- 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 Exeter to Carlisle
Showing times and prices for 09 Aug
Cheapest price
£97
Average price
£97
Fastest journey
5 h 34 m
Average duration
5 h 34 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
466 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Exeter to Carlisle is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Exeter to Carlisle will cost around £97 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £97.
Fast trains
Of the 1 trains that leave Exeter 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 466 km distance in an average of 5 h 34 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 34 m .
The slowest trains will take 5 h 34 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.
10:275h34Exeter16:01Carlisle£971One-way0 changes
- 10:275h34Exeter16:01Carlisle£971One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Exeter to Carlisle
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Exeter to Carlisle among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £33. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 6h 5m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £33, and a flight costs an average of £173.
Distance: 466 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£92 Average Price | £39 Average Price Cheapest | £639 Average Price |
6h 35m Average total duration Fastest 6h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 35m Average total duration 10h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 38m Average total duration 6h 38m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Compare prices and tickets Exeter to Carlisle by train, coach or flight
Compare train, coach and flight 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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Journey information
Overview: Train from Exeter to Carlisle
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Exeter to Carlisle run on average 13 times per day, taking around 6h 5m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £57 but you can travel from only £33 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:42, the last at 18:08. The fastest train covers the 466 km distance in 5h 33m.
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 £33
Distance 466 km |
Average train duration 6h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price £57 |
Trains per day 13 |
Fastest train 5h 33m |
First train 5:42 |
Last train 18:08 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
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 £33
Train companies: Cross Country from Exeter to Carlisle trainsCross Country trains will get you between Exeter and Carlisle from £33. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 31m
Cheapest Price
£355
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: Exeter to Carlisle train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Exeter 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 Exeter to Carlisle can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £57, while the average price tends to be around £92.
The train journey from Exeter to Carlisle covers a distance of 466 km and takes approximately 5h 33m. Trains run 13 per day.
The train distance from Exeter to Carlisle is 466 km.
The first train from Exeter to Carlisle leaves at 5:42.
The last train from Exeter to Carlisle departs at 18:08.
Trains from Exeter to Carlisle run approximately 13 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Exeter to Carlisle.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Exeter to Carlisle.
To get from Exeter to Carlisle, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Exeter to Carlisle.
The train station in Exeter that goes to Carlisle is Exeter St Davids (EXD), and it arrives at Carlisle station (CAR).
The cheapest way to get from Exeter to Carlisle is by coach, costing approximately £33.
Booking trains from Exeter 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 Exeter to Carlisle offers scenic views, particularly as it traverses the picturesque landscapes of the English countryside, including parts of the Lake District and the rolling hills of Devon.
A day trip from Exeter to Carlisle is not feasible as the journey takes 5h 33m each way. The distance is 466 km, and there are 10 trains per day.
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 Exeter to Carlisle.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Exeter and Carlisle
Most Exeter to Carlisle trains use the Exeter St Davids to Carlisle station pair. Use this guide to compare Exeter and Carlisle train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Exeter
Arrival train stations in Carlisle
Which Exeter station do trains to Carlisle leave from?
Trains from Exeter to Carlisle leave from Exeter St Davids. The station is 1 km from Exeter city centre at Exeter St Davids station, Bonhay Road, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4NT.
Exeter St DavidsExeter St Davids station, Bonhay Road, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4NT+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Exeter St Davids from Exeter city centre
Exeter St Davids is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus355, 6A, 5B, 4A, 4, 66 · 6m · £2 · every ~20 min
4, 4A, Uni, K · 8m · £2 · every ~19 min
Exeter St Davids train station facilities and services
Exeter St Davids has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Exeter St Davids.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter St Davids. ATMs are available at Exeter St Davids.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Exeter St Davids.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Exeter St Davids: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Exeter St Davids: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter St Davids: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step free Category A station - All platforms can be accessed via Lifts from the sole main station entrance. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located at the station entrance by the ticket office, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Exeter St ThomasExeter St Thomas station, Cowick Street, Exeter, Devon, EX4 1AJ
City-centre transport
Getting to Exeter St Thomas from Exeter city centre
Exeter St Thomas is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainExmouth - Paignton · 21m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
BusA, B, C, E, P · 9m · £2 · every ~44 min
Exeter St Thomas train station facilities and services
Exeter St Thomas has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Exeter St Thomas.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter St Thomas.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Exeter St Thomas: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Exeter St Thomas: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter St Thomas: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Step free Category C Station - This station does not have step free access to any platform. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Exeter CentralExeter Central station, Queen Street, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3SB+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Exeter Central from Exeter city centre
BusH, K, Uni, 4A, 4 · 3m · £2 · every ~27 min
Exeter Central train station facilities and services
Exeter Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Exeter Central.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter Central.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Exeter Central.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Exeter Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Exeter Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter Central: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step free Category A station - Both platforms can be accessed via lifts from the main station entrance, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, 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: No.
Which Carlisle station do trains from Exeter arrive at?
Trains from Exeter 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 Exeter to Carlisle
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Carlisle and Exeter
Most popular train connections to Carlisle
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