- 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 Preston to Carlisle
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 09 Oct
Cheapest price on 09 Oct
£24
Average ticket price on 09 Oct
£25
Fastest journey on 09 Oct
2 h 25 m
Average journey duration on 09 Oct
2 h 25 m
Buses on 09 Oct
2
Distance
126 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Preston to Carlisle is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Preston to Carlisle will cost around £25 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £24.
Fast coaches
On Fri 09 Oct, we found 2 buses from Preston to Carlisle, including 2 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 126 km distance in an average of 2 h 25 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 25 m .
The slowest buses will take 2 h 25 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.
1:252h25Preston3:50Carlisle£241One-way0 changes- 2:252h25Preston4:50Carlisle£251One-way0 changes
- 2:252h25Preston4:50Carlisle£251One-way0 changes
- 1:252h25Preston3:50Carlisle£241One-way0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Preston to Carlisle
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Preston to Carlisle run on average 1 times per day, taking around 2h 25m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £21 but you can travel from only £9 by train.
There are 1 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:50, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 126 km distance in 2h 25m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £9
Distance 126 km |
Average bus duration 2h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price £21 |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 2h 25m |
First bus 0:50 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £9
Live departures
Preston to Carlisle bus times
The table below shows live departures for Preston to Carlisle coaches for tomorrow, Friday 9 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:25 Preston | 2h25 | 3:50 Carlisle | 0 changesdirect | |
| 2:25 Preston | 2h25 | 4:50 Carlisle | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Preston to Carlisle coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Preston to Carlisle.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Preston to Carlisle.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- 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 Preston to Carlisle.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Preston to Carlisle.
Bus providers: National Express from Preston to CarlisleYou can travel by bus between Preston to Carlisle with National Express for as low as £9. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
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 National Express Duration
2h 25m
Cheapest National Express Price
£21
National Express frequency
1 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.
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.
Best day trips from Carlisle by bus
The most popular day trips by bus from Carlisle are Keswick and Penrith. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your bus from Carlisle on Omio.
Day trip from Carlisle to Keswick by bus
Why visit Keswick for the day?
Keswick is a compact Lake District market town beside Derwentwater, known for fell walking and outdoor life. With Skiddaw above and Borrowdale nearby, it mixes slate-built streets, independent shops and literary links.
Day trip from Carlisle to Penrith by bus
Why visit Penrith for the day?
Penrith is a Cumbrian market town known for its red sandstone streets and easy access to the Lake District. It has a practical, lived-in feel, with independent shops, historic buildings, and nearby landmarks such as Penrith Castle.
How to get from Carlisle to Penrith by bus?
There are 1 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 01:55, the last at 23:45. The fastest coach covers the 28 km distance in 35m.
FAQs: Preston to Carlisle coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston 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.
Cheap coach tickets from Preston to Carlisle can start from as little as £21 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Preston 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 Preston to Carlisle is 2h 25m to travel the 126 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 Preston to Carlisle leaves at 0:50. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Preston to Carlisle leaves at 23:55.
Yes, there are 1 direct coaches a day from Preston to Carlisle with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Preston to Carlisle, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Carlisle. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Preston and Carlisle and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
Passengers board the coach most frequently from Preston, Bus Station, which is located around 1 km away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street), located 0 away from the city centre.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Preston and Carlisle including taking a train and coach.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Preston to Carlisle for coach company National Express.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Preston to Carlisle:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Preston to Carlisle depends on the coach companies:
- 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express.
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 Preston to Carlisle.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Preston to Carlisle:
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Preston to Carlisle:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Preston to Carlisle.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Preston to Carlisle with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Preston to Carlisle with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Preston to Carlisle with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Preston and Carlisle
Most Preston to Carlisle buses use the Preston, Bus Station to Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) station pair. Use this guide to compare Preston and Carlisle bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Preston
Arrival bus stations in Carlisle
Which Preston station do buses to Carlisle leave from?
Buses from Preston to Carlisle leave from Preston, Bus Station. The station is 2 km from Preston city centre at Preston Bus Station, Tithebarn St, Preston PR1 1YT, UK.
Preston, Bus StationPreston Bus Station, Tithebarn St, Preston PR1 1YT, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Preston, Bus Station from Preston city centre
Preston, Bus Station is 1 km from Preston city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus23 · 6m · £8 · every ~8 min
Preston, Bus Station bus station facilities and services
Preston, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Cafes and fast food are available within the station.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi is available in the station concourse. ATMs are multiple ATMs are located in the main concourse.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Preston, Bus Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Preston, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Preston, Bus Station: Full accessibility for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
Which Carlisle station do buses from Preston arrive at?
Buses from Preston to Carlisle arrive at Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street). Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) is from Carlisle city centre.
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 Preston
More options for your journey from Preston to Carlisle
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Carlisle and Preston
Most popular bus connections
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