The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Carlisle
Cheapest price
$18
Average price
$58
Fastest journey
1 h 45 m
Average duration
1 h 48 m
Trains per day
22
Distance
164 km
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 $58 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $18.
Of the 22 trains that leave Manchester for Carlisle on Fri, Jun 19, 9 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 19 the direct trains cover the 164 km distance in an average of 1 h 48 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 45 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest trains will take 1 h 50 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.
W34206+
L889127:13 AM2h08Manchester Victoria (MCV)9:21 AMCarlisle station (CAR)$181One-way1 transfer
W851604:57 AM1h50Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)6:47 AMCarlisle station (CAR)$261One-way0 transfers
W34023+
G890405:55 AM1h59Deansgate (DGT)7:54 AMCarlisle station (CAR)$281One-way1 transfer
G38390+
W342136:48 AM2h12Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)9:00 AMCarlisle station (CAR)$341One-way1 transfer
W851657:25 AM1h47Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)9:12 AMCarlisle station (CAR)$351One-way0 transfers
W8517710:24 AM1h45Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)12:09 PMCarlisle station (CAR)$621One-way0 transfers
W8518212:24 PM1h46Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)2:10 PMCarlisle station (CAR)$571One-way0 transfers
W851657:25 AM1h47Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)9:12 AMCarlisle station (CAR)$351One-way0 transfers
W851604:57 AM1h50Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)6:47 AMCarlisle station (CAR)$261One-way0 transfers
W851646:25 AM1h50Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)8:15 AMCarlisle station (CAR)$381One-way0 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Carlisle:
A bus is $11 (€9) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Carlisle costing on average $44 (€36).
Other travel options to Carlisle take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 1m.
You'll arrive about 3m sooner (2h 17m by train vs 2h 20m by car). Tickets start at around $44 (€36) compared to roughly $43 (€35) 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, Thursday, June 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:48 AM Manchester | 2h12 | 9:00 AM Carlisle | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:13 AM Manchester | 2h08 | 9:21 AM Carlisle | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:24 AM Manchester | 1h50 | 9:14 AM Carlisle | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:45 AM Manchester | 3h58 | 11:43 AM Carlisle | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:56 AM Manchester | 2h04 | 10:00 AM Carlisle | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:03 AM Manchester | 1h57 | 11:00 AM Carlisle | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:56 AM Manchester | 1h53 | 11:49 AM Carlisle | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:39 AM Manchester | 2h09 | 12:48 PM Carlisle | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:39 AM Manchester | 2h09 | 1:48 PM Carlisle | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:39 PM Manchester | 2h14 | 9:53 PM Carlisle | 0 transfersDirect | |
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.
Jun 19
Jun 20
Jun 21
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Jun 27
Jun 28
Jun 29
Jun 30
Jul 01
Jul 02
Why should you book Manchester to Carlisle trains with Omio?
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
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 (€14) but you can travel from only $15 (€13) 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.
Distance 101 miles (164 km) |
Average train duration 2h 17m |
Cheapest ticket price $17 (€14) |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 3 |
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 |
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 (€13). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Transpennine Express
Avanti West Coast
Northern Rail
TransPennine Express
Northern Trains Limited
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.

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.
Which Manchester station do trains to Carlisle leave from?
Getting to Manchester Airport from Manchester city centre
Manchester Airport is 13 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
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.
Getting to Manchester Piccadilly from Manchester city centre
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.
Food and drink
Food options include: Burger King, Caffè Nero, Carluccio’s, Hotel Chocolat, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Costa Coffee, Pret a Manger, Upper Crust, McDonald's, & more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi. ATMs are there are ATM machines on the main concourse, Platform 10 and on the mezzanine level.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30, Sun: 07:00 - 22:30. Information desks are located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Piccadilly: There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Premier Inn Manchester City, Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly.
Getting to Manchester Oxford Road from Manchester city centre
Manchester Oxford Road train station facilities and services
Manchester Oxford Road has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Oxford Road: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B Station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station - There are two lifts at the Piccadilly end of platform 4 and 2/3 which connect the concourse area platform 4 and 5 with 2/3. Note: there is no lift access to platform 1 at all, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Which Carlisle station do trains from Manchester arrive at?
Getting to Carlisle from Carlisle city centre
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.
Most popular train connections from Manchester
More options for your journey from Manchester to Carlisle
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