The cheapest and fastest coaches from Edinburgh to Carlisle
Cheapest price
£18
Average price
£19
Fastest journey
4 h 25 m
Average duration
5 h 20 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
119 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Edinburgh to Carlisle is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Edinburgh to Carlisle will cost around £19 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £18.
To travel from Edinburgh to Carlisle you need to make at least one change.
NX183 · NX59517:206h15Edinburgh, Bus Station23:35Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street)£181One-way1 change
NX183 · NX18120:304h25Edinburgh, Bus Station0:55Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street)£191One-way1 change
NX183 · NX18120:304h25Edinburgh, Bus Station0:55Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street)£191One-way1 change
NX183 · NX59517:206h15Edinburgh, Bus Station23:35Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street)£181One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Edinburgh to Carlisle
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Carlisle among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £8. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 5m. 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 £8, and a train costs an average of £13.
Distance: 119 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£16 Average Price Cheapest | £25 Average Price |
3h 30m Average total duration 3h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 35m Average total duration Fastest 2h 5m 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.
Compare prices and tickets Edinburgh to Carlisle 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.
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Why should you book Edinburgh to Carlisle 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 Edinburgh to Carlisle.
- 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Edinburgh to Carlisle.
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 Edinburgh to Carlisle.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Edinburgh to Carlisle.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Edinburgh to Carlisle
Buses from Edinburgh to Carlisle run on average 4 times per day, taking around 3h 0m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £8 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 3h 20m.
Distance 119 km |
Average bus duration 3h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price £8 |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 3h 20m |
First bus 3:50 |
Last bus 23:20 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 56 days |
Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus, Borders Buses from Edinburgh to CarlisleYou can travel by bus between Edinburgh to Carlisle with National Express, FlixBus, Borders Buses for as low as £8. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
National Express
Borders Buses
FAQs: Edinburgh to Carlisle coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh to Carlisle 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 Carlisle, 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 Edinburgh and Carlisle
Most Edinburgh to Carlisle buses use the Edinburgh, Bus Station to Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) station pair, with some services arriving at Carlisle. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Carlisle bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Which Edinburgh station do buses to Carlisle leave from?
Getting to Edinburgh, Bus Station from Edinburgh city centre
Edinburgh, Bus Station bus station facilities and services
Edinburgh, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Sandwich Shop (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Edinburgh, Bus Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.
Getting to Edinburgh, St Andrew's House from Edinburgh city centre
Edinburgh, St Andrew's House bus station facilities and services
Edinburgh, St Andrew's House has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, St Andrew's House: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
Getting to Carlisle from Carlisle city centre
Getting to Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) from Carlisle city centre
Most popular bus connections from Edinburgh
More options for your journey from Edinburgh to Carlisle
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

