Manchester to Ambleside train with Northern Rail

Wed 07 Oct
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Transpennine Express
Northern Rail
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
Transpennine Express
Northern Rail
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Ambleside

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 07 Oct

Cheapest price on 07 Oct

£14

Average ticket price on 07 Oct

£16

Fastest journey on 07 Oct

1 h 33 m

Average journey duration on 07 Oct

2 h 8 m

Trains on 07 Oct

4

Distance

116 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester 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 to Ambleside will cost around £16 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £14.

Fast trains

On Wed 07 Oct, we found 4 trains from Manchester to Ambleside, including 4 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 116 km distance in an average of 2 h 8 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 33 m .

The slowest trains will take 3 h 4 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.

  • Northern Rail
    8:561h33
    Manchester
    10:29Ambleside
    £141One-way
    0 changes
  • Northern Rail
    7:383h04
    Manchester
    10:42Ambleside
    £151One-way
    0 changes
  • Northern Rail
    10:561h58
    Manchester
    12:54Ambleside
    £171One-way
    0 changes
  • Northern Rail
    11:561h58
    Manchester
    13:54Ambleside
    £171One-way
    0 changes

Journey information

Overview: Train from Manchester to Ambleside

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Manchester to Ambleside run on average 14 times per day, taking around 1h 31m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £5 if you book in advance.

There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:57, the last at 22:39. The fastest train covers the 116 km distance in 1h 12m.

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
116 km
Average train duration
1h 31m
Cheapest ticket price
£5
Trains per day
14
Direct trains
4
Fastest train
1h 12m
First train
4:57
Last train
22:39
Cheapest Month
Nov
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Mon
Best time to book
35 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

Live departures

Manchester to Ambleside train times

The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Ambleside trains for today, Tuesday 6 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Northern Rail7:56 Manchester
1h33
9:29 Ambleside0 changesdirect
Northern Rail9:03 Manchester
1h26
10:29 Ambleside0 changesdirect
Northern Rail10:56 Manchester
1h46
12:42 Ambleside0 changesdirect
Northern Rail11:39 Manchester
3h19
14:58 Ambleside0 changesdirect
Northern Rail11:56 Manchester
1h46
13:42 Ambleside0 changesdirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Manchester to Ambleside trains with Omio?

Transpennine Express as well as Northern Rail or Avanti West Coast offer trains 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 Transpennine Express?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Transpennine Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of Northern Rail or Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from Manchester 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 Transpennine Express 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, Trip or Raileurope?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Northern Rail or Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Ambleside.
  • 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.

Train companies: Northern Rail, Transpennine Express, Avanti West Coast from Manchester to Ambleside trainsNorthern Rail, Transpennine Express, Avanti West Coast trains will get you between Manchester and Ambleside from £5. 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
1h 12m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
£5
Northern Rail frequency
6 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

Transpennine Express

About
Transpennine Express is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from Manchester and Liverpool to Scotland, the North East and Yorkshire. It offers a range of services, including express, regional and local trains. Express trains are the fastest, with journey times of up to three hours. Regional trains are slower, but offer more stops and a more relaxed atmosphere. Local trains are the slowest, but offer the most stops. Transpennine Express offers a range of ticket types, including single, return, group and season tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Transpennine Express are Manchester to Edinburgh, Liverpool to Leeds and Manchester to York. These routes offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel between the cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transpennine Express Duration
1h 12m
Cheapest Transpennine Express Price
£11
Transpennine Express frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
2 large items and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks, plus a small selection of hot and cold food items
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are free of charge and recommended for busy routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance booking service
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
1h 36m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£28
Avanti West Coast frequency
3 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.

  • Must visit

Dove Cottage

Romantic-era writer's house museum in Grasmere with preserved rooms, manuscripts and guided access to Wordsworth's domestic world.

  • 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.

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 train

The most popular day trips by train from Ambleside are Windermere, Kendal, Lancaster and Oxenholme. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Ambleside on Omio.

A view of Windermere

Day trip from Ambleside to Windermere by train

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.

A view of Kendal

Day trip from Ambleside to Kendal by train

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.

A view of Lancaster

Day trip from Ambleside to Lancaster by train

Why visit Lancaster for the day?

Lancaster is known for its castle, Georgian architecture and ties to the House of Lancaster. Its compact centre, River Lune setting and student energy give the city a historic yet easy-going feel.

How to get from Ambleside to Lancaster by train?

The earliest train runs at 05:59, the last at 22:28.

A view of Oxenholme

Day trip from Ambleside to Oxenholme by train

Why visit Oxenholme for the day?

Oxenholme is a small Cumbrian settlement best known for its station linking Kendal with the wider Lake District. Close to rolling countryside and the market town of Kendal, it feels quiet, practical and distinctly rural.

