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Travel by bus in the Lake District, Cumbria
Travel by bus in the Lake District, Cumbria
Travel by bus in the Lake District, Cumbria
Travel by bus in the Lake District, Cumbria
Travel by bus in the Lake District, Cumbria

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Buses

Going by bus is arguably the most convenient way to explore Cumbria and the Lake District. Whether sitting back on the top deck of an open-top bus or tackling our mountain passes on a small rambler service, the bus is both versatile and liberating: you can go pretty much anywhere without worrying about getting there – which frees you up to just enjoy the views.

There are loads of bus services running this summer specially designed to help visitors. Please see details below.

Ambleside - Langdale 516 Service

The 516 service runs between between Ambleside and Dungeon Ghyll in Langdale, with connections possible at Ambleside with buses to or from Kendal, Windemere, Grasmere and Keswick. On Friday and Saturday there are extra later buses, so you can stay in the valley until 10.30pm, or if staying in the valley have a longer day out and return from Ambleside at 9.55pm. There are also limited direct services between Langdale and Kendal.

Both Services have been funded through the Westmorland and Furness Bus Service Improvement Plan funding.

View the timetables here

Hawkshead and the West of Windermere

Travel from Bowness to the peaceful western shore of Windermere on the Bowness to Ash Landing Cross Lake Shuttle boat service, operated by Windermere Lake Cruises.

Operating daily from 23 May to 27 September 2026, it's a great way to reach National Trust properties including Claife Viewing Station and Hill Top House (Beatrix Potter's former home). From Ash Landing, there are footpaths to Hill Top, Claife, Wray and beyond.

Find out more about the Cross-Lake Shuttle

Ullswater Hopper – UB1 / UB2

The Ullswater Hopper (UB1 and UB2), run by SITU, connects holiday accommodation around Ullswater with locations like Pooley Bridge, Aira Force, Lowther Castle and Gardens, Ullswater 'Steamers' and Howtown.

Combined with the 509, which includes places like Penrith, Keswick, Rheged, Dalemain and Glenridding, it's easy to get around car free this spring / summer.

The UB1 and UB2 operate on weekends & Bank Holidays between 28 March - 1 November, plus daily between 25 - 29 Mary & throughout July - Sept.

The 509 service runs daily between 23 March - 1 November 2026. Combined tickets for Ullswater 'Steamers' and other Stagecoach services are available on board.

Find out more about the Ullswater Hopper

Wasdale Explorer

Running on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays until 31 August 2026, the Wasdale Explorer runs from Ravenglass to Wasdale Head via Muncaster Castle, Gosforth and Nether Wasdale. The shuttle bus timetable connects with trains on the Cumbrian Coast line at Ravenglass station, with buses departing from the station car park.

The Wasdale shuttle bus is provided by the Lake District National Park Authority and funded by the Strategic Visitor Management Group.

Find out more about the Wasdale Explorer

Buttermere Shuttle Bus

This convenient service lets you sit back, relax, and enjoy the breathtaking views - without the hassle of parking. With affordable fares, a park-and-ride option, and easy connections to other bus routes, getting to Buttermere has never been easier. The Buttermere Shuttle Bus (77C) service runs from Cockermouth to Buttermere on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays from 2 May to 31 August 2026. You can park and ride from the Memorial Gardens in Cockermouth for just £5 for the full day parking.

Find out more about the Buttermere Shuttle Bus

£3 Bus Fares - Never pay more than £3 for a single fare.

Where could your £3 take you?

There are plenty of routes across the Lake District, so there's never been a better time to hop aboard and make the journey part of the experience. Sit back, relax and let someone else do the driving as you admire our beautiful landscapes from your seat.

Simply buy your ticket online or on board, with no discount code needed. The tickets are available with Stagecoach, as well as local bus operators - so you'll be spoilt for choice when choosing where to go.

Stagecoach operates a large number of eligible services across the area, taking you to destinations like Windermere, Grasmere, Hawkshead, Ulverston, Kirkby Lonsdale, Ullswater, the West Coast, Carlisle, Keswick, and so many more.

