MANCHESTER to CARLISLE train from $15 with Transpennine Express

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The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Carlisle

Showing times and prices for Aug 04

Cheapest price

$23

Average price

$43

Fastest journey

1 h 53 m

Average duration

1 h 56 m

Trains per day

Distance

164 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Manchester to Carlisle will cost around $43 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $23.

Fast trains

Of the 8 trains that leave Manchester for Carlisle on Tue, Aug 04, 8 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Tue, Aug 04 the direct trains cover the 164 km distance in an average of 1 h 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 53 m .

On Tue, Aug 04 the slowest trains will take 2 h 8 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.

6:24 PM2h27
Manchester
8:51 PMCarlisle
$231One-way
0 transfers
8:24 AM1h53
Manchester
10:17 AMCarlisle
$281One-way
0 transfers
8:56 AM1h53
Manchester
10:49 AMCarlisle
$321One-way
0 transfers
9:56 AM1h53
Manchester
11:49 AMCarlisle
$321One-way
0 transfers
6:48 AM2h14
Manchester
9:02 AMCarlisle
$341One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Manchester to Carlisle

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Carlisle among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $15. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 17m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $15, and a train costs an average of $17.

Distance: 101 miles (164 km)

Compare train with

Most popular Train	Bus	Driving
$44 Average price	$34 Average price Cheapest	$43 Average price (fuel + tolls)
2h 47m Average total duration Fastest 2h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	3h 31m Average total duration 3h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	2h 20m Average total duration (door-to-door)
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest	0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions	- CO2 emissions
Most popular train company	Most popular bus company	Your own car or car rental
Direct Options	Direct Options	Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

The cheapest way to travel from Manchester to Carlisle is a bus with an average price of $34.

This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Carlisle:

A bus is $11 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Carlisle costing on average $44.

The fastest way to travel from Manchester to Carlisle is by train with an average journey time of 2h 17m.

Other travel options to Carlisle take longer:

Bus takes on average 3h 1m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Manchester and Carlisle including taking a train and bus.

We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Manchester to Carlisle among Omio's users.

Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

You'll arrive about 3m sooner (2h 17m by train vs 2h 20m by car). Tickets start at around $44 compared to roughly $43 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.

Live departures

Manchester to Carlisle train times

The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Carlisle trains for today, Monday, August 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Transfers
W34007+G89067	Delayed 2:41 PM 2:56 PMDeansgate (DGT)	1h52	4:48 PM Carlisle station (CAR)	1 transfer
W85196	On time 3:24 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)	1h50	5:14 PM Carlisle station (CAR)	0 transfersDirect
Tuesday, August 4
	6:48 AM Manchester	2h14	9:02 AM Carlisle	0 transfersDirect
	7:45 AM Manchester	3h58	11:43 AM Carlisle	0 transfersDirect
	8:24 AM Manchester	1h53	10:17 AM Carlisle	0 transfersDirect
	8:56 AM Manchester	1h53	10:49 AM Carlisle	0 transfersDirect
	9:24 AM Manchester	1h53	11:17 AM Carlisle	0 transfersDirect
	9:56 AM Manchester	1h53	11:49 AM Carlisle	0 transfersDirect
	1:39 PM Manchester	2h08	3:47 PM Carlisle	0 transfersDirect
This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Carlisle by train or bus

Compare train and bus 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.

Tue
Aug 04

Wed
Aug 05

Thu
Aug 06

Fri
Aug 07

Sat
Aug 08

Sun
Aug 09

Mon
Aug 10

Why should you book Manchester to Carlisle trains with Omio?

Transpennine Express as well as Avanti West Coast, Northern Rail, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited and more offer trains services from Manchester to Carlisle.

Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Carlisle.

Why book with Omio vs Transpennine Express?

Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Transpennine Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast, Northern Rail, TransPennine Express or Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Carlisle.
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 Transpennine Express with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Carlisle.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Raileurope or Trip?

Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast, Northern Rail, TransPennine Express or Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Carlisle.
Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Carlisle.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Manchester to Carlisle

United Kingdom

Trains from Manchester to Carlisle run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 17m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $17 but you can travel from only $15 by bus.

There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:00, the last at 21:35. The fastest train covers the 101 miles (164 km) distance in 1h 45m.

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

Cheapest alternative travel mode

Bus from $15

Distance

101 miles (164 km)

Average train duration

2h 17m

Cheapest ticket price

$17

Trains per day

Direct trains

Fastest train

1h 45m

First train

3:00 AM

Last train

9:35 PM

Cheapest Month

Aug

Cheapest Day

Tue

High Season

Jul - Sep

Low Season

Oct - Dec

Busiest Day

Wed

Least Busy Day

Fri

Best time to book

21 days

Price information

Cheapest alternative travel mode

Bus from $15

Train companies: Transpennine Express, Avanti West Coast, Northern Rail, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited from Manchester to Carlisle trainsTranspennine Express, Avanti West Coast, Northern Rail, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited trains will get you between Manchester and Carlisle from $15. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

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 45m

Cheapest Price

$21

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

Learn more about Transpennine Express

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 53m

Cheapest Price

$17

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

Learn more about Avanti West Coast

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

2h 4m

Cheapest Price

$41

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

TransPennine Express

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Duration

1h 47m

Cheapest Price

$74

TransPennine Express frequency

13 a day

Northern Trains Limited

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Duration

1h 57m

Cheapest Price

$65

Northern Trains Limited frequency

8 a day

Complete guide to Carlisle

Things to do in Carlisle

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

Must visit

Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery

Leading city museum and gallery with Roman, Border Reiver, natural history, and art collections in a historic house.

