- Must visit
Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
Main local museum covering Highland history, archaeology, Jacobite stories and natural heritage. A strong introduction to Inverness and the region.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Carlisle to Inverness
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 20 Sept
Cheapest price on 20 Sept
£37
Average ticket price on 20 Sept
£48
Fastest journey on 20 Sept
6 h 35 m
Average journey duration on 20 Sept
9 h 27 m
Buses on 20 Sept
2
Distance
298 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Carlisle to Inverness is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Carlisle to Inverness will cost around £48 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £37.
Fast coaches
To travel from Carlisle to Inverness you need to make at least one change.
6:006h35Carlisle12:35Inverness£371One-way1 change
22:1712h18Carlisle10:35Inverness£591One-way2 changes
- 6:006h35Carlisle12:35Inverness£371One-way1 change
- 22:1712h18Carlisle10:35Inverness£591One-way2 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Carlisle to Inverness
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Carlisle to Inverness among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £20 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 5h 15m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £20, while a flight costs an average of £432.
Distance: 298 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£20 Average Price Cheapest | £432 Average Price | £103 Average Price | £67 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 25m Average total duration 5h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 26m Average total duration 3h 26m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 5h 15m Average total duration Fastest 4h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 33m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Carlisle to Inverness is a coach with an average price of £20.
This is compared to other travel options from Carlisle to Inverness:
A coach is £83 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Carlisle to Inverness costing on average £103.
A coach is £412 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Carlisle to Inverness costing on average £432.
The fastest way to travel from Carlisle to Inverness is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 26m.
Other travel options to Inverness take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 45m.
Coach takes on average 5h 55m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Carlisle and Inverness including taking a train, coach and flight.
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 £20 compared to roughly £67 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £47. The journey takes 5h 55m versus 4h 33m 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.
Live departures
Carlisle to Inverness bus times
The table below shows live departures for Carlisle to Inverness coaches for today, Saturday 19 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:00 Carlisle | 6h35 | 12:35 Inverness | 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 Inverness by train, coach or flight
Compare train, coach and flight 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.
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Why should you book Carlisle to Inverness coaches with Omio?
FlixBus as well as Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire offer coaches services from Carlisle to Inverness.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Carlisle to Inverness.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire to find the best option for your trip from Carlisle to Inverness.
- 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 FlixBus with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Carlisle to Inverness.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Carlisle to Inverness.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Carlisle to Inverness
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Carlisle to Inverness run on average 1 times per day, taking around 5h 55m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £19 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 04:54, the last at 20:10. The fastest coach covers the 298 km distance in 5h 55m.
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 298 km |
Average bus duration 5h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price £19 |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 5h 55m |
First bus 4:54 |
Last bus 20:10 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 1 day |
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: FlixBus from Carlisle to InvernessYou can travel by bus between Carlisle to Inverness with FlixBus for as low as £19. 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 FlixBus Duration
5h 55m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£19
FlixBus frequency
1 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.
Complete guide to Inverness
Things to do in Inverness
Discover the best of Inverness — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Inverness trip today.
- Recommended
The Highlanders' Museum
Small military museum at Fort George with regimental collections, uniforms and medals. Best for visitors interested in Highland army history.
Highland Archive Centre
Community museum in a former church telling the story of Highland life through local artefacts, archives and changing displays near central Inverness.
- Must visit
Ness Islands
Tree-lined riverside walk linking islands, bridges and paths on the River Ness. Popular for gentle walks, views and a peaceful break near the centre.
- Recommended
Ness Walk
Attractive promenade along the River Ness with mature trees, historic buildings and access to the cathedral, theatre and city centre walks.
- Recommended
Muirtown Locks
Canal-side walking area south-west of the city where boats pass through locks. It offers easy waterside views and a different side of Inverness.
- Vegetarian
Scottish Porridge
Classic Highland porridge made with oats, water or milk, and salt. A staple breakfast in the Highlands, prized for warmth and simplicity.
- Gluten-free
Black Isle Smoked Salmon
Cured salmon from the nearby Black Isle, often lightly smoked. It showcases the region’s excellent fish and traditional smoking methods.
Haggis
A rich savoury pudding of sheep offal, oats, suet and spice, traditionally served with neeps and tatties. Scotland’s most famous traditional dish.
MacGregor's Bar
Well-known traditional venue for haggis, pies and Scottish comfort food, with a lively, informal feel in the city centre.
The Mustard Seed
Popular modern bistro serving Scottish seafood, steaks and classics in a relaxed central setting by the River Ness.
Rocpool Restaurant
Stylish restaurant focused on local Highland produce, including venison, beef and seafood, with a smart but welcoming atmosphere.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK: accommodation can rise in peak season, but dining and local buses are similar to other regional tourist cities.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafés do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2
- Day pass
- £4.90
To the city centre
Inverness Bus Station -> Inverness Railway Station
- Distance
- 0.4 km
- Travel time
- 5 min
- Single bus fares in participating Highland routes are capped at £2 from 23 March 2026. Buy before boarding in the Stagecoach Bus app if you want mobile tickets.
- Inverness city centre is compact, and the bus and rail stations are within easy walking distance of central sights. Check live bus times in the Stagecoach Bus app before travel.
FAQs: Carlisle to Inverness coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Carlisle to Inverness 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 Inverness, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Carlisle to Inverness can start from as little as £19 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Carlisle to Inverness is £20; 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 Inverness is 5h 55m to travel the 298 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 Inverness leaves at 4:54. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Carlisle to Inverness leaves at 20:10.
There are 1 coaches a day from Carlisle to Inverness which require at least one change with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Carlisle to Inverness, you can count on FlixBus for the best way to get you to Inverness. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Carlisle and Inverness and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Carlisle , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Penrith, Brunswick Road (Booths), Carlisle . When arriving in Inverness , you can end your route in coach stations like Inverness, Bus Station.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Penrith, Brunswick Road (Booths), which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Inverness, Bus Station, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Inverness from Carlisle is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 55m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Carlisle to Inverness is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Carlisle and Inverness including taking a train, coach and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Carlisle to Inverness:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Carlisle to Inverness for coach company FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Carlisle to Inverness depends on the coach companies:
- 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company FlixBus.
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 Inverness.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Carlisle to Inverness:
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Carlisle to Inverness:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Carlisle to Inverness. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Carlisle to Inverness with the following coach company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Carlisle to Inverness with the following coach company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Carlisle to Inverness with the following coach company: FlixBus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Carlisle and Inverness
Most Carlisle to Inverness buses use the Penrith, Brunswick Road (Booths) to Inverness, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Carlisle and Inverness 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 Inverness
Which Carlisle station do buses to Inverness leave from?
Buses from Carlisle to Inverness leave from Penrith, Brunswick Road (Booths). The station is from Carlisle city centre at Penrith railway station, Penrith CA11, UK.
CarlisleCarlisle, UK
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.
Which Inverness station do buses from Carlisle arrive at?
Buses from Carlisle to Inverness arrive at Inverness, Bus Station. Inverness, Bus Station is from Inverness city centre.
Inverness, Bus StationInverness Bus Station, Margaret St, Inverness IV1 1LT, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Inverness, Bus Station from Inverness city centre
TRUE
Inverness, Bus Station bus station facilities and services
Inverness, Bus Station 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 Inverness, Bus Station. ATMs are available at Inverness, Bus Station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Inverness, Bus Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Inverness, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Inverness, Bus Station: Wheelchair access provided.
More options for your journey from Carlisle to Inverness
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Inverness and Carlisle
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