£3 bus fares are available on all single bus tickets, so there's plenty of time to explore the Lakes for less.

Popular bus routes

Stagecoach 555

Lancaster • Kendal • Windermere • Ambleside • Grasmere • Keswick
1. 1 Jan 202631 Dec 2026
Stagecoach 599

Kendal • Windermere • Bowness • Ambleside • Grasmere
1. 1 Jan 000131 Dec 9999
2. 1 Jan 202631 Dec 2026
Ullswater Bus 509

Keswick - Aira Force - Glenridding - Patterdale - Pooley Bridge - Lowther - Penrith
Stagecoach 6

Stagecoach bus service between Furness and Bowness-on-Windermere wiith stops including Dalton, Ulverston and Newby Bridge.
1. 1 Jan 202631 Dec 2026
Stagecoach 508

Penrith • Aira Force • Glenridding • Patterdale
1. 1 Jan 202631 Dec 2026
Hadrian's Wall AD122

Sit back and relax as we take you to enjoy the sights and sounds of Hadrian's Wall by bus.
Buttermere Shuttle Bus

From Cockermouth every Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday (2 May - 31 August 2026)
Wasdale Shuttle Bus

Ravenglass - Wasdale Head, Sat, Sun and Bank Holidays (2 May - 31 August 2026)
Ullswater Hopper (UB1/UB2)

Operating through the Ullswater Valley on weekends & bank holidays from 28 March - 1 November 2026, plus daily between 25 – 29 May and through July - Sept.
Cross-lake Shuttle

Cross lakes boat service from Bowness to Ash Landing on the western shores of Windermere.
Langdale Rambler 516 and Langdale Hopper 517

516 Ambleside to Dungeon Ghyll, with connections to Kendal, Windermere, Grasmere & Keswick.
Plan your journey

Use our new travel planner to help you plan your journey the smarter way

You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.

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Buses to and through Workington

Address

Workington, Cumbria

Telephone
0871 200 22 33

workingtontic@allerdale.gov.uk

Cumbria

Buses to and through Workington:
1A Great Clifton - Workington.
30/30A/30B Thornhill - Whitehaven - Workington - Maryport.
31/31A Frizington - Cleator Moor - Whitehaven - Workington - Maryport
35 Workington - Great Broughton - Cockermouth l.
36…

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Wasdale Shuttlebus

Address

The Wasdale Shuttle bus is a 22 seat vehicle with space for a pushchair/folding wheelchair. Dogs are allowed on the bus. The service runs during the summer months only.

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Stagecoach 599

Address

Telephone
01228 597222

cumbrianorthlancs.enquiries@stagecoachbus.com

Kendal • Windermere • Bowness • Ambleside • Grasmere

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Buses to and through Aspatria

Address

Cumbria, CA5 3HB

Telephone
0871 200 22 33

website@cumbriatourism.org

Buses to and through Aspatria:
39 Carlisle - Wigton - Aspatria - Fletchertown.
300 Carlisle - Wigton - Aspatria - Whitehaven.
301 Carlisle - Wigton - Aspatria - Whitehaven.

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Buses to and through Sawrey

Address

Sawrey, -

Telephone
0871 200 22 33

website@cumbriatourism.org

-

Buses to and through Sawrey:
Cross Lakes Shuttle 525 Bowness - Ferry House - Hawkshead - Grizedale - Coniston - seasonal.

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Buttermere Shuttlebus (77C)

Address

Buttermere shuttlebus from Cockermouth - summer service running Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays during summer months.

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Buses to and through Coniston

Address

Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EH

Telephone
0871 200 22 33

website@cumbriatourism.org

Cumbria

Buses to and through Coniston:
Coniston Rambler 505 Ambleside - Hawkshead - Coniston.
X12 Coniston - Spark Bridge - Ulverston.
Cross Lakes Experience 525 Bowness - Ferry House - Hawkshead - Coniston (seasonal).
X12 Coniston - Ulverston.

