- 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 trains from Ayr to Carlisle
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 10 Oct
Cheapest price on 10 Oct
£69
Average ticket price on 10 Oct
£69
Fastest journey on 10 Oct
11 h 37 m
Average journey duration on 10 Oct
11 h 37 m
Trains on 10 Oct
1
Distance
125 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Ayr to Carlisle is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Ayr to Carlisle will cost around £69 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £69.
Fast trains
To travel from Ayr to Carlisle you need to make at least one change.
23:0511h37Ayr10:42Carlisle£691One-way1 change
- 23:0511h37Ayr10:42Carlisle£691One-way1 change
Journey information
Overview: Train from Ayr to Carlisle
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Ayr to Carlisle run on average 19 times per day, taking around 2h 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £26 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:15, the last at 22:03. The fastest train covers the 125 km distance in 2h 0m.
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 125 km |
Average train duration 2h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price £26 |
Trains per day 19 |
Fastest train 2h 0m |
First train 5:15 |
Last train 22:03 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 1 day |
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
Why should you book Ayr to Carlisle trains with Omio?
Scotrail as well as Transpennine Express or Avanti West Coast offer trains services from Ayr to Carlisle.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Ayr to Carlisle.
Why book with Omio vs Scotrail?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Scotrail, but also compare tickets for the likes of Transpennine Express or Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from Ayr 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 Scotrail with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Ayr to Carlisle.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Rome2rio or Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transpennine Express or Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from Ayr to Carlisle.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Ayr to Carlisle.
Train companies: Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, Scotrail from Ayr to Carlisle trainsAvanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, Scotrail trains will get you between Ayr and Carlisle from £26. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Avanti West Coast
About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Avanti West Coast Duration
2h 0m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£70
Avanti West Coast frequency
10 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone
Transpennine Express
About
Transpennine Express is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from Manchester and Liverpool to Scotland, the North East and Yorkshire. It offers a range of services, including express, regional and local trains. Express trains are the fastest, with journey times of up to three hours. Regional trains are slower, but offer more stops and a more relaxed atmosphere. Local trains are the slowest, but offer the most stops. Transpennine Express offers a range of ticket types, including single, return, group and season tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Transpennine Express are Manchester to Edinburgh, Liverpool to Leeds and Manchester to York. These routes offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel between the cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transpennine Express Duration
2h 11m
Cheapest Transpennine Express Price
£70
Transpennine Express frequency
7 a day
Luggage included
2 large items and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks, plus a small selection of hot and cold food items
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are free of charge and recommended for busy routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance booking service
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Scotrail
About
Scotrail is a train operating company in Scotland, providing rail services throughout the country. It operates a wide range of services, from commuter trains to long-distance intercity services. The company operates a variety of train types, including the Class 380, Class 385, Class 156, Class 158 and Class 170. These trains offer a range of onboard facilities, such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and comfortable seating. Scotrail also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Off-Peak, and Anytime tickets. The most popular routes for Scotrail include Glasgow to Edinburgh, Glasgow to Inverness, and Edinburgh to Aberdeen.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Scotrail Duration
3h 12m
Cheapest Scotrail Price
£26
Scotrail frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, designated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions mentioned above
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks, some stations have catering facilities
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are free but optional, recommended during peak times
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, dogs allowed with ticket (£1-£3), maximum 2 dogs per passenger, assistance dogs free
Quiet zone
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
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3
- Day pass
- £3
To the city centre
Carlisle Railway Station -> Carlisle Bus Station, Carlisle
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Contactless payment is available on Stagecoach buses, and adult single fares in Cumbria and North Lancashire are capped at £3.
- For travel within Carlisle, Stagecoach says it does not offer return tickets because a DayRider is the cheapest city option.
Best day trips from Carlisle by train
The most popular day trips by train from Carlisle are Edinburgh, Glasgow, Penrith, Lancaster and York. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Carlisle on Omio.
Day trip from Carlisle to Edinburgh by train
Why visit Edinburgh for the day?
Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital, known for its medieval Old Town and graceful Georgian streets. Historic landmarks, literary roots and a strong festival culture give the city a distinct, atmospheric character.
How to get from Carlisle to Edinburgh by train?
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:45, the last at 23:10. The fastest train covers the 119 km distance in 1h 13m.
