- Must visit
Science and Industry Museum
Leading museum of science, industry, transport, and computing on a historic railway site. Essential for understanding Manchester's global impact.
Cheapest price on Sep 14
$35
Average ticket price on Sep 14
$37
Fastest journey on Sep 14
3 h 5 m
Average journey duration on Sep 14
3 h 8 m
Buses on Sep 14
2
Distance
164 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Carlisle to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Carlisle to Manchester will cost around $37 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $35.
On Mon, Sep 14, we found 2 buses from Carlisle to Manchester, including 2 direct services.
On Mon, Sep 14 the direct buses cover the 164 km distance in an average of 3 h 8 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 5 m .
On Mon, Sep 14 the slowest buses will take 3 h 10 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.
NX181
NX590
NX590
NX181Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Carlisle to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $41 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 26m. 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 $41, while a train costs an average of $60.
Distance: 101 miles (164 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$41 Average price Cheapest | $60 Average price | $44 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 7m Average total duration 3h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 26m Average total duration Fastest 1h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 26m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.4kg 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 Manchester:
A bus is $19 (€15) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Carlisle to Manchester costing on average $60 (€49).
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 37m.
Tickets start at around $41 (€33) compared to roughly $44 (€36) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $3 (€2). The journey takes 3h 37m versus 2h 26m 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, 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 12:50AM | Arrival Time 04:00AM | Duration 3h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:55AM | Arrival Time 04:05AM | Duration 3h10 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:00AM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 9h20 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:00AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 9h20 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator Transpennine Express | Departure Time 07:35AM | Arrival Time 11:09AM | Duration 3h34 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:55PM | Arrival Time 03:05AM | Duration 3h10 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $34 |
The table below shows live departures for Carlisle to Manchester buses for tomorrow, Monday, September 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX181 | 12:55 AM Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 3h10 | 4:05 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX590 | 10:45 AM Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 3h05 | 1:50 PM Manchester, Coach 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 Manchester run on average 2 times per day, taking around 3h 37m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $29 (€23) but you can travel from only $19 (€15) by train.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:45, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 101 miles (164 km) distance in 3h 5m.
Distance 101 miles (164 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price $29 (€23) |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 3h 5m |
First bus 12:45 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.
Leading museum of science, industry, transport, and computing on a historic railway site. Essential for understanding Manchester's global impact.
Major art museum with Pre-Raphaelite works, design, and changing exhibitions. A central cultural stop with broad appeal.
The University of Manchester museum spans dinosaurs, Egypt, nature, and anthropology. Recently renewed and excellent for varied interests.
Historic canal-side district with Roman remains, warehouses, and walkable towpaths. One of Manchester's most atmospheric urban areas.
Central square framed by grand civic buildings, museums, and monuments. A classic starting point for exploring the city centre.
Creative quarter of street art, music history, indie shops, and nightlife. It is one of Manchester's most characterful neighborhoods.
A flaky pastry pie filled with spiced potatoes, onion and often chickpeas. Created by Manchester’s South Asian community and now a city staple.
A comforting Northern pudding of suet pastry filled with beef and onion, traditionally steamed and served with gravy. Common in Greater Manchester pubs.
Manchester’s classic order of battered fish with chips, often served with mushy peas and curry sauce. A long-standing local takeaway favourite.
Iconic market bakery and café known for Manchester tarts, Eccles cakes and hearty lunches. Casual, busy and deeply rooted in local food culture.
Refined modern British fine dining in a restored townhouse. Known for tasting menus, polished service and one of Manchester’s top culinary reputations.
Lively Indian restaurant famous for bold curries, grills and chaat. A long-established Rusholme favourite with a casual, energetic atmosphere.
Moderate for the UK: hotels often cost less than London, while dining and transit are manageable for tourists with many mid-range options.
Service may be included. If not, 10-12.5% in restaurants is common for good service. Round up or add a little for taxis. Cafe tipping is optional.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Carlisle to Manchester 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 Manchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Carlisle to Manchester buses use the Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) to Manchester, Coach Station station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester, Airport. Use this guide to compare Carlisle and Manchester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities 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.
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, 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.
Manchester, Coach 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), Fast Food Express (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located within the station for cash withdrawals.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Coach Station.
Available at Manchester, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Coach Station: Ramps, assistance.
Manchester, Airport is 2 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester, Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Burger King (in the station), Giraffe (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located throughout the airport, offering multiple currency options.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Airport.
Available at Manchester, Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Airport: Elevators, ramps, assistance.
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange.
Available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need