- 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.
Cheapest price on 17 Sept
£12
Average ticket price on 17 Sept
£22
Fastest journey on 17 Sept
1 h 56 m
Average journey duration on 17 Sept
2 h 5 m
Trains on 17 Sept
6
Distance
165 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Liverpool to Carlisle is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Liverpool to Carlisle will cost around £22 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £12.
On Thu 17 Sept, we found 6 trains from Liverpool to Carlisle, including 6 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 165 km distance in an average of 2 h 5 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 56 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 15 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.










Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Liverpool to Carlisle among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £20 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 20m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £20, while a coach costs an average of £23.
Distance: 165 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£20 Average Price Cheapest | £23 Average Price | £34 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 20m Average total duration Fastest 2h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 26m Average total duration 4h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 28m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Liverpool to Carlisle:
A train is £3 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Liverpool to Carlisle costing on average £23.
Other travel options to Carlisle take longer:
Coach takes on average 4h 56m.
Tickets start at around £20 compared to roughly £34 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £13. The journey takes 2h 50m versus 2h 28m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Direct services run with TransPennine Express.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Liverpool to Carlisle trains for today, Wednesday 16 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W34180+ G89645 | Delayed 21:06 20:37Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 2h18 | 22:55 Carlisle station (CAR) | 1 change | |
| Thursday 17 September | |||||
![]() | 4:06 Liverpool | 3h09 | 7:15 Carlisle | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 7:13 Liverpool | 1h56 | 9:09 Carlisle | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 7:39 Liverpool | 2h08 | 9:47 Carlisle | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 7:45 Liverpool | 2h15 | 10:00 Carlisle | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 8:13 Liverpool | 1h56 | 10:09 Carlisle | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 9:45 Liverpool | 2h12 | 11:57 Carlisle | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and coach 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 Liverpool to Carlisle run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 50m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £14 if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:51, the last at 21:35. The fastest train covers the 165 km distance in 1h 56m.
Distance 165 km |
Average train duration 2h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price £14 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 1h 56m |
First train 4:51 |
Last train 21:35 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 14 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 Liverpool 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 Liverpool to Carlisle trains use the Liverpool Lime Street to Carlisle station pair. Use this guide to compare Liverpool and Carlisle train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Liverpool Lime Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, Upper Crust, Starbucks, JD Wetherspoon
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are located near Platform 7.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:38, Sun: 07:15 - 23:05. Information desks are located in the main concourse.
Luggage storage is the Excess Baggage Co. lockers and staffed luggage storage counter are located in the main concourse near the escalators across from Platform 6. Open daily 08:00 to 21:00. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Liverpool Lime Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Liverpool Lime Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool Lime Street: Full wheelchair access throughout the station, with help points at the Skelhorne Street entrance and at customer information desk in the main concourse.
Nearby hotels include Pembroke Studios, Riley’s Rooms, Holiday Inn Liverpool City Center.
Liverpool South Parkway is 8 km from Liverpool city centre. Public transport options include:
Liverpool South Parkway 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 options are available at Liverpool South Parkway.
Wi-Fi is available at Liverpool South Parkway.
Ticket office support is available at Liverpool South Parkway. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0151 555 1111, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Liverpool South Parkway: Parking, WC.
Available at Liverpool South Parkway: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool South Parkway: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A: “This station has step free access to all platforms / the platform” Platforms are accessible via lifts, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible ticket machines: There are no 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.
Moorfields has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Moorfields.
Wi-Fi is available at Moorfields. ATMs are available at Moorfields.
Ticket office support is available at Moorfields. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0151 555 1111, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Moorfields: Parking, WC.
Available at Moorfields: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Moorfields: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A: “This station has step free access to all platforms / the platform” Platforms via Moorfields entrance are accessible via lifts. However the Old Hall Street entrance has no disabled access, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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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