- 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
£18
Average price
£28
Fastest journey
1 h 12 m
Average duration
1 h 13 m
Trains per day
11
Distance
119 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Edinburgh to Carlisle is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Edinburgh to Carlisle will cost around £28 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £18.
Of the 11 trains that leave Edinburgh for Carlisle every day 10 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 119 km distance in an average of 1 h 13 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 12 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 14 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.
W34268
W33933
W34060
W34124
W00587
W34060
W33933
W00587
W34124
W34268Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Carlisle among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £8. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 5m. 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 £8, and a train costs an average of £13.
Distance: 119 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£17 Average Price | £14 Average Price Cheapest |
2h 35m Average total duration Fastest 2h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 29m Average total duration 2h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg 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.
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Carlisle trains for today, Thursday 20 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W84912 | On time 12:12 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1h20 | 13:32 Carlisle station (CAR) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34124 | On time 12:52 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1h14 | 14:06 Carlisle station (CAR) | 0 changesdirect | |
W84918 | On time 14:12 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1h20 | 15:32 Carlisle station (CAR) | 0 changesdirect | |
W00587 | On time 14:52 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1h13 | 16:05 Carlisle station (CAR) | 0 changesdirect | |
W84923 | On time 16:11 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1h21 | 17:32 Carlisle station (CAR) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34268 | On time 16:52 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1h14 | 18:06 Carlisle station (CAR) | 0 changesdirect | |
W84928 | On time 18:12 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1h20 | 19:32 Carlisle station (CAR) | 0 changesdirect | |
W33861 | On time 18:52 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1h14 | 20:06 Carlisle station (CAR) | 0 changesdirect | |
L88274 · L87092+ W34026 | On time 19:00 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h23 | 21:23 Carlisle station (CAR) | 2 changes | |
W84877 | On time 20:12 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1h19 | 21:31 Carlisle station (CAR) | 0 changesdirect | |
W84901 | 8:12 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1h19 | 9:31 Carlisle station (CAR) | 0 changesdirect | |
W33933 | 8:52 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1h13 | 10:05 Carlisle station (CAR) | 0 changesdirect | |
W84907 | 10:11 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1h20 | 11:31 Carlisle station (CAR) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34060 | 10:52 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1h12 | 12:04 Carlisle station (CAR) | 0 changesdirect | |
L88244 · L88490+ W84888 | 10:59 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h28 | 13:27 Carlisle station (CAR) | 2 changes | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Edinburgh to Carlisle run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 5m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £13 but you can travel from only £8 by coach.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:45, the last at 23:10. The fastest train covers the 119 km distance in 1h 11m.
Distance 119 km |
Average train duration 2h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price £13 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 1h 11m |
First train 4:45 |
Last train 23:10 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh to Carlisle trains use the Edinburgh Waverley to Carlisle station pair. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Carlisle train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Edinburgh Waverley has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Bagel Factory, Burger King, Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, JD Wetherspoon, The Pasty Shop, The Beer House, M&S, Pret a Manger
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are there are a few ATM machines around the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59, Sun: 07:00 - 23:59. Information desks are information booths are located on the concourse. .
Luggage storage is you can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2. . Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Waverley: Entrances are step free. Station is equipped with an elevator. Staffed with guide communicators for the deaf. Tactile warning strips are on the platform edges for the blind.
Nearby hotels include Old Waverley Hotel, Jurys Inn Edinburgh, The Scotsman Hotel.
Haymarket is 1 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Haymarket 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 Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Haymarket.
Wi-Fi is available at Haymarket. ATMs are available at Haymarket.
Ticket office support is available at Haymarket. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Haymarket: Parking, WC.
Available at Haymarket: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Haymarket: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to all platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the automatic ticket gates Blue Badge parking bays: 2, 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: No.
South Gyle is 6 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
South Gyle has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at South Gyle.
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at South Gyle: Parking.
Available at South Gyle: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at South Gyle: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category B station. Ramps to both platforms and roadbridge connecting both platforms Blue Badge parking bays: 1, 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, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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.
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