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.
 

Langdale and Little Langdale

On Saturdays and Sundays in July and August a minibus will run from Ambleside to Little Langdale eight times a day, dropping passengers at the Three Shires Inn. 

Langdale early mornings and later nights

There are also now early morning service 516 buses between Ambleside and 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.

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

The Cross Lakes Experience is back for this summer, supported by the National Trust.

The Cross Lakes Experience operates daily throughout the summer, from Saturday 24th May 2025 until Sunday 28th September 2025. This service connects Bowness-on-Windermere to Hill Top Farmhouse and on to Hawkshead.

On arrival at Ash Landing, the Mountain Goat bus makes it way up to the hamlet of Far Sawrey home to Pure Lakes. It will continue on to Hill Top Farm, the home of Beatrix Potter in the hamlet of Near Sawrey. Bus and boat or just bus tickets are available.

Find out more about the Cross-Lakes Experience

Ullswater Hopper – UB1

Now in its third year the Ullswater Valley bus service Run by SITU started on Saturday 5th April with an extended service. This includes all Weekends and Public holidays and a daily service from 25th – 30th May (Whit Week) and 30th June – 29th August 2025.

In addition combined tickets for Ullswater Steamers and other Stagecoach services will be available on board and the service will be timed to connect with the existing 508 services.

Find out more about UB1

Wasdale Explorer

Running on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays until 21 September 2025, the Wasdale Explorer departs from Ravenglass station and runs to Muncaster Castle, Gosforth and Wasdale Head. The shuttle bus timetable is designed to connect 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 77C service runs from Cockermouth to Buttermere on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays 3rd May to 31st August 2025. 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.