- Must visit
King Richard III Visitor Centre
Modern museum telling the story of Richard III through archaeology, history and the king’s Leicester burial site.
Cheapest price
£42
Average price
£42
Fastest journey
8 h 40 m
Average duration
8 h 40 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
278 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Carlisle to Leicester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Carlisle to Leicester will cost around £42 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £42.
To travel from Carlisle to Leicester you need to make at least one change.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Carlisle to Leicester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £32. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 14m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £32, and a train costs an average of £42.
Distance: 278 km
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£32 Average Price Cheapest | £42 Average Price |
6h 58m Average total duration 6h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 44m Average total duration Fastest 3h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The table below shows live departures for Carlisle to Leicester coaches for tomorrow, Saturday 29 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:55 Carlisle | 8h40 | 10:35 Leicester | 1 change | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Carlisle to Leicester run on average 3 times per day, taking around 6h 28m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £42 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 00:50, the last at 20:15. The fastest coach covers the 278 km distance in 8h 40m.
Distance 278 km |
Average bus duration 6h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price £42 |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 8h 40m |
First bus 0:50 |
Last bus 20:15 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Leicester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Leicester trip today.
Modern museum telling the story of Richard III through archaeology, history and the king’s Leicester burial site.
Leicester’s main art and history museum, with dinosaur galleries, fine art and displays on the city’s people and past.
Museum beside Roman remains, exploring local archaeology from Roman Leicester to later city history in a compact setting.
Lively regenerated waterside with bars, boats, public art and an easy walk linking the city centre to the canal heritage area.
Large central park with formal gardens, broad lawns and space to relax near the university and city centre.
Attractive green space around abbey ruins and the River Soar, good for walks, wildlife and traces of medieval Leicester.
Red Leicester is a crumbly orange cow’s milk cheese from Leicestershire, long linked to the county and traditionally coloured with annatto for its rich hue.
Melton Mowbray pork pie is a hand-raised pie from Leicestershire with seasoned chopped pork and a distinctive free-form crust, traditionally eaten cold.
Stilton is a famous English blue cheese historically traded through Leicestershire, prized for its creamy texture and strong savoury flavour on local cheeseboards.
Popular Indian restaurant on the Golden Mile known for rich curries, tandoori dishes and a lively, family-friendly atmosphere.
Stylish modern British restaurant and bar in St Martins Square, known for seasonal plates, cocktails and a polished but relaxed dining room.
Long-running vegetarian Gujarati restaurant serving thalis, snacks and sweets in a simple, busy setting loved by local families.
Moderate for a UK city. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals remain fairly affordable for visitors.
Service may be included in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is common for good service. Round up taxi fares. Tipping in cafés is optional, often just small change.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Carlisle to Leicester 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 Leicester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Carlisle to Leicester buses use the Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) to Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda). Use this guide to compare Carlisle and Leicester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 is available at Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street). ATMs are available at Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street).
Ticket office support is available at Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street).
Available at Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street): Wheelchair accessible entrances and paths present.
Carlisle has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Carlisle. ATMs are available at Carlisle.
Ticket office support is available at Carlisle.
Available at Carlisle: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Carlisle: Wheelchair accessible entrance and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need