- Must visit
The British Museum
World-famous museum with major collections spanning ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and Asia. A top choice for first-time visitors.
Cheapest price
$29
Average price
$65
Fastest journey
6 h 45 m
Average duration
7 h 48 m
Buses per day
15
Distance
421 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Carlisle to London is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Carlisle to London will cost around $65 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $29.
Of the 15 buses that leave Carlisle for London on Sat, Jun 20, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct buses cover the 421 km distance in an average of 7 h 48 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 45 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest buses will take 8 h 55 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
NX590
FlixBus
FlixBus
NX590 · NX540
NX595
FlixBus
FlixBus
NX590 · NX540
NX181 · NX540Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Carlisle to London among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $23. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 19m. 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 $23, and a train costs an average of $47.
Distance: 261 miles (421 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$32 Average price Cheapest | $111 Average price | $99 Average price | $144 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 16m Average total duration 7h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 5m Average total duration 4h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 19m Average total duration Fastest 1h 19m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 47m 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 Carlisle to London:
A bus is $68 (€56) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Carlisle to London costing on average $99 (€82).
A bus is $79 (€65) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Carlisle to London costing on average $111 (€91).
Other travel options to London take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 35m.
Bus takes on average 7h 46m.
Tickets start at around $32 (€26) compared to roughly $144 (€118) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $112 (€92). The journey takes 7h 46m versus 5h 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 12:55AM | Arrival Time 10:20AM | Duration 9h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:55AM | Arrival Time 09:25AM | Duration 7h30 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:00AM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 14h25 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 8h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 06:20AM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $26 |
The table below shows live departures for Carlisle to London buses for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX590 · NX400 | On time 10:45 AM Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 9h20 | 8:05 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX590 | 10:45 AM Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 9h35 | 8:20 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX590 · NX210 · NX030 | On time 10:45 AM Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 11h45 | 10:30 PM London, Earl's Court | 2 transfers | |
NX595 | 11:35 PM Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 6h45 | 6:20 AM London, Victoria Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX595 · NX032 · NX444 | 11:35 PM Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 9h20 | 8:55 AM London, Earl's Court | 2 transfers | |
NX595 · NX032 · NX032 | 11:35 PM Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 10h40 | 10:15 AM London, Hammersmith Bridge Road | 2 transfers | |
NX595 · NX444 · NX032 | 11:35 PM Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 10h40 | 10:15 AM London, Hammersmith Bridge Road | 2 transfers | |
NX595 · NX444 · NX444 | 11:35 PM Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 9h20 | 8:55 AM London, Earl's Court | 2 transfers | |
| Saturday, June 20 | |||||
NX181 · NX210 · NX032 | 12:55 AM Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 11h00 | 11:55 AM London, Earl's Court | 2 transfers | |
NX181 · NX540 | 12:55 AM Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 8h55 | 9:50 AM London, Victoria Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX181 · NX210 · NX032 | 12:55 AM Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 10h50 | 11:45 AM London, Hammersmith Bridge Road | 2 transfers | |
NX181 · NX210 · NX502 | 12:55 AM Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 11h00 | 11:55 AM London, Earl's Court | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus | 1:55 AM Carlisle | 7h30 | 9:25 AM London, Victoria Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 1:55 AM Carlisle | 6h55 | 8:50 AM London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant) | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Carlisle to London run on average 5 times per day, taking around 7h 46m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $23 (€19) 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 46m |
Cheapest ticket price $23 (€19) |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 6h 45m |
First bus 12:10 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of London — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect London trip today.
World-famous museum with major collections spanning ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and Asia. A top choice for first-time visitors.
Major art museum on Trafalgar Square with masterpieces by Van Gogh, Turner, Monet, and da Vinci. Essential for European painting.
Leading modern and contemporary art gallery in a former power station on the Thames. Popular for its collection and river views.
Lively district known for historic piazza spaces, street performers, boutique shopping, and easy access to theatres and museums.
Riverside walking area with major views of the Thames, bridges, landmarks, and a busy cultural atmosphere.
One of London's great royal parks, ideal for walking, boating, open green space, and access to Kensington Gardens.
Battered white fish with thick-cut chips, traditionally served with mushy peas and tartar sauce. It is one of London’s most iconic comfort foods.
A classic East London dish of meat pie with mashed potatoes and parsley liquor. It is a long-standing working-class staple tied closely to the city’s food history.
Roast meat served with roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, gravy, and often Yorkshire pudding. A traditional pub and family meal strongly associated with London weekends.
A renowned fine dining restaurant in Notting Hill known for refined modern European cooking and polished service.
A very popular all-day restaurant inspired by old Bombay cafes, loved for breakfast, curries, and lively atmosphere.
London’s oldest restaurant, famous for classic British dishes, game, pies, and traditional dining rooms with historic atmosphere.
London is expensive by UK standards. Hotels, transport, and dining add up quickly, though budget eats and free museums help control costs.
Service is often included in restaurants as a 12.5% charge. If not, tip 10-12%. No tip needed in pubs for drinks. Round up taxi fares or add about 10%.
Official public transport app
London Victoria Coach Station -> London Victoria Station
Over 300 miles apart, the north-west city of Carlisle and the British capital of London are connected by direct National Express coaches. Each day, passengers can expect to find two direct departures from the UK's leading bus provider. The 320-mile route takes between eight and nine hours to complete, with the options of an afternoon departure, or an evening departure traveling through the night arriving in London the following morning. Whenever passengers decide to travel, National Express should have a journey to accommodate their needs.
There is only one company operating along the Carlisle to London route. National Express offers two services per day, with no competition. Onboard, passengers can enjoy their free WiFi, spacious seating with good legroom, and personal control over their air conditioning to ensure maximum comfort.
The journey time varies slightly, depending on whether or not passengers will be on the road during peak travel time, where there is likely to be more congestion. Whenever passengers travel, they can expect journey times of between eight and nine hours.
How many buses are there from Carlisle to London?
Each day, passengers can expect to choose from two direct National Express departures. There tends to be a lunchtime departure and an evening departure, with services traveling through the night to arrive in London the following morning. Services continue through the weekend with no change to the frequency or duration of the trip.
Departure bus station: Buses from Carlisle to London begin their journey at Carlisle Lonsdale Street Bus Station. The centrally located station is a short walk from Carlisle train station. Very close by, passengers can find The Lanes shopping centre and historic features such as the Market Cross Monument and Carlisle Castle.
Arrival bus station: Buses from Carlisle to London terminate at London's busiest bus station, London Victoria, found directly in the heart of Westminster. The bus station is a short 10-minute walk from the well-linked Victoria train station for easy onward travel by bus, London Underground or rail. London Victoria train station has extensive facilities, including bathrooms, several dining options and cafes as well as supermarkets to purchase snacks.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Carlisle to London 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 London, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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