- Must visit
Dean Castle
Medieval castle with period interiors, collections, and musical instruments set in a large country park. It is Kilmarnock’s standout heritage attraction.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Carlisle to Kilmarnock
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 15 Sept
Cheapest price on 15 Sept
£49
Average ticket price on 15 Sept
£90
Fastest journey on 15 Sept
1 h 42 m
Average journey duration on 15 Sept
1 h 48 m
Trains on 15 Sept
14
Distance
127 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Carlisle to Kilmarnock is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Carlisle to Kilmarnock will cost around £90 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £49.
Fast trains
On Tue 15 Sept, we found 14 trains from Carlisle to Kilmarnock, including 5 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 127 km distance in an average of 1 h 48 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 42 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 56 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.
6:081h43Carlisle7:51Kilmarnock£491One-way0 changes- 8:091h48Carlisle9:57Kilmarnock£491One-way0 changes
- 9:551h56Carlisle11:51Kilmarnock£491One-way0 changes
- 12:151h42Carlisle13:57Kilmarnock£491One-way0 changes
- 14:081h49Carlisle15:57Kilmarnock£491One-way0 changes
- 12:151h42Carlisle13:57Kilmarnock£491One-way0 changes
- 6:081h43Carlisle7:51Kilmarnock£491One-way0 changes
- 8:091h48Carlisle9:57Kilmarnock£491One-way0 changes
- 14:081h49Carlisle15:57Kilmarnock£491One-way0 changes
- 9:551h56Carlisle11:51Kilmarnock£491One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Carlisle to Kilmarnock
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Carlisle to Kilmarnock among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £25 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 28m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £25, while a coach costs an average of £32.
Distance: 127 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£25 Average Price Cheapest | £32 Average Price | £25 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 28m Average total duration Fastest 1h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 20m Average total duration 5h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 5m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Carlisle to Kilmarnock is a train with an average price of £25.
This is compared to other travel options from Carlisle to Kilmarnock:
A train is £7 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Carlisle to Kilmarnock costing on average £32.
The fastest way to travel from Carlisle to Kilmarnock is by train with an average journey time of 1h 58m.
Other travel options to Kilmarnock take longer:
Coach takes on average 5h 50m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Carlisle and Kilmarnock including taking a coach and train.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 7m sooner (1h 58m by train vs 2h 5m by car). Tickets start at around £25 compared to roughly £25 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.
Direct services run with ScotRail.
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.
Live departures
Carlisle to Kilmarnock train times
The table below shows live departures for Carlisle to Kilmarnock trains for today, Monday 14 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 W33912+ L86837 | Delayed 11:58 12:49Carlisle station (CAR) | 2h32 | 15:21 Kilmarnock station (KMK) | 1 change | |
 W85179+L87727 | On time 13:15 Carlisle station (CAR) | 2h36 | 15:51 Kilmarnock station (KMK) | 1 change | |
| L87699 | On time 14:08 Carlisle station (CAR) | 1h50 | 15:58 Kilmarnock station (KMK) | 0 changesdirect | |
| W85185+C14728 | On time 14:24 Carlisle station (CAR) | 2h27 | 16:51 Kilmarnock station (KMK) | 1 change | |
| W34016+L86872 | On time 14:49 Carlisle station (CAR) | 2h32 | 17:21 Kilmarnock station (KMK) | 1 change | |
 | 5:10 Carlisle | 3h05 | 8:15 Kilmarnock | 1 change | |
| 6:08 Carlisle | 1h43 | 7:51 Kilmarnock | 0 changesdirect | |
 | 6:50 Carlisle | 3h01 | 9:51 Kilmarnock | 1 change | |
| 7:56 Carlisle | 2h24 | 10:20 Kilmarnock | 1 change | |
| 8:09 Carlisle | 1h48 | 9:57 Kilmarnock | 0 changesdirect | |
| 9:22 Carlisle | 2h30 | 11:52 Kilmarnock | 1 change | |
| 9:55 Carlisle | 1h56 | 11:51 Kilmarnock | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Carlisle to Kilmarnock by coach or train
Compare coach and train 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.
