- Must visit
Tullie
City museum with Roman finds, natural history, fine art and local archaeology. An excellent introduction to Carlisle and Cumbria in one compact visit.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Leicester to Carlisle
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 13 Oct
Cheapest price on 13 Oct
£30
Average ticket price on 13 Oct
£30
Fastest journey on 13 Oct
8 h 20 m
Average journey duration on 13 Oct
8 h 20 m
Buses on 13 Oct
1
Distance
278 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Leicester to Carlisle is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Leicester to Carlisle will cost around £30 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £30.
Fast coaches
On Tue 13 Oct, we found 1 buses from Leicester to Carlisle, including 1 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 278 km distance in an average of 8 h 20 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h 20 m .
The slowest buses will take 8 h 20 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.
9:508h20Leicester18:10Carlisle£301One-way0 changes
- 9:508h20Leicester18:10Carlisle£301One-way0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Leicester to Carlisle
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Take a bus from Leicester to Carlisle and enjoy the approximately 278 km long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest coach runs at 00:50, the last at 20:15.
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 278 km |
First bus 0:50 |
Last bus 20:15 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 3 days |
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
Live departures
Leicester to Carlisle bus times
The table below shows live departures for Leicester to Carlisle coaches for today, Monday 12 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 19:45 Leicester | 10h10 | 5:55 Carlisle | 0 changesdirect | |
| Tuesday 13 October | |||||
| 9:50 Leicester | 8h20 | 18:10 Carlisle | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Bus providers: Arriva UK, FlixBus from Leicester to CarlisleYou can travel by bus between Leicester to Carlisle with Arriva UK, FlixBus. 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
13h 55m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£26
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.
Arriva UK
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Arriva UK Duration
6h 40m
Cheapest Arriva UK Price
£29
Arriva UK frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Carlisle
Things to do in Carlisle
Discover the best of Carlisle — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Carlisle trip today.
- Recommended
Cumbria's Museum of Military Life
Military museum inside Carlisle Castle covering the regiment's history, campaigns and personal stories. Good for understanding the area's long army connections.
Settle to Carlisle Railway Trust Museum
Volunteer-run rail museum with restored locomotives, signals and railway memorabilia at a working station. A local favourite for transport history enthusiasts.
- Recommended
English Street
Central pedestrianised shopping street with historic buildings, markets and regular city activity. Useful for orientating yourself and seeing everyday Carlisle life.
- Recommended
Bitts Park
Riverside park beside the castle, popular for walks, events and open views across the Eden. A relaxing green space close to Carlisle's main heritage sights.
Rickerby Park
Broad riverside meadow with paths, sports space and pleasant views near the city centre. A quieter local favourite for walking and stretching your legs.
Cumberland Sausage
A traditional Cumberland sausage made with chopped pork and pepper, often coiled. It is a defining local speciality of Cumbria and the Carlisle area.
Cumberland Rum Nicky
A rich fruit cake from Cumbria made with currants, spices and often lard or butter. It is closely linked with local baking traditions.
- Vegetarian
Cumberland Fairings
A crumbly oat biscuit from Cumbria, usually baked on a griddle. It is a classic local teatime item in Carlisle and across the county.
Pentonbridge Inn
Stylish restaurant in the city centre serving modern British dishes, steaks and cocktails in a smart but relaxed setting.
Foxes Cafe Lounge
Popular independent café and restaurant for brunch, coffee and seasonal plates in a relaxed central Carlisle setting.
The Old Bank
Historic city centre pub known for traditional British meals, cask ales and a classic Carlisle atmosphere.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate by UK standards. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than in major cities, while local buses and everyday costs remain fairly manageable for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for a budget meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a mid-range meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for fine dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common for good service if not already added. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Cafés do not usually expect tips.
Stagecoach Bus App
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3
- Day pass
- >£3
To the city centre
Carlisle Station -> Carlisle Bus Station, Carlisle
- Distance
- 0.7 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Most local services use Carlisle Bus Station; Cumberland Council publishes official timetables there.
- Stagecoach says contactless payment is available on its buses, and adult single fares in Carlisle are capped at £3.
FAQs: Leicester to Carlisle coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leicester 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.
The earliest coach from Leicester to Carlisle leaves at 0:50. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Leicester to Carlisle leaves at 20:15.
When taking a coach from Leicester to Carlisle, you can count on Arriva UK, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Carlisle. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Leicester and Carlisle and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Leicester and Carlisle including taking a coach and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Leicester to Carlisle:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Leicester to Carlisle for coach company FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Leicester to Carlisle 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 Leicester to Carlisle.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Leicester to Carlisle:
- 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 Leicester to Carlisle:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Leicester to Carlisle. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Leicester to Carlisle with the following coach company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Leicester to Carlisle with the following coach company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Leicester to Carlisle with the following coach company: FlixBus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Leicester and Carlisle
Most Leicester to Carlisle buses use the Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station to Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) station pair, with some services arriving at Carlisle. Use this guide to compare Leicester and Carlisle bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Leicester
Arrival bus stations in Carlisle
Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
City-centre transport
Getting to Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station from Leicester city centre
BusHop · 0m · £2 · every ~14 min
26 · 1m · every ~10 min
21 · 4m
Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)Leicester Fosse Park, Fosse Park Ave, LE19 1HQ
City-centre transport
Getting to Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) from Leicester city centre
BusX6 · 21m · £2 · every ~4 min
50 · 23m · £2 · every ~10 min
104 · 32m · £0.89 · every ~10 min
18 · 44m · every ~8 min
Which Carlisle station do buses from Leicester arrive at?
Buses from Leicester to Carlisle most often arrive at Carlisle. Some services arrive at Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street), so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Carlisle arrival station.
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.
Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street)Lonsdale St, Carlisle, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) from Carlisle city centre
BusX95 · 6m · £4 · every ~1 min
63, 63A, 62, 64 · 6m · £8 · every ~19 min
Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) 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 and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street). ATMs are available at Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street): Wheelchair accessible entrances and paths present.
Most popular bus connections from Leicester
More options for your journey from Leicester to Carlisle
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Carlisle and Leicester
Most popular bus connections
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