- Must visit
National Museum of Scotland
Scotland’s flagship museum with collections spanning natural history, science, design, fashion, and Scottish history. A top all-round choice for first-time visitors.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Carlisle to Edinburgh
Showing times and prices for Jun 03
Cheapest price
$28
Average price
$28
Fastest journey
5 h 35 m
Average duration
5 h 35 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
119 km
Cheap tickets
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 $28 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $28.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Carlisle to Edinburgh without transferring at least once.
NX181 · NX5914:50 AM5h35Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street)10:25 AMEdinburgh, Bus Station$281One-way1 transfer
- NX181 · NX5914:50 AM5h35Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street)10:25 AMEdinburgh, Bus Station$281One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Carlisle to Edinburgh
Omio 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 prices starting from $11. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 54m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $11, and a train costs an average of $8.
Distance: 73 miles (119 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$22 Average price Cheapest | $33 Average price | $78 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 36m Average total duration 3h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 24m Average total duration Fastest 1h 54m 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Carlisle to Edinburgh is a bus with an average price of $22 (€18).
This is compared to other travel options from Carlisle to Edinburgh:
A bus is $11 (€9) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Carlisle to Edinburgh costing on average $33 (€27).
The fastest way to travel from Carlisle to Edinburgh is by train with an average journey time of 1h 54m.
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 6m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Carlisle and Edinburgh including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Carlisle to Edinburgh 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 $22 (€18) compared to roughly $78 (€63) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $56 (€45). The journey takes 3h 6m 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.
Carlisle to Edinburgh Bus Timetables
| 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 Thu | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:50AM | Arrival Time 10:25AM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:00AM | Arrival Time 09:32AM | Duration 4h32 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $14 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:00AM | Arrival Time 10:32AM | Duration 4h32 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $14 |
Operator Transpennine Express | Departure Time 07:05AM | Arrival Time 11:25AM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $17 |
Live departures
Carlisle to Edinburgh bus times
The table below shows live departures for Carlisle to Edinburgh buses for tomorrow, Wednesday, June 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| 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 prices and tickets Carlisle to Edinburgh by train or bus
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.
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Why should you book Carlisle to Edinburgh buses with Omio?
National Express as well as FlixBus or Borders Buses offer buses services from Carlisle to Edinburgh.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Carlisle to Edinburgh.
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 or Borders Buses to find the best option for your trip from Carlisle to Edinburgh.
- 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 and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Carlisle to Edinburgh.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus or Borders Buses to find the best option for your trip from Carlisle to Edinburgh.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Carlisle to Edinburgh.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Carlisle to Edinburgh
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Carlisle to Edinburgh run on average 4 times per day, taking around 3h 6m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $11 (€9) but you can travel from only $8 (€6) by train.
The earliest bus runs at 03:50, the last at 23:20. The fastest bus covers the 73 miles (119 km) distance in 3h 15m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $8 (€6)
Distance 73 miles (119 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price $11 (€9) |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 3h 15m |
First bus 3:50 AM |
Last bus 11:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 14 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $8 (€6)
Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus, Borders Buses from Carlisle to EdinburghYou can travel by bus between Carlisle to Edinburgh with National Express, FlixBus, Borders Buses for as low as $8 (€6). 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
4h 9m
Cheapest Price
$11 (€9)
FlixBus frequency
4 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 35m
Cheapest Price
$24 (€19)
National Express frequency
1 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.
Borders Buses
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 31m
Cheapest Price
$11 (€9)
Borders Buses frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Edinburgh
Things to do in Edinburgh
Discover the best of Edinburgh — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Edinburgh trip today.
- Must visit
Scottish National Gallery
The national art gallery in central Edinburgh, known for European masters and Scottish art. Easy to combine with Princes Street Gardens and the Royal Mile.
- Recommended
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
A striking red-sandstone gallery dedicated to portraits of people who shaped Scottish history and culture. Popular for both the collection and the architecture.
- Must visit
Royal Mile
Edinburgh’s most famous historic street, linking the castle and Holyroodhouse through closes, courtyards, shops, and major heritage sites.
- Must visit
Princes Street Gardens
A central public garden below the castle with iconic skyline views, floral displays, and easy access to both Old and New Town sights.
- Must visit
Calton Hill
One of the city’s classic viewpoints, known for panoramic views, monuments, and sunrise or sunset photography. Especially popular on social media.
Haggis, Neeps And Tatties
Scotland’s best-known national dish: a savory pudding traditionally made with minced offal, oats, onion, and spices, served with mashed turnips and potatoes.
- Gluten-free
Cullen Skink
A rich Scottish soup of smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions, closely associated with the northeast but widely loved in Edinburgh.