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Buses to and through Kirkby Lonsdale

Address

Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria

Telephone
0871 200 22 33

kltic@southlakeland.gov.uk

Cumbria

Buses to and through Kirkby Lonsdale:
81 Lancaster - Hornby - Kirkby Lonsdale.
567 Kendal - Kirkby Lonsdale.
567A Sedbergh - Kirkby Lonsdale (Thurs only).

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Stagecoach 508

Address

Telephone
01228 597222

cumbrianorthlancs.enquiries@stagecoachbus.com

Penrith • Aira Force • Glenridding • Patterdale

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Buses to and through Ulverston

Address

Ulverston Town Council, Town Hall, Queen Street, LA12 7AR, LA12 7AR

Telephone
0871 200 22 33

d.phillips@southlakeland.gov.uk

Queen Street

Buses to and through Ulverston:
6/6A Barrow - Dalton - Ulverston.
11 Barrow - Roa Island - Ulverston.
509 Askam - Kirkby-in-Furness - Ulverston.
538 Newby Bridge - Lakeside - Bouth - Ulverston.
X12 Coniston - Ulverston.
X6 Barrow - Ulverston -…

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Buses to and through Wetheral

Address

Wetheral, -

Telephone
0871 200 22 33

website@cumbriatourism.org

-

Buses to and through Wetheral:
75 Carlisle - Scotby - Wetheral.

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Stagecoach 6

Address

Telephone
01228 597222

cumbrianorthlancs.enquiries@stagecoachbus.com

Stagecoach bus service between Furness and Bowness-on-Windermere wiith stops including Dalton, Ulverston and Newby Bridge.

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Stagecoach 555

Address

Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4BD

Telephone
01228 597222

cumbrianorthlancs.enquiries@stagecoachbus.com

Kendal

Lancaster • Kendal • Windermere • Ambleside • Grasmere • Keswick

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Ullswater Bus - UB1: Aira Force - Pooley Bridge - Howtown

Address

The bus connects holiday accommodation around the valley with destinations such as Pooley Bridge, Howtown and the Ullswater 'Steamers', and onward transport services already in place.

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Buses to and through Cockermouth

Address

Cockermouth, Main Street, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 9NH

Telephone
0871 200 22 33

cockermouthtowncouncil@btinternet.com

Cockermouth

Buses to and through Cockermouth:
35 Workington - Cockermouth - Slatefell.
36 Workington - Cockermouth - Keswick.
58 Cockermouth - Maryport.
217 Cockermouth - Cleator Moor.
219 Cockermouth - Cleator Moor.
263 Maryport - Workington -…

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Buses to and through Sedbergh

Address

Sedbergh, Cumbria

Telephone
0871 200 22 33

website@cumbriatourism.org

Cumbria

Buses to and through Sedbergh:
564 Kendal - Sedbergh - Dent - Kirkby Stephen - Brough.
564B Cowgill - Dent - Sedbergh - Kendal.
567A Kirkby Lonsdale - Sedbergh.

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Buses to and through Borrowdale

Address

Borrowdale, Cumbria, CA12 5UY

Telephone
0871 200 22 33

website@cumbriatourism.org

Cumbria

Buses to and through Borrowdale.

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Buses to and from Windermere

Address

Windermere, Cumbria

Telephone
0871 200 22 33

enquiries@traveline.demon.co.uk

Cumbria

Buses to and through Windermere:
Coniston Rambler 505 Windermere - Ambleside - Hawkshead - Coniston.
Langdale Rambler 516 Windermere - Ambleside - Dungeon Ghyll.
555 Lancaster - Kendal - Windermere - Ambleside - Grasmere - Keswick - Carlisle…

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Hadrian's Wall Bus (AD 122)

Address

-

Telephone
0845 6060260

customerservices@gonortheast.co.uk

Sit back and relax as we take you to enjoy the sights and sounds of Hadrian's Wall by bus.

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Langdale Rambler 516 and Langdale Hopper 517

Address

Langdale Rambler bus and Langdale Hopper minibus services

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Buses

Ambleside - Langdale 516 Service

Hawkshead and the West of Windermere

Ullswater Hopper – UB1 / UB2

Wasdale Explorer

Buttermere Shuttle Bus

£3 Bus Fares - Never pay more than £3 for a single fare.

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