- 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 Cheltenham to Carlisle
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 31 Aug
Cheapest price on 31 Aug
£146
Average ticket price on 31 Aug
£146
Fastest journey on 31 Aug
3 h 49 m
Average journey duration on 31 Aug
3 h 49 m
Trains on 31 Aug
1
Distance
338 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cheltenham to Carlisle is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cheltenham to Carlisle will cost around £146 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £146.
Fast trains
On Mon 31 Aug, we found 1 trains from Cheltenham to Carlisle, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 338 km distance in an average of 3 h 49 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 49 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 49 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.
11:123h49Cheltenham15:01Carlisle£1461One-way0 changes
- 11:123h49Cheltenham15:01Carlisle£1461One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Cheltenham to Carlisle
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cheltenham to Carlisle among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £58 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 7m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £58, while a train costs an average of £71.
Distance: 338 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£71 Average Price | £58 Average Price Cheapest |
4h 7m Average total duration Fastest 3h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 16h 25m Average total duration 15h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Cheltenham to Carlisle train times
The table below shows live departures for Cheltenham to Carlisle trains for today, Sunday 30 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 22:50 Cheltenham | 10h10 | 9:00 Carlisle | 1 change | |
| Monday 31 August | |||||
| 11:12 Cheltenham | 3h49 | 15:01 Carlisle | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cheltenham to Carlisle 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.
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Why should you book Cheltenham to Carlisle trains with Omio?
Avanti West Coast as well as Cross Country offer trains services from Cheltenham to Carlisle.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cheltenham 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 Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Cheltenham 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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cheltenham to Carlisle.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cheltenham to Carlisle.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cheltenham to Carlisle
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cheltenham to Carlisle run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 37m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £41 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:43, the last at 18:11. The fastest train covers the 338 km distance in 3h 45m.
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 338 km |
Average train duration 3h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price £41 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 45m |
First train 5:43 |
Last train 18:11 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 70 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, Cross Country from Cheltenham to Carlisle trainsAvanti West Coast, Cross Country trains will get you between Cheltenham and Carlisle from £41. 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 45m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£41
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 Cross Country Duration
3h 44m
Cheapest Cross Country Price
£222
Cross Country 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: Cheltenham to Carlisle train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cheltenham 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 Cheltenham to Carlisle can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £41, while the average price tends to be around £71.
The train journey from Cheltenham to Carlisle covers a distance of 338 km and takes approximately 3h 45m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Cheltenham to Carlisle is 338 km.
The first train from Cheltenham to Carlisle leaves at 5:43.
The last train from Cheltenham to Carlisle departs at 18:11.
Trains from Cheltenham to Carlisle run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cheltenham to Carlisle.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cheltenham to Carlisle.
To get from Cheltenham to Carlisle, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Cheltenham to Carlisle.
The train station in Cheltenham that goes to Carlisle is Cheltenham Spa (CNM), and it arrives at Carlisle station (CAR).
The cheapest way to get from Cheltenham to Carlisle is by train, costing approximately £41.
Booking trains from Cheltenham 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 Cheltenham to Carlisle offers scenic views, especially as it passes through the picturesque landscapes of the Cotswolds and the rolling hills of the Lake District, providing a visual treat for travellers.
A day trip from Cheltenham to Carlisle is not feasible as the journey duration is 3h 45m. However, there are 6 train trips per day covering a distance of 338 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 Cheltenham to Carlisle.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cheltenham and Carlisle
Most Cheltenham to Carlisle trains use the Cheltenham Spa to Carlisle station pair. Use this guide to compare Cheltenham and Carlisle train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Cheltenham
Arrival train stations in Carlisle
Which Cheltenham station do trains to Carlisle leave from?
Trains from Cheltenham to Carlisle leave from Cheltenham Spa. The station is 1 km from Cheltenham city centre at Cheltenham Spa Railway Station, Queens Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL51 8NP, United Kingdom.
Cheltenham SpaCheltenham Spa Railway Station, Queens Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL51 8NP, United Kingdom+44 345 165 2030
City-centre transport
Getting to Cheltenham Spa from Cheltenham city centre
Cheltenham Spa is 1 km from Cheltenham city centre. Public transport options include:
BusD, E, G · 7m · £4 · every ~25 min
M1 · 8m
Cheltenham Spa train station facilities and services
Cheltenham Spa has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: The Railway Inn, The Coconut Tree
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cheltenham Spa. Information desks are located near the main entrance.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Cheltenham Spa. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cheltenham Spa: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cheltenham Spa: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cheltenham Spa: Elevators, ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Queens Hotel Cheltenham, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cheltenham, Hotel du Vin & Bistro Cheltenham.
Which Carlisle station do trains from Cheltenham arrive at?
Trains from Cheltenham 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 Cheltenham to Carlisle
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Carlisle and Cheltenham
Most popular train connections to Carlisle
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