- 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 Oxford to Carlisle
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 19 Sept
Cheapest price on 19 Sept
£116
Average ticket price on 19 Sept
£120
Fastest journey on 19 Sept
4 h 20 m
Average journey duration on 19 Sept
4 h 21 m
Trains on 19 Sept
2
Distance
367 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Oxford to Carlisle is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Oxford to Carlisle will cost around £120 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £116.
Fast trains
On Sat 19 Sept, we found 2 trains from Oxford to Carlisle, including 2 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 367 km distance in an average of 4 h 21 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 20 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 21 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.
5:394h21Oxford10:00Carlisle£1161One-way0 changes- 8:404h20Oxford13:00Carlisle£1231One-way0 changes
- 8:404h20Oxford13:00Carlisle£1231One-way0 changes
- 5:394h21Oxford10:00Carlisle£1161One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach, train and flight for Oxford to Carlisle
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Oxford to Carlisle among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £31 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 10m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £31, while a train costs an average of £98.
Distance: 367 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£98 Average Price | £31 Average Price Cheapest | £53 Average Price | £83 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 36m Average total duration 4h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 55m Average total duration 9h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 10m Average total duration Fastest 1h 10m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 45m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Oxford to Carlisle is a coach with an average price of £31.
This is compared to other travel options from Oxford to Carlisle:
A coach is £22 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Oxford to Carlisle costing on average £53.
A coach is £67 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Oxford to Carlisle costing on average £98.
The fastest way to travel from Oxford to Carlisle is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 10m.
Other travel options to Carlisle take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 6m.
Coach takes on average 9h 25m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Oxford and Carlisle including taking a coach, train and flight.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 39m sooner (4h 6m by train vs 4h 45m by car). Tickets start at around £98 compared to roughly £83 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
Oxford to Carlisle train times
The table below shows live departures for Oxford to Carlisle trains for tomorrow, Saturday 19 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:39 Oxford | 4h21 | 10:00 Carlisle | 0 changesdirect | |
| 8:40 Oxford | 4h20 | 13:00 Carlisle | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Oxford to Carlisle by coach, train or flight
Compare coach, train 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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19 Sept
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Why should you book Oxford to Carlisle trains with Omio?
Avanti West Coast as well as Cross Country offer trains services from Oxford to Carlisle.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Oxford to Carlisle.
Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Avanti West Coast, but also compare tickets for the likes of Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Oxford 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 Avanti West Coast with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Oxford to Carlisle.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Oxford to Carlisle.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Oxford to Carlisle
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Oxford to Carlisle run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £59 but you can travel from only £31 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:43, the last at 18:08. The fastest train covers the 367 km distance in 4h 21m.
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 £31
Distance 367 km |
Average train duration 4h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price £59 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 4h 21m |
First train 5:43 |
Last train 18:08 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 14 days |
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 £31
Train companies: Avanti West Coast, Cross Country from Oxford to Carlisle trainsAvanti West Coast, Cross Country trains will get you between Oxford and Carlisle from £31. 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 21m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£59
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
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Cross Country Duration
4h 16m
Cheapest Cross Country Price
£150
Cross Country frequency
12 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: Oxford to Carlisle train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Oxford 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 Oxford to Carlisle can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £59, while the average price tends to be around £98.
The train journey from Oxford to Carlisle covers a distance of 367 km and takes approximately 4h 21m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Oxford to Carlisle is 367 km.
The first train from Oxford to Carlisle leaves at 5:43.
The last train from Oxford to Carlisle departs at 18:08.
Trains from Oxford to Carlisle run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Oxford to Carlisle.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Oxford to Carlisle.
To get from Oxford to Carlisle, you can choose from several travel options including coach, train and flight.
There is no night train service from Oxford to Carlisle.
The train station in Oxford that goes to Carlisle is Oxford station (OXF), and it arrives at Carlisle station (CAR).
The cheapest way to get from Oxford to Carlisle is by coach, costing approximately £31.
Booking trains from Oxford 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 Oxford to Carlisle offers a scenic route, especially as it passes through the picturesque landscapes of the Cotswolds, the rolling hills of the Peak District, and the scenic Lake District, providing travellers with beautiful countryside views.
A day trip from Oxford to Carlisle is not feasible as the journey takes 4h 21m one way. Trains run 6 times per day, covering a distance of 367 km.
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 Oxford to Carlisle.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Oxford and Carlisle
Most Oxford to Carlisle trains use the Oxford to Carlisle station pair. Use this guide to compare Oxford and Carlisle train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Oxford
Arrival train stations in Carlisle
Which Oxford station do trains to Carlisle leave from?
Trains from Oxford to Carlisle leave from Oxford. The station is 1 km from Oxford city centre at Oxford station, Park End Street, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 1HS.
OxfordOxford station, Park End Street, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 1HS+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Oxford from Oxford city centre
BusS1, Ns1 · 6m · £0.90 · every ~12 min
5, 3, 3A, 400, N3, N400 · 9m · £2 · every ~66 min
X1, X15, 600 · 9m · £2 · every ~14 min
X20, 120 · 10m · every ~10 min
Oxford train station facilities and services
Oxford has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Oxford.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Oxford. ATMs are available at Oxford.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Oxford.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Oxford: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Oxford: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Oxford: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category A Station - This station has step free access to all platforms via lifts and an overbridge to access platform 4. Safety warning - Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Accessible Taxis available at this station Please request staff assistance or call our free help line for, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Situated by the ticket office, 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 Oxford arrive at?
Trains from Oxford to Carlisle most often arrive at Carlisle. Some services arrive at Wetheral, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Carlisle arrival station.
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 Oxford
More options for your journey from Oxford to Carlisle
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Carlisle and Oxford
Most popular train connections to Carlisle
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