- 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.
Cheapest price on 29 Aug
£19
Average ticket price on 29 Aug
£25
Fastest journey on 29 Aug
6 h 5 m
Average journey duration on 29 Aug
7 h 33 m
Buses on 29 Aug
4
Distance
165 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Liverpool to Carlisle is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Liverpool to Carlisle will cost around £25 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £19.
On Sat 29 Aug, we found 4 buses from Liverpool to Carlisle, including 4 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 165 km distance in an average of 7 h 33 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 5 m .
The slowest buses will take 8 h 35 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.








Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Liverpool to Carlisle among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £20 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 20m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £20, while a coach costs an average of £23.
Distance: 165 km
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£23 Average Price | £20 Average Price Cheapest |
5h 26m Average total duration 4h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 20m Average total duration Fastest 2h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.4kg 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.
The table below shows live departures for Liverpool to Carlisle coaches for today, Friday 28 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX170 · NX590 | 11:13 Liverpool, University | 7h27 | 18:40 Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 1 change | |
NX170 · NX590 | 11:17 Liverpool, Botanic Park | 7h23 | 18:40 Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 1 change | |
NX540 · NX590 | 12:55 Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place | 5h45 | 18:40 Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 1 change | |
NX170 · NX181 | 19:38 Liverpool, University | 9h12 | 4:50 Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 1 change | |
NX170 · NX181 | 19:42 Liverpool, Botanic Park | 9h08 | 4:50 Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 21:50 Liverpool, Liverpool One | 8h05 | 5:55 Carlisle | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 22:00 Liverpool, Wavertree Shopping Centre | 7h55 | 5:55 Carlisle | 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 Liverpool to Carlisle run on average 7 times per day, taking around 4h 53m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £16 but you can travel from only £14 by train.
The earliest coach runs at 00:50, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 165 km distance in 2h 47m.
Distance 165 km |
Average bus duration 4h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price £16 |
Buses per day 7 |
Fastest bus 2h 47m |
First bus 0:50 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Carlisle — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Carlisle trip today.
City museum with Roman finds, natural history, fine art and local archaeology. An excellent introduction to Carlisle and Cumbria in one compact visit.
Military museum inside Carlisle Castle covering the regiment's history, campaigns and personal stories. Good for understanding the area's long army connections.
Volunteer-run rail museum with restored locomotives, signals and railway memorabilia at a working station. A local favourite for transport history enthusiasts.
Central pedestrianised shopping street with historic buildings, markets and regular city activity. Useful for orientating yourself and seeing everyday Carlisle life.
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.
Broad riverside meadow with paths, sports space and pleasant views near the city centre. A quieter local favourite for walking and stretching your legs.
A traditional Cumberland sausage made with chopped pork and pepper, often coiled. It is a defining local speciality of Cumbria and the Carlisle area.
A rich fruit cake from Cumbria made with currants, spices and often lard or butter. It is closely linked with local baking traditions.
A crumbly oat biscuit from Cumbria, usually baked on a griddle. It is a classic local teatime item in Carlisle and across the county.
Stylish restaurant in the city centre serving modern British dishes, steaks and cocktails in a smart but relaxed setting.
Popular independent café and restaurant for brunch, coffee and seasonal plates in a relaxed central Carlisle setting.
Historic city centre pub known for traditional British meals, cask ales and a classic Carlisle atmosphere.
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.
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.
Official public transport app
Carlisle Station -> Carlisle Bus Station, Carlisle
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Liverpool 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.

Most Liverpool to Carlisle buses use the Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place to Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) station pair, with some services arriving at Carlisle. Use this guide to compare Liverpool and Carlisle bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place is 1 km from Liverpool city centre. Public transport options include:
Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café in the Station (in the station), Fast Food Outlet (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place.
Available at Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place: Elevators, ramps.
Liverpool, University is 1 km from Liverpool city centre. Public transport options include:
Liverpool, University has practical services for this route, including Taxis.
Available at Liverpool, University: Taxis.
Liverpool, Botanic Park is 2 km from Liverpool city centre. Public transport options include:
Liverpool, Botanic Park has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Liverpool, Botanic Park. ATMs are available at Liverpool, Botanic Park.
Ticket office support is available at Liverpool, Botanic Park.
Available at Liverpool, Botanic Park: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool, Botanic Park: Station is accessible for those with reduced mobility.
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