- 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.
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
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.
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.
W33797
W33753
W33563
W33390
W33799
W33799
W33563
W33390
W33797
W33753Trains 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.
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 |
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.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W85177 | Delayed 12:02 PM 12:10 PMCarlisle station (CAR) | 1h22 | 1:18 PM 1:18 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33941 | Delayed 12:09 PM 1:01 PMCarlisle station (CAR) | 1h18 | 2:19 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, August 1 | |||||
G85481+ W85161+ C15595 | 6:26 AM Dalston station (DLS) | 2h00 | 8:26 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 transfers | |
G85494+ W85163 | 7:26 AM Dalston station (DLS) | 2h14 | 9:40 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
C31950+ W85163 | 7:46 AM Wetheral station (WRL) | 1h54 | 9:40 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
W85163 | 8:17 AM Carlisle station (CAR) | 1h23 | 9:40 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33390 | 9:02 AM Carlisle station (CAR) | 1h16 | 10:18 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W85167 | 10:16 AM Carlisle station (CAR) | 1h21 | 11:37 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33563 | 11:02 AM Carlisle station (CAR) | 1h16 | 12:18 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W85176 | 12:10 PM Carlisle station (CAR) | 1h23 | 1:33 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Edinburgh — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Edinburgh trip today.
Scotland's flagship museum covers science, design, natural history, and world cultures in a landmark building with excellent family appeal.
Major art gallery with Scottish and international works from the Renaissance onward, set dramatically on The Mound in the city centre.
Gallery of modern and contemporary art in a neoclassical building with sculpture park, strong changing exhibitions, and a peaceful setting.
Historic spine of the Old Town linking the castle and palace, lined with closes, landmarks, performers, shops, and layered city history.
Elegant shopping boulevard in the New Town with castle views, gardens below, major monuments, and strong access to central attractions.
Extinct volcano in Holyrood Park climbed for sweeping city views, sunrise walks, and one of Edinburgh's most memorable outdoor experiences.
A rich savoury pudding of sheep offal, oats, suet, onion and spices, traditionally served with neeps and tatties. Scotland’s national dish and central to Burns Suppers.
Mashed turnips and potatoes, usually served with haggis. This classic Scottish side is a staple of traditional Edinburgh meals.
A hearty soup of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions in milk or cream. Strongly linked to Scotland’s fishing heritage and widely loved in Edinburgh.
Refined Scottish fine dining in the Balmoral Hotel, known for seasonal tasting menus and polished service in an elegant setting.
Historic oyster bar and restaurant serving Scottish seafood, shellfish and game in a lively, classic Victorian dining room.
Celebrated modern Scottish restaurant focused on local produce, creative small plates and a relaxed but high-quality neighbourhood feel.
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.
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.
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.

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.
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 options are available at Carlisle.
ATMs are available at Carlisle.
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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Carlisle: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Carlisle: Bike Parking.
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.
Edinburgh Waverley has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Bagel Factory, Burger King, Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, JD Wetherspoon, The Pasty Shop, The Beer House, M&S, Pret a Manger
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are there are a few ATM machines around the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59, Sun: 07:00 - 23:59. Information desks are information booths are located on the concourse. .
Luggage storage is you can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2. . Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Waverley: Entrances are step free. Station is equipped with an elevator. Staffed with guide communicators for the deaf. Tactile warning strips are on the platform edges for the blind.
Nearby hotels include Old Waverley Hotel, Jurys Inn Edinburgh, The Scotsman Hotel.
Haymarket is 1 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Haymarket has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Haymarket.
Wi-Fi is available at Haymarket. ATMs are available at Haymarket.
Ticket office support is available at Haymarket. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Haymarket: Parking, WC.
Available at Haymarket: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Haymarket: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to all platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the automatic ticket gates Blue Badge parking bays: 2, 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: No.
Edinburgh Park is 7 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Edinburgh Park has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Edinburgh Park.
Wi-Fi is available at Edinburgh Park.
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Edinburgh Park: Parking.
Available at Edinburgh Park: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Park: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to both platforms, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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