Tue
15 Sept
15 Sept
Wed
16 Sept
16 Sept
Thu
17 Sept
17 Sept
Fri
18 Sept
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
Why should you book Carlisle to Kilmarnock trains with Omio?
Scotrail as well as Transpennine Express, Caledonian Sleeper, Avanti West Coast, ScotRail and more offer trains services from Carlisle to Kilmarnock.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Carlisle to Kilmarnock.
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, Caledonian Sleeper, Avanti West Coast or ScotRail to find the best option for your trip from Carlisle to Kilmarnock.
- 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 Carlisle to Kilmarnock.
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, Caledonian Sleeper, Avanti West Coast or ScotRail to find the best option for your trip from Carlisle to Kilmarnock.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Carlisle to Kilmarnock.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Carlisle to Kilmarnock
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Carlisle to Kilmarnock run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £23 but you can travel from only £18 by coach.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:22, the last at 22:43. The fastest train covers the 127 km distance in 1h 57m.
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 £18
Distance 127 km |
Average train duration 1h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price £23 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 1h 57m |
First train 5:22 |
Last train 22:43 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Fri |
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 £18
Train companies: Scotrail, Transpennine Express, Caledonian Sleeper, Avanti West Coast, ScotRail, TransPennine Express from Carlisle to Kilmarnock trainsScotrail, Transpennine Express, Caledonian Sleeper, Avanti West Coast, ScotRail, TransPennine Express trains will get you between Carlisle and Kilmarnock from £18. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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
1h 57m
Cheapest Scotrail Price
£27
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
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 40m
Cheapest Transpennine Express Price
£23
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
Caledonian Sleeper
About
The Caledonian Sleeper is a train service operating in the United Kingdom. It offers overnight journeys between London, Scotland, the North of England and Wales. The service is operated by Serco and consists of two types of trains: the Classic Sleeper and the Lowland Sleeper. The Classic Sleeper offers comfortable sleeping berths, while the Lowland Sleeper offers reclining seats. Both trains offer onboard facilities such as Wi-Fi, power sockets, and complimentary tea and coffee.Ticket types include Standard, First Class and Solo. Standard tickets offer access to the lounge car, while First Class tickets include access to the lounge car and complimentary breakfast. Solo tickets are available for single travellers and offer access to the lounge car and a private sleeping berth. The most popular routes for the Caledonian Sleeper are London to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness. Passengers can also travel from London to Aberdeen, Fort William and Dundee.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Caledonian Sleeper Duration
3h 4m
Cheapest Caledonian Sleeper Price
£97
Caledonian Sleeper frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage per person included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage storage areas in each carriage and under beds in sleeping compartments
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies vary by ticket type and timing before departure
Refund
Full refund provided if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Complimentary breakfast for all guests. Club Car serves dinner and drinks. Room service available for sleeping car passengers
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for sleeping car passengers. Optional seat reservations available for seated carriages
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Accessible rooms available, wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and staff assistance
Pets
Small pets allowed in sleeping compartments for a fee. Guide dogs travel 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 Avanti West Coast Duration
1h 57m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£121
Avanti West Coast frequency
7 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
1h 42m
Cheapest ScotRail Price
£49
ScotRail frequency
5 a day
TransPennine Express
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average TransPennine Express Duration
2h 14m
Cheapest TransPennine Express Price
£65
TransPennine Express frequency
3 a day
Complete guide to Kilmarnock
Things to do in Kilmarnock
Discover the best of Kilmarnock — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Kilmarnock trip today.
- Must visit
The Dick Institute
Town-centre museum gallery presenting local history, changing exhibitions, and cultural displays. A useful introduction to Kilmarnock and East Ayrshire.
- Recommended
Burns Monument Centre Museum
Small museum in the Burns Monument Centre exploring the life and influence of poet Robert Burns in Ayrshire. A rewarding stop for literature enthusiasts.
- Must visit
Dean Castle Country Park
Large country park with woodland walks, play areas, ponds, and the castle. It is ideal for an easy half-day visit combining nature and heritage.
- Recommended
Kay Park
Victorian park with broad paths, mature trees, and a pond near the town centre. It is a pleasant place for a walk and local people-watching.
