The cheapest and fastest buses from Edinburgh to Carlisle
Cheapest price
$16
Average price
$20
Fastest journey
2 h 25 m
Average duration
4 h
Buses per day
5
Distance
119 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Edinburgh to Carlisle is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Edinburgh to Carlisle will cost around $20 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $16.
Of the 5 buses that leave Edinburgh for Carlisle on Sat, Dec 13, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Dec 13 the direct buses cover the 119 km distance in an average of 4 h but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 25 m .
On Sat, Dec 13 the slowest buses will take 4 h 30 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.










Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Edinburgh to Carlisle
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Carlisle among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €9. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 36m. 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 €9, and a train costs an average of €7.
Distance: 73 miles (119 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
€16 Average price Cheapest | €25 Average price |
3h 4m Average total duration 2h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 6m Average total duration Fastest 1h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Edinburgh to Carlisle Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:15PM | Arrival Time 01:50AM | Duration 4h35 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:20PM | Arrival Time 01:50AM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:25PM | Arrival Time 01:50AM | Duration 4h25 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:31PM | Arrival Time 01:50AM | Duration 4h19 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 2h25 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $20 |
Live departures
Edinburgh to Carlisle bus times
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Carlisle buses for today, Friday, December 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:15 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 4h35 | 1:50 AM Carlisle | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:20 PM Edinburgh | 4h30 | 1:50 AM Carlisle | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:25 PM Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HH) | 4h25 | 1:50 AM Carlisle | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:31 PM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 4h19 | 1:50 AM Carlisle | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Edinburgh to Carlisle 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.
Dec 13
Dec 14
Dec 15
Dec 16
Dec 17
Dec 18
Dec 19
Dec 20
Dec 21
Dec 22
Dec 23
Dec 24
Dec 25
Dec 26
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Edinburgh to Carlisle
Buses from Edinburgh to Carlisle run on average 4 times per day, taking around 2h 34m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $11 (€9) but you can travel from only $9 (€7) by train.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 03:50, the last at 23:20. The fastest bus covers the 73 miles (119 km) distance in 2h 25m.
Distance 73 miles (119 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 34m |
Cheapest ticket price $11 (€9) |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 2h 25m |
First bus 03:50 |
Last bus 23:20 |
Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus, Borders Buses from Edinburgh to CarlisleYou can travel by bus between Edinburgh to Carlisle with National Express, FlixBus, Borders Buses for as low as $9 (€7). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
National Express
Borders Buses
FAQs: Bus from Edinburgh to Carlisle
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh to Carlisle 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 Carlisle, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Passengers board the bus most frequently from Edinburgh, Bus Station, which is located around 0.4 miles (687 m) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street), located 0.9 miles (1.4 km) away from the city centre.
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- 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.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Edinburgh to Carlisle, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
- 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).
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- Guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Edinburgh to Carlisle
- 06:00-23:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Café at the Station (in the station)
- Sandwich Shop (in the station).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 10, 11, 12, 16, 22, 25, 26, 44 Trams: T50 Trains: Edinburgh Waverley Station
- The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible
More options for your journey from Edinburgh to Carlisle
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

