Edinburgh to Carlisle bus with National Express

Wed, Sep 16
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National Express
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Edinburgh to Carlisle

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 16

Cheapest price on Sep 16

€15

Average ticket price on Sep 16

€15

Fastest journey on Sep 16

6 h 15 m

Average journey duration on Sep 16

6 h 15 m

Buses on Sep 16

1

Distance

119 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Edinburgh to Carlisle is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Edinburgh to Carlisle will cost around €15 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €15.

Fast buses

It's difficult to get from Edinburgh to Carlisle without transferring at least once.

  • National ExpressNX183 · NX595
    5:20 PM6h15
    Edinburgh, Bus Station
    11:35 PMCarlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street)
    €151One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Edinburgh to Carlisle

Omio 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 bus, with an average ticket price of €14 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 35m. 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 bus costs an average of €14, while a train costs an average of €18.

Distance: 119 km

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Driving

€14

Average price

Cheapest

€18

Average price

€63

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 29m

Average total duration

2h 59m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 35m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 5m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 21m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

-

CO2 emissions

National Express

Most popular bus company

Avanti West Coast

Most popular train company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

The cheapest way to travel from Edinburgh to Carlisle is a bus with an average price of €14.

This is compared to other travel options from Edinburgh to Carlisle:

A bus is €4 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh to Carlisle costing on average €18.

The fastest way to travel from Edinburgh to Carlisle is by train with an average journey time of 2h 5m.

Other travel options to Carlisle take longer:

Bus takes on average 2h 59m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Edinburgh and Carlisle including taking a train and bus.

Live departures

Edinburgh to Carlisle bus times

The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Carlisle buses for tomorrow, Wednesday, September 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National ExpressNX183 · NX5955:20 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station
6h15
11:35 PM Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street)1 transfer

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Edinburgh to Carlisle 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.

Wed
Sep 16
Thu
Sep 17
Fri
Sep 18
Sat
Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22

Why should you book Edinburgh to Carlisle buses with Omio?

National Express as well as FlixBus or Borders Buses offer buses services from Edinburgh to Carlisle.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Edinburgh to Carlisle.

Why book with Omio vs National Express?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus or Borders Buses to find the best option for your trip from Edinburgh 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 National Express with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Edinburgh to Carlisle.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus or Borders Buses to find the best option for your trip from Edinburgh to Carlisle.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Edinburgh to Carlisle.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Edinburgh to Carlisle

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Edinburgh to Carlisle run on average 5 times per day, taking around 2h 59m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €9 if you book in advance.

There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 03:50, the last at 23:20. The fastest bus covers the 119 km distance in 3h 35m.

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
Distance
119 km
Average bus duration
2h 59m
Cheapest ticket price
€9
Buses per day
5
Direct buses
1
Fastest bus
3h 35m
First bus
3:50 AM
Last bus
11:20 PM
Cheapest Month
Oct
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Sat
Best time to book
1 day
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

Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus, Borders Buses from Edinburgh to CarlisleYou can travel by bus between Edinburgh to Carlisle with National Express, FlixBus, Borders Buses for as low as €9. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

FlixBus

About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixBus Duration
3h 35m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
€9
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
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.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
Learn more about FlixBus

National Express

About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average National Express Duration
4h 10m
Cheapest National Express Price
€15
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
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.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.
Learn more about National Express

Borders Buses

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Borders Buses Duration
3h 27m
Cheapest Borders Buses Price
€9
Borders Buses frequency
4 a day

FAQs: Bus from Edinburgh to Carlisle

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh to Carlisle 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 Carlisle, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Edinburgh to Carlisle can start from as little as €9 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Edinburgh to Carlisle is €14; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by coach from Edinburgh to Carlisle is 3h 35m to travel the 119 km long trip. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from Edinburgh to Carlisle leaves at 3:50 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Edinburgh to Carlisle leaves at 11:20 PM.
Yes, there are 1 direct coaches a day from Edinburgh to Carlisle with Borders Buses. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Edinburgh to Carlisle, you can count on National Express, FlixBus, Borders Buses for the best way to get you to Carlisle. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Edinburgh and Carlisle and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Edinburgh , you have various coach station options to start your trip from including Edinburgh, Bus Station, Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HH), Edinburgh, Drum Brae South, Edinburgh, Princes Street (Stop PU), Edinburgh, St Andrew's House, Edinburgh, Princes Street West (Stop PF), Edinburgh, Zoo (Enterprise), Ingliston, Park & Ride . When arriving in Carlisle , you can end your trip in coach stations like Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street), Carlisle .Passengers board the coach most frequently from Edinburgh, Bus Station, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Carlisle, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Carlisle from Edinburgh is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 35m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Edinburgh to Carlisle is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Edinburgh and Carlisle including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Edinburgh to Carlisle:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Edinburgh to Carlisle for coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Edinburgh to Carlisle depends on the coach companies:
  • 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.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Edinburgh to Carlisle.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Edinburgh to Carlisle:
  • 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).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Edinburgh to Carlisle:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
  • FlixBus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Edinburgh to Carlisle. The following conditions apply:
  • FlixBus
    • Small pets in carriers allowed
    • guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Edinburgh to Carlisle with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Edinburgh to Carlisle with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Edinburgh to Carlisle with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Edinburgh to Carlisle

Most Edinburgh to Carlisle buses use the Edinburgh, Bus Station to Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) station pair, with some services arriving at Carlisle. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Carlisle bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Edinburgh
Arrival bus stations in Carlisle

Which Edinburgh station do buses to Carlisle leave from?

Buses from Edinburgh to Carlisle leave from Edinburgh, Bus Station. The station is from Edinburgh city centre at Elder Street, Edinburgh EH1 3DX, United Kingdom.
Edinburgh, Bus StationElder Street, Edinburgh EH1 3DX, United KingdomWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Edinburgh, Bus Station from Edinburgh city centre

Bus10, 11 · 2m · €2 · every ~30 min
Uk090 · 5m · €1 · every ~32 min
TramEdinburgh York Place - Edinburgh Airport, T50 · 3m · €4 · every ~38 min

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.

Edinburgh, St Andrew's HouseEdinburgh EH7 5BN, UKAccessibility
City-centre transport

Getting to Edinburgh, St Andrew's House from Edinburgh city centre

BusX19, 43, X18, X27, X28 · 6m · €2 · every ~36 min
15, 26, 44, X26 · 7m · €1 · every ~40 min
Uk090 · 8m · €1 · every ~1 min
Uk090 · 8m · €1 · every ~15 min

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.

More options for your journey from Edinburgh to Carlisle

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Return journeys for buses from Carlisle to Edinburgh
Trains from Edinburgh to Carlisle
Tickets and more information for coaches to Edinburgh
Tickets and more information for coaches to Carlisle
HomeBusesBus tickets to CarlisleEdinburgh to Carlisle bus

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