- 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
$44
Average price
$72
Fastest journey
6 h 45 m
Average duration
7 h 52 m
Buses per day
7
Distance
421 km
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 $72 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $44.
Of the 7 buses that leave London for Carlisle on Mon, Aug 03, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Aug 03 the direct buses cover the 421 km distance in an average of 7 h 52 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 45 m .
On Mon, Aug 03 the slowest buses will take 9 h 25 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.
NX595
FlixBus
FlixBus
NX540 · NX181
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX595
FlixBus
FlixBus
NX540 · NX181
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from London to Carlisle among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $17. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 21m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $17, and a train costs an average of $45.
Distance: 261 miles (421 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$31 Average price Cheapest | $151 Average price | $100 Average price | $145 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 3m Average total duration 7h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 54m Average total duration 4h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 21m Average total duration Fastest 1h 21m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 55m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.4 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.3 - 2.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | 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 London to Carlisle:
A bus is $68 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from London to Carlisle costing on average $100.
A bus is $120 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London to Carlisle costing on average $151.
Other travel options to Carlisle take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 24m.
Bus takes on average 7h 33m.
Tickets start at around $31 compared to roughly $145 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $114. The journey takes 7h 33m versus 5h 55m 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, 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 09:00AM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 9h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:20PM | Arrival Time 04:50AM | Duration 15h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $105 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:50PM | Arrival Time 04:50AM | Duration 15h00 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $105 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 04:50AM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 05:55AM | Duration 9h25 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $83 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 05:55AM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 05:55AM | Duration 6h55 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $30 |
The table below shows live departures for London to Carlisle buses for today, Sunday, August 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 10:30 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 7h25 | 5:55 AM Carlisle | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 11:00 PM London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant) | 6h55 | 5:55 AM Carlisle | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Monday, August 3 | |||||
NX032 · NX210 · NX181 | 1:50 PM London, Hammersmith Bridge Road | 15h00 | 4:50 AM Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 2 transfers | |
NX032 · NX410 · NX181 | 1:50 PM London, Hammersmith Bridge Road | 15h00 | 4:50 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 | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:30 PM London, Victoria Green Line Coach Station | 9h25 | 5:55 AM Carlisle | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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.
Buses from London to Carlisle run on average 5 times per day, taking around 7h 33m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $17 if you book in advance.
There are 3 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 33m |
Cheapest ticket price $17 |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 6h 45m |
First bus 12:10 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 35 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
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.
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