London to Carlisle bus with National Express

Sat 21 Feb
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from London to Carlisle

Showing times and prices for 23 Feb

Cheapest price

£22

Average price

£35

Fastest journey

6 h 45 m

Average duration

7 h 43 m

Buses per day

6

Distance

421 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from London to Carlisle is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from London to Carlisle will cost around £35 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £22.

Fast coaches

Of the 6 buses that leave London for Carlisle every day 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct buses cover the 421 km distance in an average of 7 h 43 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 45 m .

The slowest buses will take 8 h 50 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.

FlixBusFlixBus
23:006h55
London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant)
05:55Carlisle
£221One-way
0 changes
FlixBusFlixBus
22:307h25
London, Victoria Coach Station
05:55Carlisle
£221One-way
0 changes
National ExpressNX595
23:006h45
London, Victoria Coach Station
05:45Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street)
£271One-way
0 changes
National ExpressNX590
09:009h10
London, Victoria Coach Station
18:10Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street)
£271One-way
0 changes
National ExpressNX540 · NX590
09:308h40
London, Victoria Coach Station
18:10Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street)
£541One-way
1 change

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for London to Carlisle

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from London to Carlisle among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £12. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 20m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £12, and a train costs an average of £33.

Distance: 421 km

Compare bus with

Coach
Most popular
Train
Flight

£23

Average Price

Cheapest

£99

Average Price

£74

Average Price

8h 1m

Average total duration

7h 31m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 55m

Average total duration

4h 25m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 20m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 20m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.4 - 1.1kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

1.3 - 2.5kg

CO2 emissions

National Express

Most popular bus company

Avanti West Coast

Most popular train company

British Airways

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

London to Carlisle bus times

The table below shows live departures for London to Carlisle coaches for today, Sunday 22 February. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at 02:37
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
national_expressNX590
On time
09:00 London, Victoria Coach Station
9h10
18:10 Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street)
0 changesdirect
national_expressNX540 · NX590
Delayed
13:00 09:30London, Victoria Coach Station
8h40
18:10 Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street)
1 change
national_expressNX540 · NX181
On time
20:00 London, Victoria Coach Station
8h50
04:50 Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street)
1 change
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus22:30 London, Victoria Coach Station
7h25
05:55 Carlisle0 changesdirect
national_expressNX59523:00 London, Victoria Coach Station
6h45
05:45 Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street)0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus23:00 London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant)
6h55
05:55 Carlisle0 changesdirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets London to Carlisle 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 London to Carlisle coaches with Omio?

National Express as well as FlixBus or Megabus offer coaches services from London to Carlisle.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from London to Carlisle.

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 Megabus to find the best option for your trip from London 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, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from London 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 Megabus to find the best option for your trip from London to Carlisle.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from London to Carlisle.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from London to Carlisle

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from London to Carlisle run on average 6 times per day, taking around 7h 31m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £12 if you book in advance.

There are 3 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 421 km distance in 6h 45m.

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
421 km
Average bus duration
7h 31m
Cheapest ticket price
£12
Buses per day
6
Direct buses
3
Fastest bus
6h 45m
First bus
00:05
Last bus
23:55
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: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus from London to CarlisleYou can travel by bus between London to Carlisle with National Express, FlixBus, Megabus for as low as £12. 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 Duration
7h 25m
Cheapest Price
£12
FlixBus frequency
2 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.

National Express

About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 45m
Cheapest Price
£17
National Express frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
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.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.

Megabus

About
Megabus is a low-cost intercity bus service operating across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Known for its affordable fares, including promotional $1 tickets, Megabus offers routes connecting over 500 cities and university campuses in North America. The company provides amenities such as air conditioning, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and onboard restrooms, with many routes utilizing double-decker buses for scenic views. Megabus aims to provide safe, convenient, and affordable express bus travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
8h 20m
Cheapest Price
£20
Megabus frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
Refund
If Megabus fails to provide on-time reliable service for reasons wholly within their control, refunds or alternative travel arrangements may be offered.
Pregnant on board
Being pregnant on board is allowed, but no specific details or restrictions are provided.
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minors under the age of 17 are not permitted to travel on Megabus.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cold food and drinks, as well as hot drinks with a lid, are allowed on board, but hot food is not.
Seat reservation
Reserved seats can be purchased for an additional fee, starting from £2.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.

