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Outbound fromChester to Carlisle by train
It takes an average of 3h 54m to travel from Chester to Carlisle by train, over a distance of around 117 miles (188 km). There are normally 61 trains per day travelling from Chester to Carlisle and tickets for this journey start from £11.50 when you book in advance.
| First train | 03:46 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 23:30 | |
| Departure station | Chester | |
| Arrival station | Carlisle | |
| Journey time | From 2h 7m | |
| Distance | 117 miles (188 km) | |
| Frequency | 61 trains per day | |
| Changes | 1 change | |
| Price | From £11.50 | |
| Train operators | TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, Merseyrail, Transport for Wales |
Taking the train from Chester to Carlisle in 2 hours 7 minutes
Thinking about taking the train from Chester to Carlisle? We've got you covered.
It usually takes around 3 hours 54 minutes to travel the 117 miles (188 km) from Chester to Carlisle by train, although you can get there in as little as 2 hours 7 minutes on the fastest services. You'll normally find around 61 trains per day running on this route. You'll need to make 1 change along the way as there aren't any direct services on this line. You're likely to be travelling with Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales or TransPennine Express to Carlisle. As the main train operators on this route, all offer plenty of space for luggage and comfortable seating as standard.
Book train tickets from Chester to Carlisle in advance instead of buying them on the day and they can start from £11.50. We'll always highlight the cheapest prices in our Journey Planner, for example when you travel at Off-Peak times or use a Railcard.
If you're feeling ready to book, start looking for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information on the journey to Carlisle by train, or check our timetable above to view live train times.
Journey details
Want to know more about your journey from Chester to Carlisle? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from Chester to Carlisle take?
The average journey time by train between Chester and Carlisle is 3 hours and 54 minutes, with around 61 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Chester and Carlisle by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Chester to Carlisle is 2 hours and 7 minutes.
How much does the train from Chester to Carlisle cost?
Train ticket prices from Chester to Carlisle can start from as little as £11.50 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
Is there a direct train from Chester to Carlisle?
No, there are no direct train services from Chester to Carlisle. Travelling from Chester to Carlisle by train will require a minimum of 1 change.
What time does the first train from Chester to Carlisle leave?
The first train from Chester to Carlisle leaves at 03:46. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Chester to Carlisle leave?
The last train from Chester to Carlisle leaves at 23:30. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Chester and Carlisle by train?
Trains travelling from Chester to Carlisle cover a distance of around 117 miles (188 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Carlisle to Chester.
Cheap train tickets from Chester to Carlisle
Book in advance
Look out for Advance tickets – they usually come out up to 12 weeks before the departure date and can be cheaper than buying on the day. If you’re here a tad early, sign up for our Advance ticket alert today to get notified when your tickets are released.
Consider a Season Ticket
If you catch this train more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly and weekly options available, find out if a season ticket for Chester to Carlisle is right for you.
Use your Railcard
National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel a few times or more in a year. Find out how you can save with a National Railcard here.
Split your tickets
Download our app to find split tickets — courtesy of SplitSave, our handy feature which 'splits' your train tickets where possible to find you a better deal. Learn more about the clever tech behind split tickets, and how to spot SplitSave discounts in our app.
For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.