- Must visit
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
Major city museum with Pre-Raphaelite art, local history, and rotating exhibitions in a landmark civic building.
Cheapest price
$36
Average price
$73
Fastest journey
2 h 54 m
Average duration
3 h 30 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
277 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Carlisle to Birmingham is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Carlisle to Birmingham will cost around $73 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $36.
Of the 3 trains that leave Carlisle for Birmingham on Sat, Jun 20, 3 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 trains cover the 277 km distance in an average of 3 h 30 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 54 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest trains will take 4 h 32 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 Carlisle to Birmingham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $16. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 10m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $16, and a flight costs an average of $39.
Distance: 172 miles (277 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$61 Average price | $25 Average price Cheapest | $99 Average price | $82 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 33m Average total duration 3h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 8m Average total duration 5h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 10m Average total duration Fastest 1h 10m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 31m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Birmingham:
A bus is $36 (€30) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Carlisle to Birmingham costing on average $61 (€50).
A bus is $74 (€61) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Carlisle to Birmingham costing on average $99 (€82).
Other travel options to Birmingham take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 3m.
Bus takes on average 5h 38m.
The journey is about 28m faster (3h 3m by train vs 3h 31m by car) and roughly $21 (€17) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($61 (€50) vs $82 (€67)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Avanti West Coast.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Carlisle to Birmingham trains for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 10:48 AM Carlisle | 3h00 | 1:48 PM Birmingham | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:55 PM Carlisle | 3h11 | 5:06 PM Birmingham | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:55 PM Carlisle | 3h11 | 6:06 PM Birmingham | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, 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.
Trains from Carlisle to Birmingham run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 3m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $31 (€25) but you can travel from only $16 (€13) by bus.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:56, the last at 20:15. The fastest train covers the 172 miles (277 km) distance in 2h 54m.
Distance 172 miles (277 km) |
Average train duration 3h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price $31 (€25) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 2h 54m |
First train 4:56 AM |
Last train 8:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Birmingham — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Birmingham trip today.
Major city museum with Pre-Raphaelite art, local history, and rotating exhibitions in a landmark civic building.
Family-friendly science museum with interactive galleries, a planetarium, and displays on industry and innovation.
Leading contemporary art gallery in Brindleyplace, known for ambitious exhibitions in a restored Victorian school building.
One of Birmingham's most photogenic canal hubs, popular for strolling, waterside views, and industrial heritage atmosphere.
Historic district known for independent workshops, heritage streetscapes, and a strong local creative identity.
Creative neighborhood famous for street art, warehouses, and a trendy atmosphere that is highly popular on social media.
Birmingham’s signature curry, cooked and served in a thin pressed-steel balti bowl. Developed by the city’s South Asian communities, it is one of the most iconic local dishes to try.
A traditional Black Country dish of seasoned meatballs, usually served with peas and gravy. It is a classic working-class meal closely associated with the Birmingham area.
Crunchy roasted pork rind snack long linked with pubs across the Black Country and Birmingham. Salty and rich, it is a very local bar snack.
Well-known casual spot celebrated for quality burgers, loaded fries, and craft beer in a lively, modern atmosphere.
Modern fine-dining restaurant known for creative tasting menus and theatrical presentation in a stylish city-centre setting.
Established upscale Indian restaurant serving refined North Indian dishes in elegant surroundings, popular for special occasions.
Moderate by UK standards. Chain cafes and pubs are affordable, while central hotels and upscale dining cost more.
Service charge may be added in restaurants. If not, tip 10-12.5% for good service. Round up taxis. Tipping in pubs and cafes is optional.
Official public transport app
Birmingham New Street, Birmingham -> Victoria Square, Birmingham
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Carlisle to Birmingham by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Birmingham, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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