Getting from Edinburgh to Carlisle by train

Taking the train from Edinburgh Waverley to Carlisle is a stress-free way to travel, whether you’re heading down for a day out or a longer break. Carlisle mixes big-history landmarks with an accessible city centre, so you can arrive and start exploring straight away.

Passing through the heart of England on your journey from Edinburgh to Carlisle, there are many interesting sights on the way. Look out for Hadrian's Wall, one of the most iconic landmarks in the UK.

You can get from Edinburgh to Carlisle in as little as 1 hour and 14 minutes. Some trains may have additional stops, so the average journey takes around 2 hours. So, you can travel from one city centre to another quickly and affordably, with tickets from as little as £11.50.

Find the cheapest train tickets from Edinburgh to Carlisle

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, senior 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

It might not be the longest journey, but it will certainly be your most comfortable. Enjoy the view from our big reclining seats as you’re driven the 74 miles to your destination.

Stay connected on the go with our fast, reliable WiFi, perfect for catching up on emails or the latest headlines. With power sockets at every seat and a choice of tasty snacks and drinks, you’ll arrive feeling energised and ready for what’s next.

Make your journey even more relaxing by booking advance tickets to 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 time.

Travelling from Edinburgh?

Edinburgh has plenty to do before you travel. You could climb up to Calton Hill for skyline views, dip into the National Museum of Scotland, or take a final stroll along the Royal Mile with its closes, courtyards, and historic pubs.

If you’ve got time for something greener, Princes Street Gardens sits right below the Castle and gives you a calm pause in the middle of the city. And if you fancy picking up something for the journey, the streets around Waverley are packed with cafés, bakeries, and places to grab a quick bite.

Edinburgh's natural attractions are equally enticing, with the prominent Arthur's Seat offering an incredible view of the city. Serving as a gateway to the picturesque Scottish Highlands, the city provides outdoor enthusiasts with an array of adventures.

Edinburgh Waverley is right in the city centre, tucked between the Old Town and New Town, and it’s easy to reach by bus, taxi, tram, or on foot. Inside, you’ll find the usual essentials, including places for food and drink, shops, toilets, and waiting areas. You can be sure you’ll be able to arrive at the station, get organised, and board in good time.

Travelling to Carlisle?

Carlisle has proper border-city character, with Carlisle Castle sitting close to the centre and centuries of history built into its streets. The Cathedral is another standout, with a striking interior that makes it well worth stepping inside even if you only have an hour or two.

It’s also a great launch point for days out. You’re close to Hadrian’s Wall, and well placed for fresh-air escapes towards the Solway Coast or into the Lake District, depending on whether you want coastline walks or fell views.

Carlisle Station is a short walk from the city centre, with onward travel that’s simple to pick up by local bus or taxi. Inside the station, you’ll find shops, food and drink options, toilets, and waiting areas - handy for grabbing essentials before you head into town or set off on your next connection.

First Class service

If you’d like a more luxurious and relaxing journey between Edinburgh and Carlisle, you can upgrade to First Class with Avanti West Coast.

Onboard, you’ll enjoy 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.

Learn more about First Class train tickets here.