Exeter to Carlisle bus with National Express

Mon, May 18
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Exeter to Carlisle

Showing times and prices for May 18

Cheapest price

$51

Average price

$55

Fastest journey

11 h 40 m

Average duration

14 h 38 m

Buses per day

2

Distance

466 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Exeter to Carlisle is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Exeter to Carlisle will cost around $55 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $51.

Fast buses

Of the 2 buses that leave Exeter for Carlisle on Mon, May 18, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Mon, May 18 the direct buses cover the 466 km distance in an average of 14 h 38 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 11 h 40 m .

On Mon, May 18 the slowest buses will take 17 h 35 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.

  • FlixBus
    12:20 PM17h35
    Exeter
    5:55 AMCarlisle
    $511One-way
    0 transfers
  • National Express
    5:30 AM11h40
    Exeter
    5:10 PMCarlisle
    $591One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Exeter to Carlisle

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Exeter to Carlisle among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $46. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 6h 5m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $46, and a flight costs an average of $238.

Distance: 289 miles (466 km)

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Train
Flight
Driving

$54

Average price

Cheapest

$127

Average price

$879

Average price

$128

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

10h 35m

Average total duration

10h 5m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 35m

Average total duration

Fastest

6h 5m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

9h 38m

Average total duration

6h 38m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

6h 9m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Exeter to Carlisle is a bus with an average price of $54 (€44).

This is compared to other travel options from Exeter to Carlisle:

A bus is $73 (€59) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Exeter to Carlisle costing on average $127 (€102).

A bus is $825 (€666) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Exeter to Carlisle costing on average $879 (€710).

The fastest way to travel from Exeter to Carlisle is by train with an average journey time of 6h 5m.

Other travel options to Carlisle take longer:

Flight takes on average 6h 38m.

Bus takes on average 10h 5m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Exeter and Carlisle including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Exeter to Carlisle among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.

You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.

Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.

Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.

Exeter to Carlisle Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:15AM
Arrival Time
06:40PM
Duration
15h25
Departure days
Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$0.00
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:30AM
Arrival Time
05:10PM
Duration
11h40
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$59
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:30AM
Arrival Time
06:10PM
Duration
11h40
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$46
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
12:20PM
Arrival Time
05:55AM
Duration
17h35
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$51
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:15PM
Arrival Time
03:50AM
Duration
11h35
Departure days
Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$54
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:55PM
Arrival Time
04:50AM
Duration
11h55
Departure days
Tue, Wed
Cheapest price
$54
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
04:55PM
Arrival Time
04:50AM
Duration
11h55
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$0.00

Live departures

Exeter to Carlisle bus times

The table below shows live departures for Exeter to Carlisle buses for tomorrow, Monday, May 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National Express5:30 AM Exeter
11h40
5:10 PM Carlisle0 transfersDirect
FlixBus12:20 PM Exeter
17h35
5:55 AM Carlisle0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Exeter to Carlisle by train, bus, or flight

Compare train, bus, 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.

Mon
May 18
Tue
May 19
Wed
May 20
Thu
May 21
Fri
May 22
Sat
May 23
Sun
May 24

Why should you book Exeter to Carlisle buses with Omio?

National Express as well as FlixBus offer buses services from Exeter to Carlisle.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Exeter 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 to find the best option for your trip from Exeter 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, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Exeter 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 to find the best option for your trip from Exeter to Carlisle.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Exeter to Carlisle.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Exeter to Carlisle

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Exeter to Carlisle run on average 4 times per day, taking around 10h 5m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $46 (€37) if you book in advance.

The earliest bus runs at 00:50, the last at 17:15. The fastest bus covers the 289 miles (466 km) distance in 11h 35m.

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
289 miles (466 km)
Average bus duration
10h 5m
Cheapest ticket price
$46 (€37)
Buses per day
4
Fastest bus
11h 35m
First bus
12:50 AM
Last bus
5:15 PM
Cheapest Month
Mar
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Sat
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 from Exeter to CarlisleYou can travel by bus between Exeter to Carlisle with National Express, FlixBus for as low as $46 (€37). 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
17h 35m
Cheapest Price
$51 (€41)
FlixBus frequency
1 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.
Learn more about FlixBus

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
11h 35m
Cheapest Price
$46 (€37)
National Express frequency
3 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.
Learn more about National Express

FAQs: Bus from Exeter to Carlisle

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Exeter 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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Exeter to Carlisle can start from as little as $46 (€37) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Exeter to Carlisle is $54 (€44) ; 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 Exeter to Carlisle is 11h 35m to travel the 289 miles (466 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 Exeter to Carlisle leaves at 12:50 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Exeter to Carlisle leaves at 5:15 PM.
There are 4 buses a day from Exeter to Carlisle which require at least one change with National Express, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Exeter to Carlisle, you can count on National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Carlisle. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Exeter and Carlisle and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Carlisle from Exeter is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 11h 35m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Exeter to Carlisle is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Exeter and Carlisle including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Exeter 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 Exeter to Carlisle for bus company National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Exeter 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 Exeter to Carlisle.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Exeter 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 Exeter 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 Exeter 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 Exeter to Carlisle with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Exeter to Carlisle with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Exeter to Carlisle with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus.
Since neither Exeter 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 bus as it is the most popular way to get from Exeter 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 Exeter to Carlisle

Exeter
Carlisle
The major bus station for departures in Exeter is Exeter, Bampfylde Street (Express Coach Stop 34). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Exeter, Bampfylde Street (Express Coach Stop 34) for your trip from Exeter to Carlisle.
Exeter, Bampfylde Street (Express Coach Stop 34)
information
Exeter, Honiton RoadWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
Amenities at bus station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
information
address
Address
Honiton Road, Exeter, EX2 7NL, UK
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 06:00-22:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 km
carConnection
Car connection
Honiton Road
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi
Dining
Dining
  • Café in the station (in the station).
Taxis
Taxis
  • Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps
WC
WC
  • Available near the waiting area.
Public transit options for Exeter, Honiton Road
  • Bus: 4, 9, 56

More options for your journey from Exeter to Carlisle

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Tickets and more information for coaches to Exeter
Tickets and more information for coaches to Carlisle
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