- 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.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Durham to Carlisle among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £31. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 42m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £31, and a coach costs an average of £42.
Distance: 88 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£31 Average Price Cheapest | £42 Average Price |
2h 12m Average total duration Fastest 1h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 25m Average total duration 6h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
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.
Trains from Durham to Carlisle run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 42m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £31 if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:54, the last at 21:07. The fastest train covers the 88 km distance in 2h 7m.
Distance 88 km |
Average train duration 1h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price £31 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 2h 7m |
First train 5:54 |
Last train 21:07 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Carlisle — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Carlisle trip today.
City museum with Roman finds, natural history, fine art and local archaeology. An excellent introduction to Carlisle and Cumbria in one compact visit.
Military museum inside Carlisle Castle covering the regiment's history, campaigns and personal stories. Good for understanding the area's long army connections.
Volunteer-run rail museum with restored locomotives, signals and railway memorabilia at a working station. A local favourite for transport history enthusiasts.
Central pedestrianised shopping street with historic buildings, markets and regular city activity. Useful for orientating yourself and seeing everyday Carlisle life.
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.
Broad riverside meadow with paths, sports space and pleasant views near the city centre. A quieter local favourite for walking and stretching your legs.
A traditional Cumberland sausage made with chopped pork and pepper, often coiled. It is a defining local speciality of Cumbria and the Carlisle area.
A rich fruit cake from Cumbria made with currants, spices and often lard or butter. It is closely linked with local baking traditions.
A crumbly oat biscuit from Cumbria, usually baked on a griddle. It is a classic local teatime item in Carlisle and across the county.
Stylish restaurant in the city centre serving modern British dishes, steaks and cocktails in a smart but relaxed setting.
Popular independent café and restaurant for brunch, coffee and seasonal plates in a relaxed central Carlisle setting.
Historic city centre pub known for traditional British meals, cask ales and a classic Carlisle atmosphere.
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.
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.
Official public transport app
Carlisle Railway Station -> Carlisle Bus Station, Carlisle
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Durham 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.

Most Durham to Carlisle trains use the Durham to Carlisle station pair. Use this guide to compare Durham and Carlisle train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Durham has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Durham.
ATMs are available at Durham.
Ticket office support is available at Durham.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Durham: Parking, WC.
Available at Durham: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Durham: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, 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.
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 options are available at Carlisle.
ATMs are available at Carlisle.
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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Carlisle: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Carlisle: Bike Parking.
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.
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