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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Carlisle
Showing times and prices for 22 Nov
Cheapest price
£64
Average price
£64
Fastest journey
6 h 43 m
Average duration
6 h 43 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
380 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Carlisle is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Carlisle will cost around £64 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £64.
Fast trains
Of the 1 trains that leave Cardiff for Carlisle every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 380 km distance in an average of 6 h 43 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 43 m .
The slowest trains will take 6 h 43 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.
03:356h43
Cardiff10:18Carlisle
£641One-way
0 changes
03:356h43
Cardiff10:18Carlisle
£641One-way
0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Cardiff to Carlisle
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Carlisle among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £34. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 47m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £34, and a train costs an average of £107.
Distance: 380 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach |
|---|---|
£123 Average Price | £44 Average Price Cheapest |
5h 17m Average total duration Fastest 4h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 33m Average total duration 9h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Cardiff to Carlisle train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Carlisle trains for today, Friday 21 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 03:15
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03:32 Cardiff | 5h28 | 09:00 Carlisle | 0 changesdirect | |
| 10:53 Cardiff | 5h10 | 16:03 Carlisle | 0 changesdirect | |
| 11:53 Cardiff | 5h10 | 17:03 Carlisle | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff 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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22 Nov
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Carlisle
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Carlisle run on average 5 times per day, taking around 4h 47m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £107 but you can travel from only £34 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:15, the last at 20:07. The fastest train covers the 380 km distance in 4h 48m.
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 £34
Distance 380 km |
Average train duration 4h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price £107 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 4h 48m |
First train 04:15 |
Last train 20:07 |
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 £34
Train companies: Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast, Cross Country from Cardiff to Carlisle trainsTransport for Wales, Avanti West Coast, Cross Country trains will get you between Cardiff and Carlisle from £34. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Transport for Wales
About
Transport for Wales is a public transport provider in Wales, UK. It operates a comprehensive network of trains, buses and ferries across the country. The trains are modern and comfortable, with a range of different types including InterCity Express Trains, Regional Trains, and Metro Trains. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. There are a variety of ticket types available, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and group tickets. The most popular routes include Cardiff to Swansea, Cardiff to Newport, and Cardiff to Manchester.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 48m
Cheapest Price
£64
Transport for Wales frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policy depends on ticket type
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 cafes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket (£5 per day). Guide dogs free
Quiet zone
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
5h 6m
Cheapest Price
£70
Avanti West Coast frequency
1 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
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 14m
Cheapest Price
£287
Cross Country frequency
7 a day
FAQs: Cardiff to Carlisle train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff 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.
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.
A day trip from Cardiff to Carlisle is not feasible as the journey takes 4h 48m. Trains run 5 times per day.
The Cardiff to Carlisle train journey offers scenic views as it travels through the picturesque countryside of Wales and northern England, featuring rolling hills, lush greenery, and charming rural landscapes.
To get from Cardiff to Carlisle, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
The train distance from Cardiff to Carlisle is 380 km.
Booking trains from Cardiff to Carlisle in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Carlisle can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £107, while the average price tends to be around £123.
The train journey from Cardiff to Carlisle covers a distance of 380 km and takes approximately 4h 48m. Trains run 5 per day.
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Carlisle is by coach, costing approximately £34.
The first train from Cardiff to Carlisle leaves at 4:15.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Carlisle is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Carlisle station (CAR).
The last train from Cardiff to Carlisle departs at 20:07.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Carlisle.
Trains from Cardiff to Carlisle run approximately 5 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff to Carlisle.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Carlisle.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Carlisle.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Carlisle
Cardiff
Carlisle
The major train station for departures in Cardiff is Cathays. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cathays for your trip from Cardiff to Carlisle.
Amenities at train station
Parking
Dining
Accessibility
Hotel
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 07:30 - 18:30 Saturday 09:30 - 15:30 Sunday Closed
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Category B3. While both platforms are step-free, there is no facility for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users or persons with reduced mobility to cross between Platform 1 and 2 due to a steep footbridge. Customers who have travelled from the Valleys and wish to access the University or the Civic Centre are advised to travel to Queen Street station, change onto a North-bound service and alight at Cathays on the return service.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards. The machine on the Cardiff-bound platform is only available during staffing hours. The machine on the Pontypridd-bound platform is available all the time.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Hotel
- Travelodge
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Cathays
- Onward travel information: The nearest bus stop is on Park Place
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the bus stops adjacent to the Cardiff University Students' Union on Park Place
Amenities at train station
Wifi
ShoppingParkingDining
ATM
TaxisAccessibility
WCHotel
LoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Car Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Wifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Shopping
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
Parking
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
Dining
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
Taxis
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
Accessibility
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 to 8. The National Key toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National Key/Accessible toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key and are only available during staffing hours.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Hotel
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
Ticket Office
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: East end of platforms 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 6 and 7 - also at the front and rear of the station.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Cardiff Central
- Commuter rail lines: City Line, Rhondda Line, Rhymney Line, Valley Line, South Wales Main Line
- Train lines: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the rear car park (Penarth Road entrance)
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rentalinformation
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category B2. Step free access to Platform 1 (to Cardiff) from Leckwith Road. Step free access to Platform 2 (to Radyr) Leckwith Road via a ramp with a steep gradient
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: The bicycle stands can be found on Platform 1 (to Cardiff).
- Storage CCTV: No
Public transport options for Ninian Park
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait at the station entrance on Leckwith Road close to traffic lights
The major train station for arrivals in Carlisle is Carlisle. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Carlisle for your journey to Carlisle from Cardiff.
Amenities at train station
ShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:00 - 20:00 Saturday 05:00 - 20:00 Sunday 08:30 - 20:00
Shopping
- Type of shops available: Newsagent
Parking
- Car Park: Station Car Park 2
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The National key toilets are located on Platforms 4/6; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- National key toilets: No
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Platform 8.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Carlisle
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail replacement coach services can be found at the front of the station
Most popular train connections from Cardiff
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Carlisle
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Carlisle and Cardiff
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