- 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
£4
Average ticket price on 17 Sept
£9
Fastest journey on 17 Sept
15 m
Average journey duration on 17 Sept
16 m
Trains on 17 Sept
6
Distance
28 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Penrith to Carlisle is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Penrith to Carlisle will cost around £9 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £4.
On Thu 17 Sept, we found 6 trains from Penrith to Carlisle, including 6 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 28 km distance in an average of 16 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 15 m .
The slowest trains will take 16 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.
W34023
W34046
W85174
W85164
W85165
W34023
W34046
W85174
W85164
W85165Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Penrith to Carlisle among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £5 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 45m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.0kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £5, while a coach costs an average of £7.
Distance: 28 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£5 Average Price Cheapest | £7 Average Price |
45m Average total duration Fastest 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 5m Average total duration 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions |
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 Penrith to Carlisle:
A train is £2 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Penrith to Carlisle costing on average £7.
Other travel options to Carlisle take longer:
Coach takes on average 35m.
The table below shows live departures for Penrith to Carlisle trains for tomorrow, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W85160 | 6:31 Penrith station (PNR) | 0h16 | 6:47 Carlisle station (CAR) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34023 | 7:39 Penrith station (PNR) | 0h15 | 7:54 Carlisle station (CAR) | 0 changesdirect | |
W85164 | 7:59 Penrith station (PNR) | 0h16 | 8:15 Carlisle station (CAR) | 0 changesdirect | |
W85165 | 8:56 Penrith station (PNR) | 0h16 | 9:12 Carlisle station (CAR) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34046 | 9:44 Penrith station (PNR) | 0h16 | 10:00 Carlisle station (CAR) | 0 changesdirect | |
W85174 | 9:53 Penrith station (PNR) | 0h16 | 10:09 Carlisle station (CAR) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Penrith to Carlisle run on average 8 times per day, taking around 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £3 if you book in advance.
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:43, the last at 22:38. The fastest train covers the 28 km distance in 15m.
Distance 28 km |
Average train duration 15m |
Cheapest ticket price £3 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 8 |
Fastest train 15m |
First train 5:43 |
Last train 22:38 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 3 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 Penrith 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 Penrith to Carlisle trains use the Penrith to Carlisle station pair. Use this guide to compare Penrith and Carlisle train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Penrith has practical services for this route, including Parking, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Ticket office support is available at Penrith.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Penrith: Parking, WC.
Available at Penrith: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Penrith: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This station has step-free access to all platforms / the platform, 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.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need