- Must visit
National Museum of Scotland
Scotland's flagship museum covers science, design, natural history, and world cultures in a landmark building with excellent family appeal.
Cheapest price on Sep 01
$32
Average ticket price on Sep 01
$32
Fastest journey on Sep 01
5 h 35 m
Average journey duration on Sep 01
5 h 35 m
Buses on Sep 01
1
Distance
119 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Carlisle to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Carlisle to Edinburgh will cost around $32 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $32.
It's difficult to get from Carlisle to Edinburgh without transferring at least once.
NX181 · NX591
NX181 · NX591Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Carlisle to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $22 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 54m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $22, while a train costs an average of $41.
Distance: 73 miles (119 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$22 Average price Cheapest | $41 Average price | $78 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 39m Average total duration 3h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 54m Average total duration Fastest 1h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 20m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Edinburgh:
A bus is $19 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Carlisle to Edinburgh costing on average $41.
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 9m.
Tickets start at around $22 compared to roughly $78 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $56. The journey takes 3h 9m versus 2h 20m 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 Borders Buses.
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 03:50AM | Arrival Time 09:25AM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:50AM | Arrival Time 10:25AM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:00AM | Arrival Time 09:39AM | Duration 4h39 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:00AM | Arrival Time 10:39AM | Duration 4h39 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator Transpennine Express | Departure Time 07:05AM | Arrival Time 11:25AM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator Transpennine Express | Departure Time 09:05AM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator Avanti West Coast | Departure Time 11:15AM | Arrival Time 02:47PM | Duration 3h32 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $17 |
The table below shows live departures for Carlisle to Edinburgh buses for tomorrow, Tuesday, September 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX181 · NX591 | 4:50 AM Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 5h35 | 10:25 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Edinburgh run on average 3 times per day, taking around 3h 9m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $11 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 03:50, the last at 23:20. The fastest bus covers the 73 miles (119 km) distance in 2h 59m.
Distance 73 miles (119 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price $11 |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 2h 59m |
First bus 3:50 AM |
Last bus 11:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Edinburgh — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Edinburgh trip today.
Scotland's flagship museum covers science, design, natural history, and world cultures in a landmark building with excellent family appeal.
Major art gallery with Scottish and international works from the Renaissance onward, set dramatically on The Mound in the city centre.
Gallery of modern and contemporary art in a neoclassical building with sculpture park, strong changing exhibitions, and a peaceful setting.
Historic spine of the Old Town linking the castle and palace, lined with closes, landmarks, performers, shops, and layered city history.
Elegant shopping boulevard in the New Town with castle views, gardens below, major monuments, and strong access to central attractions.
Extinct volcano in Holyrood Park climbed for sweeping city views, sunrise walks, and one of Edinburgh's most memorable outdoor experiences.
A rich savoury pudding of sheep offal, oats, suet, onion and spices, traditionally served with neeps and tatties. Scotland’s national dish and central to Burns Suppers.
Mashed turnips and potatoes, usually served with haggis. This classic Scottish side is a staple of traditional Edinburgh meals.
A hearty soup of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions in milk or cream. Strongly linked to Scotland’s fishing heritage and widely loved in Edinburgh.
Refined Scottish fine dining in the Balmoral Hotel, known for seasonal tasting menus and polished service in an elegant setting.
Historic oyster bar and restaurant serving Scottish seafood, shellfish and game in a lively, classic Victorian dining room.
Celebrated modern Scottish restaurant focused on local produce, creative small plates and a relaxed but high-quality neighbourhood feel.
Edinburgh is pricier than many UK cities. Hotels surge in festival season, dining is mid-to-high, and transit is reasonable but not especially cheap for visitors.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if no service charge is added. Round up for taxis. Cafes usually do not expect tips.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Carlisle to Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Carlisle to Edinburgh buses use the Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) to Edinburgh, Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Edinburgh, St Andrew's House. Use this guide to compare Carlisle and Edinburgh bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
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, 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.
Edinburgh, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Sandwich Shop (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Edinburgh, Bus Station.
Available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.
Edinburgh, St Andrew's House has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, St Andrew's House: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
Edinburgh, Zoo North (Stop 1) is 4 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Edinburgh, Zoo North (Stop 1) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Edinburgh, Zoo North (Stop 1). ATMs are available at Edinburgh, Zoo North (Stop 1).
Ticket office support is available at Edinburgh, Zoo North (Stop 1).
Available at Edinburgh, Zoo North (Stop 1): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, Zoo North (Stop 1): Bus stop is accessible with a curbside stop.
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