Carlisle to Edinburgh train with Avanti West Coast

Sat, Aug 01
+ Add return
Avanti West Coast
Transpennine Express
Northern Rail
Caledonian Sleeper
TransPennine Express
2,000+ travel companies
Avanti West Coast
Transpennine Express
Northern Rail
Caledonian Sleeper
TransPennine Express
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Carlisle to Edinburgh

Showing times and prices for Aug 01

Cheapest price

$25

Average price

$41

Fastest journey

1 h 15 m

Average duration

1 h 16 m

Trains per day

14

Distance

119 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Carlisle to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Carlisle to Edinburgh will cost around $41 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $25.

Fast trains

Of the 14 trains that leave Carlisle for Edinburgh on Sat, Aug 01, 11 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sat, Aug 01 the direct trains cover the 119 km distance in an average of 1 h 16 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 15 m .

On Sat, Aug 01 the slowest trains will take 1 h 19 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.

  • Avanti West CoastW33797
    5:05 PM1h16
    Carlisle station (CAR)
    6:21 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    $251One-way
    0 transfers
  • Avanti West CoastW33753
    1:01 PM1h19
    Carlisle station (CAR)
    2:20 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    $271One-way
    0 transfers
  • Avanti West CoastW33563
    11:02 AM1h16
    Carlisle station (CAR)
    12:18 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    $271One-way
    0 transfers
  • Avanti West CoastW33390
    9:02 AM1h16
    Carlisle station (CAR)
    10:18 AMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    $271One-way
    0 transfers
  • Avanti West CoastW33799
    3:03 PM1h15
    Carlisle station (CAR)
    4:18 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    $271One-way
    0 transfers

Journey information

Overview: Train from Carlisle to Edinburgh

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Carlisle to Edinburgh run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 54m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $8 (€6) if you book in advance.

There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:45, the last at 23:10. The fastest train covers the 73 miles (119 km) distance in 1h 11m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
73 miles (119 km)
Average train duration
1h 54m
Cheapest ticket price
$8 (€6)
Trains per day
6
Direct trains
5
Fastest train
1h 11m
First train
4:45 AM
Last train
11:10 PM
Cheapest Month
Oct
Cheapest Day
Fri
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Tue
Best time to book
21 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Live departures

Carlisle to Edinburgh train times

The table below shows live departures for Carlisle to Edinburgh trains for today, Friday, July 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Transpennine ExpressW85177
Delayed
12:02 PM 12:10 PMCarlisle station (CAR)
1h22
1:18 PM 1:18 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)
0 transfersDirect
Avanti West CoastW33941
Delayed
12:09 PM 1:01 PMCarlisle station (CAR)
1h18
2:19 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
0 transfersDirect
Saturday, August 1
Northern RailG85481+Transpennine ExpressW85161+ScotrailC155956:26 AM Dalston station (DLS)
2h00
8:26 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)2 transfers
Northern RailG85494+Transpennine ExpressW851637:26 AM Dalston station (DLS)
2h14
9:40 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)1 transfer
Northern RailC31950+Transpennine ExpressW851637:46 AM Wetheral station (WRL)
1h54
9:40 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)1 transfer
Transpennine ExpressW851638:17 AM Carlisle station (CAR)
1h23
9:40 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)0 transfersDirect
Avanti West CoastW333909:02 AM Carlisle station (CAR)
1h16
10:18 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)0 transfersDirect
Transpennine ExpressW8516710:16 AM Carlisle station (CAR)
1h21
11:37 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)0 transfersDirect
Avanti West CoastW3356311:02 AM Carlisle station (CAR)
1h16
12:18 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)0 transfersDirect
Transpennine ExpressW8517612:10 PM Carlisle station (CAR)
1h23
1:33 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)0 transfersDirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Carlisle to Edinburgh trains with Omio?

Avanti West Coast as well as Transpennine Express, Northern Rail, Caledonian Sleeper, TransPennine Express and more offer trains services from Carlisle to Edinburgh.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Carlisle to Edinburgh.

Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Avanti West Coast, but also compare tickets for the likes of Transpennine Express, Northern Rail, Caledonian Sleeper or TransPennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Carlisle to Edinburgh.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Avanti West Coast with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Carlisle to Edinburgh.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Raileurope or Trip?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transpennine Express, Northern Rail, Caledonian Sleeper or TransPennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Carlisle to Edinburgh.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Carlisle to Edinburgh.

Train companies: Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, Northern Rail, Caledonian Sleeper, TransPennine Express from Carlisle to Edinburgh trainsAvanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, Northern Rail, Caledonian Sleeper, TransPennine Express trains will get you between Carlisle and Edinburgh from $8 (€6). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 11m
Cheapest Price
$12 (€10)
Avanti West Coast frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

Transpennine Express

About
Transpennine Express is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from Manchester and Liverpool to Scotland, the North East and Yorkshire. It offers a range of services, including express, regional and local trains. Express trains are the fastest, with journey times of up to three hours. Regional trains are slower, but offer more stops and a more relaxed atmosphere. Local trains are the slowest, but offer the most stops. Transpennine Express offers a range of ticket types, including single, return, group and season tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Transpennine Express are Manchester to Edinburgh, Liverpool to Leeds and Manchester to York. These routes offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel between the cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 22m
Cheapest Price
$8 (€6)
Transpennine Express frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 large items and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks, plus a small selection of hot and cold food items
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are free of charge and recommended for busy routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance booking service
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Northern Rail

