Especially popular on social media.
Haggis, Neeps And Tatties
Scotland’s best-known national dish: a savory pudding traditionally made with minced offal, oats, onion, and spices, served with mashed turnips and potatoes.
- Gluten-free
Cullen Skink
A rich Scottish soup of smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions, closely associated with the northeast but widely loved in Edinburgh.
Scotch Broth
A hearty traditional soup made with barley, root vegetables, and usually lamb or mutton, valued as classic Scottish comfort food.
The Scran & Scallie
A popular gastropub by Tom Kitchin serving refined Scottish pub classics in a warm, stylish, and relaxed setting.
Howies Restaurant
A long-established local favorite serving traditional Scottish dishes with local ingredients in a comfortable, accessible city-center setting.
The Sheep Heid Inn
One of Scotland’s oldest pubs, offering classic Scottish food and a historic tavern atmosphere slightly outside the city center.
Pound sterling
Expensive by UK standards. Hotels peak in summer and festival season, while pubs and casual dining are more manageable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- GBP 8-15 for takeaway or a simple cafe meal.
- Mid-range
- GBP 20-35 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
- Fine dining
- GBP 70+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- GBP 3-4.50 for a regular coffee.
Tipping culture
About 10-12.5% in restaurants if service is not already included. Round up for taxis. Tips are optional in pubs and cafes.
Transport for Edinburgh
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- GBP 2.00
- Day pass
- GBP 5.00
To the city center
Edinburgh Waverley -> Princes Street, Edinburgh
- Distance
- 0.5 km
- Travel time
- 7 min
- TapTapCap applies on Lothian buses and trams, so contactless card payments are accepted and daily fares are capped automatically.
- Single fares on Lothian buses are exact fare only if paying cash, so use contactless or the official app for easier payment.
FAQs: Trains from Ambleside to Edinburgh
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ambleside to Edinburgh by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Edinburgh, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Ambleside to Edinburgh can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $25 (€20), while the average price is around $44 (€36).
The train from Ambleside to Edinburgh takes 2h 17m and runs 15 per day.
The first train from Ambleside to Edinburgh leaves at 6:12 AM.
The distance by train from Ambleside to Edinburgh is 105 miles (170 km).
The last train from Ambleside to Edinburgh leaves at 8:51 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Ambleside to Edinburgh.
There is no direct train service currently available from Ambleside to Edinburgh.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Ambleside to Edinburgh.
The train station in Ambleside that goes to Edinburgh is Windermere station (WDM), which connects to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB).
The cheapest way to get from Ambleside to Edinburgh is by bus, with a cost of around $14 (€11).
Yes, the train journey from Ambleside to Edinburgh offers scenic views, including picturesque Lake District landscapes, rolling hills, and charming countryside vistas.
A day trip from Ambleside to Edinburgh is not feasible as the journey duration is 2h 17m, which exceeds the 120-minute limit. However, there are 17 trains available per day for travel. The distance is 105 miles (170 km).
In Edinburgh, visitors can explore the vibrant atmosphere of Grassmarket, enjoy a ghost tour of the haunted streets, attend shows at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre, and visit the Royal Botanic Garden. Discover hidden gems at the Stockbridge Market. Key sights include Edinburgh Castle, Arthur's Seat, The Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, and The National Museum of Scotland.
For a fulfilling experience, spending 2 to 3 days in Edinburgh allows you to explore its historic sites, such as Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, enjoy cultural attractions, and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere.
Yes, you can take the train from Ambleside to Edinburgh.
Since neither Ambleside nor Edinburgh 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.
Popular day trips by train from Edinburgh include Glasgow, Newcastle, St Andrews, Stirling, Dundee.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Ambleside to Edinburgh among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the BritRail Pass are valid on most trains within the United Kingdom, offering unlimited travel on participating train operators for a set period.
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 Edinburgh, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the Royal Mile and public transport. Common scams include fake charity collectors and overcharging by taxi drivers who don’t use the meter. It’s advisable to use licensed taxis and keep belongings secure in busy spots. Avoid unlicensed ticket sellers near popular attractions to prevent fraud.
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 train stations
Popular train stations from Ambleside to Edinburgh
Ambleside
Edinburgh
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59
- Sun: 07:00 - 23:59
Wifi
- Free public Wi-Fi available.
Lockers
- You can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2.
Shopping
- Type of shops available: Wide range of shops Passport Photo Booth
Parking
- Car Park: New Street: Long Stay
Dining
- Bagel Factory
- Burger King
- Caffè Nero
- Costa Coffee
- JD Wetherspoon
- The Pasty Shop
- The Beer House
- M&S
- Pret a Manger
Taxis
- Taxi: Nearest Taxi Ranks are on Market St and Waverley Bridge outside the station.
- Accessible taxis: Taxi ranks are located on Waverley Bridge and also Market Street. Market Street can be accessed step free via available lifts.
Accessibility
- Entrances are step free. Station is equipped with an elevator. Staffed with guide communicators for the deaf. Tactile warning strips are on the platform edges for the blind.
WC
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: At entrance to Public Toilets
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Baby changing facilities location: Female toilets,Male toilets,
Hotel
- Old Waverley Hotel
- Jurys Inn Edinburgh
- The Scotsman Hotel
Ticket Office
- Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59
- Sun: 07:00 - 23:59
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Cycle storage can be found in the station: by the lift at Platform 2 (37 spaces) Platform 3 (68 Spaces) and adjacent to Platform 19 (86 Spaces). Additional cycle spaces are available in New Street car park (32 spaces).
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information booths are located on the concourse.
Public transit options for Edinburgh Waverley
- Bus lines: 22, 30, 33, X22, X25, X37
- Train lines: Avanti West Coast, Caledonian Sleeper, CrossCountry, LNER, ScotRail, Transpennine Express
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off on Waterloo Place, pick up across from Apex Hotel and drop off outside the Apex Hotel.
- Metro: No metro available.
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:30 - 21:25 Saturday 06:30 - 21:25 Sunday 08:10 - 21:25
Distance to city center
1 kmShopping
- Type of shops available: M&S Simply Food
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to all platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the automatic ticket gates Blue Badge parking bays: 2
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 1, the Concourse and near the entrance from Haymarket Terrace.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: Inside the station - one on platform 4 and one on platform 2 and 3
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing)
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transit options for Haymarket
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off from the layby in front of the station
Most popular train connections from Ambleside
More options for your journey from Ambleside to Edinburgh
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Edinburgh and Ambleside
Most popular train connections to Edinburgh
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
