- 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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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Manchester to Ambleside
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Manchester to Ambleside run on average 1 times per day, taking around 3h 10m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £13 but you can travel from only £5 by train.
The earliest coach runs at 06:26, the last at 20:45. The fastest coach covers the 116 km distance in 3h 10m.
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
Train from £5
Distance 116 km |
Average bus duration 3h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price £13 |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 3h 10m |
First bus 6:26 |
Last bus 20:45 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 14 days |
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
Train from £5
Why should you book Manchester to Ambleside coaches with Omio?
FlixBus operates all coaches services from Manchester to Ambleside.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Ambleside.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- 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 FlixBus with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Ambleside.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Ambleside.
Bus providers: FlixBus from Manchester to AmblesideYou can travel by bus between Manchester to Ambleside with FlixBus for as low as £5. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixBus Duration
3h 10m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£13
FlixBus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
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.
Best day trips from Ambleside by bus
The most popular day trips by bus from Ambleside are Keswick, Windermere, Kendal and Bowness-on-Windermere. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your bus from Ambleside on Omio.
Day trip from Ambleside to Keswick by bus
Why visit Keswick for the day?
Keswick is a compact Lake District market town beside Derwentwater, known for fell walking and outdoor life. With Skiddaw above and Borrowdale nearby, it mixes slate-built streets, independent shops and literary links.
Day trip from Ambleside to Windermere by bus
Why visit Windermere for the day?
Windermere is best known as a base for exploring England’s largest lake and the wider Lake District. The town has a lively Victorian centre, while nearby Bowness-on-Windermere connects visitors with the water and fell views.
How to get from Ambleside to Windermere by bus?
The earliest coach runs at 06:50, the last at 21:09.
Day trip from Ambleside to Kendal by bus
Why visit Kendal for the day?
Kendal is a Cumbrian market town on the edge of the Lake District, known for Kendal Castle and Kendal Mint Cake. Its stone streets, River Kent setting and strong local identity make it feel more lived-in than purely touristic.
Day trip from Ambleside to Bowness-on-Windermere by bus
FAQs: Manchester to Ambleside coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester 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 Manchester to Ambleside can start from as little as £13 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Manchester to Ambleside is £20; 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 Manchester to Ambleside is 3h 10m to travel the 116 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 Manchester to Ambleside leaves at 6:26. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Manchester to Ambleside leaves at 20:45.
There are 1 coaches a day from Manchester to Ambleside which require at least one change with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Manchester to Ambleside, you can count on FlixBus for the best way to get you to Ambleside. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Manchester and Ambleside and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Manchester , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, Manchester, Airport . When arriving in Ambleside , you can end your route in coach stations like Penrith, Brunswick Road (Booths).Passengers board the coach most frequently from Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Penrith, Brunswick Road (Booths), located 0 away from the city centre.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Manchester and Ambleside including taking a coach and train.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Manchester to Ambleside for coach company FlixBus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Manchester to Ambleside:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Manchester to Ambleside depends on the coach companies:
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company FlixBus.
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.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Manchester to Ambleside.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Manchester to Ambleside:
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Manchester to Ambleside:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Manchester to Ambleside. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Manchester to Ambleside with the following coach company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Manchester to Ambleside with the following coach company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Manchester to Ambleside with the following coach company: FlixBus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Ambleside
Most Manchester to Ambleside buses use the Manchester, Shudehill Interchange to Penrith, Brunswick Road (Booths) station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Ambleside bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Manchester
Arrival bus stations in Ambleside
Which Manchester station do buses to Ambleside leave from?
Buses from Manchester to Ambleside leave from Manchester, Shudehill Interchange. The station is from Manchester city centre at Shudehill Interchange, Manchester M4 2AF, United Kingdom.
Manchester, Shudehill InterchangeShudehill Interchange, Manchester M4 2AF, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester, Shudehill Interchange from Manchester city centre
Bus163, 118, 119, 18, 112, 114, 117, 81 · 3m · £2 · every ~69 min
TramBlue Line, Navy Line, Green Line, Yellow Line · 2m · £2 · every ~23 min
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange bus station facilities and services
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Elevators, ramps.
Manchester, AirportManchester Airport, Manchester M90 3RR, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester, Airport from Manchester city centre
Manchester, Airport is 2 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainLiverpool Lime Street - Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly - Crewe, Blackpool North - Manchester Airport, Barrow-in-Furness - Manchester Airport, Windermere - Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly - Wilmslow, Manchester Piccadilly - Manchester Airport, Millom - Manchester Airport, Lancaster - Manchester Airport, Manchester Oxford Road - Manchester Airport, Corkickle - Manchester Airport, Preston - Manchester Airport · 17m · £4 · every ~9 min
BusUk980, Uk076, Uk074, Uk072, Ukn23 · 30m · £0.89 · every ~2 min
43, 103 · 1h 2m · £2 · every ~29 min
43, 103 · 1h 6m · £2 · every ~29 min
TramNavy Line · 51m · £4 · every ~16 min
Navy Line · 54m · £4 · every ~8 min
Manchester, Airport bus station facilities and services
Manchester, Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Burger King (in the station), Giraffe (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located throughout the airport, offering multiple currency options.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Airport.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester, Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Airport: Elevators, ramps, assistance.
Most popular bus connections from Manchester
More options for your journey from Manchester to Ambleside
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Ambleside and Manchester
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