- 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 trains from Edinburgh to Ambleside
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Aug 31
Cheapest price on Aug 31
$41
Average ticket price on Aug 31
$115
Fastest journey on Aug 31
2 h 22 m
Average journey duration on Aug 31
2 h 36 m
Trains on Aug 31
12
Distance
170 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train 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 $115 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $41.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Edinburgh to Ambleside without transferring at least once.
W33933+
G853658:52 AM2h42Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)11:34 AMStaveley station (SVL)$411One-way1 transfer
W84901+G890628:12 AM2h29Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)10:41 AMWindermere station (WDM)$771One-way1 transfer- W84907+G8537410:11 AM2h47Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)12:58 PMWindermere station (WDM)$851One-way1 transfer
- W84912+G8538412:12 PM2h44Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)2:56 PMWindermere station (WDM)$851One-way1 transfer
- W84901+G890628:12 AM2h22Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)10:34 AMStaveley station (SVL)$1361One-way1 transfer
- W84901+G890628:12 AM2h22Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)10:34 AMStaveley station (SVL)$1361One-way1 transfer
- W84901+G890628:12 AM2h29Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)10:41 AMWindermere station (WDM)$771One-way1 transfer
- W84907+G8537410:11 AM2h41Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)12:52 PMStaveley station (SVL)$1361One-way1 transfer
- W33933+G853658:52 AM2h42Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)11:34 AMStaveley station (SVL)$411One-way1 transfer
- W84912+G8538412:12 PM2h44Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)2:56 PMWindermere station (WDM)$851One-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 an average ticket price of $20 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 39m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $20, while a train costs an average of $66.
Distance: 105 miles (170 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$66 Average price | $20 Average price Cheapest | $92 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 39m Average total duration Fastest 2h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 14m Average total duration 3h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 13m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Edinburgh to Ambleside is a bus with an average price of $20.
This is compared to other travel options from Edinburgh to Ambleside:
A bus is $46 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh to Ambleside costing on average $66.
The fastest way to travel from Edinburgh to Ambleside is by train with an average journey time of 2h 9m.
Other travel options to Ambleside take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 44m.
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 train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.
The journey is about 1h 4m faster (2h 9m by train vs 3h 13m by car) and roughly $26 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($66 vs $92). 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.
Live departures
Edinburgh to Ambleside train times
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Ambleside trains for tomorrow, Monday, August 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W84901+G89062 | 8:12 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h29 | 10:41 AM Windermere station (WDM) | 1 transfer | |
| W84901+G89062 | 8:12 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h22 | 10:34 AM Staveley station (SVL) | 1 transfer | |
| W33933+G85365 | 8:52 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h48 | 11:40 AM Windermere station (WDM) | 1 transfer | |
| W33933+G85365 | 8:52 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h42 | 11:34 AM Staveley station (SVL) | 1 transfer | |
| W84907+G85374 | 10:11 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h41 | 12:52 PM Staveley station (SVL) | 1 transfer | |
| W84907+G85374 | 10:11 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h47 | 12:58 PM Windermere station (WDM) | 1 transfer | |
| W34060+W84908+G89071 | 10:52 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h02 | 1:54 PM Windermere station (WDM) | 2 transfers | |
| W34060+W84908+G89071 | 10:52 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h55 | 1:47 PM Staveley station (SVL) | 2 transfers | |
| W84912+G85384 | 12:12 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h44 | 2:56 PM Windermere station (WDM) | 1 transfer | |
| W84912+G85394 | 12:12 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h38 | 3:50 PM Staveley station (SVL) | 1 transfer | |
| W34124+W84915+G85394 | 12:52 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h58 | 3:50 PM Staveley station (SVL) | 2 transfers | |
| W34124+W84915+G85394 | 12:52 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h04 | 3:56 PM Windermere station (WDM) | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train 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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Aug 31
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Why should you book Edinburgh to Ambleside trains with Omio?
Avanti West Coast as well as Transpennine Express offer trains services from Edinburgh to Ambleside.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Edinburgh to Ambleside.
Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Avanti West Coast, but also compare tickets for the likes of Transpennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Edinburgh to Ambleside.
- 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 Avanti West Coast with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Edinburgh to Ambleside.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transpennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Edinburgh to Ambleside.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Edinburgh to Ambleside.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Edinburgh to Ambleside
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Edinburgh to Ambleside run on average 19 times per day, taking around 2h 9m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $29 but you can travel from only $16 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 06:12, the last at 20:52. The fastest train covers the 105 miles (170 km) distance in 1h 57m.