Day trip from Carlisle to Glasgow by train
Why visit Glasgow for the day?
Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city, known for grand architecture, a strong music scene and a friendly, direct character. Its industrial past on the Clyde still shapes a city that now balances major museums, lively neighbourhoods and a clear cultural confidence.
How to get from Carlisle to Glasgow by train?
There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:22, the last at 22:54. The fastest train covers the 136 km distance in 1h 11m.
Day trip from Carlisle to Penrith by train
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 train?
There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:43, the last at 22:40. The fastest train covers the 28 km distance in 14m.
Day trip from Carlisle to Lancaster by train
Why visit Lancaster for the day?
Lancaster is known for its castle, Georgian architecture and ties to the House of Lancaster. Its compact centre, River Lune setting and student energy give the city a historic yet easy-going feel.
How to get from Carlisle to Lancaster by train?
There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:13, the last at 21:58. The fastest train covers the 92 km distance in 46m.
Day trip from Carlisle to York by train
Why visit York for the day?
York is known for its Roman and Viking heritage, medieval streets and the imposing York Minster. Its compact centre, old walls and busy mix of shops, pubs and museums make it easy to grasp the city's historic character.
How to get from Carlisle to York by train?
The earliest train runs at 01:32, the last at 21:32. The fastest train covers the 159 km distance in 2h 18m.
FAQs: Ayr to Carlisle train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ayr to Carlisle by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Carlisle, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Ayr to Carlisle can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £26, while the average price tends to be around £65.
The train journey from Ayr to Carlisle covers a distance of 125 km and takes approximately 2h 0m. Trains run 19 per day.
The train distance from Ayr to Carlisle is 125 km.
The first train from Ayr to Carlisle leaves at 5:15.
The last train from Ayr to Carlisle departs at 22:03.
Trains from Ayr to Carlisle run approximately 19 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Ayr to Carlisle.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Ayr to Carlisle.
There is no night train service from Ayr to Carlisle.
The train station in Ayr that goes to Carlisle is Ayr station (AYR), and it arrives at Carlisle station (CAR).
Booking trains from Ayr to Carlisle in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Ayr to Carlisle is quite scenic, featuring picturesque views of the rolling countryside, charming villages, and glimpses of the coast along the way.
Yes, you can take the train from Ayr to Carlisle.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Ayr and Carlisle
Most Ayr to Carlisle trains use the Ayr to Carlisle station pair. Use this guide to compare Ayr and Carlisle train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Ayr
Arrival train stations in Carlisle
Which Ayr station do trains to Carlisle leave from?
Trains from Ayr to Carlisle leave from Ayr. The station is 1 km from Ayr city centre at Ayr station, Smith Street, Ayr, Ayrshire, KA7 1TH.
AyrAyr station, Smith Street, Ayr, Ayrshire, KA7 1TH+44 344 811 0141
City-centre transport
Getting to Ayr from Ayr city centre
Bus14, 347, 352, 52, 42A, 3, 6, 3B, 42, X42 · 8m · £2 · every ~31 min
Ayr train station facilities and services
Ayr has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Ayr.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Ayr. ATMs are available at Ayr.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Ayr. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Ayr: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Ayr: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Ayr: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: This is a Category B station. Level to platforms 1,2 & 3 - connecting footbridge with stairs or access from street to platform 4. Alternative route is available by going outside the station over the roadbridge Blue Badge parking bays: 7, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Which Carlisle station do trains from Ayr arrive at?
Trains from Ayr to Carlisle arrive at Carlisle. Carlisle is 1 km from Carlisle city centre.
CarlisleCarlisle station, Court Square, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA1 1QZ
City-centre transport
Getting to Carlisle from Carlisle city centre
Bus67, 63, 63A, 61, 62, 64 · 5m · £8 · every ~50 min
Carlisle train station facilities and services
Carlisle has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Carlisle.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Carlisle.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Carlisle. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Carlisle: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Carlisle: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Carlisle: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This station has step-free access to all platforms / the platform Lifts available to platforms via subway. Alternatively there is a ramped footbridge. Staff are available to assist on request, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Most popular train connections from Ayr
More options for your journey from Ayr to Carlisle
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Carlisle and Ayr
Most popular train connections to Carlisle
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