- 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.
Cheapest price on Sep 01
$13
Average ticket price on Sep 01
$14
Fastest journey on Sep 01
1 h 50 m
Average journey duration on Sep 01
1 h 57 m
Buses on Sep 01
3
Distance
136 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Glasgow to Carlisle is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Glasgow to Carlisle will cost around $14 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $13.
On Tue, Sep 01, we found 3 buses from Glasgow to Carlisle, including 3 direct services.
On Tue, Sep 01 the direct buses cover the 136 km distance in an average of 1 h 57 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 50 m .
On Tue, Sep 01 the slowest buses will take 2 h 5 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.
NX590
NX181
NX595
NX595
NX181
NX590Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Glasgow to Carlisle among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $13 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 17m. 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 $13, while a train costs an average of $21.
Distance: 84 miles (136 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$13 Average price Cheapest | $21 Average price | $79 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 28m Average total duration 1h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 17m Average total duration Fastest 1h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 47m 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Glasgow to Carlisle:
A bus is $8 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Glasgow to Carlisle costing on average $21.
Other travel options to Carlisle take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 58m.
Tickets start at around $13 compared to roughly $79 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $66. The journey takes 1h 58m versus 1h 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 07:40AM | Arrival Time 09:45AM | Duration 2h05 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:40AM | Arrival Time 10:45AM | Duration 2h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator Avanti West Coast | Departure Time 10:35AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 2h25 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:45PM | Arrival Time 11:35PM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 11:55PM | Duration 1h55 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:55PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 1h55 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 12:55AM | Duration 1h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:55PM | Arrival Time 01:50AM | Duration 1h55 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $15 |
The table below shows live departures for Glasgow to Carlisle buses for today, Monday, August 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX595 | 9:45 PM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 1h50 | 11:35 PM Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX181 | 11:00 PM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 1h55 | 12:55 AM Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, September 1 | |||||
NX590 | 8:40 AM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 2h05 | 10:45 AM Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Glasgow to Carlisle run on average 3 times per day, taking around 1h 58m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $10 if you book in advance.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 03:50, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 84 miles (136 km) distance in 1h 50m.
Distance 84 miles (136 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price $10 |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 1h 50m |
First bus 3:50 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Carlisle — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Carlisle trip today.
Leading city museum and gallery with Roman, Border Reiver, natural history, and art collections in a historic house.
Major museum inside Carlisle Castle exploring Cumbria's military past, regimental history, and border conflicts.
Hands-on Roman frontier gallery at Tullie House presenting Hadrian's Wall finds and frontier life in Cumbria.
Large central park with historic features, play areas, walks, and frequent events near the city centre.
Popular riverside park with trails, picnic areas, and open green space ideal for walking or relaxing by the Eden.
Attractive riverside walk near the castle and cathedral, offering green views and one of Carlisle's best strolls.
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.
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.
This traditional Cumbrian soup combines ham broth, split peas and vegetables. It reflects frugal northern cooking and is still a comforting local staple.
Established city-centre restaurant known for polished modern British cooking, tasting menus and a refined but relaxed atmosphere.
Well-regarded independent bistro focused on locally sourced British food, steaks and seasonal specials in a casual setting.
Historic traditional pub serving cask ales and classic British dishes in a characterful setting close to Carlisle Castle.
Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are usually cheaper than major cities, while local buses and trains are standard regional prices.
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.
Official public transport app
Carlisle Railway Station -> Carlisle City Centre
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Glasgow 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.

Most Glasgow to Carlisle buses use the Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station to Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) station pair, with some services arriving at Carlisle. Use this guide to compare Glasgow and Carlisle bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Buchanan (in the station), Coffee Express (in the station), Fast Bites (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station.
Available at Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need