- 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.
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from London to Carlisle is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London to Carlisle will cost around $61 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $26.
On Mon, Nov 02, we found 11 buses from London to Carlisle, including 4 direct services.
On Mon, Nov 02 the direct buses cover the 421 km distance in an average of 7 h 38 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 45 m .
On Mon, Nov 02 the slowest buses will take 8 h 50 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.
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NX540 · NX590
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NX540 · NX181
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Buses from London to Carlisle run on average 7 times per day, taking around 7h 59m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $20 if you book in advance.
There are 4 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:10, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 261 miles (421 km) distance in 6h 45m.
Distance 261 miles (421 km) |
Average bus duration 7h 59m |
Cheapest ticket price $20 |
Buses per day 7 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 6h 45m |
First bus 12:10 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 14 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from London to Carlisle.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:50AM | Arrival Time 06:15PM | Duration 11h25 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 06:15PM | Duration 9h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 06:15PM | Duration 8h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:35PM | Arrival Time 04:50AM | Duration 13h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 04:50AM | Duration 11h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:20PM | Arrival Time 04:50AM | Duration 10h30 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:20PM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 10h25 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 04:50AM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 05:55AM | Duration 9h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 05:55AM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 05:55AM | Duration 6h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $23 |
The table below shows live departures for London to Carlisle buses for today, Sunday, November 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX590 | 9:00 AM London, Victoria Coach Station | 9h15 | 6:15 PM Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX540 · NX590 | 10:00 AM London, Victoria Coach Station | 8h15 | 6:15 PM Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 1 transfer | |
NX025 · NX410 · NX181 | 6:20 PM London, Hammersmith Bridge Road | 10h30 | 4:50 AM Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 2 transfers | |
NX025 · NX032 · NX595 | 7:20 PM London, Hammersmith Bridge Road | 10h25 | 5:45 AM Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 2 transfers | |
NX025 · NX035 · NX595 | 7:20 PM London, Hammersmith Bridge Road | 10h25 | 5:45 AM Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 2 transfers | |
NX540 · NX181 | 8:00 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 8h50 | 4:50 AM Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 1 transfer | |
NX595 | 11:00 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 6h45 | 5:45 AM Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Monday, November 2 | |||||
NX025 · NX210 · NX590 | 6:50 AM London, Hammersmith Bridge Road | 11h25 | 6:15 PM Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 2 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
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
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Carlisle.
The historic city of Carlisle is located just ten miles south of the Scottish border in the north-west district of Cumbria. National Express buses depart from London's busy Victoria bus station three times daily, covering the 300-mile route in as little as six hours 40 minutes when traveling overnight. Services are available seven days a week, giving passengers access to the historic city. Whenever passengers decide to travel, National Express has a journey to suit their needs.
There is only one company that offers buses from London to Carlisle. National Express, the leading provider of bus travel across the whole of the UK, has three direct departures per day. The onboard services across their fleet include free WiFi, spacious seating with good legroom and personal air conditioning controls for each passenger.
The journey times advertised vary significantly, taking into consideration traffic congestion during peak travel time. The fastest journey leaves London Victoria at around 11:00 p.m., traveling overnight and arriving in Carlisle six hours 40 minutes later. The longest journey takes closer to nine hours ten minutes to cover the 300 miles between the two cities.
National Express consistently offers three services per day. The schedule includes one morning departure, with two evening departures traveling throughout the night and arriving in Carlisle the following morning. All services are direct and require no changes, allowing passengers to relax on their journey.
Departure bus station: London Victoria, where all buses from London to Carlisle begin their journey, is found in central London, in the borough of Westminster. The station is easily accessible thanks to the nearby Victoria train station, which has London Underground links, several local bus routes and extensive train connections. Station facilities include toilets, numerous cafes and restaurants as well as newsagents and shops where passengers can purchase travel essentials.
Arrival bus station: All services terminate at Carlisle Lonsdale Street Station. Found directly in the centre of Carlisle, the train station is less than half a mile away, making onward travel easy to organise. Station facilities are basic, but the close proximity to The Lanes shopping centre gives passengers access to high-street shops to purchase anything they may require.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London 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 London to Carlisle buses use the London, Victoria Coach Station to Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) station pair, with some services arriving at Carlisle. Use this guide to compare London and Carlisle bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
London, Victoria Coach Station is 2 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
London, Victoria Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Pret a Manger (in the station), Starbucks (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and inside the station.
Ticket office support is available at London, Victoria Coach Station.
Available at London, Victoria Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at London, Victoria Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
London, Baker Street Station is 2 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
London, Baker Street Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at London, Baker Street Station. ATMs are available at London, Baker Street Station.
Ticket office support is available at London, Baker Street Station.
Available at London, Baker Street Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at London, Baker Street Station: Ramps available for wheelchair access.
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.
Check bus stations information for London and Carlisle, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.
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