- Must visit
Tullie
City museum with Roman finds, natural history, fine art and local archaeology. An excellent introduction to Carlisle and Cumbria in one compact visit.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Cardiff to Carlisle
Showing times and prices for 22 Aug
Cheapest price
£28
Average price
£33
Fastest journey
9 h 30 m
Average duration
11 h 18 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
380 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Cardiff to Carlisle is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Carlisle will cost around £33 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £28.
Fast coaches
To travel from Cardiff to Carlisle you need to make at least one change.
NX507 · NX59518:4511h00Cardiff, Sophia Gardens5:45Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street)£281One-way1 change- NX111 · NX18116:4012h10Cardiff, Sophia Gardens4:50Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street)£281One-way1 change
- NX111 · NX5908:409h30Cardiff, Sophia Gardens18:10Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street)£331One-way1 change
FlixBus · FlixBus17:2512h30Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)5:55Carlisle£441One-way1 change
- NX111 · NX5908:409h30Cardiff, Sophia Gardens18:10Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street)£331One-way1 change
- NX507 · NX59518:4511h00Cardiff, Sophia Gardens5:45Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street)£281One-way1 change
- NX111 · NX18116:4012h10Cardiff, Sophia Gardens4:50Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street)£281One-way1 change
- FlixBus · FlixBus17:2512h30Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)5:55Carlisle£441One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Cardiff to Carlisle
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Carlisle among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £24. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 40m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £24, and a train costs an average of £44.
Distance: 380 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£29 Average Price Cheapest | £58 Average Price |
8h 50m Average total duration 8h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 10m Average total duration Fastest 4h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Cardiff to Carlisle bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Carlisle coaches for tomorrow, Saturday 22 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX111 · NX590 | 8:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 9h30 | 18:10 Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 1 change | |
| NX111 · NX181 | 16:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 12h10 | 4:50 Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 17:25 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 12h30 | 5:55 Carlisle | 1 change | |
| NX507 · NX595 | 18:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 11h00 | 5:45 Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 1 change | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Carlisle by coach or train
Compare coach and train 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.
Sat
22 Aug
22 Aug
Sun
23 Aug
23 Aug
Mon
24 Aug
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Tue
25 Aug
25 Aug
Wed
26 Aug
26 Aug
Thu
27 Aug
27 Aug
Fri
28 Aug
28 Aug
Why should you book Cardiff to Carlisle coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Cardiff to Carlisle.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Carlisle.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- 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 National Express with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Carlisle.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Carlisle.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Carlisle
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Cardiff to Carlisle run on average 3 times per day, taking around 8h 20m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £24 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 00:25, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 380 km distance in 9h 50m.
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
Distance 380 km |
Average bus duration 8h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price £24 |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 9h 50m |
First bus 0:25 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 2 days |
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
Bus providers: National Express from Cardiff to CarlisleYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Carlisle with National Express for as low as £24. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
National Express
About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
9h 50m
Cheapest Price
£25
National Express frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.
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.
- Recommended
Cumbria's Museum of Military Life
Military museum inside Carlisle Castle covering the regiment's history, campaigns and personal stories. Good for understanding the area's long army connections.
Settle to Carlisle Railway Trust Museum
Volunteer-run rail museum with restored locomotives, signals and railway memorabilia at a working station. A local favourite for transport history enthusiasts.
- Recommended
English Street
Central pedestrianised shopping street with historic buildings, markets and regular city activity. Useful for orientating yourself and seeing everyday Carlisle life.
- Recommended
Bitts Park
Riverside park beside the castle, popular for walks, events and open views across the Eden. A relaxing green space close to Carlisle's main heritage sights.
Rickerby Park
Broad riverside meadow with paths, sports space and pleasant views near the city centre. A quieter local favourite for walking and stretching your legs.
Cumberland Sausage
A traditional Cumberland sausage made with chopped pork and pepper, often coiled. It is a defining local speciality of Cumbria and the Carlisle area.
Cumberland Rum Nicky
A rich fruit cake from Cumbria made with currants, spices and often lard or butter. It is closely linked with local baking traditions.
- Vegetarian
Cumberland Fairings
A crumbly oat biscuit from Cumbria, usually baked on a griddle. It is a classic local teatime item in Carlisle and across the county.
