Carlisle to Cheltenham bus with National Express

Sat 05 Sept
+ Add return
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Avanza
2,000+ travel companies
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Avanza
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Carlisle to Cheltenham

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Carlisle to Cheltenham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £45 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 23m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £45, while a coach costs an average of £59.

Distance: 338 km

Compare bus with

Coach
Most popular
Train
Driving

£59

Average Price

£45

Average Price

Cheapest

£65

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

16h 0m

Average total duration

15h 30m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 23m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 53m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 16m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Carlisle to Cheltenham is a train with an average price of £45.

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

A train is £13 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Carlisle to Cheltenham costing on average £59.

The fastest way to travel from Carlisle to Cheltenham is by train with an average journey time of 3h 53m.

Other travel options to Cheltenham take longer:

Coach takes on average 15h 30m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Carlisle and Cheltenham including taking a coach and train.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.

Tickets start at around £59 compared to roughly £65 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £7. The journey takes 15h 30m versus 4h 16m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.

Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.

Compare prices and tickets Carlisle to Cheltenham 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
05 Sept
Sun
06 Sept
Mon
07 Sept
Tue
08 Sept
Wed
09 Sept
Thu
10 Sept
Fri
11 Sept

Why should you book Carlisle to Cheltenham coaches with Omio?

National Express operates all coaches services from Carlisle to Cheltenham.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Carlisle to Cheltenham.

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 Carlisle to Cheltenham.

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 Carlisle to Cheltenham.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Carlisle to Cheltenham

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Carlisle to Cheltenham run on average 1 times per day, taking around 15h 30m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £59 but you can travel from only £45 by train.

The earliest coach runs at 00:50, the last at 19:10. The fastest coach covers the 338 km distance in 15h 30m.

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
Train from £45
Distance
338 km
Average bus duration
15h 30m
Cheapest ticket price
£59
Buses per day
1
Fastest bus
15h 30m
First bus
0:50
Last bus
19:10
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Tue
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
Train from £45

Bus providers: National Express from Carlisle to CheltenhamYou can travel by bus between Carlisle to Cheltenham with National Express for as low as £45. 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 National Express Duration
15h 30m
Cheapest National Express Price
£59
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.

Bus providers: National Express from Carlisle to CheltenhamYou can travel by bus between Carlisle to Cheltenham with National Express for as low as £45. 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 National Express Duration
15h 30m
Cheapest National Express Price
£59
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.

What's included in each class

Compare National Express classes and the amenities included in each one.

Standard
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Power plugs

Complete guide to Cheltenham

Things to do in Cheltenham

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

  • Must visit

The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum

Cheltenham's main museum and art gallery, covering local history, decorative arts and changing exhibitions in a central Regency building.

  • Recommended

Holst Victorian House Spa Museum

Museum in Pittville Pump Room exploring Cheltenham's spa history, with displays on mineral waters, visitors and Regency society.

  • Recommended

Holst Victorian House

Composer Gustav Holst's birthplace, furnished with period rooms and musical displays that bring Victorian Cheltenham to life.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate by UK standards. Hotels and dining are pricier than smaller towns, but cheaper than London; local buses and casual meals are manageable for most visitors.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
Mid-range
£18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£50+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Cafés: rounding up is fine. Taxis: round up or tip about 10% for good service.

FAQs: Carlisle to Cheltenham coach

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

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Carlisle to Cheltenham can start from as little as £59 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Carlisle to Cheltenham is £59; 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 Carlisle to Cheltenham is 15h 30m to travel the 338 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 Carlisle to Cheltenham leaves at 0:50. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Carlisle to Cheltenham leaves at 19:10.
There are 1 coaches a day from Carlisle to Cheltenham which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Carlisle to Cheltenham, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Cheltenham. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Carlisle and Cheltenham and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Cheltenham from Carlisle is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 15h 30m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Carlisle and Cheltenham including taking a coach and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Carlisle to Cheltenham:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Carlisle to Cheltenham for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Carlisle to Cheltenham 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 Carlisle to Cheltenham.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Carlisle to Cheltenham:
  • 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 Carlisle to Cheltenham:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Carlisle to Cheltenham.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Carlisle to Cheltenham with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Carlisle to Cheltenham with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Carlisle to Cheltenham with the following coach company: National Express.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in Carlisle and Cheltenham

Most Carlisle to Cheltenham buses use the Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) to Cheltenham, Arle Court Park & Ride (Hatherley Lane) station pair, with some services arriving at Cheltenham. Use this guide to compare Carlisle and Cheltenham bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Carlisle
Arrival bus stations in Cheltenham

Which Carlisle station do buses to Cheltenham leave from?

Buses from Carlisle to Cheltenham leave from Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street). The station is from Carlisle city centre at Lonsdale St, Carlisle, UK.
Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street)Lonsdale St, Carlisle, UKWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) from Carlisle city centre

BusX95 · 6m · £5 · 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, UKWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
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.

More options for your journey from Carlisle to Cheltenham

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeCoachesCoach tickets to Cheltenham Carlisle to Cheltenham bus

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone