- Must visit
Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery
Leading city museum and gallery with Roman, Border Reiver, natural history, and art collections in a historic house.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Edinburgh to Carlisle
Showing times and prices for Jul 27
Cheapest price
$17
Average price
$17
Fastest journey
6 h 15 m
Average duration
6 h 15 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
119 km
Cheap tickets
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 $17 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $17.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Edinburgh to Carlisle without transferring at least once.
NX183 · NX5955:20 PM6h15Edinburgh, Bus Station11:35 PMCarlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street)$171One-way1 transfer
- NX183 · NX5955:20 PM6h15Edinburgh, Bus Station11:35 PMCarlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street)$171One-way1 transfer
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 2h 5m. 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 $14.
Distance: 73 miles (119 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$18 Average price Cheapest | $28 Average price | $63 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 30m Average total duration 3h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 35m Average total duration Fastest 2h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 21m 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Edinburgh to Carlisle is a bus with an average price of $18 (€18).
This is compared to other travel options from Edinburgh to Carlisle:
A bus is $11 (€11) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh to Carlisle costing on average $28 (€28).
The fastest way to travel from Edinburgh to Carlisle is by train with an average journey time of 2h 5m.
Other travel options to Carlisle take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 0m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Edinburgh and Carlisle including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Edinburgh to Carlisle among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around $18 (€18) compared to roughly $63 (€63) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $45 (€45). The journey takes 3h 0m versus 2h 21m 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, Borders Buses.
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.
Edinburgh to Carlisle Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Avanti West Coast | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 3h25 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $14 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:20PM | Arrival Time 11:35PM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 11:55PM | Duration 4h25 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:45PM | Arrival Time 11:55PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:15PM | Arrival Time 01:50AM | Duration 4h35 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $14 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:21PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 3h29 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:25PM | Arrival Time 01:50AM | Duration 4h25 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:31PM | Arrival Time 01:50AM | Duration 4h19 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $24 |
Live departures
Edinburgh to Carlisle bus times
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Carlisle buses for tomorrow, Monday, July 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX183 · NX595 | 5:20 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 6h15 | 11:35 PM Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 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.
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Jul 27
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Why should you book Edinburgh to Carlisle buses with Omio?
National Express as well as FlixBus or Borders Buses offer buses services from Edinburgh to Carlisle.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Edinburgh to Carlisle.
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 Edinburgh to Carlisle.
- 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Edinburgh to Carlisle.
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 Edinburgh to Carlisle.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Edinburgh to Carlisle.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Edinburgh to Carlisle
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Edinburgh to Carlisle run on average 4 times per day, taking around 3h 0m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $9 (€9) if you book in advance.
There are 1 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 3h 20m.
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
Distance 73 miles (119 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price $9 (€9) |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 3h 20m |
First bus 3:50 AM |
Last bus 11:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 56 days |
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
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 (€9). 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
3h 29m
Cheapest Price
$9 (€9)
FlixBus frequency
3 a day
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
4h 10m
Cheapest Price
$15 (€15)
National Express frequency
1 a day
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 27m
Cheapest Price
$9 (€9)
Borders Buses frequency
4 a day
Complete guide to Carlisle
Things to do in Carlisle
Discover the best of Carlisle — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Carlisle trip today.
- Recommended
Tullie House Military Museum
Major museum inside Carlisle Castle exploring Cumbria's military past, regimental history, and border conflicts.
- Recommended
Roman Frontier Gallery
Hands-on Roman frontier gallery at Tullie House presenting Hadrian's Wall finds and frontier life in Cumbria.
- Recommended
Bitts Park
Large central park with historic features, play areas, walks, and frequent events near the city centre.
- Recommended
Rickerby Park
Popular riverside park with trails, picnic areas, and open green space ideal for walking or relaxing by the Eden.
- Recommended
Eden Riverside Walk
Attractive riverside walk near the castle and cathedral, offering green views and one of Carlisle's best strolls.
Cumberland Sausage
Cumberland Sausage is the area’s signature coiled pork sausage, seasoned with pepper and herbs. It is a protected regional specialty long associated with Cumbria.
- Gluten-free
Cumberland Hotpot
A hearty hotpot of lamb or mutton with onions and sliced potatoes, linked to old Cumbrian farm cooking and valued for its simple, filling character.