Pentonbridge Inn
Stylish restaurant in the city centre serving modern British dishes, steaks and cocktails in a smart but relaxed setting.
Foxes Cafe Lounge
Popular independent café and restaurant for brunch, coffee and seasonal plates in a relaxed central Carlisle setting.
The Old Bank
Historic city centre pub known for traditional British meals, cask ales and a classic Carlisle atmosphere.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate by UK standards. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than in major cities, while local buses and everyday costs remain fairly manageable for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for a budget meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a mid-range meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for fine dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common for good service if not already added. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Cafés do not usually expect tips.
Stagecoach Bus App
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3
- Day pass
- >£3
To the city centre
Carlisle Station -> Carlisle Bus Station, Carlisle
- Distance
- 0.7 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Most local services use Carlisle Bus Station; Cumberland Council publishes official timetables there.
- Stagecoach says contactless payment is available on its buses, and adult single fares in Carlisle are capped at £3.
FAQs: Cardiff to Carlisle coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Carlisle by coach. 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 coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Carlisle, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Cardiff to Carlisle can start from as little as £24 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cardiff to Carlisle is £29; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by coach from Cardiff to Carlisle is 9h 50m to travel the 380 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from Cardiff to Carlisle leaves at 0:25. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Cardiff to Carlisle leaves at 23:55.
There are 3 coaches a day from Cardiff to Carlisle which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Cardiff to Carlisle, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Carlisle. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Cardiff and Carlisle and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Cardiff , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff, University, Newport, Queensway . When arriving in Carlisle , you can end your route in coach stations like Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street), Carlisle.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street), located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Carlisle from Cardiff is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 9h 50m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Cardiff to Carlisle is April.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Carlisle including taking a coach and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Cardiff to Carlisle:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Cardiff to Carlisle for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Cardiff to Carlisle depends on the coach companies:
- National Express
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Cardiff to Carlisle.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Cardiff to Carlisle:
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Cardiff to Carlisle:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Cardiff to Carlisle.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Cardiff to Carlisle with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff to Carlisle with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Cardiff to Carlisle with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Carlisle
Most Cardiff to Carlisle buses use the Cardiff, Sophia Gardens to Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) station pair, with some services arriving at Carlisle. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Carlisle bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Cardiff
Arrival bus stations in Carlisle
Which Cardiff station do buses to Carlisle leave from?
Buses from Cardiff to Carlisle leave from Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. The station is 1 km from Cardiff city centre at Cardiff Coach Station, Sophia Gardens, 2 Sophia Cl, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9HW, UK.
Cardiff, Sophia GardensCardiff Coach Station, Sophia Gardens, 2 Sophia Cl, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9HW, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff, Sophia Gardens from Cardiff city centre
Bus25, 62, 63, 25A, 64 · 3m · £2 · every ~14 min
C1 · 16m · every ~8 min
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens bus station facilities and services
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. ATMs are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Basic accessibility features available.
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)Cardiff North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff CF10 3AF, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) from Cardiff city centre
TRUE
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) bus station facilities and services
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). ATMs are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
Cardiff, University
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff, University from Cardiff city centre
TrainCardiff Central - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Treherbert, Cardiff Central - Pontypridd, Aberdare - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Radyr, Radyr - Radyr · 6m · £0.90 · every ~8 min
BusC1 · 18m · every ~8 min
Which Carlisle station do buses from Cardiff arrive at?
Buses from Cardiff to Carlisle most often arrive at Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street). Some services arrive at Carlisle, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Carlisle arrival station.
Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street)Lonsdale St, Carlisle, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) from Carlisle city centre
BusX95 · 6m · £4 · every ~1 min
63, 63A, 62, 64 · 6m · £8 · every ~19 min
Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) bus station facilities and services
Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street). ATMs are available at Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street): Wheelchair accessible entrances and paths present.
CarlisleCarlisle, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Carlisle from Carlisle city centre
Bus67, 63, 63A, 61, 62, 64 · 5m · £8 · every ~50 min
Carlisle bus station facilities and services
Carlisle has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Carlisle. ATMs are available at Carlisle.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Carlisle.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Carlisle: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Carlisle: Wheelchair accessible entrance and services.
Most popular bus connections from Cardiff
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Carlisle
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Carlisle and Cardiff
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