- 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 Ipswich to Carlisle
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 23 Sept
Cheapest price on 23 Sept
£171
Average ticket price on 23 Sept
£171
Fastest journey on 23 Sept
5 h 45 m
Average journey duration on 23 Sept
5 h 49 m
Trains on 23 Sept
7
Distance
416 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Ipswich to Carlisle is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Ipswich to Carlisle will cost around £171 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £171.
Fast trains
To travel from Ipswich to Carlisle you need to make at least 2 changes.
6:015h45Ipswich11:46Carlisle£1711One-way2 changes- 7:585h48Ipswich13:46Carlisle£1711One-way2 changes
- 10:015h47Ipswich15:48Carlisle£1711One-way2 changes
- 11:585h58Ipswich17:56Carlisle£1711One-way2 changes
- 13:585h45Ipswich19:43Carlisle£1711One-way2 changes
- 6:015h45Ipswich11:46Carlisle£1711One-way2 changes
- 13:585h45Ipswich19:43Carlisle£1711One-way2 changes
- 10:015h47Ipswich15:48Carlisle£1711One-way2 changes
- 7:585h48Ipswich13:46Carlisle£1711One-way2 changes
- 11:585h58Ipswich17:56Carlisle£1711One-way2 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Ipswich to Carlisle
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Ipswich to Carlisle among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £74 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 6m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £74, while a flight costs an average of £394.
Distance: 416 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£174 Average Price | £74 Average Price Cheapest | £394 Average Price | £82 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 7m Average total duration 4h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 57m Average total duration 11h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 6m Average total duration Fastest 2h 6m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 5h 36m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Ipswich to Carlisle is a coach with an average price of £74.
This is compared to other travel options from Ipswich to Carlisle:
A coach is £100 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Ipswich to Carlisle costing on average £174.
A coach is £320 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Ipswich to Carlisle costing on average £394.
The fastest way to travel from Ipswich to Carlisle is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 6m.
Other travel options to Carlisle take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 37m.
Coach takes on average 11h 27m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Ipswich and Carlisle 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 59m sooner (4h 37m by train vs 5h 36m by car). Tickets start at around £174 compared to roughly £82 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.
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
Ipswich to Carlisle train times
The table below shows live departures for Ipswich to Carlisle trains for today, Tuesday 22 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20:01 Ipswich | 11h14 | 7:15 Carlisle | 2 changes | |
| Wednesday 23 September | |||||
| 6:01 Ipswich | 5h45 | 11:46 Carlisle | 2 changes | |
| 7:58 Ipswich | 5h48 | 13:46 Carlisle | 2 changes | |
| 10:01 Ipswich | 5h47 | 15:48 Carlisle | 2 changes | |
| 11:58 Ipswich | 5h58 | 17:56 Carlisle | 2 changes | |
| 13:58 Ipswich | 5h45 | 19:43 Carlisle | 2 changes | |
| 16:00 Ipswich | 5h58 | 21:58 Carlisle | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Ipswich 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.
Wed
23 Sept
23 Sept
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26 Sept
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29 Sept
Why should you book Ipswich to Carlisle trains with Omio?
Avanti West Coast operates all trains services from Ipswich to Carlisle.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Ipswich to Carlisle.
Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?
- 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 Ipswich 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 Ipswich to Carlisle.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Ipswich to Carlisle
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Ipswich to Carlisle run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 37m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £152 but you can travel from only £73 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 01:45, the last at 18:46. The fastest train covers the 416 km distance in 4h 31m.
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 £73
Distance 416 km |
Average train duration 4h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price £152 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 4h 31m |
First train 1:45 |
Last train 18:46 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
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 £73
Train companies: Avanti West Coast from Ipswich to Carlisle trainsAvanti West Coast trains will get you between Ipswich and Carlisle from £73. 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
4h 31m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£152
Avanti West Coast frequency
6 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
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: Ipswich to Carlisle train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ipswich 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 Ipswich to Carlisle can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £152, while the average price tends to be around £174.
The train journey from Ipswich to Carlisle covers a distance of 416 km and takes approximately 4h 31m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Ipswich to Carlisle is 416 km.
The first train from Ipswich to Carlisle leaves at 1:45.
The last train from Ipswich to Carlisle departs at 18:46.
Trains from Ipswich to Carlisle run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Ipswich to Carlisle.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Ipswich to Carlisle.
There is no night train service from Ipswich to Carlisle.
The train station in Ipswich that goes to Carlisle is Ipswich station (IPS), and it arrives at Carlisle station (CAR).
The cheapest way to get from Ipswich to Carlisle is by coach, costing approximately £73.
Booking trains from Ipswich 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 Ipswich to Carlisle offers a mix of scenery, including urban landscapes, rolling countryside, and picturesque views as it passes through various regions of England, offering glimpses of both rural and city life.
Yes, you can take the train from Ipswich to Carlisle.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Ipswich and Carlisle
Most Ipswich to Carlisle trains use the Ipswich to Carlisle station pair. Use this guide to compare Ipswich and Carlisle train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Ipswich
Arrival train stations in Carlisle
Which Ipswich station do trains to Carlisle leave from?
Trains from Ipswich to Carlisle leave from Ipswich. The station is 1 km from Ipswich city centre at Ipswich station, Burrell Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP2 8AL.
IpswichIpswich station, Burrell Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP2 8AL+44 3450507080
City-centre transport
Getting to Ipswich from Ipswich city centre
Ipswich is 1 km from Ipswich city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus13, 12, 23, 3, 119, 3E · 7m · £2 · every ~27 min
12, 3, 13, 15, 119, 3E, 23 · 9m · £2 · every ~35 min
111 · 21m
Ipswich train station facilities and services
Ipswich has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Ipswich.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Ipswich. ATMs are available at Ipswich.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Ipswich.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Ipswich: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Ipswich: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Ipswich: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, 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 Carlisle station do trains from Ipswich arrive at?
Trains from Ipswich 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.
Most popular train connections from Ipswich
More options for your journey from Ipswich to Carlisle
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Carlisle and Ipswich
Most popular train connections to Carlisle
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