About
Northern Trains is a publicly owned train operating company in the United Kingdom, headquartered in York. It runs local and commuter services across the north of England, connecting regions including the North East, North West, East Midlands, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, and the Humber coastline. As part of the National Rail network, Northern operates under a coordinated fare and ticketing system alongside other UK train companies.Ticket types include Advance, Off-Peak, Anytime Day, single, return, and season tickets, with only one class option available: Standard. Onboard amenities may include comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and refreshments on select services. Popular routes include connections between major northern cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 5m
Cheapest Price
$50 (€41)
Northern Rail frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
See refund policy for ticket types
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most services with drinks and snacks. Some stations have cafes and shops
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking advance tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Caledonian Sleeper

About
The Caledonian Sleeper is a train service operating in the United Kingdom. It offers overnight journeys between London, Scotland, the North of England and Wales. The service is operated by Serco and consists of two types of trains: the Classic Sleeper and the Lowland Sleeper. The Classic Sleeper offers comfortable sleeping berths, while the Lowland Sleeper offers reclining seats. Both trains offer onboard facilities such as Wi-Fi, power sockets, and complimentary tea and coffee.Ticket types include Standard, First Class and Solo. Standard tickets offer access to the lounge car, while First Class tickets include access to the lounge car and complimentary breakfast. Solo tickets are available for single travellers and offer access to the lounge car and a private sleeping berth. The most popular routes for the Caledonian Sleeper are London to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness. Passengers can also travel from London to Aberdeen, Fort William and Dundee.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 26m
Cheapest Price
$104 (€85)
Caledonian Sleeper frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage per person included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage storage areas in each carriage and under beds in sleeping compartments
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies vary by ticket type and timing before departure
Refund
Full refund provided if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Complimentary breakfast for all guests. Club Car serves dinner and drinks. Room service available for sleeping car passengers
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for sleeping car passengers. Optional seat reservations available for seated carriages
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Accessible rooms available, wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and staff assistance
Pets
Small pets allowed in sleeping compartments for a fee. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone

TransPennine Express

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 20m
Cheapest Price
$55 (€45)
TransPennine Express frequency
6 a day

Complete guide to Edinburgh

Things to do in Edinburgh

Discover the best of Edinburgh — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Edinburgh trip today.

  • Must visit

National Museum of Scotland

Scotland's flagship museum covers science, design, natural history, and world cultures in a landmark building with excellent family appeal.

  • Must visit

National Gallery of Scotland

Major art gallery with Scottish and international works from the Renaissance onward, set dramatically on The Mound in the city centre.

  • Recommended

Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

Gallery of modern and contemporary art in a neoclassical building with sculpture park, strong changing exhibitions, and a peaceful setting.

British pound sterling (£)

Edinburgh is pricier than many UK cities. Hotels surge in festival season, dining is mid-to-high, and transit is reasonable but not especially cheap for visitors.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or casual takeaway.
Mid-range
£20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£70+ per person for upscale restaurants.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for coffee.

Tipping culture

Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if no service charge is added. Round up for taxis. Cafes usually do not expect tips.

FAQs: Trains from Carlisle to Edinburgh

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Carlisle to Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Carlisle to Edinburgh can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $8 (€6), while the average price is around $33 (€27).
The train from Carlisle to Edinburgh takes 1h 11m and runs 6 per day.
The first train from Carlisle to Edinburgh leaves at 4:45 AM.
The distance by train from Carlisle to Edinburgh is 73 miles (119 km).
The last train from Carlisle to Edinburgh leaves at 11:10 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Carlisle to Edinburgh.
Yes, there is a direct train from Carlisle to Edinburgh. This service operates 5 times per day, provided by Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, Caledonian Sleeper, TransPennine Express.
Yes, there is a night train from Carlisle to Edinburgh.
The train station in Carlisle that goes to Edinburgh is Carlisle station (CAR), which connects to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB).
Yes, the train journey from Carlisle to Edinburgh is considered scenic, as it travels through the picturesque landscapes of the Scottish Borders and offers views of rolling hills and historic landmarks.
Yes, you can take the train from Carlisle to Edinburgh.
Popular day trips by train from Edinburgh include Glasgow, Newcastle, St Andrews, Stirling, Dundee.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the BritRail Pass are valid on most trains within the United Kingdom, offering unlimited travel on participating train operators for a set period.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Edinburgh, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the Royal Mile and public transport. Common scams include fake charity collectors and overcharging by taxi drivers who don’t use the meter. It’s advisable to use licensed taxis and keep belongings secure in busy spots. Avoid unlicensed ticket sellers near popular attractions to prevent fraud.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Carlisle to Edinburgh

Most Carlisle to Edinburgh trains use the Carlisle to Edinburgh Waverley station pair, with some services arriving at Haymarket. Use this guide to compare Carlisle and Edinburgh train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Carlisle
Arrival train stations in Edinburgh

Which Carlisle station do trains to Edinburgh leave from?

Trains from Carlisle to Edinburgh leave from Carlisle. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Carlisle city centre at Carlisle station, Court Square, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA1 1QZ.
CarlisleCarlisle station, Court Square, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA1 1QZShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Carlisle from Carlisle city centre

Bus67, 63, 63A, 61, 62, 64 · 5m · $11 · every ~50 min

Carlisle train station facilities and services

Carlisle has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Carlisle.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

ATMs are available at Carlisle.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Carlisle. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Carlisle: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Carlisle: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Carlisle: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This station has step-free access to all platforms / the platform Lifts available to platforms via subway. Alternatively there is a ramped footbridge. Staff are available to assist on request, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.

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