- Must visit
Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery
Leading city museum and gallery with Roman, Border Reiver, natural history, and art collections in a historic house.
Cheapest price on Sep 15
$20
Average ticket price on Sep 15
$30
Fastest journey on Sep 15
5 h 20 m
Average journey duration on Sep 15
8 h 16 m
Buses on Sep 15
4
Distance
277 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Birmingham to Carlisle is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Birmingham to Carlisle will cost around $30 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $20.
On Tue, Sep 15, we found 4 buses from Birmingham to Carlisle, including 2 direct services.
On Tue, Sep 15 the direct buses cover the 277 km distance in an average of 8 h 16 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 20 m .
On Tue, Sep 15 the slowest buses will take 12 h and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
NX590
NX181
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX590
NX181
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Birmingham to Carlisle among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $43 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 5m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $43, while a flight costs an average of $103.
Distance: 172 miles (277 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$43 Average price Cheapest | $65 Average price | $103 Average price | $84 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 40m Average total duration 7h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 24m Average total duration 2h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 5m Average total duration Fastest 1h 5m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 3h 27m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Birmingham to Carlisle:
A bus is $22 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Birmingham to Carlisle costing on average $65.
A bus is $60 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Birmingham to Carlisle costing on average $103.
Other travel options to Carlisle take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 54m.
Bus takes on average 7h 10m.
Tickets start at around $43 compared to roughly $84 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $40. The journey takes 7h 10m versus 3h 27m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by National Express, Megabus.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:50AM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:50PM | Arrival Time 06:40PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:55PM | Arrival Time 05:55AM | Duration 12h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 05:55AM | Duration 9h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 03:50AM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 04:50AM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $25 |
The table below shows live departures for Birmingham to Carlisle buses for today, Monday, September 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX590 | 12:50 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 5h20 | 6:10 PM Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:55 PM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 12h00 | 5:55 AM Carlisle | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:00 PM Birmingham | 9h55 | 5:55 AM Carlisle | 1 transfer | |
NX181 | 11:00 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 5h50 | 4:50 AM Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Birmingham to Carlisle run on average 3 times per day, taking around 7h 10m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $21 if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:50, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 172 miles (277 km) distance in 5h 20m.
Distance 172 miles (277 km) |
Average bus duration 7h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $21 |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 5h 20m |
First bus 12:50 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Carlisle — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Carlisle trip today.
Leading city museum and gallery with Roman, Border Reiver, natural history, and art collections in a historic house.
Major museum inside Carlisle Castle exploring Cumbria's military past, regimental history, and border conflicts.
Hands-on Roman frontier gallery at Tullie House presenting Hadrian's Wall finds and frontier life in Cumbria.
Large central park with historic features, play areas, walks, and frequent events near the city centre.
Popular riverside park with trails, picnic areas, and open green space ideal for walking or relaxing by the Eden.
Attractive riverside walk near the castle and cathedral, offering green views and one of Carlisle's best strolls.
Cumberland Sausage is the area’s signature coiled pork sausage, seasoned with pepper and herbs. It is a protected regional specialty long associated with Cumbria.
A hearty hotpot of lamb or mutton with onions and sliced potatoes, linked to old Cumbrian farm cooking and valued for its simple, filling character.
This traditional Cumbrian soup combines ham broth, split peas and vegetables. It reflects frugal northern cooking and is still a comforting local staple.
Established city-centre restaurant known for polished modern British cooking, tasting menus and a refined but relaxed atmosphere.
Well-regarded independent bistro focused on locally sourced British food, steaks and seasonal specials in a casual setting.
Historic traditional pub serving cask ales and classic British dishes in a characterful setting close to Carlisle Castle.
Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are usually cheaper than major cities, while local buses and trains are standard regional prices.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common for good service if not already added. Round up small cafe bills and taxi fares.
Official public transport app
Carlisle Railway Station -> Carlisle City Centre
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Birmingham to Carlisle by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Carlisle, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Birmingham to Carlisle buses use the Birmingham, Coach Station to Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) station pair, with some services arriving at Carlisle. Use this guide to compare Birmingham and Carlisle bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Birmingham, Coach Station is 1 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
Birmingham, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria and fast-food options inside the station
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham, Coach Station.
Available at Birmingham, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham, Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway. ATMs are available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway.
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway.
Available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway: Bus stops are wheelchair accessible.
Birmingham has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Multiple fast food and cafes inside
Free Wi-Fi available within the station. ATMs are multiple ATMs available inside the station.
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham.
Available at Birmingham: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham: Wheelchair accessible entrances and facilities.
Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street). ATMs are available at Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street).
Ticket office support is available at Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street).
Available at Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street): Wheelchair accessible entrances and paths present.
Carlisle has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Carlisle. ATMs are available at Carlisle.
Ticket office support is available at Carlisle.
Available at Carlisle: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Carlisle: Wheelchair accessible entrance and services.
Carlisle, Parkhouse Road (Argos) is 3 km from Carlisle city centre. Public transport options include:
Carlisle, Parkhouse Road (Argos) has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Carlisle, Parkhouse Road (Argos): The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need