- 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 15
$40
Average ticket price on Sep 15
$44
Fastest journey on Sep 15
6 h 5 m
Average journey duration on Sep 15
7 h 40 m
Buses on Sep 15
3
Distance
165 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Liverpool to Carlisle is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Liverpool to Carlisle will cost around $44 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $40.
On Tue, Sep 15, we found 3 buses from Liverpool to Carlisle, including 3 direct services.
On Tue, Sep 15 the direct buses cover the 165 km distance in an average of 7 h 40 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 5 m .
On Tue, Sep 15 the slowest buses will take 9 h 20 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.






Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Liverpool to Carlisle among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $43 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 43m. 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 $43, while a train costs an average of $50.
Distance: 102 miles (165 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$43 Average price Cheapest | $50 Average price | $46 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 12m Average total duration 4h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 43m Average total duration Fastest 2h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 28m 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 Liverpool to Carlisle:
A bus is $7 (€6) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Liverpool to Carlisle costing on average $50 (€41).
Other travel options to Carlisle take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 42m.
Tickets start at around $43 (€35) compared to roughly $46 (€38) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $3 (€2). The journey takes 4h 42m versus 2h 28m 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.
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 11:05AM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:48AM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 6h22 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:52AM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 6h18 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:05PM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 03:50AM | Duration 9h20 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 04:50AM | Duration 9h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:38PM | Arrival Time 04:50AM | Duration 9h12 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:42PM | Arrival Time 04:50AM | Duration 9h08 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:15PM | Arrival Time 03:50AM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:20PM | Arrival Time 04:55AM | Duration 8h35 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 04:55AM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:15PM | Arrival Time 04:50AM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:50PM | Arrival Time 05:55AM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 05:55AM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $23 |
The table below shows live departures for Liverpool to Carlisle buses for today, Monday, September 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 12:05 PM Liverpool | 6h05 | 6:10 PM Carlisle | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:20 PM Liverpool | 8h35 | 4:55 AM Carlisle | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:00 PM Liverpool | 7h55 | 4:55 AM Carlisle | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:15 PM Liverpool | 7h35 | 4:50 AM Carlisle | 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 Liverpool to Carlisle run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 42m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $18 (€14) but you can travel from only $13 (€10) by train.
The earliest bus runs at 00:50, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 102 miles (165 km) distance in 4h 5m.
Distance 102 miles (165 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price $18 (€14) |
Buses per day 6 |
Fastest bus 4h 5m |
First bus 12:50 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 14 days |
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 Liverpool 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 Liverpool to Carlisle buses use the Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place to Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) station pair, with some services arriving at Carlisle. Use this guide to compare Liverpool and Carlisle bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place is 1 km from Liverpool city centre. Public transport options include:
Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café in the Station (in the station), Fast Food Outlet (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place.
Available at Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place: Elevators, ramps.
Liverpool, University is 1 km from Liverpool city centre. Public transport options include:
Liverpool, University has practical services for this route, including Taxis.
Available at Liverpool, University: Taxis.
Liverpool, Botanic Park is 2 km from Liverpool city centre. Public transport options include:
Liverpool, Botanic Park has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Liverpool, Botanic Park. ATMs are available at Liverpool, Botanic Park.
Ticket office support is available at Liverpool, Botanic Park.
Available at Liverpool, Botanic Park: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool, Botanic Park: Station is accessible for those with reduced mobility.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need