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The cheapest and fastest buses from Manchester to Carlisle
Showing times and prices for Feb 15
Cheapest price
€31
Average price
€40
Fastest journey
3 h
Average duration
4 h 50 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
164 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Manchester to Carlisle is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Carlisle will cost around €40 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €31.
Fast buses
Of the 4 buses that leave Manchester for Carlisle on Sun, Feb 15, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Feb 15 the direct buses cover the 164 km distance in an average of 4 h 50 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h .
On Sun, Feb 15 the slowest buses will take 9 h 40 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.
03:10PM3h00
Manchester06:10PMCarlisle
€311One-way
0 transfers
01:35AM3h15
Manchester04:50AMCarlisle
€311One-way
0 transfers
04:10PM9h40
Manchester01:50AMCarlisle
€621One-way
0 transfers
02:10PM3h00
Manchester05:10PMCarlisle
€311One-way
0 transfers
12:35AM3h15
Manchester03:50AMCarlisle
€301One-way
0 transfers
12:50PM3h25
Manchester04:15PMCarlisle
€401One-way
0 transfers
03:10PM9h40
Manchester12:50AMCarlisle
€581One-way
0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Manchester to Carlisle
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Carlisle among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €18. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 16m. 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 bus costs an average of €18, and a train costs an average of €15.
Distance: 164 km
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
€31 Average price Cheapest | €40 Average price |
3h 32m Average total duration 3h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 46m Average total duration Fastest 2h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.4kg 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
Manchester to Carlisle bus times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Carlisle buses for today, Saturday, February 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at 1:47 AM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:24 AM Manchester | 4h01 | 1:25 PM Carlisle | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 3:10 PM Manchester | 3h00 | 6:10 PM Carlisle | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 4:10 PM Manchester | 9h40 | 1:50 AM Carlisle | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, February 15 | |||||
| 12:35 AM Manchester | 3h15 | 3:50 AM Carlisle | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Manchester 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Manchester to Carlisle
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Manchester to Carlisle run on average 3 times per day, taking around 3h 2m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €18 but you can travel from only €15 by train.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:45, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 164 km distance in 3h 0m.
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
Train from €15
Distance 164 km |
Average bus duration 3h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price €18 |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 3h 0m |
First bus 00:45 |
Last bus 23:50 |
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
Train from €15
Bus providers: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus from Manchester to CarlisleYou can travel by bus between Manchester to Carlisle with National Express, Megabus, FlixBus for as low as €15. 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 Duration
9h 40m
Cheapest Price
€25
FlixBus frequency
1 a day
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.
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 Duration
3h 0m
Cheapest Price
€15
National Express frequency
2 a day
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.
Megabus
About
Megabus is a low-cost intercity bus service operating across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Known for its affordable fares, including promotional $1 tickets, Megabus offers routes connecting over 500 cities and university campuses in North America. The company provides amenities such as air conditioning, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and onboard restrooms, with many routes utilizing double-decker buses for scenic views. Megabus aims to provide safe, convenient, and affordable express bus travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 25m
Cheapest Price
€10
Megabus frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
Refund
If Megabus fails to provide on-time reliable service for reasons wholly within their control, refunds or alternative travel arrangements may be offered.
Pregnant on board
Being pregnant on board is allowed, but no specific details or restrictions are provided.
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minors under the age of 17 are not permitted to travel on Megabus.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cold food and drinks, as well as hot drinks with a lid, are allowed on board, but hot food is not.
Seat reservation
Reserved seats can be purchased for an additional fee, starting from £2.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
FAQs: Bus from Manchester to Carlisle
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester 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.
Cheap coach tickets from Manchester to Carlisle can start from as little as €18 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Manchester to Carlisle is €31; 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 Manchester to Carlisle is 3h 0m to travel the 164 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 Manchester to Carlisle leaves at 12:45 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Manchester to Carlisle leaves at 11:50 PM.
Yes, there are 2 direct coaches a day from Manchester to Carlisle with National Express, Megabus, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Manchester to Carlisle, you can count on National Express, Megabus, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Carlisle. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Manchester and Carlisle and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Carlisle from Manchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 0m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Manchester to Carlisle is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Manchester and Carlisle including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Manchester to Carlisle:
- Megabus
- Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Manchester to Carlisle for coach company National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Manchester to Carlisle depends on the coach companies:
- Megabus
- Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
- 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express, FlixBus.
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 Manchester to Carlisle.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Manchester to Carlisle:
- Megabus
- One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
- 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 Manchester to Carlisle:
- Megabus
- Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
- 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 Manchester 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 Manchester to Carlisle with the following coach company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Manchester to Carlisle with the following coach company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Manchester to Carlisle with the following coach company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Manchester to Carlisle
Manchester
Carlisle
The major bus station for departures in Manchester is Manchester, Shudehill Interchange. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange for your trip from Manchester to Carlisle.
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 05:00-23:30
Car connection
ShudehillWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Taxis
- Available outside the interchange.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transit options for Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
- Bus: 42, 43, 135 Tram: Metrolink
Manchester, Airport
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 00:00-23:59
Distance to city center
2 kmCar connection
Terminal Road NorthWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Burger King (in the station)
- Giraffe (in the station).
Taxis
- Available outside the terminal, with several companies offering services.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps, assistance
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transit options for Manchester, Airport
- Bus: 43, 103 Train: Manchester Airport
Manchester, Coach Station
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 06:00-22:00
Car connection
Chorlton StreetWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Café at the Station (in the station)
- Fast Food Express (in the station).
Taxis
- Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Ramps, assistance
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transit options for Manchester, Coach Station
- Bus: 50, 192, 201, 203, 205, 219, 255, 256 Train: Manchester Piccadilly Metro: Piccadilly Gardens
The major bus station for arrivals in Carlisle is Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street) for your trip to Carlisle from Manchester.
Carlisle, Bus Station (Lonsdale Street)
information
Carlisle, Parkhouse Road (Argos)
Amenities at bus station
Accessibilityinformation
Distance to city center
3 kmAccessibility
- The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible
Carlisle
information
More options for your journey from Manchester to Carlisle
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Carlisle and Manchester
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