Getting Around: Lake District

Public Transportation

Bus & Train Overview

Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire operates main bus services, linking major towns like Windermere, Ambleside, and Keswick, reaching many popular starting points for walks. Some routes, specifically in summer, use open-top buses for scenic views.

Train Connections

A local branch line connects Oxenholme (the mainline station) to Kendal and Windermere.
The Cumbrian Coast Line runs along the park's west side, connecting coastal towns.
Windermere serves as a central hub for both train and major bus interchange. Ambleside and Keswick are also important bus hubs.

Bus Routes & Ticketing

Route 555 is a lifeline, connecting Lancaster through Kendal, Windermere, Ambleside, Grasmere, and Keswick. Route 599 runs between Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere, Ambleside, and Grasmere, often with open-top services in summer.

Fare Options & Tips

Purchase single or return tickets from the bus driver (cash or contactless card).
DayRider/Explorer Tickets offer unlimited travel on Stagecoach buses within Cumbria for a day or week; they are a cost-effective choice.
Service hours and frequency vary by route and season. Main routes run frequently in high season.
Most modern Stagecoach buses are wheelchair accessible.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis offer flexible, but costly, transport. Licensed taxis have a roof light and license plate. You hail them in towns or find them at ranks. Pre-book private hire vehicles. Fares are usually metered or agreed upon. Uber is not widely available; local taxi firms are the main option.

Rental Options

Car rental requires a valid license, passport, and credit card (minimum age 21, surcharges for under 25). Major companies are at airports and larger towns. Booking in advance is wise. Motorcycle/scooter rentals are limited. Numerous independent bike rental shops operate in towns, offering various bike types, including e-bikes.

Walking & Cycling

Most towns are pedestrian-friendly. The Lake District has an extensive network of public footpaths and bridleways, from gentle lakeside paths to challenging fell walks. The region offers quiet country lanes for road cycling, dedicated cycle paths, and mountain bike trails in forest parks. Helmets are for cycling.

Rental Bike Comparison

Provider	Type of Bikes Offered	Daily Rate (Approx.)
Brockhole Bike Hire	Mountain, E-bikes, Kids, Trailers	£25-£55
Lake District Bikes	Mountain, Hybrid, E-bikes	£25-£60
Total Adventure	Mountain, Road, E-bikes	£30-£60

Ghyllside Cycles Ambleside

Type of Bikes Offered:Mountain, Road, E-bikes
Daily Rate (Approx.):£25-£55
Locations:Ambleside
Notes:Wide range of bikes, also offers repairs.

Specialized Transportation

Tour buses:Scenic tour buses, like the open-top 599 route, view the landscape without driving.
Boat taxis:Lake cruises experience major lakes and reduce travel time. Windermere Lake Cruises, Ullswater Steamers, Coniston Launch, Derwentwater Launch are popular.
Unique local transport:None are present in the Lake District (e.g., cable cars).
Accessibility:"Miles without Stiles" routes suit wheelchairs and less mobile walkers.

Driving Safety Reminders

Drive on the left.Mandatory.

Seatbelts are for all occupants.Mandatory.

Speed limits:30 mph in built-up areas, 60 mph on single carriageways, 70 mph on motorways.

Roads vary:Motorways to narrow single-track fells roads.

Parking:Almost always pay-and-display. Limited spaces.

No-go areas for cyclists:Hardknott or Wrynose Passes are not for road cyclists due to extreme gradients.

Efficient Navigation Tips

Download the Stagecoach Bus app for real-time tracking.
Plan journeys in advance using online planners or paper timetables (signal is patchy).
Arrive early for popular routes during peak season; buses fill quickly.
An Explorer ticket offers the best value for frequent bus use.
Always use licensed taxis or pre-booked private hire vehicles from reputable local companies.

Getting Around