- 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 Reading to Carlisle
Showing times and prices for 14 Aug
Cheapest price
£64
Average price
£101
Fastest journey
4 h 31 m
Average duration
4 h 40 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
404 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Reading to Carlisle is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Reading to Carlisle will cost around £101 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £64.
Fast trains
To travel from Reading to Carlisle you need to make at least one change.
G00887+
W3428715:154h44Reading station (RDG)19:59Carlisle station (CAR)£641One-way1 change- G00891+W3429116:154h47Reading station (RDG)21:02Carlisle station (CAR)£641One-way1 change
- G00887+W3428715:154h44Reading station (RDG)19:59Carlisle station (CAR)£801One-way1 change
W34892+
Y14751+
Tube from London Paddington to London Euston15:284h52Reading station (RDG)20:20Carlisle station (CAR)£1171One-way2 changes- G15048+W34169+Tube from London Paddington to London Euston16:184h34Reading station (RDG)20:52Carlisle station (CAR)£1391One-way2 changes
- W35187+C01318+Tube from London Paddington to London Euston15:204h31Reading station (RDG)19:51Carlisle station (CAR)£1391One-way2 changes
- G15048+W34169+Tube from London Paddington to London Euston16:184h34Reading station (RDG)20:52Carlisle station (CAR)£1391One-way2 changes
- G00887+W3428715:154h44Reading station (RDG)19:59Carlisle station (CAR)£641One-way1 change
- G00887+W3428715:154h44Reading station (RDG)19:59Carlisle station (CAR)£801One-way1 change
- G00891+W3429116:154h47Reading station (RDG)21:02Carlisle station (CAR)£641One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Reading to Carlisle
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Carlisle among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £24. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 26m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £24, and a train costs an average of £62.
Distance: 404 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£118 Average Price | £60 Average Price Cheapest | £75 Average Price |
4h 59m Average total duration 4h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 46m Average total duration 12h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 26m Average total duration Fastest 1h 26m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Reading to Carlisle train times
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Carlisle trains for today, Thursday 13 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 6:15 Reading | 4h45 | 11:00 Carlisle | 1 change | |
| 7:15 Reading | 4h41 | 11:56 Carlisle | 1 change | |
| 8:15 Reading | 4h44 | 12:59 Carlisle | 1 change | |
| 9:15 Reading | 4h46 | 14:01 Carlisle | 1 change | |
| 10:15 Reading | 4h45 | 15:00 Carlisle | 1 change | |
| 11:15 Reading | 4h44 | 15:59 Carlisle | 1 change | |
| 12:15 Reading | 4h48 | 17:03 Carlisle | 1 change | |
| 13:15 Reading | 4h48 | 18:03 Carlisle | 1 change | |
| 14:16 Reading | 4h48 | 19:04 Carlisle | 1 change | |
| 15:14 Reading | 4h45 | 19:59 Carlisle | 1 change | |
| 16:15 Reading | 4h46 | 21:01 Carlisle | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Reading to Carlisle by train, coach or flight
Compare train, coach 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.
Fri
14 Aug
14 Aug
Sat
15 Aug
15 Aug
Sun
16 Aug
16 Aug
Mon
17 Aug
17 Aug
Tue
18 Aug
18 Aug
Wed
19 Aug
19 Aug
Thu
20 Aug
20 Aug
Why should you book Reading to Carlisle trains with Omio?
CrossCountry as well as Avanti West Coast or Cross Country offer trains services from Reading to Carlisle.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Reading to Carlisle.
Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Reading 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 CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Reading to Carlisle.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Carlisle.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Reading to Carlisle.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Reading to Carlisle
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Reading to Carlisle run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £62 but you can travel from only £19 by flight.
The earliest train runs at 01:45, the last at 22:26. The fastest train covers the 404 km distance in 4h 33m.
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
Flight from £19
Distance 404 km |
Average train duration 4h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price £62 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 4h 33m |
First train 1:45 |
Last train 22:26 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
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
Flight from £19
Train companies: CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Cross Country from Reading to Carlisle trainsCrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Cross Country trains will get you between Reading and Carlisle from £19. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 33m
Cheapest Price
£127
CrossCountry frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone
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
4h 46m
Cheapest Price
£62
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
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 41m
Cheapest Price
£179
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: Reading to Carlisle train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading 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 Reading to Carlisle can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £62, while the average price tends to be around £118.
The train journey from Reading to Carlisle covers a distance of 404 km and takes approximately 4h 33m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Reading to Carlisle is 404 km.
The first train from Reading to Carlisle leaves at 1:45.
The last train from Reading to Carlisle departs at 22:26.
Trains from Reading to Carlisle run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Reading to Carlisle.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Reading to Carlisle.
To get from Reading to Carlisle, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Reading to Carlisle.
The train station in Reading that goes to Carlisle is Reading station (RDG), and it arrives at Carlisle station (CAR).
The cheapest way to get from Reading to Carlisle is by flight, costing approximately £19.
Booking trains from Reading 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 Reading to Carlisle offers scenic views, particularly as it traverses through the picturesque landscapes of the Cotswolds and the Lake District, featuring rolling hills, charming villages, and stunning lakes.
A day trip from Reading to Carlisle is not feasible as the journey takes 4h 33m. There are 6 trains available per day for this route.
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 Reading to Carlisle.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Reading and Carlisle
Most Reading to Carlisle trains use the Reading to Carlisle station pair. Use this guide to compare Reading and Carlisle train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Reading
Arrival train stations in Carlisle
Which Reading station do trains to Carlisle leave from?
Trains from Reading to Carlisle leave from Reading. The station is from Reading city centre at Reading station, Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LZ.
ReadingReading station, Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LZ+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Reading from Reading city centre
Bus26, 90, 87 · 2m · £2 · every ~15 min
Reading train station facilities and services
Reading has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Reading.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Reading.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Reading.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Reading: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Reading: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: platforms can be reached via lift and bridge, ticket office is step free, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Accessible low-level Pay Phone is available at the station main concourse. Please request staff assistance if you need to, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxi are available at the station entrance. please request staff assistance if you need to, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located at the station entrance by the ticket office and at the car park, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Reading WestReading West station, Oxford Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7PY
City-centre transport
Getting to Reading West from Reading city centre
Reading West is 1 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainReading - Basingstoke, Reading - Newbury, Reading - Bedwyn, London Paddington - Bedwyn · 2m · £0.90 · every ~6 min
Bus15, 15a, 16, 17, 91, 85, 88, 93, 43 · 4m · £2 · every ~49 min
Reading West train station facilities and services
Reading West has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Reading West.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Reading West.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Reading West: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Reading West: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading West: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category B3 - This station has a degree of step free access but only to Platform 1 and only if accessed via Tilehurst Road. Otherwise this station can be classified as Category C. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available. Please request staff assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Which Carlisle station do trains from Reading arrive at?
Trains from Reading 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.
More options for your journey from Reading to Carlisle
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Carlisle and Reading
Most popular train connections to Carlisle
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