- Must visit
Riverside Museum
Major riverside transport museum with striking architecture, historic vehicles, and interactive displays that explain Glasgow's industrial story.
Cheapest price
$14
Average price
$18
Fastest journey
1 h 55 m
Average duration
2 h
Buses per day
2
Distance
136 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Carlisle to Glasgow is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Carlisle to Glasgow will cost around $18 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $14.
Of the 2 buses that leave Carlisle for Glasgow 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 136 km distance in an average of 2 h but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 55 m .
On Tue, Aug 04 the slowest buses will take 2 h 5 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.
NX590
NX181
NX181
NX590Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Carlisle to Glasgow among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $10. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 43m. 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 $10, and a train costs an average of $10.
Distance: 84 miles (136 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$15 Average price Cheapest | $27 Average price | $77 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 26m Average total duration 1h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 13m Average total duration Fastest 1h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 47m 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 Glasgow:
A bus is $12 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Carlisle to Glasgow costing on average $27.
Other travel options to Glasgow take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 56m.
Tickets start at around $15 compared to roughly $77 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $62. The journey takes 1h 56m versus 1h 47m 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, FlixBus, Megabus.
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 04:50AM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 1h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:00AM | Arrival Time 06:55AM | Duration 1h55 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:00AM | Arrival Time 07:55AM | Duration 1h55 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator Avanti West Coast | Departure Time 12:35PM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 2h25 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 07:15PM | Duration 2h05 | Departure days Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:10PM | Arrival Time 08:15PM | Duration 2h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:40PM | Arrival Time 08:45PM | Duration 2h05 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $12 |
The table below shows live departures for Carlisle to Glasgow buses for today, Monday, August 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX590 | 6:10 PM Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 2h05 | 8:15 PM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, August 4 | |||||
NX181 | 4:50 AM Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 1h55 | 6:45 AM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Carlisle to Glasgow run on average 3 times per day, taking around 1h 56m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $10 if you book in advance.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 03:50, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 84 miles (136 km) distance in 1h 55m.
Distance 84 miles (136 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price $10 |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 1h 55m |
First bus 3:50 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 5 days |
Discover the best of Glasgow — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Glasgow trip today.
Major riverside transport museum with striking architecture, historic vehicles, and interactive displays that explain Glasgow's industrial story.
Leading European civic art museum with superb collections, grand galleries, and regular exhibitions in the heart of George Square.
Elegant mansion with French paintings, decorative arts, and period rooms, set within Pollok Country Park near Highland cattle.
Lively green space beside the university, popular for museums, picnics, and riverside walks through one of Glasgow's prettiest parks.
Historic civic square framed by monuments and grand buildings, ideal for orientation, events, and classic views of central Glasgow.
Bustling shopping street mixing Victorian facades with modern retail, useful for people-watching and understanding the city's commercial core.
A savory pudding of oats, onions, suet, and spices, traditionally served with mince or fried breakfast. It is one of Scotland’s most iconic regional specialties.
Minced beef in rich gravy topped with mashed potatoes and baked until golden. A staple in Glasgow homes and pubs, especially comforting in cold weather.
A hearty soup of smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions, often enriched with milk or cream. It is a classic west coast Scottish dish with deep local roots.
Elegant fine dining by chef Cail Bruich, known for modern Scottish tasting menus and polished service in a calm, refined setting.
A long-established Glasgow institution serving fresh Scottish seafood and shellfish in a lively, classic city brasserie atmosphere.
Traditional pub dining with a strong whisky focus, offering haggis, fish, and Scottish comfort food in a historic central Glasgow setting.
Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are cheaper than London, while transit and attractions are fairly priced for most tourists.
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if not already added. Taxis: round up or add about 10%. Cafes: tipping is optional, usually small change.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Carlisle to Glasgow 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 Glasgow, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Carlisle to Glasgow buses use the Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) to Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Carlisle and Glasgow bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities 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.
Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Buchanan (in the station), Coffee Express (in the station), Fast Bites (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station.
Available at Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need