- Gluten-free
Carlisle Broth
This traditional Cumbrian soup combines ham broth, split peas and vegetables. It reflects frugal northern cooking and is still a comforting local staple.
Alexanders
Established city-centre restaurant known for polished modern British cooking, tasting menus and a refined but relaxed atmosphere.
Fellinis Restaurant
Well-regarded independent bistro focused on locally sourced British food, steaks and seasonal specials in a casual setting.
The Howard Arms
Historic traditional pub serving cask ales and classic British dishes in a characterful setting close to Carlisle Castle.
British pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are usually cheaper than major cities, while local buses and trains are standard regional prices.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.50-4 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common for good service if not already added. Round up small cafe bills and taxi fares.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2
- Day pass
- £4.70
To the city center
Carlisle Railway Station -> Carlisle City Centre
- Distance
- 0.4 km
- Travel time
- 5 min
- Single bus fares in England are capped at £2 on many routes, but check the operator before boarding.
- Contactless card payment is available on Stagecoach buses; use the Stagecoach Bus app for tickets and live tracking.
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.
Cheap bus tickets from Edinburgh to Carlisle can start from as little as $9 (€9) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Edinburgh to Carlisle is $18 (€18) ; 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 Edinburgh to Carlisle is 3h 20m 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 Edinburgh to Carlisle leaves at 3:50 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Edinburgh to Carlisle leaves at 11:20 PM.
Yes, there are 1 direct buses a day from Edinburgh to Carlisle with National Express, Borders Buses. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Edinburgh to Carlisle, you can count on National Express, FlixBus, Borders Buses for the best way to get you to Carlisle. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Edinburgh and Carlisle and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Carlisle from Edinburgh is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 20m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Edinburgh to Carlisle is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Edinburgh and Carlisle including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Edinburgh to Carlisle:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Edinburgh to Carlisle for bus company National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Edinburgh to Carlisle 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 Edinburgh to Carlisle.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Edinburgh to Carlisle:
- 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 Edinburgh to Carlisle:
- 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 Edinburgh to Carlisle. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Edinburgh to Carlisle with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Edinburgh to Carlisle with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Edinburgh to Carlisle with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus.
Since neither Edinburgh nor Carlisle are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Edinburgh to Carlisle among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Carlisle, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets and transportation hubs. Avoid accepting unsolicited offers for help or transportation, as unofficial taxis or guides may overcharge. Staying aware of surroundings and using licensed services helps ensure safety.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Edinburgh to Carlisle
Most Edinburgh to Carlisle buses use the Edinburgh, Bus Station to Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) station pair, with some services arriving at Carlisle. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Carlisle bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Edinburgh
Arrival bus stations in Carlisle
Which Edinburgh station do buses to Carlisle leave from?
Buses from Edinburgh to Carlisle leave from Edinburgh, Bus Station. The station is from Edinburgh city centre at Elder Street, Edinburgh EH1 3DX, United Kingdom.
Edinburgh, Bus StationElder Street, Edinburgh EH1 3DX, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Edinburgh, Bus Station from Edinburgh city centre
Bus10, 11 · 2m · $2 · every ~30 min
Uk090 · 5m · $1 · every ~32 min
TramEdinburgh York Place - Edinburgh Airport, T50 · 3m · $4 · every ~38 min
Edinburgh, Bus Station bus station facilities and services
Edinburgh, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Sandwich Shop (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Edinburgh, Bus Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.
Edinburgh, St Andrew's HouseEdinburgh EH7 5BN, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Edinburgh, St Andrew's House from Edinburgh city centre
BusX19, 43, X18, X27, X28 · 6m · $2 · every ~36 min
15, 26, 44, X26 · 7m · $1 · every ~40 min
Uk090 · 8m · $1 · every ~1 min
Uk090 · 8m · $1 · every ~15 min
Edinburgh, St Andrew's House bus station facilities and services
Edinburgh, St Andrew's House has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, St Andrew's House: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
Carlisle
City-centre transport
Getting to Carlisle from Carlisle city centre
Bus67, 63, 63A, 61, 62, 64 · 5m · $9 · every ~50 min
Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street)
City-centre transport
Getting to Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) from Carlisle city centre
BusX95 · 6m · $5 · every ~1 min
63, 63A, 62, 64 · 6m · $9 · every ~19 min
More options for your journey from Edinburgh to Carlisle
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Carlisle and Edinburgh
Most popular bus connections to Carlisle
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