- 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 Bradford to Carlisle
Showing times and prices for 20 Aug
Cheapest price
£21
Average price
£26
Fastest journey
2 h 55 m
Average duration
2 h 55 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
145 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bradford to Carlisle is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bradford to Carlisle will cost around £26 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £21.
Fast trains
Of the 2 trains that leave Bradford for Carlisle every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 145 km distance in an average of 2 h 55 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 55 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 55 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.
8:072h55Bradford11:02Carlisle£211One-way0 changes- 9:072h55Bradford12:02Carlisle£311One-way0 changes
- 9:072h55Bradford12:02Carlisle£311One-way0 changes
- 8:072h55Bradford11:02Carlisle£211One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Bradford to Carlisle
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bradford to Carlisle among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £5. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 58m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £5, and a coach costs an average of £31.
Distance: 145 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£23 Average Price Cheapest | £37 Average Price |
3h 28m Average total duration Fastest 2h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 32m Average total duration 6h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Bradford to Carlisle train times
The table below shows live departures for Bradford to Carlisle trains for tomorrow, Thursday 20 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:07 Bradford | 2h55 | 11:02 Carlisle | 0 changesdirect | |
| 9:07 Bradford | 2h55 | 12:02 Carlisle | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bradford 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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20 Aug
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21 Aug
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22 Aug
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23 Aug
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Why should you book Bradford to Carlisle trains with Omio?
Northern Rail as well as Transpennine Express or Northern Trains Limited offer trains services from Bradford to Carlisle.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bradford to Carlisle.
Why book with Omio vs Northern Rail?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Northern Rail, but also compare tickets for the likes of Transpennine Express or Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip from Bradford 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 Northern Rail with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bradford to Carlisle.
Why book with Omio over Trip or Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transpennine Express or Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip from Bradford to Carlisle.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Bradford to Carlisle.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Bradford to Carlisle
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Bradford to Carlisle run on average 5 times per day, taking around 2h 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £5 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:43, the last at 20:18. The fastest train covers the 145 km distance in 2h 55m.
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 145 km |
Average train duration 2h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price £5 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 2h 55m |
First train 5:43 |
Last train 20:18 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 35 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: Northern Rail, Transpennine Express, Northern Trains Limited from Bradford to Carlisle trainsNorthern Rail, Transpennine Express, Northern Trains Limited trains will get you between Bradford and Carlisle from £5. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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
2h 55m
Cheapest Price
£5
Northern Rail frequency
5 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
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
Transpennine Express frequency
1 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 Trains Limited
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 28m
Cheapest Price
£25
Northern Trains Limited frequency
16 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: Bradford to Carlisle train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bradford 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 Bradford to Carlisle can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £5, while the average price tends to be around £23.
The train journey from Bradford to Carlisle covers a distance of 145 km and takes approximately 2h 55m. Trains run 5 per day.
The train distance from Bradford to Carlisle is 145 km.
The first train from Bradford to Carlisle leaves at 5:43.
The last train from Bradford to Carlisle departs at 20:18.
Trains from Bradford to Carlisle run approximately 5 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Bradford to Carlisle.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Bradford to Carlisle.
To get from Bradford to Carlisle, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Bradford to Carlisle.
The train station in Bradford that goes to Carlisle is Bradford Interchange (BDI), and it arrives at Carlisle station (CAR).
The cheapest way to get from Bradford to Carlisle is by train, costing approximately £5.
Booking trains from Bradford 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 Bradford to Carlisle is considered scenic, offering views of the Yorkshire Dales and the Pennines, with picturesque landscapes and charming countryside vistas along the route.
A day trip from Bradford to Carlisle is not feasible due to the journey duration of 2h 55m. However, trains run 4 times per day. The distance is 145 km.
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 Bradford to Carlisle.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Bradford and Carlisle
Most Bradford to Carlisle trains use the Bradford Interchange to Carlisle station pair. Use this guide to compare Bradford and Carlisle train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Bradford
Arrival train stations in Carlisle
Which Bradford station do trains to Carlisle leave from?
Trains from Bradford to Carlisle leave from Bradford Interchange. The station is from Bradford city centre at Bradford Interchange station, Bridge Street, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD1 1TU.
Bradford InterchangeBradford Interchange station, Bridge Street, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD1 1TU+44 800 200 6060
City-centre transport
Getting to Bradford Interchange from Bradford city centre
Bus662, 820, 864 · 6m · £3 · every ~13 min
Bradford Interchange train station facilities and services
Bradford Interchange has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Bradford Interchange.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Bradford Interchange.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Bradford Interchange.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bradford Interchange: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Bradford Interchange: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bradford Interchange: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A Station, Scooter Friendly Station - There is level access to all the platforms and a wheelchair is available if pre-booked via 0800 138 5560, or by asking for help at the Station Supervisors office next to platform 1. There are also escalators and lifts available from the bus station below up to the rail station. Please note that escalators and lifts are not operated by Northern or Network Rail, Accessible public telephones: in the interchange, 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: Yes.
Bradford Forster SquareBradford Forster Square station, Forster Square, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD1 4HY+44 8002006060
City-centre transport
Getting to Bradford Forster Square from Bradford city centre
Bus622, 626, 680 · 2m · £0.90 · every ~12 min
Bradford Forster Square train station facilities and services
Bradford Forster Square has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Bradford Forster Square.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Bradford Forster Square.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Bradford Forster Square.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bradford Forster Square: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Bradford Forster Square: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bradford Forster Square: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A Station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station Scooter Friendly Station - There is level access to all the platforms and ramps are available. Lift available 06:00 - 19:00 Monday to Saturday, 09:00 - 18:00 Sunday, however there is an alternative accessible route without having to use lift, 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 ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Which Carlisle station do trains from Bradford arrive at?
Trains from Bradford 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 Bradford
More options for your journey from Bradford to Carlisle
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Carlisle and Bradford
Most popular train connections to Carlisle
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