- Must visit
Dove Cottage
Romantic-era writer's house museum in Grasmere with preserved rooms, manuscripts and guided access to Wordsworth's domestic world.
Cheapest price on 20 Sept
£7
Average ticket price on 20 Sept
£9
Fastest journey on 20 Sept
35 m
Average journey duration on 20 Sept
41 m
Buses on 20 Sept
11
Distance
18 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Kendal to Ambleside is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Kendal to Ambleside will cost around £9 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £7.
On Sun 20 Sept, we found 11 buses from Kendal to Ambleside, including 8 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 18 km distance in an average of 41 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 35 m .
The slowest buses will take 44 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 coach as it is the most popular option from Kendal to Ambleside among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £9 For those with little time, consider booking a coach, which has an average total journey time of 1h 16m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £9, while a coach costs an average of £9.
Distance: 18 km
Most popular Coach | Driving |
|---|---|
£9 Average Price Cheapest | £4 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 16m Average total duration Fastest 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 28m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Tickets start at around £9 compared to roughly £4 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-4.96. The journey takes 46m versus 28m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Compare coach 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.
Take a bus from Kendal to Ambleside and enjoy the approximately 18 km long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest coach runs at 05:35, the last at 22:00.
Distance 18 km |
First bus 5:35 |
Last bus 22:00 |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Discover the best of Ambleside — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ambleside trip today.
Romantic-era writer's house museum in Grasmere with preserved rooms, manuscripts and guided access to Wordsworth's domestic world.
Local museum and gallery with Lakeland history, art, archaeology and Beatrix Potter material, suitable for a deeper understanding of the area.
House museum linked to Beatrix Potter and William Heelis, showing period rooms and personal collections in nearby Hawkshead.
Popular waterfall walk from the town centre through woodland and rocky scenery. It is short, accessible in parts and rewarding after rain.
Open hill above Ambleside with a clear path and wide views over Windermere, the town and surrounding fells. Popular at sunrise or sunset.
Large lakeside green with jetties, picnic space and mountain views. A practical base for walking, boating and relaxing by Windermere.
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.
Slow-cooked lamb or mutton with onions and sliced potatoes. Long linked to Cumbrian farming life and traditional fellside home cooking.
A rich fruitcake made with dried fruit, spice and tea, traditionally baked in Cumbria for fairs, holidays and family gatherings.
Smart yet welcoming dining room serving refined British cooking with seasonal produce in a historic Ambleside setting.
Established vegetarian restaurant with creative plant-based dishes and a relaxed, modern feel in the centre of Ambleside.
Popular old-town restaurant known for tapas-style small plates, local ingredients and a lively but cosy atmosphere.
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.
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.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Kendal 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.

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