The Lake District Tourist Bus offers a convenient and scenic way to explore the stunning natural beauty of the Lake District National Park in Cumbria, England. With a network of open-top bus routes, visitors can sit back, relax, and take in the breathtaking landscapes as they journey through the region’s picturesque villages, lakes, and valleys.
Open-Top Bus Routes
The Lake District Tourist Bus operates several open-top bus routes, each offering a unique perspective on the region’s highlights.
599 Bowness to Grasmere
- Duration: 50 minutes (one-way)
- Frequency: Every 20 minutes in high season, every 30 minutes in low season
- Key Stops: Bowness, Windermere, Ambleside, Rydal Water, Grasmere Lake and Village
This route takes passengers through some of the Lake District’s most iconic destinations, including the charming towns of Bowness and Grasmere, as well as the stunning Rydal Water and Grasmere Lake.
78 Keswick to Seatoller
- Duration: 30 minutes (one-way)
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes in high season, hourly in low season
- Key Stops: Keswick, Great Wood, Derwentwater shoreline, Borrowdale Valley
Explore the northern part of the Lake District with this route, which showcases the dramatic Borrowdale Valley and the picturesque shores of Derwentwater.
508 Penrith to Patterdale
- Duration: 50 minutes (one-way)
- Frequency: Every 2 hours in high season
- Key Stops: Penrith, Pooley Bridge, Ullswater shoreline, Glenridding, Patterdale
This route offers a scenic journey along the Ullswater shoreline, with stops in the charming villages of Pooley Bridge and Patterdale.
Bus Fares and Tickets
The Lake District Tourist Bus offers a variety of ticket options to suit different needs and budgets:
| Ticket Type | Adult Price | Child Price | Group Price (up to 5 people) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone Dayrider | £9 | £6.70 | £17 |
| Explorer Ticket | £12 | £9 | £34.50 |
| 3-day Explorer | £28 | £20 | N/A |
| 7-day MegaRider | £30.50 | N/A | £66 |
| Park and Explore Ticket | £18 | N/A | N/A |
The Explorer Ticket and MegaRider options provide the best value for money, allowing unlimited travel within the designated zones.
Planning a Car-Free Trip
Exploring the Lake District by bus is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and enjoy the scenery without the hassle of driving. Here are some tips to help you plan your car-free adventure:
Stagecoach App
Download the Stagecoach app to easily purchase bus tickets and plan your journey. The app provides real-time updates on bus schedules and locations.
Combined Tickets
Look for combined bus and boat tickets, which are available for popular destinations like Coniston, Derwentwater, Ullswater, and Windermere.
Car-Free Itineraries
The Visit Lake District website offers a range of car-free itineraries, providing inspiration and guidance on how to explore the region using public transportation.
Additional Information
- £2 Bus Fare Scheme: The Lake District Tourist Bus has extended its £2 single fare scheme until December 2024, making it even more affordable to explore the region by bus.
- Wasdale Shuttle: A free bus service running from 25 May to 15 September 2024 on Saturdays, Sundays, and Bank Holidays, connecting the Wasdale Valley.
- Buttermere Shuttle: A new bus service operating from 4 May to 1 September 2024, with early and late journeys running daily to the picturesque Buttermere Valley.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Lake District enthusiast, the Lake District Tourist Bus offers a convenient and enjoyable way to discover the region’s natural wonders. Plan your car-free adventure today and let the bus take you on a scenic journey through this stunning corner of England.