- Must visit
Wordsworth Grasmere
Wordsworth’s former home with period rooms and a major literary museum. Essential for understanding Romantic-era Lakeland culture.
Cheapest price on Aug 31
$24
Average ticket price on Aug 31
$24
Fastest journey on Aug 31
3 h 30 m
Average journey duration on Aug 31
3 h 30 m
Trains on Aug 31
1
Distance
133 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from York to Ambleside is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from York to Ambleside will cost around $24 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $24.
On Mon, Aug 31, we found 1 trains from York to Ambleside, including 1 direct services.
On Mon, Aug 31 the direct trains cover the 133 km distance in an average of 3 h 30 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 30 m .
On Mon, Aug 31 the slowest trains will take 3 h 30 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 York to Ambleside among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $52 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 40m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $52, while a train costs an average of $52.
Distance: 82 miles (133 km)
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
$52 Average price Cheapest | $37 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 40m Average total duration Fastest 3h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 42m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Tickets start at around $52 compared to roughly $37 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-15.06. The journey takes 3h 10m versus 2h 42m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for York to Ambleside trains for tomorrow, Monday, August 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:24 AM York | 3h30 | 12:54 PM Ambleside | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare 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 York to Ambleside run on average 15 times per day, taking around 3h 10m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $32 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 06:42, the last at 19:05. The fastest train covers the 82 miles (133 km) distance in 3h 14m.
Distance 82 miles (133 km) |
Average train duration 3h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $32 |
Trains per day 15 |
Fastest train 3h 14m |
First train 6:42 AM |
Last train 7:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Discover the best of Ambleside — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ambleside trip today.
Wordsworth’s former home with period rooms and a major literary museum. Essential for understanding Romantic-era Lakeland culture.
Museum displays within Beatrix Potter’s preserved farmhouse. The original rooms offer intimate insight into her life and work.
Independent museum with local history, Beatrix Potter material, and art collections. A compact, rewarding introduction to the area.
Large waterfall reached by woodland paths from town. A classic Ambleside walk with fast water, mossy rock, and photo-worthy views.
Popular fell walk above town with wide views over Windermere and the central fells. Short but rewarding for most walkers.
Quiet lakeshore and island-dotted water near Rydal. The setting inspired poets and remains one of the area’s most scenic walks.
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.
Northern Cumberland sausage is coiled and boldly seasoned with pepper and herbs. It is a protected regional specialty strongly associated with Cumbria.
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.
Established Michelin-starred dining room at The Samling, known for refined British tasting menus and elegant Lake District views.
Popular independent restaurant serving modern British small plates with local produce in a lively yet polished setting.
Well-known vegetarian restaurant with globally inspired dishes, homemade cakes and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere near the centre.
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.
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.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from York 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.

Most York to Ambleside trains use the York to Windermere station pair. Use this guide to compare York and Ambleside train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
York has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at York.
Wi-Fi is available at York. ATMs are available at York.
Ticket office support is available at York.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at York: Parking, WC.
Available at York: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at York: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: No advance booking is required but it will reduce the waiting time for a wheelchair access Taxi, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible machines are available on the main concourse, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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