- Must visit
The Whitworth
University art gallery in nearby Manchester known for historic and contemporary collections, strong temporary exhibitions, and a park-side setting.
Cheapest price
$37
Average price
$46
Fastest journey
2 h 9 m
Average duration
2 h 33 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
175 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Carlisle station (CAR) to Manchester Airport is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Carlisle station (CAR) to Manchester Airport will cost around $46 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $37.
Of the 2 trains that leave Carlisle station (CAR) for Manchester Airport on Mon, Jun 22, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 22 the direct trains cover the 175 km distance in an average of 2 h 33 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 9 m .
On Mon, Jun 22 the slowest trains will take 2 h 57 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 station (CAR) to Manchester Airport among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $32. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 12m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $32, and a train costs an average of $31.
Distance: 108 miles (175 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Ferry | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$54 Average price | $40 Average price Cheapest | $45 Average price | $46 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 42m Average total duration Fastest 2h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 59m Average total duration 3h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 38m Average total duration 3h 38m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 2h 15m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Carlisle station (CAR) to Manchester Airport:
A bus is $4 (€4) less than a ferry for this route with tickets for a ferry from Carlisle station (CAR) to Manchester Airport costing on average $45 (€37).
A bus is $13 (€11) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Carlisle station (CAR) to Manchester Airport costing on average $54 (€44).
Other travel options to Manchester Airport take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 29m.
Ferry takes on average 3h 38m.
You'll arrive about 3m sooner (2h 12m by train vs 2h 15m by car). Tickets start at around $54 (€44) compared to roughly $46 (€38) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Carlisle station (CAR) to Manchester Airport trains for today, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 11:36 AM Carlisle station (CAR) | 2h06 | 1:42 PM Manchester Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:39 AM Carlisle station (CAR) | 2h26 | 2:05 PM Manchester Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and ferry 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 station (CAR) to Manchester Airport run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $31 (€26) if you book in advance.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 07:35, the last at 20:33. The fastest train covers the 108 miles (175 km) distance in 2h 6m.
Distance 108 miles (175 km) |
Average train duration 2h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price $31 (€26) |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 2h 6m |
First train 7:35 AM |
Last train 8:33 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Discover the best of Manchester Airport — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester Airport trip today.
University art gallery in nearby Manchester known for historic and contemporary collections, strong temporary exhibitions, and a park-side setting.
Major university museum with natural history, archaeology, and cultural collections; one of the region's best all-round museums.
One of Manchester's signature museums, covering industry, transport, computing, and the city's role in the Industrial Revolution.
One of the best plane-spotting areas in the United Kingdom and a distinctive experience right next to the airport.
Historic canal-side district with warehouses, bridges, waterside walks, and a strong industrial character popular with visitors.
Scenic estate walks, woodland trails, and gardens around Quarry Bank, ideal for a half-day heritage and nature visit.
A classic local dessert with shortcrust pastry, raspberry jam, custard, coconut, and a cherry, long associated with Greater Manchester school dinners.
A traditional Greater Manchester pastry from nearby Eccles, filled with currants, butter, and sugar inside flaky pastry.
A famous Lancashire and Greater Manchester speciality made from pork blood, oats, and seasoning, often served in a full breakfast.
A popular airside airport gastropub in Terminal 1 known for British comfort food, beers, and a relaxed pre-flight atmosphere.
An established Italian restaurant at Manchester Airport with polished service, classic dishes, and a more upscale terminal dining option.
A long-running airport restaurant serving Italian staples in a casual sit-down setting, suitable for travellers wanting a full meal.
Airport prices are higher than city averages, but UK chain cafes and fast food keep basic meals manageable.
Service is often included or optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is typical if not added. No tip needed for counter service; round up taxis if you wish.
Official public transport app
Manchester Airport Station, Manchester -> Manchester Piccadilly Station, Manchester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Carlisle station (CAR) to Manchester Airport 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 Manchester Airport, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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