- 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
£15
Average price
£15
Fastest journey
2 h 5 m
Average duration
2 h 5 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
127 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester Airport to Ambleside is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester Airport to Ambleside will cost around £15 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £15.
Of the 1 trains that leave Manchester Airport for Ambleside every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 127 km distance in an average of 2 h 5 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 5 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 5 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 Manchester Airport to Ambleside among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £6. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 4m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £6, and a coach costs an average of £19.
Distance: 127 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£16 Average Price Cheapest | £24 Average Price |
2h 34m Average total duration Fastest 2h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 41m Average total duration 5h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Compare train and 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.
Trains from Manchester Airport to Ambleside run on average 24 times per day, taking around 2h 4m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £6 if you book in advance.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 07:29, the last at 12:15. The fastest train covers the 127 km distance in 2h 0m.
Distance 127 km |
Average train duration 2h 4m |
Cheapest ticket price £6 |
Trains per day 24 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 2h 0m |
First train 7:29 |
Last train 12:15 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Tue |
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 Manchester Airport 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.

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