MANCHESTER to CARLISLE train from £11 with Transpennine Express

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The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Carlisle

Showing times and prices for 20 Aug

Cheapest price

£38

Average price

£49

Fastest journey

1 h 45 m

Average duration

1 h 49 m

Trains per day

Distance

164 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Carlisle is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Manchester to Carlisle will cost around £49 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £38.

Fast trains

Of the 12 trains that leave Manchester for Carlisle every day 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 164 km distance in an average of 1 h 49 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 45 m .

The slowest trains will take 1 h 51 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.

W85170
9:241h53
Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)
11:17Carlisle station (CAR)
£381One-way
0 changes
W85182
12:241h46
Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)
14:10Carlisle station (CAR)
£401One-way
0 changes
W85191
14:241h51
Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)
16:15Carlisle station (CAR)
£401One-way
0 changes
W85168
8:241h50
Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)
10:14Carlisle station (CAR)
£401One-way
0 changes
W85188
13:241h52
Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)
15:16Carlisle station (CAR)
£401One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Manchester to Carlisle

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Carlisle among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £11. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 17m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £11, and a train costs an average of £12.

Distance: 164 km

Compare train with

Most popular Train	Coach
£32 Average Price	£25 Average Price Cheapest
2h 47m Average total duration Fastest 2h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	3h 31m Average total duration 3h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time*
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest	0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions
Most popular train company	Most popular bus company
Direct Options	Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Manchester to Carlisle train times

The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Carlisle trains for today, Wednesday 19 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Changes
W34177+G89062	Delayed 8:49 8:56Deansgate (DGT)	1h51	10:47 Carlisle station (CAR)	1 change
G89045+W34254	On time 9:56 Deansgate (DGT)	1h53	11:49 Carlisle station (CAR)	1 change
W85177	On time 10:24 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)	1h45	12:09 Carlisle station (CAR)	0 changesdirect
G89047+W33912	On time 10:56 Deansgate (DGT)	1h51	12:47 Carlisle station (CAR)	1 change
W85179	On time 11:24 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)	1h50	13:14 Carlisle station (CAR)	0 changesdirect
G89585+W34033	On time 11:39 Deansgate (DGT)	2h09	13:48 Carlisle station (CAR)	1 change
G89071+W33935	On time 11:56 Deansgate (DGT)	2h05	14:01 Carlisle station (CAR)	1 change
W85182	On time 12:24 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)	1h46	14:10 Carlisle station (CAR)	0 changesdirect
G89593+W34016	On time 12:39 Deansgate (DGT)	2h09	14:48 Carlisle station (CAR)	1 change
G89072+W34286	On time 12:56 Deansgate (DGT)	2h05	15:01 Carlisle station (CAR)	1 change
W85188	On time 13:24 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)	1h52	15:16 Carlisle station (CAR)	0 changesdirect
G89051+W34187	On time 13:56 Deansgate (DGT)	1h51	15:47 Carlisle station (CAR)	1 change
W85191	On time 14:24 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)	1h51	16:15 Carlisle station (CAR)	0 changesdirect
G89067+W34007	On time 14:56 Deansgate (DGT)	1h52	16:48 Carlisle station (CAR)	1 change
W85196	On time 15:24 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)	1h50	17:14 Carlisle station (CAR)	0 changesdirect
G89053+W34069	On time 15:56 Deansgate (DGT)	1h58	17:54 Carlisle station (CAR)	1 change
W85201	On time 16:25 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)	1h51	18:16 Carlisle station (CAR)	0 changesdirect
G89055+W34082	On time 16:56 Deansgate (DGT)	1h53	18:49 Carlisle station (CAR)	1 change
Thursday 20 August
W85168	8:24 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)	1h50	10:14 Carlisle station (CAR)	0 changesdirect
G89062+W34177	8:56 Deansgate (DGT)	1h51	10:47 Carlisle station (CAR)	1 change
G89062+W34144	8:56 Deansgate (DGT)	2h04	11:00 Carlisle station (CAR)	1 change
W85170	9:24 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)	1h53	11:17 Carlisle station (CAR)	0 changesdirect
This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Carlisle by train or coach

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.

