- 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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Travel Information
Compare train and coach for St Helens to Carlisle
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from St Helens to Carlisle among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £15 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 8m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £15, while a train costs an average of £16.
Distance: 161 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£16 Average Price | £15 Average Price Cheapest | £31 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 8m Average total duration Fastest 1h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 5m Average total duration 8h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 4m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from St Helens to Carlisle is a coach with an average price of £15.
This is compared to other travel options from St Helens to Carlisle:
A coach is £1 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from St Helens to Carlisle costing on average £16.
The fastest way to travel from St Helens to Carlisle is by train with an average journey time of 1h 38m.
Other travel options to Carlisle take longer:
Coach takes on average 8h 35m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between St Helens and Carlisle including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.
The journey is about 26m faster (1h 38m by train vs 2h 4m by car) and roughly £15 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£16 vs £31). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with TransPennine Express.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
St Helens to Carlisle train times
The table below shows live departures for St Helens to Carlisle trains for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 20:30 St Helens | 1h46 | 22:16 Carlisle | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets St Helens 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.
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Why should you book St Helens to Carlisle trains with Omio?
Avanti West Coast as well as TransPennine Express or Northern Trains Limited offer trains services from St Helens to Carlisle.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from St Helens 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 TransPennine Express or Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip from St Helens 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from St Helens to Carlisle.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from St Helens to Carlisle.
Journey information
Overview: Train from St Helens to Carlisle
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from St Helens to Carlisle run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 38m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £16 but you can travel from only £15 by coach.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:43, the last at 21:25. The fastest train covers the 161 km distance in 1h 40m.
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 £15
Distance 161 km |
Average train duration 1h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price £16 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 1h 40m |
First train 5:43 |
Last train 21:25 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 6 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 £15
Train companies: Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited from St Helens to Carlisle trainsAvanti West Coast, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited trains will get you between St Helens and Carlisle from £15. 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
1h 54m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£18
Avanti West Coast frequency
7 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
TransPennine Express
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average TransPennine Express Duration
1h 39m
Cheapest TransPennine Express Price
£54
TransPennine Express frequency
2 a day
Northern Trains Limited
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Northern Trains Limited Duration
1h 42m
Cheapest Northern Trains Limited Price
£113
Northern Trains Limited frequency
22 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: St Helens to Carlisle train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from St Helens 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 St Helens to Carlisle can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £16, while the average price tends to be around £16.
The train journey from St Helens to Carlisle covers a distance of 161 km and takes approximately 1h 40m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from St Helens to Carlisle is 161 km.
The first train from St Helens to Carlisle leaves at 5:43.
The last train from St Helens to Carlisle departs at 21:25.
Trains from St Helens to Carlisle run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from St Helens to Carlisle.
Yes, there is a direct train between St Helens and Carlisle. The service operates 1 times per day, provided by TransPennine Express.
To get from St Helens to Carlisle, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from St Helens to Carlisle.
The train station in St Helens that goes to Carlisle is St Helens Central (SNH), and it arrives at Carlisle station (CAR).
The cheapest way to get from St Helens to Carlisle is by coach, costing approximately £15.
Booking trains from St Helens 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 St Helens to Carlisle offers scenic views, including stretches of the picturesque countryside, rolling hills, and glimpses of the Lake District, providing a pleasant and visually appealing travel experience.
Yes, a day trip from St Helens to Carlisle is feasible with a journey taking 1h 40m. The distance is 161 km and there are 7 trains 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 St Helens to Carlisle.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in St Helens and Carlisle
Most St Helens to Carlisle trains use the St Helens Central to Carlisle station pair. Use this guide to compare St Helens and Carlisle train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in St Helens
Arrival train stations in Carlisle
Which St Helens station do trains to Carlisle leave from?
Trains from St Helens to Carlisle leave from St Helens Central. The station is 1 km from St Helens city centre at St Helens Central station, Shaw Street, St Helens, Merseyside, WA10 1DQ.
St Helens CentralSt Helens Central station, Shaw Street, St Helens, Merseyside, WA10 1DQ
City-centre transport
Getting to St Helens Central from St Helens city centre
Bus921 · 3m · every ~1 min
17, 153, 152 · 7m · £2 · every ~3 min
12 · 15m · every ~2 min
St Helens Central train station facilities and services
St Helens Central has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at St Helens Central.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at St Helens Central.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at St Helens Central: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at St Helens Central: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at St Helens Central: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, Scooter Friendly Station - Level access to Wigan bound platform. Access by underground subway to Liverpool platform with steep ramps. Lift open for all services, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: As per ticket office opening hours, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Which Carlisle station do trains from St Helens arrive at?
Trains from St Helens 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.
Most popular train connections from St Helens
More options for your journey from St Helens to Carlisle
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Carlisle and St Helens
Most popular train connections to Carlisle
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