Ambleside does not have its own train station; the closest major transport hub is Windermere train station. From there, an extensive local bus network, taxis, and car travel are available for reaching and departing Ambleside.
The most common way to reach Ambleside by train is to travel to Windermere station. Direct trains to Windermere are available from Manchester Airport, or one can connect at Oxenholme Lake District station (served by Avanti West Coast from London Euston or Glasgow, and TransPennine Express from Edinburgh and Manchester) for a connecting train to Windermere.
From Windermere station, numerous Stagecoach buses, such as the 555 and 599, operate regularly to Ambleside. The journey typically takes around 15-20 minutes and single fares are often capped at £3.
Ambleside is well-connected by local Stagecoach bus services to various towns in the Lake District, including Grasmere, Keswick, Coniston, Hawkshead, and the Langdale valley. Services like the 555 connect Ambleside to Kendal and Keswick, while the 599 operates an open-top route between Bowness, Windermere, Ambleside, and Grasmere. Single bus fares are capped at £3, and day tickets like the Central Lakes DayRider (£10.00) or North West Explorer (£12) allow for unlimited travel within their respective zones.
Driving is a popular option for reaching Ambleside, providing flexibility for exploring the wider Lake District. The drive from Windermere to Ambleside is approximately 5 miles, taking about 10 minutes. Driving from regions like Stockport can take around 1 hour 36 minutes (approx. 95 miles). Be aware that the main road through Ambleside can experience heavy traffic, especially during peak tourist seasons and weekends, and parking can be challenging.
A taxi from Windermere to Ambleside typically takes about 10 minutes and costs approximately £14-£17.
From Ambleside Waterhead Pier, Windermere Lake Cruises offer services to other points on Lake Windermere, including Bowness and Lakeside. This can be a scenic way to travel to nearby attractions.
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