Thu
20 Aug

Fri
21 Aug

Sat
22 Aug

Sun
23 Aug

Mon
24 Aug

Tue
25 Aug

Wed
26 Aug

Why should you book Manchester to Carlisle trains with Omio?

Transpennine Express as well as Avanti West Coast, Northern Rail, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited and more offer trains services from Manchester to Carlisle.

Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Carlisle.

Why book with Omio vs Transpennine Express?

Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Transpennine Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast, Northern Rail, TransPennine Express or Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip from Manchester 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 Transpennine Express with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Carlisle.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Raileurope or Trip?

Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast, Northern Rail, TransPennine Express or Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Carlisle.
Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Carlisle.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Manchester to Carlisle

United Kingdom

Trains from Manchester to Carlisle run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 17m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £12 but you can travel from only £11 by coach.

There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:00, the last at 21:35. The fastest train covers the 164 km distance in 1h 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

Cheapest alternative travel mode

Coach from £11

Distance

164 km

Average train duration

2h 17m

Cheapest ticket price

£12

Trains per day

Direct trains

Fastest train

1h 45m

First train

3:00

Last train

21:35

Cheapest Month

Aug

Cheapest Day

Tue

High Season

Jul - Sept

Low Season

Oct - Dec

Busiest Day

Wed

Least Busy Day

Fri

Best time to book

21 days

Price information

Cheapest alternative travel mode

Coach from £11

Train companies: Transpennine Express, Avanti West Coast, Northern Rail, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited from Manchester to Carlisle trainsTranspennine Express, Avanti West Coast, Northern Rail, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited trains will get you between Manchester and Carlisle from £11. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Transpennine Express

About

Transpennine Express is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from Manchester and Liverpool to Scotland, the North East and Yorkshire. It offers a range of services, including express, regional and local trains. Express trains are the fastest, with journey times of up to three hours. Regional trains are slower, but offer more stops and a more relaxed atmosphere. Local trains are the slowest, but offer the most stops. Transpennine Express offers a range of ticket types, including single, return, group and season tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Transpennine Express are Manchester to Edinburgh, Liverpool to Leeds and Manchester to York. These routes offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel between the cities.

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Duration

1h 45m

Cheapest Price

£18

Transpennine Express frequency

4 a day

Luggage included

2 large items and 1 small hand luggage included

Luggage storage

Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats

Cancellation Policy

Refund policies apply as per ticket type

Refund

Full refund if service is cancelled

Amenities on board the train

Wifi

Food sold onboard

Trolley service with drinks and snacks, plus a small selection of hot and cold food items

Seat reservation

Seat reservations are free of charge and recommended for busy routes

Toilets

USB plugs

Accessibility

Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance booking service

Pets

Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger

Quiet zone

Learn more about Transpennine Express

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 Duration

1h 51m

Cheapest Price

£13

Avanti West Coast frequency

4 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

Learn more about Avanti West Coast

Northern Rail

About

Northern Trains is a publicly owned train operating company in the United Kingdom, headquartered in York. It runs local and commuter services across the north of England, connecting regions including the North East, North West, East Midlands, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, and the Humber coastline. As part of the National Rail network, Northern operates under a coordinated fare and ticketing system alongside other UK train companies.Ticket types include Advance, Off-Peak, Anytime Day, single, return, and season tickets, with only one class option available: Standard. Onboard amenities may include comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and refreshments on select services. Popular routes include connections between major northern cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds.

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Duration

2h 4m

Cheapest Price

£19

Northern Rail frequency

1 a day

Luggage included

2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage

Luggage storage

Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats

Cancellation Policy

See refund policy for ticket types

Refund

Full refund if service canceled

Amenities on board the train

Wifi

Food sold onboard

Trolley service on most services with drinks and snacks. Some stations have cafes and shops

Seat reservation

Seat reservations available but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking advance tickets

Toilets

USB plugs

Accessibility

Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available

Pets

Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger

Quiet zone

TransPennine Express

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Duration

1h 47m

Cheapest Price

£54

TransPennine Express frequency

13 a day

Northern Trains Limited

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Duration

1h 57m

Cheapest Price

£48

Northern Trains Limited frequency

8 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.

