- Must visit
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
Major city museum and gallery with fine art, Birmingham history and global collections in a landmark building.
Cheapest price on Sep 18
$24
Average ticket price on Sep 18
$39
Fastest journey on Sep 18
5 h 25 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
7 h 33 m
Buses on Sep 18
3
Distance
277 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Carlisle to Birmingham is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Carlisle to Birmingham will cost around $39 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $24.
On Fri, Sep 18, we found 3 buses from Carlisle to Birmingham, including 3 direct services.
On Fri, Sep 18 the direct buses cover the 277 km distance in an average of 7 h 33 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 25 m .
On Fri, Sep 18 the slowest buses will take 11 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.






Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Carlisle to Birmingham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $46 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 8m. 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 $46, while a flight costs an average of $92.
Distance: 172 miles (277 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$46 Average price Cheapest | $67 Average price | $92 Average price | $83 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 47m Average total duration 7h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 29m Average total duration 2h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 8m Average total duration Fastest 1h 8m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 3h 31m 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 Carlisle to Birmingham:
A bus is $21 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Carlisle to Birmingham costing on average $67.
A bus is $46 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Carlisle to Birmingham costing on average $92.
Other travel options to Birmingham take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 59m.
Bus takes on average 7h 17m.
Tickets start at around $46 compared to roughly $83 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $37. The journey takes 7h 17m versus 3h 31m 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.
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 12:55AM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:55AM | Arrival Time 01:35PM | Duration 11h40 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:00AM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 11h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 03:10PM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 04:10PM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $16 |
The table below shows live departures for Carlisle to Birmingham buses for tomorrow, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:00 AM Carlisle | 11h50 | 4:50 PM Birmingham | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:45 AM Carlisle | 5h25 | 3:10 PM Birmingham | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:45 AM Carlisle | 5h25 | 4:10 PM Birmingham | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, 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 Carlisle to Birmingham run on average 3 times per day, taking around 7h 17m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $19 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 25m.
Distance 172 miles (277 km) |
Average bus duration 7h 17m |
Cheapest ticket price $19 |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 5h 25m |
First bus 12:50 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Birmingham — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Birmingham trip today.
Major city museum and gallery with fine art, Birmingham history and global collections in a landmark building.
Science museum with interactive galleries, engines and family-friendly exhibits in Millennium Point.
Historic home of the Pre-Raphaelite artists, showing furnished rooms, artworks and craft details.
Restored canal-side quarter with waterside walks, bars, heritage buildings and easy access to major venues.
Lively canal junction area with historic warehouses, footbridges and one of Birmingham's best urban walks.
Creative district known for street art, independent culture, music heritage and alternative city energy.
A rich curry style developed by Birmingham's South Asian community, often cooked with green chillies, coriander and onions. It is the city's signature dish.
A spicy Indian snack of potato, chickpeas, noodles, chutneys and crisp pastry pieces. Popular in Birmingham's Pakistani and Indian food culture.
A flaky layered flatbread, often served with curry at breakfast or late-night eateries in the city. A staple in Birmingham's South Asian dining scene.
Michelin-starred fine dining by Aktar Islam, known for modern Indian tasting menus in an elegant canal-side setting.
Refined modern British restaurant with inventive tasting menus and polished service in a smart city-centre dining room.
Celebrated Indian vegetarian restaurant in Sparkbrook, loved for dosas, chaats and sweets in a busy casual setting.
Moderate for UK city breaks: hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local transit and casual meals are fairly manageable for tourists.
Service may be included in restaurants; otherwise tip 10-12.5% for good service. Taxis are often rounded up or tipped about 10%. Tipping in cafes is optional.
Official public transport app
Birmingham Coach Station -> Birmingham New Street, Birmingham
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Carlisle to Birmingham 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 Birmingham, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Carlisle to Birmingham buses use the Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) to Birmingham, Coach Station station pair, with some services arriving at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway. Use this guide to compare Carlisle and Birmingham bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
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.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need