Scotch Broth
A hearty traditional soup made with barley, root vegetables, and usually lamb or mutton, valued as classic Scottish comfort food.
The Scran & Scallie
A popular gastropub by Tom Kitchin serving refined Scottish pub classics in a warm, stylish, and relaxed setting.
Howies Restaurant
A long-established local favorite serving traditional Scottish dishes with local ingredients in a comfortable, accessible city-center setting.
The Sheep Heid Inn
One of Scotland’s oldest pubs, offering classic Scottish food and a historic tavern atmosphere slightly outside the city center.
Pound sterling
Expensive by UK standards. Hotels peak in summer and festival season, while pubs and casual dining are more manageable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- GBP 8-15 for takeaway or a simple cafe meal.
- Mid-range
- GBP 20-35 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
- Fine dining
- GBP 70+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- GBP 3-4.50 for a regular coffee.
Tipping culture
About 10-12.5% in restaurants if service is not already included. Round up for taxis. Tips are optional in pubs and cafes.
Transport for Edinburgh
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- GBP 2.00
- Day pass
- GBP 5.00
To the city center
Edinburgh Bus Station, Edinburgh -> Edinburgh Waverley Station, Edinburgh
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- TapTapCap lets you pay by contactless card on Lothian buses and trams, with daily caps applied automatically.
- Single bus fares are exact and do not give change if you pay cash, so contactless payment is usually easiest.
FAQs: Bus from Carlisle to Edinburgh
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.
Cheap bus tickets from Carlisle to Edinburgh can start from as little as $11 (€9) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Carlisle to Edinburgh is $22 (€18) ; 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 Edinburgh is 3h 15m to travel the 73 miles (119 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 Edinburgh leaves at 3:50 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Carlisle to Edinburgh leaves at 11:20 PM.
There are 4 buses a day from Carlisle to Edinburgh which require at least one change with National Express, FlixBus, Borders Buses. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Carlisle to Edinburgh, you can count on National Express, FlixBus, Borders Buses for the best way to get you to Edinburgh. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Carlisle and Edinburgh and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Edinburgh from Carlisle is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 15m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Carlisle to Edinburgh is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Carlisle and Edinburgh including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Carlisle to Edinburgh:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Carlisle to Edinburgh for bus company National Express, FlixBus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Edinburgh are:
- Edinburgh Castle, a historic fortress offering panoramic views of the city and housing the Crown Jewels
- Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano providing hiking trails and a vantage point over Edinburgh
- The Royal Mile, a historic street connecting Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace, lined with shops and landmarks
- Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, featuring beautiful gardens and historic architecture
- The National Museum of Scotland, a museum showcasing Scottish history, culture, and natural history through diverse exhibits.
The best things to do in Edinburgh include:
- Explore the vibrant atmosphere of Grassmarket, a historic marketplace with pubs, shops, and street performances
- Enjoy a ghost tour through the haunted streets and underground vaults of Edinburgh
- Attend a performance at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre, known for its diverse range of shows
- Visit the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, offering beautiful landscapes and plant collections
- Discover the hidden gems and local art at the Stockbridge Market.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Carlisle to Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Carlisle to Edinburgh:
- 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 Edinburgh:
- 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 Edinburgh. 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 Edinburgh with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Carlisle to Edinburgh with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Carlisle to Edinburgh with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus.
Since neither Carlisle nor Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the Royal Mile and public transport. Common scams include fake charity collectors and overcharging by taxi drivers who don’t use the meter. It’s advisable to use licensed taxis and keep belongings secure in busy spots. Avoid unlicensed ticket sellers near popular attractions to prevent fraud.
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 Edinburgh
Carlisle
Edinburgh
The major bus station for departures in Carlisle is Carlisle. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Carlisle for your trip from Carlisle to Edinburgh.
Carlisle
information
Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street)
information
The major bus station for arrivals in Edinburgh is Edinburgh, Bus Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Edinburgh, Bus Station for your trip to Edinburgh from Carlisle.
Edinburgh, Bus Station
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 06:00-23:00
Car connection
Elder StreetWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Café at the Station (in the station)
- Sandwich Shop (in the station).
Taxis
- Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transit options for Edinburgh, Bus Station
- Bus: 10, 11, 12, 16, 22, 25, 26, 44 Trams: T50 Trains: Edinburgh Waverley Station
Edinburgh, St Andrew's House
Amenities at bus station
Accessibilityinformation
Accessibility
- The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible
Most popular bus connections from Carlisle
More options for your journey from Carlisle to Edinburgh
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Edinburgh and Carlisle
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