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.

View on map Visit website

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.

View on map Visit website

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.

View on map Visit website

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.

FAQs: Manchester to Carlisle train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester 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 Manchester to Carlisle can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £12, while the average price tends to be around £32.

The train journey from Manchester to Carlisle covers a distance of 164 km and takes approximately 1h 45m. Trains run 8 per day.

The train distance from Manchester to Carlisle is 164 km.

The first train from Manchester to Carlisle leaves at 3:00.

The last train from Manchester to Carlisle departs at 21:35.

Trains from Manchester to Carlisle run approximately 8 times per day.

Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Manchester to Carlisle.

Yes, there is a direct train between Manchester and Carlisle. The service operates 3 times per day, provided by Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express.

To get from Manchester to Carlisle, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.

There is no night train service from Manchester to Carlisle.

The train station in Manchester that goes to Carlisle is Manchester Airport (MIA), and it arrives at Carlisle station (CAR).

The cheapest way to get from Manchester to Carlisle is by coach, costing approximately £11.

Booking trains from Manchester 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 Manchester to Carlisle is considered scenic, offering views of the picturesque Pennines, rolling countryside, and charming villages along the route.

Yes, a day trip from Manchester to Carlisle is feasible since the journey takes 1h 45m, covers a distance of 164 km, and trains run 8 times 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 Manchester to Carlisle.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Carlisle

Most Manchester to Carlisle trains use the Manchester Airport to Carlisle station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Carlisle train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Manchester

Arrival train stations in Carlisle

Which Manchester station do trains to Carlisle leave from?

Trains from Manchester to Carlisle leave from Manchester Airport. The station is 13 km from Manchester city centre at Manchester Airport station, Malaga Avenue, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M90 3RR.

Manchester AirportManchester Airport station, Malaga Avenue, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M90 3RR Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Manchester Airport from Manchester city centre

Manchester Airport is 13 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainLiverpool Lime Street - Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly - Crewe, Blackpool North - Manchester Airport, Barrow-in-Furness - Manchester Airport, Windermere - Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly - Wilmslow, Manchester Piccadilly - Manchester Airport, Millom - Manchester Airport, Lancaster - Manchester Airport, Manchester Oxford Road - Manchester Airport, Corkickle - Manchester Airport, Preston - Manchester Airport · 17m · £4 · every ~9 min

BusUk980, Uk076, Uk074, Uk072, Ukn23 · 30m · £0.90 · every ~2 min

43, 103 · 1h 2m · £2 · every ~29 min

43, 103 · 1h 6m · £2 · every ~29 min

TramNavy Line · 51m · £4 · every ~16 min

Navy Line · 54m · £4 · every ~8 min

Manchester Airport train station facilities and services

Manchester Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Manchester Airport.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Manchester Airport. ATMs are available at Manchester Airport.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Manchester Airport. Information desks are information available from staff: ,Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 107 2149, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Manchester Airport: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Manchester Airport: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Airport: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: re Step free access is provided from the Ground Transport Interchange to all platforms via lifts or ramps. This station is staffed for all services. This station is Category A. Station staff can provide assistance from Meeting Point 1 (adjacent to the Station Booking Office) and throughout the railway station, and with boarding and alighting the train. Customers requiring assistance should make themselves known to station staff no less than 20 minutes prior to the departure time of their train. Customers requiring assistance to access other services or to connect with terminals should request this from their airline or Manchester Airport Group. Assistance can be requested in advance by contacting the TransPennine Express Assisted Travel Team on 0800 107 2149 (18001 prefix for TextRelay). Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible public telephones: In the station cafe on platforms 2 and 3, 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 about Manchester Airport

Manchester PiccadillyPiccadilly Station Approach, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M60 7RA, United Kingdom+44 3457114141 Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Manchester Piccadilly from Manchester city centre

Bus201, 203, 202, 205 · 1m · £2 · every ~56 min

TramBlue Line, Red Line, Pink Line, Purple Line, Yellow Line · 3m · £2 · every ~47 min

Manchester Piccadilly train station facilities and services

Manchester Piccadilly has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.