The cheapest and fastest buses from Carlisle to Edinburgh
Cheapest price on Sep 01
€26
Average ticket price on Sep 01
€26
Fastest journey on Sep 01
5 h 35 m
Average journey duration on Sep 01
5 h 35 m
Buses on Sep 01
1
Distance
119 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Carlisle to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Carlisle to Edinburgh will cost around €26 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €26.
It's difficult to get from Carlisle to Edinburgh without transferring at least once.
NX181 · NX5914:50 AM5h35Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street)10:25 AMEdinburgh, Bus Station€261One-way1 transfer
NX181 · NX5914:50 AM5h35Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street)10:25 AMEdinburgh, Bus Station€261One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Carlisle to Edinburgh
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Carlisle to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of €18 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 24m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €18, while a bus costs an average of €20.
Distance: 119 km
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
€20 Average price | €18 Average price Cheapest |
3h 36m Average total duration 3h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 24m Average total duration Fastest 1h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Carlisle to Edinburgh bus times
The table below shows live departures for Carlisle to Edinburgh buses for tomorrow, Tuesday, September 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX181 · NX591 | 4:50 AM Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) | 5h35 | 10:25 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Carlisle to Edinburgh by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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.
Sep 01
Sep 02
Sep 03
Sep 04
Sep 05
Sep 06
Sep 07
Why should you book Carlisle to Edinburgh buses with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of National Express or Borders Buses to find the best option for your trip from Carlisle to Edinburgh.
- 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 FlixBus with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Carlisle to Edinburgh.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of National Express or Borders Buses to find the best option for your trip from Carlisle to Edinburgh.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Carlisle to Edinburgh.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Carlisle to Edinburgh
Buses from Carlisle to Edinburgh run on average 4 times per day, taking around 3h 6m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €9 but you can travel from only €8 by train.
The earliest bus runs at 03:50, the last at 23:20. The fastest bus covers the 119 km distance in 4h 9m.
Distance 119 km |
Average bus duration 3h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price €9 |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 4h 9m |
First bus 3:50 AM |
Last bus 11:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 14 days |
Bus providers: FlixBus, National Express, Borders Buses from Carlisle to EdinburghYou can travel by bus between Carlisle to Edinburgh with FlixBus, National Express, Borders Buses for as low as €8. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
National Express
Borders Buses
FAQs: Bus from Carlisle to Edinburgh
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Carlisle to Edinburgh by bus. 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 bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Edinburgh, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- National Express
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Carlisle to Edinburgh
Most Carlisle to Edinburgh buses use the Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) to Edinburgh, Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Edinburgh, St Andrew's House. Use this guide to compare Carlisle and Edinburgh bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Which Carlisle station do buses to Edinburgh leave from?
Getting to Carlisle from Carlisle city centre
Carlisle bus station facilities and services
Carlisle has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Carlisle. ATMs are available at Carlisle.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Carlisle.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Carlisle: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Carlisle: Wheelchair accessible entrance and services.
Getting to Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) from Carlisle city centre
Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) bus station facilities and services
Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street). ATMs are available at Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street): Wheelchair accessible entrances and paths present.
Which Edinburgh station do buses from Carlisle arrive at?
Getting to Edinburgh, Bus Station from Edinburgh city centre
Edinburgh, Bus Station bus station facilities and services
Edinburgh, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Sandwich Shop (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Edinburgh, Bus Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.
Getting to Edinburgh, St Andrew's House from Edinburgh city centre
Edinburgh, St Andrew's House bus station facilities and services
Edinburgh, St Andrew's House has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, St Andrew's House: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
Getting to Edinburgh, Zoo North (Stop 1) from Edinburgh city centre
Edinburgh, Zoo North (Stop 1) is 4 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Edinburgh, Zoo North (Stop 1) bus station facilities and services
Edinburgh, Zoo North (Stop 1) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Edinburgh, Zoo North (Stop 1). ATMs are available at Edinburgh, Zoo North (Stop 1).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Edinburgh, Zoo North (Stop 1).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Edinburgh, Zoo North (Stop 1): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, Zoo North (Stop 1): Bus stop is accessible with a curbside stop.
More options for your journey from Carlisle to Edinburgh
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need


