- Must visit
The British Museum
Vast world museum with the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon sculptures and global antiquities. Essential for history lovers.






Cheapest price
$44
Average price
$59
Fastest journey
6h 45m
Average duration
9h 34m
Buses per day
6
Distance
421 km
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Carlisle to London among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $23. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 19m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $23, and a train costs an average of $47.
Distance: 261 miles (421 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$32 Average price Cheapest | $110 Average price | $99 Average price | $144 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 16m Average total duration 7h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 5m Average total duration 4h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 19m Average total duration Fastest 1h 19m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 47m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.4 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.3 - 2.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | 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 London:
A bus is $68 (€56) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Carlisle to London costing on average $99 (€82).
A bus is $79 (€65) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Carlisle to London costing on average $110 (€91).
Other travel options to London take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 35m.
Bus takes on average 7h 46m.
Tickets start at around $32 (€26) compared to roughly $144 (€118) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $112 (€92). The journey takes 7h 46m versus 5h 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 12:55AM | Arrival Time 10:20AM | Duration 9h25 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:55AM | Arrival Time 09:25AM | Duration 7h30 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 9h35 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 08:20PM | Duration 9h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 05:20AM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 06:20AM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $23 |
The table below shows live departures for Carlisle to London buses for today, Friday, July 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX595 | 11:35 PM Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 6h45 | 6:20 AM London, Victoria Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX595 · NX032 · NX032 | 11:35 PM Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 10h40 | 10:15 AM London, Hammersmith Bridge Road | 2 transfers | |
NX595 · NX032 · NX444 | 11:35 PM Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 9h20 | 8:55 AM London, Earl's Court | 2 transfers | |
NX595 · NX444 · NX444 | 11:35 PM Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 9h20 | 8:55 AM London, Earl's Court | 2 transfers | |
NX595 · NX444 · NX032 | 11:35 PM Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 10h40 | 10:15 AM London, Hammersmith Bridge Road | 2 transfers | |
NX595 · NX025 · NX032 | 11:35 PM Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 10h40 | 10:15 AM London, Hammersmith Bridge Road | 2 transfers | |
| Saturday, July 18 | |||||
NX181 · NX210 · NX502 | 12:55 AM Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 11h00 | 11:55 AM London, Earl's Court | 2 transfers | |
NX181 · NX210 · NX032 | 12:55 AM Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 10h50 | 11:45 AM London, Hammersmith Bridge Road | 2 transfers | |
NX181 · NX540 | 12:55 AM Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 8h55 | 9:50 AM London, Victoria Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX181 · NX210 · NX032 | 12:55 AM Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 11h00 | 11:55 AM London, Earl's Court | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus | 1:55 AM Carlisle | 7h30 | 9:25 AM London, Victoria Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 1:55 AM Carlisle | 6h55 | 8:50 AM London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant) | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX590 · NX540 | 10:45 AM Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 8h55 | 7:40 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX590 | 10:45 AM Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 9h25 | 8:10 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX590 · NX210 · NX030 | 10:45 AM Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 11h45 | 10:30 PM London, Earl's Court | 2 transfers | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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.
Buses from Carlisle to London run on average 5 times per day, taking around 7h 46m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $23 (€19) if you book in advance.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:10, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 261 miles (421 km) distance in 6h 45m.
Distance 261 miles (421 km) |
Average bus duration 7h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price $23 (€19) |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 6h 45m |
First bus 12:10 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of London — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect London trip today.
Vast world museum with the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon sculptures and global antiquities. Essential for history lovers.
Leading art museum on Trafalgar Square with masterpieces from Van Gogh, Turner and da Vinci. Free and internationally renowned.
Grand museum of art, design and performance with fashion, sculpture and decorative arts collections in South Kensington.
Lively riverside stretch linking major landmarks, markets and cultural venues. Ideal for walking, views and people-watching.
Large royal park with the Serpentine, rose gardens and broad lawns. Excellent for relaxing, boating and central green space.
Historic Greenwich riverside district with maritime heritage, market streets and hilltop views near major cultural landmarks.
Classic English fish fried in batter with chips. A London staple tied to the city’s working-class food culture and best eaten fresh with salt and vinegar.
Slow-cooked beef, carrots, onions and herbs under a suet pastry lid. A comforting British pie long associated with London pubs and Sunday meals.
A full cooked breakfast with eggs, sausages, bacon, beans, mushrooms and toast. A traditional morning meal served across London cafes and hotels.
Celebrated fine dining restaurant by Heston Blumenthal showcasing historic British dishes in an elegant, high-end Knightsbridge room.
Well-known pub serving excellent pies, ales and British mains in a relaxed, polished gastropub setting near Victoria Park.
Historic Covent Garden restaurant famous for classic British pies in a lively, traditional setting popular with locals and visitors.
Very costly by European standards. Hotels, dining, and transit are pricier than in most UK and EU city breaks, especially in central areas.
Restaurants often add 12.5% service; if not, tip 10-12%. Taxis: round up or 10%. Cafes: optional small change or none.
Official public transport app
London Victoria Coach Station -> Oxford Circus, London
Over 300 miles apart, the north-west city of Carlisle and the British capital of London are connected by direct National Express coaches. Each day, passengers can expect to find two direct departures from the UK's leading bus provider. The 320-mile route takes between eight and nine hours to complete, with the options of an afternoon departure, or an evening departure traveling through the night arriving in London the following morning. Whenever passengers decide to travel, National Express should have a journey to accommodate their needs.
There is only one company operating along the Carlisle to London route. National Express offers two services per day, with no competition. Onboard, passengers can enjoy their free WiFi, spacious seating with good legroom, and personal control over their air conditioning to ensure maximum comfort.
The journey time varies slightly, depending on whether or not passengers will be on the road during peak travel time, where there is likely to be more congestion. Whenever passengers travel, they can expect journey times of between eight and nine hours.
How many buses are there from Carlisle to London?
Each day, passengers can expect to choose from two direct National Express departures. There tends to be a lunchtime departure and an evening departure, with services traveling through the night to arrive in London the following morning. Services continue through the weekend with no change to the frequency or duration of the trip.
Departure bus station: Buses from Carlisle to London begin their journey at Carlisle Lonsdale Street Bus Station. The centrally located station is a short walk from Carlisle train station. Very close by, passengers can find The Lanes shopping centre and historic features such as the Market Cross Monument and Carlisle Castle.
Arrival bus station: Buses from Carlisle to London terminate at London's busiest bus station, London Victoria, found directly in the heart of Westminster. The bus station is a short 10-minute walk from the well-linked Victoria train station for easy onward travel by bus, London Underground or rail. London Victoria train station has extensive facilities, including bathrooms, several dining options and cafes as well as supermarkets to purchase snacks.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Carlisle to London 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 London, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Carlisle to London buses use the Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) to London, Victoria Coach Station station pair, with some services arriving at London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant). Use this guide to compare Carlisle and London 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.
London, Victoria Coach Station is 2 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
London, Victoria Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Pret a Manger (in the station), Starbucks (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and inside the station.
Ticket office support is available at London, Victoria Coach Station.
Available at London, Victoria Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at London, Victoria Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need