Train from Preston to Carlisle: Tickets & Timetables

Next train departures

Next departures from Preston to Carlisle on 12 December
Operated byVehicle typeDeparture timeDeparture locationTrip durationArrival timeArrival locationRecommendedPrice and booking link
Avanti West CoastTrain
Preston (Lancs), Rail Station
CarlisleCheapest
Avanti West CoastTrain
Preston (Lancs), Rail Station
CarlisleFastest
Transpennine ExpressTrain
Preston (Lancs), Rail Station
CarlisleNo tags
Avanti West CoastTrain
Preston (Lancs), Rail Station
CarlisleNo tags
Transpennine ExpressTrain
Preston (Lancs), Rail Station
CarlisleNo tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 14:42 GMT.

Compare 3 ways to travel from Preston to Carlisle

We recommend carpooling

Among the sustainable travel choices, the carpool stands out as a good way to reach Carlisle. The journey takes about 1 hour 30 minutes and with fares starting at just £14, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1carpool per day
1h 30mAverage duration
79 milesDistance
5kgCO₂ emissions
Bus
Average price£15 - £24Average duration2h
3kg CO₂e
Train
Average price£10 - £66Average duration1h 10m
3kg CO₂e
Carpool
Average price£14 - £14Average duration1h 30m
5kg CO₂e

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Preston to Carlisle by train

Please note that timetables, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or vary at the time of your journey.

  1. How much does a train ticket cost from Preston to Carlisle?

    The cheapest train tickets from Preston to Carlisle start from £10. The average price for this train route is around £24. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for the best chance of getting the lowest possible price.

  2. How long is the train journey from Preston to Carlisle?

    The average train journey time from Preston to Carlisle is 1h 10m, covering a distance of 79 miles. The fastest train gets you there in 1h 4m and is operated by Avanti West Coast.

  3. Which train operators serve the Preston to Carlisle route?

    Several major train operators run on this route with 14 trains available per day, including services from Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, Northern.

  4. What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Preston to Carlisle?

    The earliest train from Preston to Carlisle departs at 07:04. And the latest train departs at 21:43.

  5. Which is the best train operator from Preston to Carlisle?

    According to Busbud customers, the highest-rated train operator on this route is Northern, with an average rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars based on 26 reviews.

  6. Which train operator has the best Wi-Fi from Preston to Carlisle?

    According to reviews on Busbud, the train operator Transpennine Express has the highest Wi-Fi rating with a score of 5.0.

  7. Which train operator has the most punctual service from Preston to Carlisle?

    According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most punctual train operator on this route is Northern, with a punctuality rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

  8. Which train operator has the cleanest trains from Preston to Carlisle?

    According to Busbud traveller reviews, the train operator with the cleanest trains on this route is Northern, with a cleanliness rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars.

Find cheapest prices for trains

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found
09/12
£27
10/12
£32
Today
£28
12/12
£12
13/12
£13
14/12
£20
15/12
£12
16/12
£10
busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Preston to Carlisle was searched and found on 16 Dec 2025 with a price of £10

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your train tickets from Preston to Carlisle as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from £10 to £63 for a train ticket from Preston to Carlisle based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at £10, which is on 2025-12-16.

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