Bus & Boat Ticket (Central Lakes Zone)

Bus and boat 3
Rule
Bowness Ambleside (Waterhead) Lakeside

Cruise + Bus

Bus and boat ticket

4hrs + return (non-stop)
  • This ticket was discontinued on Monday 3 November 2025
  • Stagecoach, (the bus company), has simplified its range of boat and bus tickets. The only boat & bus ticket currently available is the Boat & Bus (Explorer zone ticket).
  • Buy these tickets on board the bus from the driver
  • Includes a single half-lake cruise (Red or Yellow)
  • Your ticket is valid on any departure on the day
  • Unlimited Stagecoach bus travel in the Central Lakes Zone
  • Well behaved dogs travel free

Combine bus travel and a boat journey in one convenient ticket

This convenient ticket includes a single boat journey on either our Red Cruise between Bowness Pier and Waterhead Pier (Ambleside) or our Yellow Cruise between Bowness Pier and Lakeside Pier, plus unlimited bus travel in the surrounding area. Enjoy the stunning Lakeland scenery from the open deck of a steamer on Windermere, then hop on the famous open-top 599 bus for a scenic ride through the heart of the Lakes.

This ticket includes unlimited Stagecoach bus travel within the Central Lakes Zone. For a ticket that includes travel across Cumbria and North Lancashire, please choose the Bus & Boat (Explorer Zone) option.

More information:

  • See which buses travel to our piers
  • We would recommend choosing the Red Cruise as it has easier onward bus travel from Bowness, Brockhole and Ambleside (Waterhead). Lakeside has no bus stops except from Newby Bridge (20 mins walk away)
  • For a bus timetable, head to stagecoach

Cruise Map

Boat and bus mobile map website

Departure Points

Start this cruise from any of these locations

Our Boat and Stagecoach bus explores some beautiful sites

Explore our full gallery for more stunning images.

Your guide to what’s on and things to do in the Lake District

From a full day of adventure on Windermere to exploring exciting events on and off the water, see how you can make the most of your Lake District adventure.

Silver Sailors

21 November 2025

Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at Windermere Lake Cruises and other local attractions.

Silver Sailors

28 November 2025

Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at Windermere Lake Cruises and other local attractions.

Silver Sailors

5 December 2025

Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at Windermere Lake Cruises and other local attractions.

Silver Sailors

12 December 2025

Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at Windermere Lake Cruises and other local attractions.

Santa breakfast

13 December 2025

Enjoy a festive morning filled with fun, games, and a hearty breakfast with Santa himself.

Silver Sailors

19 December 2025

Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at Windermere Lake Cruises and other local attractions.

Hayes

24 December 2025

Santa’s band of elves will be there to welcome you and your child into their workshop where you’ll be whisked away on a magical, festive journey.

Santa The Swan

24 December 2025

From every weekend from 14th November experience the joy of meeting Santa in his charming Grotto.

Silver Sailors

26 December 2025

Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at Windermere Lake Cruises and other local attractions.

Silver Sailors

2 January 2026

Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at Windermere Lake Cruises and other local attractions.

Silver Sailors

9 January 2026

Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at Windermere Lake Cruises and other local attractions.

Silver Sailors

16 January 2026

Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at Windermere Lake Cruises and other local attractions.

Silver Sailors

23 January 2026

Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at Windermere Lake Cruises and other local attractions.

Silver Sailors

30 January 2026

Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at Windermere Lake Cruises and other local attractions.

Silver Sailors

6 February 2026

Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at Windermere Lake Cruises and other local attractions.

Silver Sailors

13 February 2026

Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at Windermere Lake Cruises and other local attractions.

Silver Sailors

20 February 2026

Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at Windermere Lake Cruises and other local attractions.

Silver Sailors

27 February 2026

Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at Windermere Lake Cruises and other local attractions.

Silver Sailors

6 March 2026

Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at Windermere Lake Cruises and other local attractions.

Silver Sailors

13 March 2026

Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at Windermere Lake Cruises and other local attractions.

Silver Sailors

20 March 2026

Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at Windermere Lake Cruises and other local attractions.

Silver Sailors

27 March 2026

Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at Windermere Lake Cruises and other local attractions.

Useful downloads

Fancy an upgrade?

Explore more!

Make the most of your time on Windermere by upgrading your cruise. Combine your trip with a visit to a local attraction, or enjoy unlimited travel all day with Freedom of the Lake.