- Must visit
National Museum of Scotland
Scotland's flagship museum covers science, design, natural history, and world cultures in a landmark building with excellent family appeal.
Cheapest price
$38
Average price
$38
Fastest journey
2 h 32 m
Average duration
2 h 32 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
170 km
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 $38 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $38.
Of the 1 trains that leave Ambleside for Edinburgh on Wed, Jul 15, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jul 15 the direct trains cover the 170 km distance in an average of 2 h 32 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 32 m .
On Wed, Jul 15 the slowest trains will take 2 h 32 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.


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 $24.
Distance: 105 miles (170 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$43 Average price | $17 Average price Cheapest | $48 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 |
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 $43 (€36).
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 14m.
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 ($43 (€36) vs $48 (€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.
The table below shows live departures for Ambleside to Edinburgh trains for today, Tuesday, July 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 11:47 AM Ambleside | 2h32 | 2:19 PM Edinburgh | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Ambleside to Edinburgh run on average 15 times per day, taking around 2h 22m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $24 (€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.
Distance 105 miles (170 km) |
Average train duration 2h 22m |
Cheapest ticket price $24 (€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 |
Discover the best of Edinburgh — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Edinburgh trip today.
Scotland's flagship museum covers science, design, natural history, and world cultures in a landmark building with excellent family appeal.
Major art gallery with Scottish and international works from the Renaissance onward, set dramatically on The Mound in the city centre.
Gallery of modern and contemporary art in a neoclassical building with sculpture park, strong changing exhibitions, and a peaceful setting.
Historic spine of the Old Town linking the castle and palace, lined with closes, landmarks, performers, shops, and layered city history.
Elegant shopping boulevard in the New Town with castle views, gardens below, major monuments, and strong access to central attractions.
Extinct volcano in Holyrood Park climbed for sweeping city views, sunrise walks, and one of Edinburgh's most memorable outdoor experiences.
A rich savoury pudding of sheep offal, oats, suet, onion and spices, traditionally served with neeps and tatties. Scotland’s national dish and central to Burns Suppers.
Mashed turnips and potatoes, usually served with haggis. This classic Scottish side is a staple of traditional Edinburgh meals.
A hearty soup of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions in milk or cream. Strongly linked to Scotland’s fishing heritage and widely loved in Edinburgh.
Refined Scottish fine dining in the Balmoral Hotel, known for seasonal tasting menus and polished service in an elegant setting.
Historic oyster bar and restaurant serving Scottish seafood, shellfish and game in a lively, classic Victorian dining room.
Celebrated modern Scottish restaurant focused on local produce, creative small plates and a relaxed but high-quality neighbourhood feel.
Edinburgh is pricier than many UK cities. Hotels surge in festival season, dining is mid-to-high, and transit is reasonable but not especially cheap for visitors.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if no service charge is added. Round up for taxis. Cafes usually do not expect tips.
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.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need