Steam Trains

Carlisle's historic Citadel Station, built in 1848, reflects the rich heritage of this important hub on the national rail network.

Today, there are four main routes by rail in and out of Carlisle. The most important is the West Coast Main Line between England and Scotland, with direct links to Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Manchester, the Midlands and London on a daily basis. Cutting across the country is the Tyne Valley Line, the earliest cross-country railway in the UK, linking Carlisle with Newcastle and Sunderland. The scenic Cumbrian Coastal Railway serves many stations along the West Cumbria coast including Whitehaven and Barrow-in-Furness (Monday to Saturday only). But the most spectacular of all is the Settle to Carlisle Railway, running through the heart of the Eden Valley and the Yorkshire Dales over 20 viaducts and through 14 tunnels to end its journey at Leeds. This emblem of a past age is regularly graced by the sight and sound of steam engines, providing an unforgettable experience for passengers and passers-by alike!

The most scenic and stress-free way to visit Carlisle is by rail, with the city well-served by railway lines to the north, south, east and west.