Planning a trip to Carlisle, the England-Scotland border city? Drawn by historic Carlisle Castle, the natural beauty of the Lake District National Park, or Hadrian’s Wall, the world-famous heritage site? Carlisle has in store for tourists an excellent mix of culture, history, and nature. However, before you can relish all this, you must work out how to get to Carlisle from London, Edinburgh, Manchester, or even abroad.
In this article, we offer useful advice for international visitors on how to reach Carlisle and why the best choice of residence once you arrive is Arkale Lodge.
Where is Carlisle?
Carlisle is located in Cumbria in north-west England, directly on the border with Scotland. Carlisle, the “Great Border City,” is well connected by air, road, and rail. Due to its central position, it is an ideal break point for travelers going to and coming from England and Scotland.
Traveling to the UK by plane: The nearest airports to Carlisle
If you’re visiting from abroad, you’ll most likely arrive at one of the major UK airports. Here are the best options:
- Manchester Airport (MAN) – Around 2 hours by train
- Newcastle Airport (NCL) – Around 1 hour 30 minutes by train
- Glasgow Airport (GLA) – Around 2 hours by train
- Edinburgh Airport (EDI) – Around 2 hours by train
- London airports (Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted) – Around 3-5 hours by train
Top Tip: Manchester Airport has an excellent connection to Carlisle, and direct trains operate from the airport terminal.
Bonus for Arkale Lodge guests:
To make your journey even easier, Arkale Lodge offers free airport pick-up from nearby airports (subject to prior arrangement). Simply let us know your arrival details when you book, and we’ll be there to welcome you!
Train to Carlisle
The most scenic and relaxing way to get to Carlisle is by train. Carlisle railway station is the city’s railway station and is located on the West Coast Main Line with superb connections to the UK’s major cities.
- Train from London to Carlisle
- Duration: Around 3 hours 20 minutes (direct service)
- Operator: Avanti West Coast
- Departure station: London Euston
- Highlights: Enjoy the comfort and take in the scenic views as you head north through the English countryside.
- Train from Manchester to Carlisle
- Duration: Around 1 hour 45 minutes
- Operator: Northern Rail / Avanti West Coast
- Highlights: Direct trains are available from Manchester Airport and Manchester Piccadilly on this direct route.
- Train from Edinburgh to Carlisle
- Duration: Around 1 hour 20 minutes
- Operator: ScotRail / Avanti West Coast
- Highlights: A quick and enjoyable journey along southern Scotland.
- Glasgow to Carlisle train
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes
- Operator: ScotRail / Avanti West Coast
Tip: Pre-book your train tickets on websites such as National Rail or Trainline to obtain the best prices.
Traveling to Carlisle by Coach
If budget is a concern, then long-distance coaches are a viable option. Megabus and National Express run from cities like Manchester, Glasgow, and London to Carlisle.
Travel times are slower than by train (e.g. around 7 hours from London), but can be extremely cheap if booked ahead of time.
Travel by car to Carlisle
If you prefer to have the flexibility of a hired car or just enjoy a road trip, Carlisle is extremely convenient to drive to.
- From London: around 5 hours 30 minutes on the M6 motorway
- From Manchester: around 2 hours on the M6 motorway
- From Edinburgh: about 2 hours by the A7/A74(M)
- From Glasgow: about 1 hour 45 minutes by the M74
Car parking: Arkale Lodge offers ample off-road car parking for visitors, so it’s no problem to come by car.
Why Stay at Arkale Lodge in Carlisle?
Upon arrival, Arkale Lodge offers you a warm, affordable, and peaceful stay where you can relax while exploring Carlisle and its surroundings.
- Victorian charm combined with modern comfort
- Free WiFi throughout the property
- Superb breakfast selection – vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
- Short walk to Carlisle city centre, Carlisle Castle, and the railway station
- Easy reach of Hadrian’s Wall, the Lake District, and Scotland
- Free private car parking
Whether you’re here for a city break, business trip, or part of a larger UK adventure, Arkale Lodge is your home away from home in Carlisle.
Carlisle is a fantastic destination for international travellers and getting here is easier than you might think! With excellent connections from major UK cities, a warm welcome at Arkale Lodge, and so much to explore, you’re sure to have a memorable stay.