A city steeped in history, Carlisle is the perfect place for those who have nothing but time on their hands. Once a Roman settlement, Carlisle has evolved into a fantastic destination for relaxing holidays, whilst still letting you involve yourself with the rich history in the area. With several Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty around it, as well as the Lake District nearby, the city has transformed into a jack-of-all-trades.
There are plenty of things to do in Carlisle if you fancy a bit of a trek through time. Take a wander through the historic city to Carlisle’s most famous attractions, the Castle and Cathedral. Built in 1092, Carlisle Castle has played a valuable role in shaping British history. The Cathedral is among the smallest of the English Cathedrals; however, it makes up for this with one of the finest examples of flowing decorated tracery along its ceiling.
Find trains to Carlisle and plan your journey with Northern today!
Popular trains to Carlisle
Newcastle to Carlisle
Average time: 1h 34m
Cheapest Advanced
£9.40
Leeds to Carlisle
Average time: 3h 8m
Cheapest Advanced
£17.30
Settle to Carlisle
Average time: 1h 49m
Cheapest Advanced
£4.60
Popular trains from Carlisle
Carlisle to Newcastle
Average time: 1h 37m
Cheapest Advanced
£9.40
Carlisle to Manchester Piccadilly
Average time: 2h 6m
Cheapest Advanced
£16.20
Carlisle to Leeds
Average time: 3h 18m
Cheapest Advanced
£17.30
Carlisle train stations
The northmost city in England, Carlisle, is a holiday destination for many due to its scenic landscapes and it has many train stations as a result. We’ve outlined the main Northern stations below to help you plan your journey. Visiting Carlisle by train is easy when you know the station options.
Carlisle Train Station
Beginning services in 1847 and acting as the hub within Cumbria, Carlisle station serves trains to the Lake District, Newcastle, and Leeds. Built in a neo-Tudor style, the station was built alongside Crown Street and London Road stations.
Learn more about Carlisle station
Dalston Train Station
Operating on the Cumbrian Coast Line, this station serves the town of Dalton and has step-free access to both platforms. Like most of the stations along the same line, Dalston is unstaffed so we advise buying your ticket in advance. Learn more about Dalston station
Learn more about Dalston station
Wetheral Train Station
Serving the town of Wetheral, the station is on the Tyne Valley Line and sees one train per hour. There is step-free access to both of the platforms and a ticket machine on both, as well.
Learn more about Wetheral station
Armathwaite Train Station
The station sits on the Settle-Carlisle Line, seeing eight trains per day. Neither platform has step-free access, and the station is unstaffed, along with no ticket machines, so we also advise buying advance tickets.
Learn more about Armathwaite stationDid you know
Carlisle is home to the McVitie’s factory, which is the oldest biscuit factory in the world, established in 1831. Depending on which way the wind is blowing, the entire city centre often smells like ginger nuts or custard creams. Locals call it "the smell of home."
Did you know
Carlisle is home to the McVitie’s factory, which is the oldest biscuit factory in the world, established in 1831. Depending on which way the wind is blowing, the entire city centre often smells like ginger nuts or custard creams. Locals call it "the smell of home."
Cheap train tickets to Carlisle
Book in advance to Carlisle
Whether you’re heading to the castle or just fancy a stroll through the historic lanes, booking in advance is the smartest way to get our lowest fares.
Travelling within Cumbria?
If you're keeping your adventures closer to home, an Anytime ticket is a great option. They give you a bit more wiggle room than an Advance ticket, so you can take your time exploring the cathedral or the Tullie House Museum without watching the clock. You can pick these up whenever you like, right up to the day you set off.
Trains to Carlisle FAQs
Save up to 60% on train tickets to Carlisle when you book in advance with Northern. Advance tickets allow you to book up to 12 weeks in advance of travel. Visit National Rail to find out the list of dates currently available for booking our Advance tickets.
Don't worry if your plans change – you can swap the departure time of your Advanced train ticket for another same-day Northern service in just a few steps for as little as £1.50.
Carlisle's primary station is Carlisle train station, which operates as a hub for the city's travels.
Pets are welcome on Northern trains to Carlisle. Up to two pets per passenger can travel for free and dogs must be kept on the lead at all times or in a carrier. Find out more about taking your dog on a Northern train.
There are no specific luggage restrictions on Northern trains to Carlisle. However, we ask that passengers are mindful of how much luggage they bring and use the dedicated luggage space provided. Please do not block the train doors, walkways or use seats for luggage.
Peak times on Carlisle trains range from 06:30 to 09:30 and 16:30 to 19:00. For more information on peak and off-peak times head here.
If you lose an item on a Northern train to Carlisle or at a Carlisle station, we will do our best to find the item for you. To report a lost item, call 0800 200 6060 or find out more on specific stations here.
Bicycles are allowed on Northern trains to Carlisle, however, space is limited and is first come, first served. We ask that those using bicycles not to block doorways and use the dedicated bike spaces. Find more about cycling with Northern here.
All Northern trains to Carlisle, as well as Carlisle train station, are equipped with accessibility features such as ramps and staff assistance. To find out more about the specific assistance given, head here.
Northern App
Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.
Northern App
Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.