- Must visit
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
Major city museum and gallery with fine art, Birmingham history and global collections in a landmark building.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Carlisle to Birmingham
Showing times and prices for Aug 04
Cheapest price
$19
Average price
$23
Fastest journey
5 h 25 m
Average duration
5 h 28 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
277 km
Cheap tickets
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 $23 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $19.
Fast buses
Of the 2 buses that leave Carlisle for Birmingham on Tue, Aug 04, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Aug 04 the direct buses cover the 277 km distance in an average of 5 h 28 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 25 m .
On Tue, Aug 04 the slowest buses will take 5 h 30 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.
NX59010:45 AM5h25Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street)4:10 PMBirmingham, Coach Station$191One-way0 transfers- NX18112:55 AM5h30Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street)6:25 AMBirmingham, Coach Station$271One-way0 transfers
- NX59010:45 AM5h25Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street)4:10 PMBirmingham, Coach Station$191One-way0 transfers
- NX18112:55 AM5h30Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street)6:25 AMBirmingham, Coach Station$271One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Carlisle to Birmingham
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 prices starting from $16. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 10m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $16, and a flight costs an average of $39.
Distance: 172 miles (277 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$25 Average price Cheapest | $62 Average price | $100 Average price | $82 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 8m Average total duration 5h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 33m Average total duration 3h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 10m Average total duration Fastest 1h 10m Onboard + 3h 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 |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Carlisle to Birmingham is a bus with an average price of $25.
This is compared to other travel options from Carlisle to Birmingham:
A bus is $36 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Carlisle to Birmingham costing on average $62.
A bus is $75 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Carlisle to Birmingham costing on average $100.
The fastest way to travel from Carlisle to Birmingham is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 10m.
Other travel options to Birmingham take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 3m.
Bus takes on average 5h 38m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Carlisle and Birmingham including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Carlisle to Birmingham among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around $25 compared to roughly $82 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $57. The journey takes 5h 38m 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.
Carlisle to Birmingham Bus Timetables
| 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 Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $27 |
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, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 04:10PM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $16 |
Live departures
Carlisle to Birmingham bus times
The table below shows live departures for Carlisle to Birmingham buses for tomorrow, Tuesday, August 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX181 | 12:55 AM Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 5h30 | 6:25 AM Birmingham, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| NX590 | 10:45 AM Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 5h25 | 4:10 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Carlisle to Birmingham by train, bus, or flight
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.
Tue
Aug 04
Aug 04
Wed
Aug 05
Aug 05
Thu
Aug 06
Aug 06
Fri
Aug 07
Aug 07
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Aug 08
Aug 08
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Mon
Aug 10
Aug 10
Why should you book Carlisle to Birmingham buses with Omio?
National Express as well as FlixBus offer buses services from Carlisle to Birmingham.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Carlisle to Birmingham.
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 Carlisle to Birmingham.
- 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 train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Carlisle to Birmingham.
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 Carlisle to Birmingham.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Carlisle to Birmingham.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Carlisle to Birmingham
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Carlisle to Birmingham run on average 3 times per day, taking around 5h 38m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $16 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.
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 5h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price $16 |
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 Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Mon |
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
Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus from Carlisle to BirminghamYou can travel by bus between Carlisle to Birmingham with National Express, FlixBus for as low as $16. 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 Duration
11h 50m
Cheapest Price
$66
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 Duration
5h 25m
Cheapest Price
$16
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.
Complete guide to Birmingham
Things to do in Birmingham
Discover the best of Birmingham — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Birmingham trip today.
- Must visit
Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum
Science museum with interactive galleries, engines and family-friendly exhibits in Millennium Point.
- Recommended
The Barber Institute of Fine Arts
Historic home of the Pre-Raphaelite artists, showing furnished rooms, artworks and craft details.
- Must visit
Brindleyplace
Restored canal-side quarter with waterside walks, bars, heritage buildings and easy access to major venues.
- Must visit
Gas Street Basin
Lively canal junction area with historic warehouses, footbridges and one of Birmingham's best urban walks.
- Must visit
Digbeth
Creative district known for street art, independent culture, music heritage and alternative city energy.
- Gluten-free
Balti
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.
- Vegetarian
Chaat
A spicy Indian snack of potato, chickpeas, noodles, chutneys and crisp pastry pieces. Popular in Birmingham's Pakistani and Indian food culture.
- Vegetarian
Paratha
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.
Opheem
Michelin-starred fine dining by Aktar Islam, known for modern Indian tasting menus in an elegant canal-side setting.
Adam's
Refined modern British restaurant with inventive tasting menus and polished service in a smart city-centre dining room.
