Carlisle to Edinburgh Trains From £11.50*

Getting from Carlisle to Edinburgh with Avanti West Coast takes around two hours and fifty minutes.

You'll travel through the serene, painterly landscapes of Cumbria and cross into the Scottish Borders on your way to Edinburgh.

Avanti West Coast mainly runs services on the West Coast Mainline, ensuring reliable connections amongst key cities in England, Scotland, and Wales, like Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Liverpool.

Departing from Carlisle

Carlisle Train Station is conveniently located in the city centre on Court Square, near Carlisle Citadel. Avanti West Coast and Northern mainly use this station. The station itself is a beautiful and stately piece of Victorian architecture that integrated Tudor and Gothic styles. It was opened to the public in 1847.

Because it's so central, it's a great station to leave from on your way to Edinburgh. It's close to Carlisle Central Travelodge and the Ibis Hotel Carlisle, and there are tons of restaurants and pubs nearby if you have time to wait before your journey. There is also a taxi rank, and buses stop right outside of the station.

Main stops

Luckily, there's only one stop between Carlisle and Edinburgh—Haymarket—when you take Avanti West Coast. If you opt for TransPennine Express, there is an additional stop at Lockerbie. However, it's important to remember that these stops may change due to scheduling, engineering works, or adverse weather conditions, so it's advised to check the schedule before you travel.

Arriving at Edinburgh Waverley

Edinburgh Waverley is situated in the heart of Edinburgh, between the ‘old’ and ‘new’ towns along Princes Street. The station features four entrances, making it easy to reach public transport once you leave the station. These exits are at Market Street, Carlton Road (accessible via lift), Waverley Bridge (accessible via ramp), and Princes Street. Afterwards, Market Street hosts a taxi rank, while public bus services and trams can be found on Princes Street and North Bridge.

Edinburgh Waverley is a great place to arrive at as there are so many things to do on your doorstep. So, if you’re up for some exploring after your train journey, you can hop over to the ‘old’ town on foot to check out the city’s Medieval history or be terrified with a visit to The Edinburgh Dungeon. Or you might prefer to head over to the ‘new’ town to soak up more history at The Georgian House or hit the whisky bars instead if you’d like. Edinburgh has it all.

Avanti West Coast train classes

• Standard Class: Avanti West Coast Standard Class offers walk-through carriages, air-conditioning, and charging plugs for your devices.
• First class: A Carlisle to Edinburgh First Class ticket with Avanti West Coast gives you access to more legroom, reclining seats, free Wi-Fi, complimentary food and drink, and First Class lounge access.

Avanti West Coast train travel advice

• Luggage: Maximum of three items of luggage. This goes up to two larger items and one smaller bag.
• Pets: Dogs, cats, and other small animals can travel for free. Dogs must be on a lead. Other animals must travel in carriers. There is a maximum of two pets per passenger.
• Bicycles: Bikes can be stored free of charge, but space is limited. You must book a space for your bike before you travel.
• Children: Under 5’s can travel for free. Children aged 5 to 15 can benefit from discounted tickets. Booking in advance using TrainPal helps ensure families can sit together. The Family & Friends Railcard offers up to 1/3 off family ticket costs.
• Passenger Assist: Assist with boarding and alighting trains, book wheelchair space and seating, offer comprehensive rail information, and help with animals or pets.

Traveling from Carlisle to Edinburgh with TransPennine Express is a convenient and scenic journey, typically taking around 1.5 hours. As you head north, you'll pass through the picturesque landscapes of Cumbria and the rolling hills of the Scottish Borders before arriving in the vibrant city of Edinburgh.

TransPennine Express operates services across the North of England and into Scotland, providing essential connections between major cities such as Manchester, Leeds, and Glasgow. The route from Carlisle to Edinburgh offers a comfortable and efficient travel option, with modern trains equipped to ensure a pleasant journey to the Scottish capital.

TransPennine Express train classes

• Standard Class: TransPennine Express Standard Class offers walk-through carriages, air-conditioning, and charging plugs for your devices.
• First Class: A Carlisle to Edinburgh First Class ticket with TransPennine Express will give you access to more legroom, reclining seats, free Wi-Fi and complimentary food and drink.

TransPennine Express train travel advice

• Luggage: Maximum of three items of luggage. This goes up to two larger items and one smaller bag.
• Pets: Dogs, cats, and other small animals can travel for free. Dogs must be on a lead. Other animals must travel in carriers. There is a maximum of two pets per passenger.
• Bicycles: Bikes can be stored free of charge, but space is limited. You must book a space for your bike before you travel.
• Children: Under 5’s can travel for free. Children aged 5 to 15 can save 50% on their tickets. Booking in advance using TrainPal helps ensure families can sit together. The Family & Friends Railcard offers up to 1/3 off family ticket costs.
• Passenger Assist: Providing ramps for entering and exiting trains, luggage support, and station guidance, with help for stairs and provision of wheelchairs or buggies for covering greater distances.

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.