- Must visit
Dove Cottage
Romantic-era writer's house museum in Grasmere with preserved rooms, manuscripts and guided access to Wordsworth's domestic world.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Edinburgh to Ambleside
Showing times and prices for 22 Aug
Cheapest price
£15
Average price
£15
Fastest journey
5 h 10 m
Average duration
5 h 10 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
170 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Edinburgh to Ambleside is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Edinburgh to Ambleside will cost around £15 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £15.
Fast coaches
Of the 2 buses that leave Edinburgh for Ambleside every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 170 km distance in an average of 5 h 10 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 10 m .
The slowest buses will take 5 h 10 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.
20:205h10Edinburgh1:30Ambleside£151One-way0 changes- 21:205h10Edinburgh2:30Ambleside£151One-way0 changes
- 21:205h10Edinburgh2:30Ambleside£151One-way0 changes
- 20:205h10Edinburgh1:30Ambleside£151One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach 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 coach with prices starting from £11. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 11m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £11, and a train costs an average of £20.
Distance: 170 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£12 Average Price Cheapest | £23 Average Price |
5h 10m Average total duration 4h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 41m Average total duration Fastest 2h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Edinburgh to Ambleside bus times
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Ambleside coaches for today, Friday 21 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21:15 Edinburgh | 5h15 | 2:30 Ambleside | 0 changesdirect | |
| 21:20 Edinburgh | 5h10 | 2:30 Ambleside | 0 changesdirect | |
| Saturday 22 August | |||||
| 20:20 Edinburgh | 5h10 | 1:30 Ambleside | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Edinburgh to Ambleside by coach or train
Compare coach 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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22 Aug
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Edinburgh to Ambleside
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Edinburgh to Ambleside run on average 5 times per day, taking around 4h 40m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £11 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 05:20, the last at 21:34. The fastest coach covers the 170 km distance in 4h 15m.
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
Distance 170 km |
Average bus duration 4h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price £11 |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 4h 15m |
First bus 5:20 |
Last bus 21:34 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
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
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.
- Recommended
Armitt Library and Museum Centre
Local museum and gallery with Lakeland history, art, archaeology and Beatrix Potter material, suitable for a deeper understanding of the area.
- Recommended
Beatrix Potter Gallery
House museum linked to Beatrix Potter and William Heelis, showing period rooms and personal collections in nearby Hawkshead.
- Must visit
Stock Ghyll Force
Popular waterfall walk from the town centre through woodland and rocky scenery. It is short, accessible in parts and rewarding after rain.
- Must visit
Loughrigg Fell
Open hill above Ambleside with a clear path and wide views over Windermere, the town and surrounding fells. Popular at sunrise or sunset.
- Recommended
Borrans Park
Large lakeside green with jetties, picnic space and mountain views. A practical base for walking, boating and relaxing by Windermere.
Cumberland Sausage
A Cumberland sausage served in a spiral coil, seasoned with pepper and herbs. A Lake District and Cumbria classic often seen on local pub menus.
- Gluten-free
Hotpot
Slow-cooked lamb or mutton with onions and sliced potatoes. Long linked to Cumbrian farming life and traditional fellside home cooking.
Cumbrian Rum Nicky
A rich fruitcake made with dried fruit, spice and tea, traditionally baked in Cumbria for fairs, holidays and family gatherings.
The Old Stamp House
Smart yet welcoming dining room serving refined British cooking with seasonal produce in a historic Ambleside setting.
Fellinis
Established vegetarian restaurant with creative plant-based dishes and a relaxed, modern feel in the centre of Ambleside.
Lucy’s on a Plate
Popular old-town restaurant known for tapas-style small plates, local ingredients and a lively but cosy atmosphere.
Pound sterling (£)
Ambleside is pricier than many UK small towns, with higher hotel rates in peak season and dining aimed at visitors, though buses and casual cafés help keep daily costs manageable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food, bakery items, or a simple café meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining or tasting menus.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino or similar coffee.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Cafés do not require tips, but leaving small change is appreciated.
FAQs: Edinburgh to Ambleside coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh to Ambleside by coach. 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 coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Ambleside, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Edinburgh to Ambleside can start from as little as £11 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Edinburgh to Ambleside is £12; 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 coach from Edinburgh to Ambleside is 4h 15m to travel the 170 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from Edinburgh to Ambleside leaves at 5:20. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Edinburgh to Ambleside leaves at 21:34.
A trip to Ambleside from Edinburgh is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 15m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Edinburgh to Ambleside is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Edinburgh and Ambleside including taking a coach and train.
No, the coach from Edinburgh to Ambleside has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the coach from Edinburgh to Ambleside.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Edinburgh 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.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the coach from Edinburgh to Ambleside.
No, luggage for the coach from Edinburgh to Ambleside needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the coach from Edinburgh to Ambleside.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Edinburgh to Ambleside.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from Edinburgh to Ambleside.
No, there is no WiFi on board the coach from Edinburgh to Ambleside.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Edinburgh and Ambleside
Most Edinburgh to Ambleside buses use the Edinburgh, Bus Station to Penrith, Brunswick Road (Booths) station pair. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Ambleside bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Edinburgh
Arrival bus stations in Ambleside
Edinburgh, Bus StationElder Street, Edinburgh EH1 3DX, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Edinburgh, Bus Station from Edinburgh city centre
Bus10, 11 · 2m · £2 · every ~30 min
Uk090 · 5m · £0.90 · every ~32 min
TramEdinburgh York Place - Edinburgh Airport, T50 · 3m · £4 · every ~38 min
Edinburgh, Bus Station bus station facilities and services
Edinburgh, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Sandwich Shop (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Edinburgh, Bus Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.
Edinburgh, St Andrew's HouseEdinburgh EH7 5BN, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Edinburgh, St Andrew's House from Edinburgh city centre
BusX19, 43, X18, X27, X28 · 6m · £2 · every ~36 min
15, 26, 44, X26 · 7m · £0.90 · every ~40 min
Uk090 · 8m · £0.90 · every ~1 min
Uk090 · 8m · £0.90 · every ~15 min
Edinburgh, St Andrew's House bus station facilities and services
Edinburgh, St Andrew's House has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, St Andrew's House: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
Most popular bus 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 buses to and from Ambleside and Edinburgh
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