Coaches from London to Carlisle

The historic city of Carlisle is located just ten miles south of the Scottish border in the north-west district of Cumbria. National Express coaches depart from London's busy Victoria coach station three times daily, covering the 300-mile route in as little as six hours 40 minutes when travelling overnight. Services are available seven days a week, giving passengers access to the historic city. Whenever passengers decide to travel, National Express has a journey to suit their needs.

Which coach companies travel from London to Carlisle?

There is only one company that offers coaches from London to Carlisle. National Express, the leading provider of coach travel across the whole of the UK, has three direct departures per day. The onboard services across their fleet include free WiFi, spacious seating with good legroom and personal air conditioning controls for each passenger.

How long is the coach from London to Carlisle?

The journey times advertised vary significantly, taking into consideration traffic congestion during peak travel time. The fastest journey leaves London Victoria at around 11:00 p.m., travelling overnight and arriving in Carlisle six hours 40 minutes later. The longest journey takes closer to nine hours ten minutes to cover the 300 miles between the two cities.

How many coaches are there from London to Carlisle?

National Express consistently offers three services per day. The schedule includes one morning departure, with two evening departures travelling throughout the night and arriving in Carlisle the following morning. All services are direct and require no changes, allowing passengers to relax on their journey.

What are the departure and arrival stations for coaches from London to Carlisle?

Departure bus station: London Victoria, where all coaches from London to Carlisle begin their journey, is found in central London, in the borough of Westminster. The station is easily accessible thanks to the nearby Victoria train station, which has London Underground links, several local bus routes and extensive train connections. Station facilities include toilets, numerous cafes and restaurants as well as newsagents and shops where passengers can purchase travel essentials.

Arrival bus station: All services terminate at Carlisle Lonsdale Street Station. Found directly in the centre of Carlisle, the train station is less than half a mile away, making onward travel easy to organise.  Station facilities are basic, but the close proximity to The Lanes shopping centre gives passengers access to high-street shops to purchase anything they may require.

FAQs: London to Carlisle coach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London 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.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from London to Carlisle can start from as little as £12 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for London to Carlisle is £23; 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 London to Carlisle is 6h 45m to travel the 421 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 London to Carlisle leaves at 0:05. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from London to Carlisle leaves at 23:55.
Yes, there are 3 direct coaches a day from London to Carlisle with National Express, FlixBus, Megabus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from London to Carlisle, you can count on National Express, FlixBus, Megabus for the best way to get you to Carlisle. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between London and Carlisle and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Carlisle from London is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 45m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from London to Carlisle is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between London and Carlisle including taking a train, coach and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from London to Carlisle:
  • Megabus
    • Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from London to Carlisle for coach company National Express, FlixBus, Megabus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from London to Carlisle depends on the coach companies:
  • Megabus
    • Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
  • 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express, 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 London to Carlisle.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from London to Carlisle:
  • Megabus
    • One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
  • 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).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from London to Carlisle:
  • Megabus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
  • FlixBus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from London 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 London to Carlisle with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from London to Carlisle with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from London to Carlisle with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in London and Carlisle

London
Carlisle
The major coach station for departures in London is London, Victoria Coach Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at London, Victoria Coach Station for your trip from London to Carlisle.
London, Victoria Coach StationWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
Amenities at bus station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 06:00-23:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
2 km
carConnection
Car connection
Buckingham Palace Road
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi
Dining
Dining
  • Pret a Manger (in the station)
  • Starbucks (in the station).
Taxis
Taxis
  • Available outside the station on Buckingham Palace Road.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps
WC
WC
  • Available in the station.
Public transport options for London, Victoria Coach Station
  • Bus: 11, 44, 170, 211, C1, C10 Metro: Victoria Train: Southern, Gatwick Express
London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant)
information
London, Baker Street Station, Gloucester Place

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