- 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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Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Birmingham to Ambleside
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Birmingham to Ambleside among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £38 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 14m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £38, while a train costs an average of £51.
Distance: 228 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£51 Average Price | £38 Average Price Cheapest | £44 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 14m Average total duration Fastest 2h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 0m Average total duration 9h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 55m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Birmingham to Ambleside is a coach with an average price of £38.
This is compared to other travel options from Birmingham to Ambleside:
A coach is £13 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Birmingham to Ambleside costing on average £51.
The fastest way to travel from Birmingham to Ambleside is by train with an average journey time of 2h 44m.
Other travel options to Ambleside take longer:
Coach takes on average 9h 30m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Birmingham and Ambleside including taking a coach and train.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 11m sooner (2h 44m by train vs 2h 55m by car). Tickets start at around £51 compared to roughly £44 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Compare prices and tickets Birmingham 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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Why should you book Birmingham to Ambleside trains with Omio?
Northern Rail as well as Avanti West Coast offer trains services from Birmingham to Ambleside.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Birmingham to Ambleside.
Why book with Omio vs Northern Rail?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Northern Rail, but also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from Birmingham 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 Northern Rail with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Birmingham to Ambleside.
Why book with Omio over Trip, Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from Birmingham to Ambleside.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Birmingham to Ambleside.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Birmingham to Ambleside
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Birmingham to Ambleside run on average 12 times per day, taking around 2h 44m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £40 but you can travel from only £36 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:56, the last at 19:07. The fastest train covers the 228 km distance in 2h 27m.
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
Coach from £36
Distance 228 km |
Average train duration 2h 44m |
Cheapest ticket price £40 |
Trains per day 12 |
Fastest train 2h 27m |
First train 4:56 |
Last train 19:07 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
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
Coach from £36
Train companies: Northern Rail, Avanti West Coast from Birmingham to Ambleside trainsNorthern Rail, Avanti West Coast trains will get you between Birmingham and Ambleside from £36. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Northern Rail
About
Northern Trains is a publicly owned train operating company in the United Kingdom, headquartered in York. It runs local and commuter services across the north of England, connecting regions including the North East, North West, East Midlands, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, and the Humber coastline. As part of the National Rail network, Northern operates under a coordinated fare and ticketing system alongside other UK train companies.Ticket types include Advance, Off-Peak, Anytime Day, single, return, and season tickets, with only one class option available: Standard. Onboard amenities may include comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and refreshments on select services. Popular routes include connections between major northern cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Northern Rail Duration
3h 13m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
£49
Northern Rail frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
See refund policy for ticket types
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most services with drinks and snacks. Some stations have cafes and shops
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking advance tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
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
2h 27m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£40
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.
- 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: Birmingham to Ambleside train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Birmingham 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.
The cost of a train ticket from Birmingham to Ambleside can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £40, while the average price tends to be around £51.
The train journey from Birmingham to Ambleside covers a distance of 228 km and takes approximately 2h 27m. Trains run 12 per day.
The train distance from Birmingham to Ambleside is 228 km.
The first train from Birmingham to Ambleside leaves at 4:56.
The last train from Birmingham to Ambleside departs at 19:07.
Trains from Birmingham to Ambleside run approximately 12 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Birmingham to Ambleside.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Birmingham to Ambleside.
To get from Birmingham to Ambleside, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Birmingham to Ambleside.
The train station in Birmingham that goes to Ambleside is Birmingham New Street (BHM), and it arrives at Staveley station (SVL).
The cheapest way to get from Birmingham to Ambleside is by coach, costing approximately £36.
Booking trains from Birmingham to Ambleside in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
To fully explore Ambleside, including its scenic walks, lake cruises, and local attractions, a stay of 2 to 3 days is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Birmingham to Ambleside.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Birmingham and Ambleside
Most Birmingham to Ambleside trains use the Birmingham New Street to Windermere station pair. Use this guide to compare Birmingham and Ambleside train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Birmingham
Arrival train stations in Ambleside
Birmingham New StreetStation Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B2 4QA, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
City-centre transport
Getting to Birmingham New Street from Birmingham city centre
Bus16 · 7m · £2 · every ~27 min
Birmingham New Street train station facilities and services
Birmingham New Street 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, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: All Bar One, Leon, Caffè Nero, Five Guys, Krispy Kreme, The Pasty Shop, Upper Crust, Wasabi, Starbucks, Hotel Chocolat
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available from Sky Wi-Fi The Cloud. ATMs are aTM machines are located on the paid concourse.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:15 - 23:00, Sun: 07:30 - 23:00. Information desks are in the middle of the station.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is you can leave bags with Excess Baggage Co inside the entrance off Hill Street. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Birmingham New Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Birmingham New Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham New Street: Step-free access in the whole station and ramps available for train access. All platforms have elevators and escalators.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Birmingham City Center, Premier Inn Birmingham City Center (New St Station), Radisson Blue Hotel, Birmingham.
Most popular train connections from Birmingham
More options for your journey from Birmingham to Ambleside
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Ambleside and Birmingham
Most popular train connections to Ambleside
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