Jyoti's Restaurant
Celebrated Indian vegetarian restaurant in Sparkbrook, loved for dosas, chaats and sweets in a busy casual setting.
British pound sterling (£)
Moderate for UK city breaks: hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local transit and casual meals are fairly manageable for tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or casual takeaway.
- Mid-range
- £20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
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.
TfWM
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- £4.80
To the city center
Birmingham Coach Station -> Birmingham New Street, Birmingham
- Distance
- 1.2 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Contactless payment is widely accepted on National Express West Midlands buses and West Midlands Metro trams.
- Use Swift or contactless daily capping where available to avoid paying more than the best value adult fare.
FAQs: Bus from Carlisle to 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.
Cheap bus tickets from Carlisle to Birmingham can start from as little as $16 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Carlisle to Birmingham is $25 ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Carlisle to Birmingham is 5h 25m to travel the 172 miles (277 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Carlisle to Birmingham leaves at 12:50 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Carlisle to Birmingham leaves at 11:55 PM.
Yes, there are 2 direct buses a day from Carlisle to Birmingham with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Carlisle to Birmingham, you can count on National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Birmingham. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Carlisle and Birmingham and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Birmingham from Carlisle is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 25m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Carlisle to Birmingham is November.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Carlisle and Birmingham including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Carlisle to Birmingham for bus company National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Carlisle to Birmingham:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Birmingham are:
- Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, a cultural institution housing a vast collection of art and historical artifacts
- Cadbury World, an interactive chocolate-themed attraction offering tours and exhibits
- Birmingham Botanical Gardens, a serene 15-acre garden featuring exotic plants and glasshouses
- Symphony Hall, a renowned concert venue known for its exceptional acoustics and diverse performances
- The Bullring, a major shopping center with a wide range of retail outlets and dining options.
The best things to do in Birmingham include:
- Explore the historic Jewellery Quarter, known for its unique shops and vibrant atmosphere
- Take a canal boat tour to see the city from a different perspective
- Visit the National SEA LIFE Centre, home to a variety of marine life and interactive exhibits
- Enjoy a performance at the Birmingham Hippodrome, one of the busiest theatres in the UK
- Discover the rich history of the city at the Birmingham Back to Backs, a preserved 19th-century courtyard of working people's houses.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Carlisle to Birmingham 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 National Express, FlixBus.
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.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Carlisle to Birmingham.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Carlisle to Birmingham:
- 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 Carlisle to Birmingham:
- 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 Carlisle to Birmingham. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Carlisle to Birmingham with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Carlisle to Birmingham with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Carlisle to Birmingham with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus.
Since neither Carlisle nor Birmingham are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Carlisle to Birmingham among Omio's users.
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 Birmingham, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in busy areas like shopping districts and public transport hubs. Common scams include overcharging by taxi drivers and fake charity collectors. It's advisable to use licensed taxis, keep valuables secure, and remain alert in crowded places to avoid these risks.
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.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Carlisle to Birmingham
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.
Departure bus stations in Carlisle
Arrival bus stations in Birmingham
Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street)
City-centre transport
Getting to Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) from Carlisle city centre
BusX95 · 6m · $6 · every ~1 min
63, 63A, 62, 64 · 6m · $11 · every ~19 min
Carlisle
City-centre transport
Getting to Carlisle from Carlisle city centre
Bus67, 63, 63A, 61, 62, 64 · 5m · $11 · every ~50 min
Carlisle, Parkhouse Road (Argos)Carlisle CA3 0JR, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Carlisle, Parkhouse Road (Argos) from Carlisle city centre
Carlisle, Parkhouse Road (Argos) is 3 km from Carlisle city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus62, 64 · 21m · $11 · every ~2 min
62 · 22m · $6 · every ~2 min
64 · 27m · $11 · every ~2 min
Carlisle, Parkhouse Road (Argos) bus station facilities and services
Carlisle, Parkhouse Road (Argos) has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Carlisle, Parkhouse Road (Argos): The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
Which Birmingham station do buses from Carlisle arrive at?
Buses from Carlisle to Birmingham most often arrive at Birmingham, Coach Station. Some services arrive at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Birmingham arrival station.
Birmingham, Coach StationMill Lane, Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 6DD, United Kingdom
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 · $2 · every ~191 min
X2, 4A, X1, 2, 3, 6, 4, 5 · 13m · $2 · 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 QueenswayBirmingham Great Charles Street Queensway, Great Charles Street Queensway 145, B3 3LT
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 · $2 · every ~153 min
Birmingham
Most popular bus connections from Carlisle
More options for your journey from Carlisle to Birmingham
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Birmingham and Carlisle
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