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Carlisle to Nairn by train

First train

05:51

Last train

21:18

Departure station

Carlisle

Arrival station

Nairn

Journey time

From 5h 21m

Distance

189 miles (305 km)

Frequency

3 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

Train operators

TransPennine Express, ScotRail, Avanti West Coast, London North Eastern Railway

How to travel from Carlisle to Nairn by train

Want to find out more about taking the train from Carlisle to Nairn? Look no further.

You'll usually find 3 trains per day running between Carlisle and Nairn, which usually take 7 hours 39 minutes to complete the 189 miles (305 km) journey. It can take as little as 5 hours 21 minutes on the fastest services though, if you want to get there as quickly as possible. Although there aren't any direct services on this line, it's still easy to travel to Nairn by train, you'll just need to make 2 changes along the way. London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast or ScotRail are the main rail operators on this route, all of which offer modern trains with plenty of space for luggage and comfortable seating.

Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to search for cheap ticket prices – we'll show you how much you can save on train tickets from Carlisle to Nairn if you book in advance. Travelling Off-Peak or using a Railcard can also help you save.

Keen to book your train tickets to Nairn? No need to wait, start a search with us today! If you want to find out a bit more about the journey first, you can find our train timetable with live train times above, and tips on booking cheap tickets and our FAQs further down the page.

Journey details

Want to know more about your journey from Carlisle to Nairn? 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 Carlisle to Nairn take?

The average journey time by train between Carlisle and Nairn is 7 hours and 39 minutes, with around 3 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 Carlisle and Nairn by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Carlisle to Nairn is 5 hours and 21 minutes.

Is there a direct train from Carlisle to Nairn?

No, there are no direct train services from Carlisle to Nairn. Travelling from Carlisle to Nairn by train will require a minimum of 2 changes.

What time does the first train from Carlisle to Nairn leave?

The first train from Carlisle to Nairn leaves at 05:51. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

What time does the last train from Carlisle to Nairn leave?

The last train from Carlisle to Nairn leaves at 21:18. 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 Carlisle and Nairn by train?

Trains travelling from Carlisle to Nairn cover a distance of around 189 miles (305 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Nairn to Carlisle.

Cheap train tickets from Carlisle to Nairn

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 Carlisle to Nairn 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.

† Average savings on advance fares booked at least one week before day of travel vs Anytime fares purchased on day of travel. Subject to availability. Excludes coach.

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