- 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 Bolton to Carlisle
Showing times and prices for 21 Aug
Cheapest price
£21
Average price
£28
Fastest journey
1 h 38 m
Average duration
1 h 41 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
150 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bolton to Carlisle is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bolton to Carlisle will cost around £28 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £21.
Fast trains
Of the 3 trains that leave Bolton for Carlisle every day 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 150 km distance in an average of 1 h 41 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 38 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 46 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.
14:081h39Bolton15:47Carlisle£211One-way0 changes- 16:081h46Bolton17:54Carlisle£251One-way0 changes
19:381h38Bolton21:16Carlisle£371One-way0 changes
- 19:381h38Bolton21:16Carlisle£371One-way0 changes
- 14:081h39Bolton15:47Carlisle£211One-way0 changes
- 16:081h46Bolton17:54Carlisle£251One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Bolton to Carlisle
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bolton to Carlisle among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £14. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 41m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £14, and a coach costs an average of £29.
Distance: 150 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£16 Average Price Cheapest | £29 Average Price |
2h 11m Average total duration Fastest 1h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 20m Average total duration 7h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Compare prices and tickets Bolton 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 Bolton to Carlisle trains with Omio?
Avanti West Coast as well as Transpennine Express, Northern Rail, Northern Trains Limited, TransPennine Express and more offer trains services from Bolton to Carlisle.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bolton 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 Transpennine Express, Northern Rail, Northern Trains Limited or TransPennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Bolton 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 Bolton to Carlisle.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Raileurope or Trip?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transpennine Express, Northern Rail, Northern Trains Limited or TransPennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Bolton to Carlisle.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Bolton to Carlisle.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Bolton to Carlisle
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Bolton to Carlisle run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 41m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £14 if you book in advance.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:30, the last at 21:35. The fastest train covers the 150 km distance in 1h 39m.
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 150 km |
Average train duration 1h 41m |
Cheapest ticket price £14 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 1h 39m |
First train 5:30 |
Last train 21:35 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 6 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
Train companies: Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, Northern Rail, Northern Trains Limited, TransPennine Express from Bolton to Carlisle trainsAvanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, Northern Rail, Northern Trains Limited, TransPennine Express trains will get you between Bolton and Carlisle from £14. 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 Duration
1h 41m
Cheapest Price
£14
Avanti West Coast frequency
3 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 Duration
1h 39m
Cheapest Price
£19
Transpennine Express frequency
3 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
Northern Rail
About
Northern Trains is a publicly owned train operating company in the United Kingdom, headquartered in York. It runs local and commuter services across the north of England, connecting regions including the North East, North West, East Midlands, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, and the Humber coastline. As part of the National Rail network, Northern operates under a coordinated fare and ticketing system alongside other UK train companies.Ticket types include Advance, Off-Peak, Anytime Day, single, return, and season tickets, with only one class option available: Standard. Onboard amenities may include comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and refreshments on select services. Popular routes include connections between major northern cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 37m
Cheapest Price
£51
Northern Rail frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
See refund policy for ticket types
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most services with drinks and snacks. Some stations have cafes and shops
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking advance tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Northern Trains Limited
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 39m
Cheapest Price
£51
Northern Trains Limited frequency
15 a day
TransPennine Express
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 30m
Cheapest Price
£50
TransPennine Express frequency
10 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: Bolton to Carlisle train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bolton 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 Bolton to Carlisle can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £14, while the average price tends to be around £16.
The train journey from Bolton to Carlisle covers a distance of 150 km and takes approximately 1h 39m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Bolton to Carlisle is 150 km.
The first train from Bolton to Carlisle leaves at 5:30.
The last train from Bolton to Carlisle departs at 21:35.
Trains from Bolton to Carlisle run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Bolton to Carlisle.
Yes, there is a direct train between Bolton and Carlisle. The service operates 2 times per day, provided by Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express.
To get from Bolton to Carlisle, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Bolton to Carlisle.
The train station in Bolton that goes to Carlisle is Bolton station (BON), and it arrives at Carlisle station (CAR).
The cheapest way to get from Bolton to Carlisle is by train, costing approximately £14.
Booking trains from Bolton 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 Bolton to Carlisle offers scenic views, especially as it travels through the picturesque landscapes of the Lake District and the Pennines, showcasing lush greenery, rolling hills, and charming villages.
Yes, a day trip from Bolton to Carlisle is feasible, with a travel time of 1h 39m and a distance of 150 km. Trains run 4 times per day.
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 Bolton to Carlisle.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Bolton and Carlisle
Most Bolton to Carlisle trains use the Bolton to Carlisle station pair. Use this guide to compare Bolton and Carlisle train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Bolton
Arrival train stations in Carlisle
Which Bolton station do trains to Carlisle leave from?
Trains from Bolton to Carlisle leave from Bolton. The station is 1 km from Bolton city centre at Bolton station, Trinity Street, Bolton, Lancashire, BL2 1BE.
BoltonBolton station, Trinity Street, Bolton, Lancashire, BL2 1BE
City-centre transport
Getting to Bolton from Bolton city centre
Bolton is 1 km from Bolton city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus576, 535, 525, 526, 507, 561, 562, 575, 527, 534, 537, 541, 533, 480 · 10m · £2 · every ~79 min
125 · 15m · £8 · every ~16 min
Bolton train station facilities and services
Bolton has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Bolton.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Bolton.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Bolton.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bolton: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Bolton: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bolton: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A Station, this station is scooter friendly, a scooter permit is required for travel, Level access through the ticket barriers to an overpass and via lifts to all platforms. Lifts available from first to last trains, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: As per ticket office opening hours, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Which Carlisle station do trains from Bolton arrive at?
Trains from Bolton 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.
More options for your journey from Bolton to Carlisle
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Carlisle and Bolton
Most popular train connections to Carlisle
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