Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Edinburgh to Carlisle
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Carlisle among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $11. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 5m. 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 $11, and a train costs an average of $17.
Distance: 73 miles (119 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$35 Average price | $22 Average price Cheapest | $77 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 35m Average total duration Fastest 2h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 30m Average total duration 3h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 21m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg 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 Edinburgh to Carlisle:
A bus is $13 (€11) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh to Carlisle costing on average $35 (€28).
Other travel options to Carlisle take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 0m.
Travel optionsfrom Edinburgh to Carlisle
How to get from Edinburgh to Carlisle by train, bus or flight.
Our recommendation
The best way to travel from Edinburgh to Carlisle is by taking a bus because it’s the best combination of price and speed.
NX183 · NX1818:15 PM4h40Edinburgh, Bus Station12:55 AMCarlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street)$281One-way1 transfer
Cheapest
NX183 · NX1818:15 PM4h40Edinburgh, Bus Station12:55 AMCarlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street)$281One-way1 transfer
Fastest
W3321912:51 PM1h13Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)2:04 PMCarlisle station (CAR)$501One-way0 transfers
Other options
L87804+
W331478:00 AM2h48Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)10:48 AMCarlisle station (CAR)$441One-way1 transfer
W3325610:51 AM1h14Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)12:05 PMCarlisle station (CAR)$501One-way0 transfers
W8491112:12 PM1h19Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)1:31 PMCarlisle station (CAR)$501One-way0 transfers
NX183 · NX5955:20 PM6h15Edinburgh, Bus Station11:35 PMCarlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street)$281One-way1 transfer
Find all the dates and times for this journey by train, bus, flight, and ferry .
Compare prices and tickets Prices for trains, buses and flights
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.
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FAQs: Travel from Edinburgh to Carlisle
Travel to Carlisle easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Edinburgh to Carlisle.

This is compared to other travel options from Edinburgh to Carlisle:
A bus is $13 (€11) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh to Carlisle costing on average $35 (€28).
Other travel options to Carlisle take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 0m.
- Around 7 trains per day.
- Around 4 buses per day.
However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Edinburgh and Carlisle as scheduled services by train and bus can vary by season or day of the week.
- Trains mostly depart from Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) and arrive in Carlisle station (CAR).
- Buses mostly depart from Edinburgh, Bus Station and arrive in Carlisle.
- Travel with National Express, FlixBus, Borders Buses to go to Carlisle by bus.
- Travel with Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, Northern Rail, London North Eastern Railway, Scotrail, Caledonian Sleeper, TransPennine Express to go to Carlisle by train.
- 1 direct buses per day with National Express, Borders Buses.
- 5 direct trains per day with Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, Caledonian Sleeper, TransPennine Express.
Travelling from Edinburgh to Carlisle: related information
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