Head to the Big City with direct trains from Carlisle to London Euston, operated by Avanti West Coast. With no changes to worry about, you can make the best use of the 3 hr 25-min journey – whether that means working, browsing or simply relaxing as you watch the world go by.
As you swap the Borderlands for the Big Smoke, you’ll get to enjoy views across to the Lake District and the Cumbrian Mountains before reaching the urban landscapes further south.
Avanti West Coast offers high-speed long-distance trains between London and the West Coast. Popular destinations from this operator include Edinburgh, Manchester and Birmingham International Airport.
Departing from Carlisle
Carlisle station is one of several train stations serving the capital of Cumbria, the others being Dalston and Wetheral. Carlisle station is the city’s primary transport hub and is located in the city centre, just a four-minute walk from central locations like English Street.
As part of the West Coast Main Line, Carlisle station offers extensive rail services to Glasgow, Newcastle, Lancaster and London. Routes from this station are operated by Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express, ScotRail, Northern, London North Eastern Railway and the Caledonian Sleeper.
Main stops
The Avanti West Coast direct train from Carlisle to London calls at several stops, usually including Penrith, Lancaster, Preston, Wigan North Western and Warrington Bank Quay. Slower trains may also stop at Crewe, Stafford, Birmingham New Street and Coventry, among others.
The Caledonian Sleeper calls at just one stop between Carlisle and London Euston, which is Watford. For exact stops for your service, consult the specific train details.
Arriving at London Euston
Euston Station is the UK’s first and busiest intercity train station. It is located in the London Borough of Camden, just off Euston Square. In addition to direct access to the Tube station and the London Overground, London Euston offers connections to many long-distance and regional destinations, such as Milton Keynes Central, Glasgow Central and Liverpool Lime Street. The station is also served by overnight sleeper services between London and Scotland.
The surrounding area of Euston offers plenty of activities for you to enjoy after you arrive in London. There are plenty of museums to visit in the vicinity, such as the Wellcome Collection located on the same road. Wellcome Collection is a free museum and library exploring the past, present and future of health matters.
Avanti West Coast train classes
Your direct Avanti West Coast train from Carlisle to London Euston offers a choice of three different train classes.
- Standard Class: A standard ticket includes free Wi-Fi, access to food & drinks and plug sockets at selected table and window seats.
- Standard Premium: Standard Premium tickets offer roomier seating with extra legroom, guaranteed tables, and sockets at every window seat.
- First Class: If you buy a First Class ticket for your train from Carlisle to London, you can enjoy at-seat service from staff, complimentary refreshments, including alcohol, and access to the London Euston First Class lounge on arrival.
No matter which train class you choose, book in advance on TrainPal for cheap train tickets for your journey from Carlisle to London.
Avanti West Coast train travel advice
Travel with ease on your train from Carlisle to London with our travel tips for Avanti West Coast train journeys.
- Luggage: Baggage should not exceed 30 x 70 x 90 cm in size. Larger items must be stowed in the door-adjacent luggage space and smaller bags in the overhead racks or space under the seat in front.
- Bicycles: Pre-booking a bike space is required. Space varies from 4 to 8 spaces according to train type. No reservation needed for folding bikes stored in luggage racks. E-scooters are not allowed.
- Children: Kids under 5 travel free, kids under 16 travel with a discount. Family & Friends Railcards offer discounts of up to 33% on adult and 60% on child tickets. Pushchairs should be folded and stowed in luggage compartments.
- Pets: Up to two pets travel free. Additional pets can be booked for £5 each. Dogs should be on a lead or in a carrier; other pets must be kept in a carrier. Pets must not take up other passenger space.
- Passenger Assist: Avanti West Coast offers support for travellers with additional needs, from helping with travel plans to navigating trains and stations. Can be booked in advance.
Enjoy a unique experience on your journey from Carlisle to London with the Caledonian Sleeper’s overnight sleeper service. With 6 departures a week from Monday to Saturday, the Caledonian Sleeper departs Carlisle at 01:45 and arrives at London Euston at 07:15, so you can make the most of your trip.
You can choose between seat-only tickets all the way up to Double En-Suite experiences, so you can travel in comfort, whatever that means for you.
The Caledonian Sleeper is one of two overnight sleeper services in the UK, connecting London to numerous destinations in Scotland, from Lowland destinations like Edinburgh to Highland spots such as Fort William.
Caledonian Sleeper train classes
The Caledonian Sleeper offers four accommodation options for your overnight train from Carlisle to London Euston.
- Comfort Seat: Reclining airline-style seat. Personal reading light, USB power, foldable table and secure compartment for belongings.
- Classic Room: Twin bunk beds in a private cabin. Access to shared toilet and shower facilities in the coach.
- Club En-Suite Room: Twin bunk beds in a private cabin. En-suite toilet and shower. Access to station lounges. Includes breakfast, with a choice of hot or cold options.
- Caledonian Double En-Suite: Private cabin with a double bed. En-suite toilet and shower. Premium toiletries and bathrobe. Access to station lounges. Breakfast included.
Caledonian Sleeper train travel advice
- Luggage: Limit of two suitcases and one item of hand luggage. Larger items should be stored in Seated Coach luggage racks.
- Bicycles: Bike reservations to and from Carlisle station are not possible, as the train is longer than the platform.
- Children: Under 5s travel free when sharing a seat or bed with their accompanying paying adult. Family tickets offer savings of up to 33%. Standard travel cots do not fit in train rooms. Interconnecting rooms are available in Classic Room accommodation.
- Pets: Up to two pets can travel in rooms for £30 per journey. Pets are not allowed in Seated Coach, Club Car or in beds. Pets must remain in the carriage of your booking.
- Passenger Assist: Caledonian Sleeper offers help for older and disabled passengers with planning journeys, boarding and disembarking trains, wheelchair assistance and luggage assistance. No assistance available from Caledonian Sleeper staff at stations.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.