- 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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Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Balloch to Carlisle
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Balloch to Carlisle among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £22 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 24m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £22, while a train costs an average of £96.
Distance: 161 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£96 Average Price | £22 Average Price Cheapest | £31 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 24m Average total duration Fastest 1h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 0m Average total duration 4h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 12m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Balloch to Carlisle is a coach with an average price of £22.
This is compared to other travel options from Balloch to Carlisle:
A coach is £74 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Balloch to Carlisle costing on average £96.
The fastest way to travel from Balloch to Carlisle is by train with an average journey time of 1h 54m.
Other travel options to Carlisle take longer:
Coach takes on average 4h 30m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Balloch and Carlisle including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 18m sooner (1h 54m by train vs 2h 12m by car). Tickets start at around £96 compared to roughly £31 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Compare prices and tickets Balloch to Carlisle by train or coach
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.
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Why should you book Balloch to Carlisle trains with Omio?
Avanti West Coast as well as ScotRail offer trains services from Balloch to Carlisle.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Balloch to Carlisle.
Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Avanti West Coast, but also compare tickets for the likes of ScotRail to find the best option for your trip from Balloch 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 Avanti West Coast with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Balloch to Carlisle.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Balloch to Carlisle.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Balloch to Carlisle
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Balloch to Carlisle run on average 12 times per day, taking around 1h 54m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £62 but you can travel from only £22 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 06:08, the last at 14:24. The fastest train covers the 161 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £22
Distance 161 km |
Average train duration 1h 54m |
Cheapest ticket price £62 |
Trains per day 12 |
Fastest train 2h 0m |
First train 6:08 |
Last train 14:24 |
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
Coach from £22
Train companies: Avanti West Coast, ScotRail from Balloch to Carlisle trainsAvanti West Coast, ScotRail trains will get you between Balloch and Carlisle from £22. 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
3h 27m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£68
Avanti West Coast frequency
6 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
ScotRail
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average ScotRail Duration
2h 0m
Cheapest ScotRail Price
£62
ScotRail frequency
12 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
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.
FAQs: Balloch to Carlisle train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Balloch 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 Balloch to Carlisle can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £62, while the average price tends to be around £96.
The train journey from Balloch to Carlisle covers a distance of 161 km and takes approximately 2h 0m. Trains run 12 per day.
The train distance from Balloch to Carlisle is 161 km.
The first train from Balloch to Carlisle leaves at 6:08.
The last train from Balloch to Carlisle departs at 14:24.
Trains from Balloch to Carlisle run approximately 12 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Balloch to Carlisle.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Balloch to Carlisle.
To get from Balloch to Carlisle, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Balloch to Carlisle.
The train station in Balloch that goes to Carlisle is Balloch station (BHC), and it arrives at Carlisle station (CAR).
The cheapest way to get from Balloch to Carlisle is by coach, costing approximately £22.
Booking trains from Balloch 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 Balloch to Carlisle offers scenic views as it passes through the picturesque landscapes of the Scottish Lowlands and the Lake District, featuring rolling hills, charming villages, and serene countryside.
A day trip from Balloch to Carlisle is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 0m. However, there are 6 trains per day covering the 161 km distance.
Typically, spending 2 to 3 days in Carlisle is sufficient to explore its historical attractions, such as Carlisle Castle, Tullie House Museum, and the Cathedral, along with enjoying the local dining and shopping experiences.
Yes, you can take the train from Balloch to Carlisle.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Balloch and Carlisle
Most Balloch to Carlisle trains use the Balloch to Carlisle station pair. Use this guide to compare Balloch and Carlisle train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Balloch
Arrival train stations in Carlisle
Which Balloch station do trains to Carlisle leave from?
Trains from Balloch to Carlisle leave from Balloch. The station is from Balloch city centre at Balloch station, Balloch Road, Balloch, West Dunbartonshire, G83 8SS.
BallochBalloch station, Balloch Road, Balloch, West Dunbartonshire, G83 8SS+44 344 811 0141
City-centre transport
Getting to Balloch from Balloch city centre
Bus207, 305, 306, 309 · 1m · every ~7 min
Balloch train station facilities and services
Balloch has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, 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 Balloch.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Balloch.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Balloch. 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 Balloch: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Balloch: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Balloch: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to single platform. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the Ticket Office, 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 Balloch arrive at?
Trains from Balloch 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 Balloch
More options for your journey from Balloch to Carlisle
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Carlisle and Balloch
Most popular train connections to Carlisle
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