Getting from Carlisle to Edinburgh by train
Travelling from Carlisle to Edinburgh by train works well for city breaks, business trips and weekends away, with a direct route that takes you from the centre of Carlisle straight into the heart of the capital of Scotland.
After leaving Carlisle, the route runs through open countryside with views of rolling hills, broad fields, and the ridgelines of the Southern Uplands.
You can get from Carlisle to Edinburgh in as little as 1 hour and 15 minutes, so you can travel from one city centre to another quickly and affordably, with tickets from as little as £12.00.
Find the cheapest train tickets from Carlisle to Edinburgh
To make the most of your trip, you don’t want to spend all your budget on getting there. To help you get the most out of your money, we offer a range of cheap train tickets and discounts to Railcard holders, seniors, and group travellers.
Whether you’re travelling in Peak, Off-Peak or Super Off-Peak hours, we will help you find a ticket at the right price at a departure time that suits you.
Plus, if you’re heading away for a short break, we offer a range of 2 For 1 offers to attractions and events, so you can find a deal to make your visit really special.
For regular travellers or commuters, we have a range of Season Tickets, benefits, and reward schemes that can help you save money or even upgrade to First Class.
Travelling in comfort with Avanti
Settle in for a wonderfully comfortable journey from Carlisle to Edinburgh Waverley, with plenty to enjoy both on board and out of the window. Enjoy the view from our big reclining seats as you’re driven the 74 miles to your destination. Make your journey even more relaxing by booking advance tickets. This way, you’ll get the cheapest ticket with a departure time that suits you. Or, if you’re making a last-minute trip, you can use our Live Train Status Tracker to check that your train is running on schedule.
Travelling from Carlisle?
Carlisle is a great starting point if you want history close to the station. Carlisle Castle is one of the city’s main sights, and Carlisle Cathedral adds another easy stop in the historic quarter. Tullie sits between them, so you can fit in a museum visit without needing to go far.
There is more to do here than a quick look around the centre. Carlisle’s Roman links run through the city’s history, and it also works well as a base for visiting Hadrian’s Wall sites nearby. The compact layout makes it easy to combine the castle, cathedral, and museum in one short visit before travelling on.
Getting to Carlisle Station is simple from the city centre on foot, and local buses and taxis stop nearby. The station is close to the castle, cathedral, and central shopping streets, so it is easy to reach before departure.
Travelling to Edinburgh?
Edinburgh gives you a long list of well-known sights within easy reach of the centre. You could start on the Royal Mile, visit St Giles’ Cathedral and continue down towards the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The National Museum of Scotland is another consideration if you want to mix the city’s historic side with a bigger indoor visit.
There is plenty more to build a day around once you arrive. Princes Street and its gardens, the Scott Monument and the Royal Yacht Britannia are all popular stops, and the city also has major galleries, whisky experiences, and festival events throughout the year.
From Edinburgh Waverley, onward travel is easy by taxi, bus, tram, and connecting rail services across the city and beyond. The station sits right in the centre, close to Princes Street and the Old Town, so many major sights are within walking distance.
First Class service
If you’d like a more luxurious and relaxing journey from Carlisle to Edinburgh, you can upgrade to First Class with Avanti West Coast.
Complimentary snacks and drinks, a wider seat, a guaranteed table and socket and more leg-stretching room. These are the benefits of upgrading to First Class with Avanti West Coast.
Find out everything about First Class here.
