Carlisle to Edinburgh bus with National Express

Tue, Mar 03
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National Express
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Carlisle to Edinburgh

Showing times and prices for Mar 04

Cheapest price

$29

Average price

$29

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 $29 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $29.

Fast buses

Of the 1 buses that leave Carlisle for Edinburgh on Wed, Mar 04, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Wed, Mar 04 the direct buses cover the 119 km distance in an average of 5 h 35 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 35 m .

On Wed, Mar 04 the slowest buses will take 5 h 35 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
04:50AM5h35
Carlisle
10:25AMEdinburgh
$291One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and train 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 $12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 21m. 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 $12, and a train costs an average of $8.

Distance: 73 miles (119 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train

$24

Average price

Cheapest

$30

Average price

3h 36m

Average total duration

3h 6m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 51m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 21m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest
National Express

Most popular bus company

Avanti West Coast

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Carlisle to Edinburgh Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:50AM
Arrival Time
10:25AM
Duration
5h35
Departure days
Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$29
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
06:00AM
Arrival Time
10:18AM
Duration
4h18
Departure days
Fri, 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, March 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 9:42 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
national_express4:50 AM Carlisle
5h35
10:25 AM Edinburgh0 transfersDirect

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 bus or train

Compare bus and train 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.

Wed
Mar 04
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Mar 17

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 bus and train 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 bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Carlisle to Edinburgh.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Carlisle to Edinburgh

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Carlisle to Edinburgh run on average 4 times per day, taking around 3h 6m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $12 (€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 40m.

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
$12 (€9)
Buses per day
4
Fastest bus
3h 40m
First bus
03:50
Last bus
23:20
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
$12 (€9)
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
$29 (€23)
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 24m
Cheapest Price
$11 (€9)
Borders Buses frequency
4 a day

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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Carlisle to Edinburgh can start from as little as $12 (€9) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Carlisle to Edinburgh is $24 (€19) ; 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 40m 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 40m 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 bus and train.
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.

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

Most popular bus connections from Carlisle

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