The cheapest and fastest coaches from Carlisle to Edinburgh
Cheapest price
£25
Average price
£25
Fastest journey
5 h 35 m
Average duration
5 h 35 m
Buses per day
1
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 £25 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £25.
To travel from Carlisle to Edinburgh you need to make at least one change.
NX181 · NX591
NX181 · NX591Travel Information
Compare coach and train 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 £9. 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 £9, and a train costs an average of £6.
Distance: 119 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£18 Average Price Cheapest | £22 Average Price |
3h 36m Average total duration 3h 6m 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 tomorrow, Thursday 26 February. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX181 · NX591 | 04:50 Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 5h35 | 10:25 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 change | |
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 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.
26 Feb
27 Feb
28 Feb
01 Mar
02 Mar
03 Mar
04 Mar
Why should you book Carlisle to Edinburgh coaches with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus or Borders Buses to find the best option for your trip from Carlisle to Edinburgh.
- 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 Edinburgh.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus or Borders Buses to find the best option for your trip from Carlisle to Edinburgh.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Carlisle to Edinburgh.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Carlisle to Edinburgh
Buses from Carlisle to Edinburgh run on average 4 times per day, taking around 3h 6m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £9 but you can travel from only £6 by train.
The earliest coach runs at 03:50, the last at 23:20. The fastest coach covers the 119 km distance in 3h 40m.
Distance 119 km |
Average bus duration 3h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price £9 |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 3h 40m |
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 £6. 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.

- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- 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.
- FlixBus
- 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.
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
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

