Birmingham to Carlisle bus with National Express

Fri, Oct 30
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National Express
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Birmingham to Carlisle

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Oct 30

Cheapest price on Oct 30

$27

Average ticket price on Oct 30

$33

Fastest journey on Oct 30

5 h 50 m

Average journey duration on Oct 30

5 h 50 m

Buses on Oct 30

3

Distance

277 km

Cheap tickets

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 $33 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $27.

Fast buses

On Fri, Oct 30, we found 3 buses from Birmingham to Carlisle, including 3 direct services.

On Fri, Oct 30 the direct buses cover the 277 km distance in an average of 5 h 50 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 50 m .

On Fri, Oct 30 the slowest buses will take 5 h 50 m 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.

  • National Express
    0 transfers
  • National Express
    0 transfers
  • National Express
    0 transfers

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Birmingham to Carlisle

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Birmingham to Carlisle run on average 3 times per day, taking around 7h 25m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $16 (€14) 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.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
172 miles (277 km)
Average bus duration
7h 25m
Cheapest ticket price
$16 (€14)
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
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Frequently asked questions about your Birmingham to Carlisle trip

Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Birmingham to Carlisle.

Cheap bus tickets from Birmingham to Carlisle can start from as little as $16 (€14) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Birmingham to Carlisle is $36 (€30) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The earliest bus from Birmingham to Carlisle leaves at 12:50 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Birmingham to Carlisle leaves at 11:55 PM.
Yes, there are 2 direct buses a day from Birmingham to Carlisle with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.

Birmingham to Carlisle Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:50AM
Arrival Time
05:40PM
Duration
5h50
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat
Cheapest price
$17
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:50PM
Arrival Time
06:40PM
Duration
5h50
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
$17
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
05:55PM
Arrival Time
05:55AM
Duration
12h00
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$34
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
08:00PM
Arrival Time
05:55AM
Duration
9h55
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$30
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:00PM
Arrival Time
03:50AM
Duration
5h50
Departure days
Thu, Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
$35
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:00PM
Arrival Time
04:50AM
Duration
5h50
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
$27

Live departures

Birmingham to Carlisle bus times

The table below shows live departures for Birmingham to Carlisle buses for today, Thursday, October 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National Express10:00 PM Birmingham
5h50
3:50 AM Carlisle0 transfersDirect
National Express11:00 PM Birmingham
5h50
4:50 AM Carlisle0 transfersDirect
Friday, October 30
National Express12:50 PM Birmingham
5h50
6:40 PM Carlisle0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Birmingham to Carlisle buses with Omio?

National Express as well as FlixBus offer buses services from Birmingham to Carlisle.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Birmingham to Carlisle.

Why book with Omio vs National Express?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Birmingham to Carlisle.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare National Express with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Birmingham to Carlisle.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Birmingham to Carlisle.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Birmingham to Carlisle.

Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus from Birmingham to CarlisleYou can travel by bus between Birmingham to Carlisle with National Express, FlixBus for as low as $16 (€14). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

FlixBus

About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixBus Duration
9h 20m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
$31 (€26)
FlixBus frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.

National Express

About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average National Express Duration
5h 20m
Cheapest National Express Price
$16 (€14)
National Express frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.

Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Birmingham and Carlisle

Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.

When taking a bus from Birmingham to Carlisle, you can count on National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Carlisle. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Birmingham and Carlisle and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Birmingham to Carlisle:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Birmingham to Carlisle for bus company National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Birmingham to Carlisle depends on the bus companies:
  • National Express
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
  • FlixBus
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company {providersWithBike}.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Birmingham to Carlisle.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Birmingham to Carlisle:
  • National Express
    • Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
  • FlixBus
    • One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Birmingham to Carlisle:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
  • FlixBus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Birmingham to Carlisle. The following conditions apply:
  • FlixBus
    • Small pets in carriers allowed
    • guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Birmingham to Carlisle with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Birmingham to Carlisle with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Birmingham to Carlisle with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus.

Complete guide to Carlisle

Things to do in Carlisle

Discover the best of Carlisle — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Carlisle trip today.

  • 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.

  • Recommended

Tullie House Military Museum

Major museum inside Carlisle Castle exploring Cumbria's military past, regimental history, and border conflicts.

  • Recommended

Roman Frontier Gallery

Hands-on Roman frontier gallery at Tullie House presenting Hadrian's Wall finds and frontier life in Cumbria.

British pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are usually cheaper than major cities, while local buses and trains are standard regional prices.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£15-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£50+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£2.50-4 for coffee or cappuccino.

Tipping culture

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.

Plan your visit to Carlisle

Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Carlisle.

The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Carlisle, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets and transportation hubs. Avoid accepting unsolicited offers for help or transportation, as unofficial taxis or guides may overcharge. Staying aware of surroundings and using licensed services helps ensure safety.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

FAQs: Bus from Birmingham to Carlisle

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.

FAQs
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Birmingham and Carlisle including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Birmingham to Carlisle

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.

Departure bus stations in Birmingham
Arrival bus stations in Carlisle

Which Birmingham station do buses to Carlisle leave from?

Buses from Birmingham to Carlisle leave from Birmingham, Coach Station. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Birmingham city centre at Mill Lane, Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 6DD, United Kingdom.
Birmingham, Coach StationMill Lane, Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 6DD, United KingdomWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Birmingham, Coach Station from Birmingham city centre

Birmingham, Coach Station is 1 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus4, 97, 6, X2, 3, 97A, 2, 4A, 5, X1 · 4m · $3 · every ~191 min
X2, 4A, X1, 2, 3, 6, 4, 5 · 13m · $3 · every ~149 min

Birmingham, Coach Station bus station facilities and services

Birmingham, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Cafeteria and fast-food options inside the station

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Birmingham, Coach Station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Birmingham, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham, Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.

Birmingham, Great Charles Street QueenswayGreat Charles Street Queensway, Birmingham, UKWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway from Birmingham city centre

Bus822, X8, 12, 24, 126, 13, 23, X10, 829, 9 · 2m · $3 · every ~153 min

Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway bus station facilities and services

Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway. ATMs are available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway: Bus stops are wheelchair accessible.

BirminghamUpper Crust Digbeth, Coach Station, 52-56 Spencer House, Birmingham B5 6DQ, UKWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Birmingham from Birmingham city centre

TRUE

Birmingham bus station facilities and services

Birmingham has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Multiple fast food and cafes inside

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi available within the station. ATMs are multiple ATMs available inside the station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Birmingham.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Birmingham: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham: Wheelchair accessible entrances and facilities.

Bus stations for Birmingham to Carlisle

Check bus stations information for Birmingham and Carlisle, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.

When departing from Birmingham , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Birmingham, Coach Station, Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway, Birmingham, Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport) . When arriving in Carlisle , you can end your journey in bus stations like Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street), Carlisle .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Birmingham, Coach Station, which is located around 0 miles (1 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street), located 0 away from the city centre.

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