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Trip Summary
9 trains operate daily from Birmingham to Carlisle. The train trip from Birmingham to Carlisle is usually about 3 hours and 18 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest CrossCountry train can get you there in as little as 3 hours and 1 minute.
| Distance | 172 mi (276 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 1m |
| Lowest price | $64.70 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | CrossCountry |
| Train lines | 3 |
Train service from Birmingham to Carlisle
- Avanti West Coast tickets: $65 one-way
- CrossCountry tickets: $91 one-way
- West Midlands Railway tickets: $100 one-way
Which train should you take from Birmingham to Carlisle?
There are 3 train lines with service from Birmingham to Carlisle. CrossCountry is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 7 trains each day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avanti West Coast | 1 | 3h 18m | $64.70 |
| CrossCountry | 7 | 3h 17m | $98.90 |
| West Midlands Railway | 1 | 3h 30m | $100.26 |
Avanti West Coast is one of the primary rail links between London and Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. On any given day, Avanti West Coast operates almost 300 routes and departs hourly from select destinations.
CrossCountry operates an extensive rail network in the U.K., centered in Birmingham. In standard class, passengers enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard restrooms. Trains also contain a small café or a trolley that passes through the carriages. An upgrade to first-class gives passengers more legroom and complimentary food. The journey from Birmingham to Carlisle usually takes about 3 hours and 17 minutes on a CrossCountry train. There are 7 trips on this route every day, and 7 daily trips on weekends.
West Midlands Railway train tickets from Birmingham to Carlisle start from $100, and on average cost . Daily there are 1 West Midlands Railway schedules to Carlisle. West Midlands Railway in Birmingham leaves from Birmingham New St . And in Carlisle trains arrive at Carlisle Train Station .
From Birmingham to Carlisle train travel on West Midlands Railway takes 3 hours and 30 minutes. If you are looking to get to Carlisle faster, West Midlands Railway offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 3 hours and 1 minutes.
If you are looking to travel to Carlisle on a weekend there is typically one West Midlands Railway scheduled trip per day, which will cost for a one-way weekend reservation from Birmingham.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Birmingham and Carlisle is approximately 172 miles, or 276 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 18 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 1 minute.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Trains from Birmingham to Carlisle are the most crowded on Monday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Birmingham at 8:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 9 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Birmingham to Carlisle. In contrast, taking a non-direct train would require you to transfer trains during your trip.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Carlisle to Birmingham.
City Information
Birmingham
As the second-largest city in the UK, Birmingham effortlessly blends the city’s quaint vibe with modern-day high-rises. One of the top local attractions is St. Martin in the Bull Ring, the original parish church of Birmingham. Featuring remarkable Gothic Revival architecture standing in stark contrast with the futuristic-looking shopping centers, the church is a great spot for travelers looking for a bit of respite. As you stroll around the city, don’t forget to visit the famous Cadbury World, which details the long history of the brand, as well as all the products it produces. For culturally-inclined activities, head to the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, which offers over 40 exhibits.
If you wish to try out authentic Indian dishes with a local twist, head over to Pushkar. For those who wish to enjoy a more upscale dining experience, Bank offers a chic menu in an elegant setting.
The principal rail station is Birmingham New Street Station, which is the busiest train station in the UK. The Birmingham Coach Station offers coach services by National Express as far as London and Dublin. The city’s main airport is the Birmingham Airport, which is located 6 miles east of the city center.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Birmingham?
Main departure station: Birmingham New St
There is one train station in Birmingham.
All train stations in Birmingham:
Birmingham New St
Where is the train station in Carlisle?
Main arrival station: Carlisle Train Station
Carlisle has one train station.
All train stations in Carlisle:
Carlisle Train Station
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