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 $16
Distance 105 miles (170 km) |
Average train duration 2h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price $29 |
Trains per day 19 |
Fastest train 1h 57m |
First train 6:12 AM |
Last train 8:52 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
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 $16
Train companies: Transpennine Express, Avanti West Coast from Edinburgh to Ambleside trainsTranspennine Express, Avanti West Coast trains will get you between Edinburgh and Ambleside from $16. 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 Transpennine Express Duration
2h 6m
Cheapest Transpennine Express Price
$59
Transpennine Express frequency
9 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 Avanti West Coast Duration
1h 57m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
$29
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 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.
FAQs: Trains from Edinburgh to Ambleside
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh to Ambleside 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 Ambleside, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Edinburgh to Ambleside can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $29, while the average price is around $66.
The train from Edinburgh to Ambleside takes 1h 57m and runs 19 per day.
The first train from Edinburgh to Ambleside leaves at 6:12 AM.
The distance by train from Edinburgh to Ambleside is 105 miles (170 km).
The last train from Edinburgh to Ambleside leaves at 8:52 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Edinburgh to Ambleside.
There is no direct train service currently available from Edinburgh to Ambleside.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Edinburgh to Ambleside.
The train station in Edinburgh that goes to Ambleside is Edinburgh Waverley (EDB), which connects to Windermere station (WDM).
The cheapest way to get from Edinburgh to Ambleside is by bus, with a cost of around $16.
The train journey from Edinburgh to Ambleside, which involves a transfer at Oxenholme, is renowned for its scenic landscapes, offering views of the rolling countryside, the Lake District's picturesque lakes, and charming villages, making it a visually appealing trip.
A day trip from Edinburgh to Ambleside is not feasible as the journey duration is 1h 57m. Trains operate 18 times per day over a distance of 105 miles (170 km).
To fully enjoy Ambleside’s scenic beauty, local attractions, and outdoor activities, a stay of 2 to 3 days is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train 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.
Popular day trips by train from Ambleside include Lancaster, Liverpool, Manchester, Bolton, Wythenshawe.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Edinburgh to Ambleside 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 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 train stations
Popular train stations from Edinburgh to Ambleside
Most Edinburgh to Ambleside trains use the Edinburgh Waverley to Windermere station pair. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Ambleside train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Edinburgh
Arrival train stations in Ambleside
Edinburgh WaverleyPrinces St, Edinburgh EH1 1BB, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
City-centre transport
Getting to Edinburgh Waverley from Edinburgh city centre
BusUk090 · 12m · $1 · every ~32 min
Edinburgh Waverley train station facilities and services
Edinburgh Waverley has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Bagel Factory, Burger King, Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, JD Wetherspoon, The Pasty Shop, The Beer House, M&S, Pret a Manger
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are there are a few ATM machines around the station.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59, Sun: 07:00 - 23:59. Information desks are information booths are located on the concourse. .
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is you can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2. . Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Waverley: 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.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Old Waverley Hotel, Jurys Inn Edinburgh, The Scotsman Hotel.
Edinburgh ParkEdinburgh Park station, Cultins Road, Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh, EH11 4DF
City-centre transport
Getting to Edinburgh Park from Edinburgh city centre
Edinburgh Park is 7 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainEdinburgh - Dunblane, Edinburgh - Helensburgh Central, Edinburgh - Bathgate, Edinburgh - Milngavie, Edinburgh - Garscadden, Edinburgh - Stirling, Edinburgh - Airdrie, Edinburgh - Perth, Edinburgh - Dalmuir · 4m · $2 · every ~9 min
Edinburgh - Dunblane, Edinburgh - Helensburgh Central, Edinburgh - Bathgate, Edinburgh - Milngavie, Edinburgh - Garscadden, Edinburgh - Stirling, Edinburgh - Airdrie, Edinburgh - Perth, Edinburgh - Dalmuir · 8m · $4 · every ~9 min
Bus2 · 24m · $2 · every ~10 min
TramT50 · 18m · $5 · every ~30 min
Edinburgh Park train station facilities and services
Edinburgh Park has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Edinburgh Park.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Edinburgh Park.
Tickets and information
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, 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.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Edinburgh Park: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Edinburgh Park: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Park: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to both platforms, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Most popular train connections from Edinburgh
More options for your journey from Edinburgh to Ambleside
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Ambleside and Edinburgh
Most popular train connections to Ambleside
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