FAQs: Manchester to Ambleside train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester 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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Manchester to Ambleside can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £5, while the average price tends to be around £27.
The train journey from Manchester to Ambleside covers a distance of 116 km and takes approximately 1h 12m. Trains run 14 per day.
The train distance from Manchester to Ambleside is 116 km.
The first train from Manchester to Ambleside leaves at 4:57.
The last train from Manchester to Ambleside departs at 22:39.
Trains from Manchester to Ambleside run approximately 14 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Manchester to Ambleside.
Yes, there is a direct train between Manchester and Ambleside. The service operates 4 times per day, provided by Northern Rail.
There is no night train service from Manchester to Ambleside.
The train station in Manchester that goes to Ambleside is Deansgate (DGT), and it arrives at Staveley station (SVL).
Booking trains from Manchester to Ambleside in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Manchester to Ambleside is scenic, offering picturesque views of the English countryside, including the rolling hills and lush landscapes of the Lake District National Park.
Yes, you can take the train from Manchester to Ambleside.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Ambleside

Most Manchester to Ambleside trains use the Deansgate to Staveley station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Ambleside train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Manchester
Arrival train stations in Ambleside

Which Manchester station do trains to Ambleside leave from?

Trains from Manchester to Ambleside leave from Deansgate. The station is 1 km from Manchester city centre at Deansgate station, Whitworth Street West, Deansgate, Manchester, M3 4LG.
DeansgateDeansgate station, Whitworth Street West, Deansgate, Manchester, M3 4LGParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Deansgate from Manchester city centre

Deansgate is 1 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainManchester Airport - Corkickle, Manchester Airport - Blackpool North, Manchester Airport - Liverpool Lime Street, Manchester Airport - Barrow-in-Furness, Manchester Airport - Windermere, Wilmslow - Liverpool Lime Street, Manchester Airport - Preston, Stockport - Blackpool North · 5m · £0.89 · every ~7 min
Bus33, 255, 30 · 5m · £2 · every ~22 min
T1 · 1h 6m
TramBlue Line, Red Line, Pink Line, Purple Line · 6m · £2 · every ~38 min

Deansgate train station facilities and services

Deansgate has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Deansgate.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Deansgate.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Deansgate: Parking, Taxis.

Bike and car services

Available at Deansgate: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Deansgate: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station From Whitworth Street, up a ramp (43 paces, 1:25 slope) and level access through the entrance into the foyer. Or from the junction of Chester Road, Whitworth Street and Deansgate, level access through the entrance, along the corridor and up 21 steps into the foyer. Then, to Manchester: Past the ticket office, via the lift in the foyer. Or up a ramp (34 paces), up 17 steps onto the platform. To Bolton, Warrington and Wigan : Via the lift in the foyer or along the subway (26 paces), up a ramp (32 paces) and up 18 steps onto the platform. Level access to Manchester platform also via overbridge from Metrolink G-Mex Metrolink stop. Lift available first to last train, currently 06:20 - 23:40 Monday to Saturday. 08:10 - 23:30 Sunday, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

Manchester Oxford RoadManchester Oxford Road station, Station Approach, Oxford Road, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 6FUParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Manchester Oxford Road from Manchester city centre

Bus42A, 43, 42, 101, 85, 85A, 111, 263, 142, 143, 87, 41, 18, 86, 15, 250, 42B, 42C, 103, 102 · 5m · £2 · every ~224 min
T1 · 1h 7m

Manchester Oxford Road train station facilities and services

Manchester Oxford Road has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Manchester Oxford Road.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Manchester Oxford Road.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Oxford Road: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B Station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station - There are two lifts at the Piccadilly end of platform 4 and 2/3 which connect the concourse area platform 4 and 5 with 2/3. Note: there is no lift access to platform 1 at all, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

Manchester AirportManchester Airport station, Malaga Avenue, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M90 3RRWifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Manchester Airport from Manchester city centre

Manchester Airport is 13 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 train station facilities and services

Manchester Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Manchester Airport.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Manchester Airport. ATMs are available at Manchester Airport.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Manchester Airport. Information desks are information available from staff: ,Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 107 2149, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Manchester Airport: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Manchester Airport: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Airport: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: re Step free access is provided from the Ground Transport Interchange to all platforms via lifts or ramps. This station is staffed for all services. This station is Category A. Station staff can provide assistance from Meeting Point 1 (adjacent to the Station Booking Office) and throughout the railway station, and with boarding and alighting the train. Customers requiring assistance should make themselves known to station staff no less than 20 minutes prior to the departure time of their train. Customers requiring assistance to access other services or to connect with terminals should request this from their airline or Manchester Airport Group. Assistance can be requested in advance by contacting the TransPennine Express Assisted Travel Team on 0800 107 2149 (18001 prefix for TextRelay). Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible public telephones: In the station cafe on platforms 2 and 3, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.

More options for your journey from Manchester to Ambleside

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Most popular train connections to Ambleside

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