Carlisle to Edinburgh (Waverley) Trains From £5.75*

Travel direct from Carlisle to Edinburgh by train with Avanti West Coast and get there in as little as 1 hr 17 min. 

Before you arrive at Waverley station in the enchanting city of Edinburgh, you’ll traverse a route rich in waterway views and rolling green hills.

The direct train from Carlisle to Edinburgh (Waverley) is operated by several train companies, one of which is Avanti West Coast. Avanti runs long-distance train journeys along the West Coast Main Line, connecting major cities like London, Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh. 

Departing from Carlisle

Carlisle station is the main train station serving this historic north England city, providing both long-distance and regional connections. Its city centre location makes it very convenient to get to, just a four-minute walk from the central English Street. You’ll also find local bus and rail connections for arriving from further afield.

Carlisle railway station is served by Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express, ScotRail, Northern, London North Eastern Railway and the Caledonian Sleeper. The station is also visited by excursion trains on select weekends, often worked by steam locomotives. You can find routes to many destinations from Carlisle, including London Euston, Glasgow Central and Dumfries.

Main stops

Direct routes operated by Avanti West Coast from Carlisle to Edinburgh (Waverley) usually just stop at Haymarket, while those operated by TransPennine Express tend to call at both Lockerbie and Haymarket. Stops may vary, so check the train details of your specific service.

Arriving at Edinburgh (Waverley)

Located between Edinburgh’s Old Town and New Town, Edinburgh Waverley is the main train station serving the city. As the second-busiest train station in Scotland, Edinburgh Waverley provides connections to a vast range of destinations, both regional and long-distance. These include London, Newcastle, Manchester and Aberdeen.

The station is ideally located for visiting many of Edinburgh’s popular attractions. Just a ten-minute walk away, you’ll find the world-famous Edinburgh Castle, offering panoramic views of Edinburgh city and steeped in fascinating history. And just next door to this, you’ll find Princes Street Gardens, a beautiful park perfect for stretching your legs after your train from Carlisle.

Avanti West Coast train classes

Trains from Carlisle to Edinburgh with Avanti West Coast offer three choices of train class.

• Standard Class: Standard tickets include free Wi-Fi, access to food & drinks, and plug sockets at select table and window seats.
• Standard Premium: Standard Premium offers roomier seats with extra legroom, guaranteed tables, and plug sockets at every window seat.
• First Class: Carlisle to Edinburgh First Class tickets with Avanti include at-seat service from staff, complimentary food and drink, including alcohol, and access to First Class lounges before you depart.

Buy cheap train tickets from Carlisle to Edinburgh by booking in advance on TrainPal.

Avanti West Coast train travel advice

Our top travel tips for Avanti West Coast trains mean you can board your journey from Carlisle to Edinburgh with confidence.

• Luggage: Size limit of 30 x 70 x 90 cm. Larger bags must be stowed in the luggage compartments by carriage doors, and smaller bags in the overhead racks or underseat space.
• Bicycles: Bike space must be pre-booked. 4 to 8 spaces available depending on train type. No reservation needed for folding bikes stored in luggage racks. E-scooters are not allowed.
• Children: Under 5s travel free, 5–15-year-olds travel with a 50% discount. For older kids, the 16–17 Saver Railcard offers discounts of 50% on most train tickets. Pushchairs should be folded and stowed in luggage areas.
• Pets: Two pets travel free per passenger. Additional pets can be booked for £5 each. Dogs should be on a lead or in a carrier; other small animals should be kept in a carrier. Pets must not take up passenger space.
• Passenger Assist: Avanti West Coast offers assisted travel for passengers with additional needs, offering help at every stage of the travel experience. Can be booked in advance.

TransPennine Express also runs a direct train service from Carlisle to Edinburgh. This option usually takes around 1 hr 21 min. 

The route is rich in countryside views, comprising climbs to Beattock Summit and descents into the Clyde Valley, especially interesting for those with a passion for railway engineering.

TransPennine Express operates passenger services across Northern England and Scotland, connecting major destinations such as Manchester, Newcastle and Glasgow.

TransPennine Express train classes

Choose from two service classes on your TransPennine Express train to Edinburgh.

• Standard Class: Charging points at table seats, free Wi-Fi.
• First Class: Glasgow to Manchester First Class trains with TPE offer reclining seats with more space, sockets at every seat and complimentary food and drinks on certain routes.

TransPennine Express train travel advice

Discover the most important things to know for travelling with TransPennine Express before you make your Carlisle-to-Edinburgh train journey.

• Luggage: Up to three bags allowed. Large suitcases should be stored in the luggage compartments, while smaller bags can go in the overhead racks or under the seat in front of you.
• Bicycles: Pre-booking is recommended for bikes. You can find storage sheds at stations managed by TPE.
• Pets: Each passenger may bring a maximum of two pets. Pets must be transported in a pet carrier, or alternatively, dogs can travel on a lead. Pets must not occupy passenger seating space.
• Children: Free travel for up to two children under 5, 50% off for 5–15-year-olds. Get further savings with a Family & Friends Railcard.
• Passenger Assist: Passengers who need additional support can request travel assistance at any stage of the travel experience from TPE. 

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