The cheapest and fastest coaches from Carlisle to Edinburgh
Cheapest price
£12
Average price
£17
Fastest journey
5 h
Average duration
5 h 18 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
119 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Carlisle to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Carlisle to Edinburgh will cost around £17 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £12.
Of the 2 buses that leave Carlisle for Edinburgh every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 119 km distance in an average of 5 h 18 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h .
The slowest buses will take 5 h 35 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.




Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Carlisle to Edinburgh
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Carlisle to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £10. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 21m. 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 coach costs an average of £10, and a train costs an average of £11.
Distance: 119 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£17 Average Price Cheapest | £26 Average Price |
3h 35m Average total duration 3h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 51m Average total duration Fastest 1h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Carlisle to Edinburgh bus times
The table below shows live departures for Carlisle to Edinburgh coaches for today, Thursday 27 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 03:50 Carlisle | 5h35 | 09:25 Edinburgh | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Carlisle to Edinburgh by train or coach
Compare train and coach 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.
28 Nov
29 Nov
30 Nov
01 Dec
02 Dec
03 Dec
04 Dec
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Carlisle to Edinburgh
Buses from Carlisle to Edinburgh run on average 4 times per day, taking around 3h 5m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £10 if you book in advance.
There are 1 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 03:50, the last at 23:20. The fastest coach covers the 119 km distance in 4h 9m.
Distance 119 km |
Average bus duration 3h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price £10 |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 4h 9m |
First bus 03:50 |
Last bus 23:20 |
Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus, Borders Buses from Carlisle to EdinburghYou can travel by bus between Carlisle to Edinburgh with National Express, FlixBus, Borders Buses for as low as £10. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
National Express
Borders Buses
Coaches from Carlisle to Edinburgh
Travelling from the Cumbrian city of Carlisle to the Scottish capital has never been easier, thanks to direct coaches from National Express. Passengers can expect journey times of three hours ten minutes along the 100-mile route, with service regularity continuing seven days a week. Each day, National Express offers two coaches, giving passengers access to the Scottish capital with comfort and ease.
Which coach companies travel from Carlisle to Edinburgh?
There is only one company offering coaches from Carlisle to Edinburgh and that is National Express. As the largest coach provider across the UK, National Express has a high standard of onboard facilities, including comfortable seating with generous legroom, personal air conditioning control, and free WiFi. Passengers are allowed two pieces of 20kg luggage each, which can be stored in the hold.
How long is the coach from Carlisle to Edinburgh?
The coach from Carlisle to Edinburgh takes between three hours ten minutes and three hours 25 minutes to cover the 100-mile route. Often, the journey is completed more quickly, but National Express factor in road congestion when planning their routes.
How many coaches are there from Carlisle to Edinburgh?
Each day, National Express provides two direct departures between the two cities. This continues throughout the weekend, with both departures leaving Carlisle in the afternoon. The exact departure time may vary slightly, so passengers should check before travelling to ensure they do not miss their coach.
What are the departure and arrival stations for coaches from Carlisle to Edinburgh?
Departure bus station: Coaches depart from Carlisle Lonsdale Street. The centrally located station is a short five-minute walk from the train station. It is also served by several local bus routes. Facilities at the station are relatively limited, but the town centre gives travellers access to everything else they may need, including high street shops and restaurants.
Arrival bus station: Services terminate at Edinburgh Elder Street Coach Station. The busy Edinburgh Waverley train station is less than half a mile away, which will take passengers 10 minutes to walk. Passengers can choose to walk via Multrees Walk, full of high-end designer stores, or past St. Andrew's square and the more historic Melville Monument. Facilities at the station include toilets, though passengers will need some change to enter, payphones, ATMs, cycle storage and left luggage facilities.
FAQs: Carlisle to Edinburgh coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Carlisle to Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Passengers board the coach most frequently from Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street), which is located around 0.9 miles (1.4 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Edinburgh, Bus Station, located 0.4 miles (687 m) away from the city centre.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Carlisle to Edinburgh, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Carlisle and Edinburgh
- 06:00-23:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Café at the Station (in the station)
- Sandwich Shop (in the station).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 10, 11, 12, 16, 22, 25, 26, 44 Trams: T50 Trains: Edinburgh Waverley Station
- The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible
Most popular bus connections from Carlisle
More options for your journey from Carlisle to Edinburgh
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

