- 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
£13
Average price
£13
Fastest journey
1 h 2 m
Average duration
1 h 2 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
76 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Preston to Ambleside is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Preston to Ambleside will cost around £13 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £13.
Of the 1 trains that leave Preston 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 76 km distance in an average of 1 h 2 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 2 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 2 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.


The table below shows live departures for Preston to Ambleside trains for tomorrow, Saturday 22 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 12:45 Preston | 1h02 | 13:47 Ambleside | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare 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.
Take a train from Preston to Ambleside and enjoy the approximately 76 km long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:42, the last at 21:43.
Distance 76 km |
Average train duration 1h 2m |
Trains per day 23 |
Direct trains 7 |
First train 6:42 |
Last train 21:43 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
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 Preston 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.

Most Preston to Ambleside trains use the Preston to Staveley station pair. Use this guide to compare Preston and Ambleside train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Preston is 1 km from Preston city centre. Public transport options include:
Preston has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Rise, The Olive Tree Brasserie, Turtle Bay
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Preston. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Preston. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Preston: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Preston: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Preston: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Express Preston - South, Delta Hotels Preston, Macdonald Tickled Trout Hotel.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need