Carlisle to Edinburgh bus with National Express

Thu 27 Nov
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National Express
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Borders Buses
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Carlisle to Edinburgh

Showing times and prices for 28 Nov

Cheapest price

£12

Average price

£17

Fastest journey

5 h

Average duration

5 h 18 m

Buses per day

2

Distance

119 km

Cheap tickets

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.

Fast coaches

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.

FlixBus
05:005h00
Carlisle
10:00Edinburgh
£121One-way
0 changes
National Express
03:505h35
Carlisle
09:25Edinburgh
£231One-way
0 changes

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
National Express

Most popular bus company

Avanti West Coast

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.

Last updated at 02:37
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
national_express03:50 Carlisle
5h35
09:25 Edinburgh0 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.

Fri
28 Nov
Sat
29 Nov
Sun
30 Nov
Mon
01 Dec
Tue
02 Dec
Wed
03 Dec
Thu
04 Dec

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Carlisle to Edinburgh

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

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.

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
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
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, 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

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
4h 9m
Cheapest Price
£9
FlixBus frequency
3 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.

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
5h 35m
Cheapest Price
£18
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.

Borders Buses

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 24m
Cheapest Price
£8
Borders Buses frequency
4 a day

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.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Carlisle to Edinburgh can start from as little as £6 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Carlisle to Edinburgh is £11; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The coach time between Carlisle and Edinburgh is on average 3 h 25 min   for the 73 mile long journey, but the time it takes to go from Carlisle to Edinburgh by coach can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first coach from Carlisle to Edinburgh leaves at 04: 50. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last coach from Carlisle to Edinburgh leaves at 14: 05.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Carlisle to Edinburgh without having to change trains with Borders Buses. There are 2 direct coaches from Carlisle to Edinburgh each day. There may be fewer direct services available on weekends or holidays.
For the best Carlisle to Edinburgh coach to buy, you can travel safely and comfortably with National Express, FlixBus, Bus or Borders Buses. However, it's always good to check all possible coach companies with services between Carlisle and Edinburgh to compare what amenities they may offer.

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.

A trip to Edinburgh from Carlisle is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3 h 25 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month to travel from Carlisle to Edinburgh by coach is September.
You have options as you can travel from Carlisle to Edinburgh 2 different ways: coach or train.
No, the coach from Carlisle to Edinburgh has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the coach from Carlisle to Edinburgh.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Carlisle to Edinburgh.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Carlisle to Edinburgh, follow these tips:

  • Book in advance: Tickets are often cheaper when booked early.
  • Be flexible with dates and times: Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money.
  • Use our search filters: Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options.
  • Look for special deals or discounts: Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
  • Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!

    Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the coach from Carlisle to Edinburgh.
    No, luggage for the coach from Carlisle to Edinburgh needs to be booked in addition.
    No, there are no additional luggage options for the coach from Carlisle to Edinburgh.
    Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Carlisle to Edinburgh.
    No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from Carlisle to Edinburgh.
    No, there is no WiFi on board the coach from Carlisle to Edinburgh.

    popular bus stations

    Important Stations and Airports in Carlisle and Edinburgh

    Carlisle
    Edinburgh
    The major coach station for departures in Carlisle is Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) for your trip from Carlisle to Edinburgh.
    Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street)
    information
    Carlisle
    information

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