Getting from Penrith to Carlisle by train

Travelling from the quaint town of Penrith up to neighbouring Carlisle is easy. Whether you’re looking to travel for work or a day trip, the journey is swift and scenic.

You can get a train from Penrith to Carlisle in as little as 15 minutes, so you can travel from one place to another quickly and affordably, with tickets from as little as £3.50 if you book in advance.

Find the cheapest train tickets from Penrith 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, 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 Penrith to Carlisle, 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 17 miles to your destination.

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

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 Penrith?

Penrith is a classic Cumbrian market town on the edge of the Lake District, well placed for lakes, fells, and day walks. It’s a good base if you want quick access to the outdoors, but still want a town centre with cafés, pubs, and independent shops close together.

If you’ve built in time before you travel, Penrith Castle is an easy stop for a short walk among the ruins and parkland. For bigger views, Penrith Beacon gives you a steady climb and a wide panorama across the Eden Valley, with the North Lakes hills sitting clearly in the distance on a bright day.

To access Penrith Station, options range from driving to using public transit, taxis, or walking. It’s only a short journey to Carlisle, but Penrith station offers essential facilities, including ticketing services, waiting areas, and toilets to make your trip comfortable.

Travelling to Carlisle?

Carlisle sits right by the England–Scotland border and has a city centre that’s easy to explore on foot. It’s a place where Roman history, medieval streets, and a lively modern centre all sit close together, so you can do a lot without travelling far once you arrive.

Start with Carlisle Castle for border history and big stone architecture, then head into the Cathedral Quarter for older lanes and historic buildings. If you want a deeper slice of local history, Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery covers Roman Carlisle and Cumbrian history in a way that fits neatly into a short visit.

From Carlisle Station, onward travel is easy. Taxis and buses are close by, and local routes make it simple to reach the city centre and nearby areas. In the station itself, you’ll have the facilities you need to get your bearings and head straight out into the city.

First Class service

If you’d like a more luxurious and relaxing journey from Penrith to Carlisle, 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.