King Street
Pedestrianised central street lined with shops and historic buildings. It is useful for seeing everyday town life and exploring the heart of Kilmarnock.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Irn-Bru
A famous Ayrshire soft drink made with citrus oils and secret flavourings. It was first produced in Kilmarnock and remains the town’s best-known local drink.
Scotch Broth
Traditional Scottish broth of lamb or mutton, barley and root vegetables. It is a hearty staple long associated with Ayrshire farm cooking.
- Gluten-free
Cullen Skink
A rich Scottish soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes, onion and milk or cream. It is a classic west coast comfort dish served across Ayrshire.
The Indian by Vineel
Stylish Indian restaurant known for curries, grilled dishes and attentive service in a polished but relaxed setting.
La Dragonera
Long-established Italian venue serving pizza, pasta and classic mains in a busy, family-friendly town-centre setting.
The First Edition
Popular steakhouse and grill with burgers, ribs and mixed grills, offering a lively casual atmosphere for groups and families.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Meals, lodging and local travel are usually cheaper than in Glasgow or Edinburgh, but costs are above many smaller towns.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a basic lunch.
- Mid-range
- £15-25 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £40+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
Service is often included only at some restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is usual for good service. Round up taxi fares. Cafe tipping is optional.
FAQs: Carlisle to Kilmarnock train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Carlisle to Kilmarnock 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 Kilmarnock, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Carlisle to Kilmarnock can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £23, while the average price tends to be around £25.
The train journey from Carlisle to Kilmarnock covers a distance of 127 km and takes approximately 1h 57m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Carlisle to Kilmarnock is 127 km.
The first train from Carlisle to Kilmarnock leaves at 5:22.
The last train from Carlisle to Kilmarnock departs at 22:43.
Trains from Carlisle to Kilmarnock run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Carlisle to Kilmarnock.
Yes, there is a direct train between Carlisle and Kilmarnock. The service operates 3 times per day, provided by ScotRail.
To get from Carlisle to Kilmarnock, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
Yes, there is a night train from Carlisle to Kilmarnock.
The train station in Carlisle that goes to Kilmarnock is Carlisle station (CAR), and it arrives at Kilmarnock station (KMK).
The cheapest way to get from Carlisle to Kilmarnock is by coach, costing approximately £18.
Booking trains from Carlisle to Kilmarnock in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
Yes, the train journey from Carlisle to Kilmarnock is considered scenic, offering views of the verdant landscapes of southern Scotland, rolling hills, and charming rural areas along the route.
A day trip from Carlisle to Kilmarnock is not feasible as the journey duration is 1h 57m. However, there are 6 trains per day available for this route.
For a visit to Kilmarnock, two to three days are generally sufficient to explore its local attractions, enjoy the parks, and experience the town's cultural highlights.
Yes, you can take the train from Carlisle to Kilmarnock.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Carlisle and Kilmarnock
Most Carlisle to Kilmarnock trains use the Carlisle to Kilmarnock station pair. Use this guide to compare Carlisle and Kilmarnock train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Carlisle
Arrival train stations in Kilmarnock
Which Carlisle station do trains to Kilmarnock leave from?
Trains from Carlisle to Kilmarnock leave from Carlisle. The station is 1 km from Carlisle city centre at Carlisle station, Court Square, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA1 1QZ.
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.
Which Kilmarnock station do trains from Carlisle arrive at?
Trains from Carlisle to Kilmarnock arrive at Kilmarnock. Kilmarnock is from Kilmarnock city centre.
KilmarnockKilmarnock station, Hill Street, Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, KA1 2AF
City-centre transport
Getting to Kilmarnock from Kilmarnock city centre
Bus3, 6, 7 · 37m · £2 · every ~23 min
Kilmarnock train station facilities and services
Kilmarnock has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Kilmarnock.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Kilmarnock.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Kilmarnock. 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 Kilmarnock: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Kilmarnock: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Kilmarnock: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. Level to platforms 1,2&3 underpass with lifts connecting platform 4. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the Ticket Office Blue Badge parking bays: 6, 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: Yes.
More options for your journey from Carlisle to Kilmarnock
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Kilmarnock and Carlisle
Most popular train connections to Kilmarnock
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