The main carrier of buses to Carlisle is National Express, which operates throughout England, Wales and Scotland. Direct trips leave throughout the day from major cities including London, Bristol, Birmingham, Sheffield, Liverpool and Manchester, though frequency of the service varies. Birmingham offers 10 trips each day, while there's just one out of Sheffield. Buses stop directly in the city centre on Lonsdale Street, within walking distance of many of Carlisle's top sites and best shops. There are a number of bus routes from this point to various locations around the town.

Carlisle

Carlisle began its history as a Roman settlement that eventually became an important civic and economic centre for the empire, a legacy that can be seen today in both the city's bustling shopping centres and in its many historic sites. You can still tour the remains of Birdoswald Roman Fort and Hadrian's Wall, as well as Carlisle Castle, which was constructed by William the Conqueror's son. If you're interested in unconvering the city's history, a good place to start is the Guildhall, which was the medieval home of Carlisle's guilds and is now a museum dedicated to its past. With some excellent restaurants and entertaining nightclubs, Carlisle also has plenty to offer in the way of evening entertainment.

How to Get to Carlisle by Bus

Carlisle

Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus to BerlinTravel to Carlisle on National Express, FlixBus, Megabus buses with Omio. When comparing schedules and tickets, we will also show you other options with multiple connections or other travel modes if they’re available.

FlixBus

About

FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Duration

7h 25m

Cheapest Price

£15

FlixBus frequency

2 a day

Luggage included

One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).

Additional luggage

Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.

Amenities on board the bus

Wifi

Food sold onboard

Seat reservation

Toilets

USB plugs

Accessibility

Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.

Bikes

Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.

Pets

Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.

Learn more about FlixBus

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

6h 55m

Cheapest Price

£20

National Express frequency

4 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.

Learn more about National Express

Megabus

About

Megabus is a low-cost intercity bus service operating across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Known for its affordable fares, including promotional $1 tickets, Megabus offers routes connecting over 500 cities and university campuses in North America. The company provides amenities such as air conditioning, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and onboard restrooms, with many routes utilizing double-decker buses for scenic views. Megabus aims to provide safe, convenient, and affordable express bus travel.

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Duration

8h 20m

Cheapest Price

£20

Megabus frequency

4 a day

Luggage included

One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).

Additional luggage

Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.

Cancellation Policy

Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.

Refund

If Megabus fails to provide on-time reliable service for reasons wholly within their control, refunds or alternative travel arrangements may be offered.

Pregnant on board

Being pregnant on board is allowed, but no specific details or restrictions are provided.

Unaccompagned minor

Unaccompanied minors under the age of 17 are not permitted to travel on Megabus.

Amenities on board the bus

Wifi

Food sold onboard

Cold food and drinks, as well as hot drinks with a lid, are allowed on board, but hot food is not.

Seat reservation

Reserved seats can be purchased for an additional fee, starting from £2.

Toilets

USB plugs

Accessibility

Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.

Buses to Carlisle: related information

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