View on map Visit website

Recommended

Tullie House Military Museum

Major museum inside Carlisle Castle exploring Cumbria's military past, regimental history, and border conflicts.

View on map Visit website

Recommended

Roman Frontier Gallery

Hands-on Roman frontier gallery at Tullie House presenting Hadrian's Wall finds and frontier life in Cumbria.

View on map Visit website

British pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are usually cheaper than major cities, while local buses and trains are standard regional prices.

Average meal costs

Budget: £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range: £15-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining: £50+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee: £2.50-4 for coffee or cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common for good service if not already added. Round up small cafe bills and taxi fares.

FAQs: Trains from Manchester to Carlisle

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

Train ticket prices from Manchester to Carlisle can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $17, while the average price is around $44.

The train from Manchester to Carlisle takes 1h 45m and runs 8 per day.

The distance by train from Manchester to Carlisle is 101 miles (164 km).

The first train from Manchester to Carlisle leaves at 3:00 AM.

The last train from Manchester to Carlisle leaves at 9:35 PM.

There is no high speed train available from Manchester to Carlisle.

Yes, there is a direct train from Manchester to Carlisle. This service operates 3 times per day, provided by Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express.

Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Manchester to Carlisle.

The train station in Manchester that goes to Carlisle is Manchester Airport (MIA), which connects to Carlisle station (CAR).

The cheapest way to get from Manchester to Carlisle is by bus, with a cost of around $15.

The train journey from Manchester to Carlisle offers scenic views, especially as it passes through the picturesque landscapes of the Lake District and the Pennines, providing passengers with beautiful countryside vistas.

A day trip from Manchester to Carlisle is not feasible as the journey takes 1h 45m, covering a distance of 101 miles (164 km). Trains run 8 times per day.

To explore Carlisle, including its historic attractions like Carlisle Castle and Tullie House Museum, and to enjoy the surrounding natural beauty such as the Lake District or Hadrian's Wall, plan for a stay of 2 to 3 days.

Yes, you can take the train from Manchester to Carlisle.

Since neither Manchester nor Carlisle are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.

Popular day trips by train from Carlisle include Newcastle, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Preston, Dumfries.

We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Manchester to Carlisle among Omio's users.

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 Carlisle, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets and transportation hubs. Avoid accepting unsolicited offers for help or transportation, as unofficial taxis or guides may overcharge. Staying aware of surroundings and using licensed services helps ensure safety.

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 Manchester to Carlisle

Most Manchester to Carlisle trains use the Manchester Airport to Carlisle station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Carlisle train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Manchester

Arrival train stations in Carlisle

Which Manchester station do trains to Carlisle leave from?

Trains from Manchester to Carlisle leave from Manchester Airport. The station is 8 miles (13 km) from Manchester city centre at Manchester Airport station, Malaga Avenue, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M90 3RR.

Manchester AirportManchester Airport station, Malaga Avenue, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M90 3RR Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Manchester Airport from Manchester city centre

Manchester Airport is 13 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainLiverpool Lime Street - Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly - Crewe, Blackpool North - Manchester Airport, Barrow-in-Furness - Manchester Airport, Windermere - Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly - Wilmslow, Manchester Piccadilly - Manchester Airport, Millom - Manchester Airport, Lancaster - Manchester Airport, Manchester Oxford Road - Manchester Airport, Corkickle - Manchester Airport, Preston - Manchester Airport · 17m · $6 · every ~9 min

BusUk980, Uk076, Uk074, Uk072, Ukn23 · 30m · $1 · every ~2 min

43, 103 · 1h 2m · $2 · every ~29 min

43, 103 · 1h 6m · $2 · every ~29 min

TramNavy Line · 51m · $5 · every ~16 min

Navy Line · 54m · $5 · every ~8 min

Manchester Airport train station facilities and services

Manchester Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Manchester Airport.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Manchester Airport. ATMs are available at Manchester Airport.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Manchester Airport. Information desks are information available from staff: ,Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 107 2149, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Manchester Airport: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Manchester Airport: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Airport: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: re Step free access is provided from the Ground Transport Interchange to all platforms via lifts or ramps. This station is staffed for all services. This station is Category A. Station staff can provide assistance from Meeting Point 1 (adjacent to the Station Booking Office) and throughout the railway station, and with boarding and alighting the train. Customers requiring assistance should make themselves known to station staff no less than 20 minutes prior to the departure time of their train. Customers requiring assistance to access other services or to connect with terminals should request this from their airline or Manchester Airport Group. Assistance can be requested in advance by contacting the TransPennine Express Assisted Travel Team on 0800 107 2149 (18001 prefix for TextRelay). Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible public telephones: In the station cafe on platforms 2 and 3, 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.

More about Manchester Airport

Manchester PiccadillyPiccadilly Station Approach, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M60 7RA, United Kingdom+44 3457114141 Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Manchester Piccadilly from Manchester city centre

Bus201, 203, 202, 205 · 1m · $2 · every ~56 min

TramBlue Line, Red Line, Pink Line, Purple Line, Yellow Line · 3m · $2 · every ~47 min

Manchester Piccadilly train station facilities and services

Manchester Piccadilly has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.