- Must visit
Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
The city's main museum, covering Highland history, archaeology, art, and local culture in a central Victorian building.
Cheapest price
€19
Average price
€23
Fastest journey
4 h 5 m
Average duration
4 h 11 m
Buses per day
23
Distance
181 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Edinburgh to Inverness is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Edinburgh to Inverness will cost around €23 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €19.
Of the 23 buses that leave Edinburgh for Inverness on Sun, Aug 23, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Aug 23 the direct buses cover the 181 km distance in an average of 4 h 11 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 5 m .
On Sun, Aug 23 the slowest buses will take 4 h 15 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
FlixBus
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FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
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FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Inverness among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €11. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 20m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €11, and a flight costs an average of €180.
Distance: 112 miles (181 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€15 Average price Cheapest | €53 Average price | €419 Average price | €82 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 19m Average total duration 3h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 17m Average total duration 3h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 20m Average total duration Fastest 3h 20m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 12m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Edinburgh to Inverness:
A bus is €38 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh to Inverness costing on average €53.
A bus is €404 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Edinburgh to Inverness costing on average €419.
Other travel options to Inverness take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 47m.
Bus takes on average 3h 49m.
Tickets start at around €15 compared to roughly €82 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €68. The journey takes 3h 49m versus 3h 12m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by FlixBus, Megabus, Park's of Hamilton, Ember, Scottish Citylink Coaches Ltd.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:35AM | Arrival Time 10:50AM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €12 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:40AM | Arrival Time 01:20PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €12 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:55AM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 9h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €12 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:09AM | Arrival Time 03:10PM | Duration 6h01 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €18 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:10AM | Arrival Time 01:20PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €13 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 03:10PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €21 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 03:10PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €21 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:39AM | Arrival Time 03:10PM | Duration 5h31 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €30 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:50AM | Arrival Time 08:55PM | Duration 10h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €13 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:09AM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 5h51 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €18 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35AM | Arrival Time 08:55PM | Duration 9h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €12 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:45PM | Arrival Time 08:55PM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €12 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:09PM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 5h11 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €18 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:15PM | Arrival Time 08:55PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €12 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:41PM | Arrival Time 08:55PM | Duration 6h14 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €18 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:02PM | Arrival Time 08:55PM | Duration 5h53 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €19 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:10PM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €12 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:11PM | Arrival Time 08:55PM | Duration 5h44 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €26 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:15PM | Arrival Time 08:55PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €12 |
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Inverness buses for today, Saturday, August 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:35 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 4h15 | 10:50 AM Inverness, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 6:40 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 4h05 | 10:45 AM Inverness, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:40 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 6h40 | 1:20 PM Inverness, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:55 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 9h05 | 5:00 PM Inverness, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:55 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 7h15 | 3:10 PM Inverness, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 9:10 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 4h10 | 1:20 PM Inverness, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:20 AM Edinburgh, St Andrew's House | 5h50 | 3:10 PM Inverness, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:30 AM Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HH) | 5h40 | 3:10 PM Inverness, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:39 AM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 5h31 | 3:10 PM Inverness, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:50 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 10h05 | 8:55 PM Inverness, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:50 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 4h20 | 3:10 PM Inverness, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:50 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 6h10 | 5:00 PM Inverness, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:09 AM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 5h51 | 5:00 PM Inverness, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:35 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 5h25 | 5:00 PM Inverness, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:35 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 9h20 | 8:55 PM Inverness, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:45 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 4h15 | 5:00 PM Inverness, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:45 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 8h10 | 8:55 PM Inverness, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:09 PM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 5h11 | 7:20 PM Inverness, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:15 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 6h40 | 8:55 PM Inverness, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:02 PM Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HH) | 5h53 | 8:55 PM Inverness, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 3:10 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 4h10 | 7:20 PM Inverness, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:11 PM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 5h44 | 8:55 PM Inverness, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:15 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 4h40 | 8:55 PM Inverness, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Edinburgh to Inverness run on average 21 times per day, taking around 3h 49m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €11 if you book in advance.
There are 4 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:25, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 112 miles (181 km) distance in 4h 5m.
Distance 112 miles (181 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price €11 |
Buses per day 21 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 4h 5m |
First bus 12:25 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 49 days |
Discover the best of Inverness — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Inverness trip today.
The city's main museum, covering Highland history, archaeology, art, and local culture in a central Victorian building.
A modern visitor centre exploring the Battle of Culloden through artefacts, immersive displays, and Jacobite history.
A compact military museum telling the story of the Queen's Own Highlanders and local regimental heritage.
The River Ness islands and footbridges create one of Inverness's best urban walks, with calm water, trees, and views.
A central riverside route ideal for strolling past cathedral, castle views, bridges, and classic Inverness scenery.
The main pedestrian shopping street, lively with historic facades, local businesses, and easy access to central sights.
A hearty Highland soup of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions. Deeply linked to northeast Scotland and widely enjoyed in Inverness pubs and homes.
Scotland’s iconic savoury pudding made with sheep offal, oats and spices. A classic Burns supper dish and a staple on traditional Highland menus.
A vegetarian version of haggis using oats, lentils, beans and spices. Popular across Scotland as a meat-free way to try a national classic.
Refined tasting menus in an elegant setting inside Ness Walk Hotel. Known for modern Scottish cooking with Highland produce and polished service.
Historic pub by Inverness Castle known for cask ales, whisky and classic Scottish fare. A traditional stop for hearty local dishes.
Smart but relaxed bistro and bar near the river, serving modern Scottish dishes, seafood and steaks with a lively local atmosphere.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels can rise in peak season, but dining and local buses are usually reasonable for tourists.
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Cafes: round up or leave small change. Taxis: round up or tip about 10%.
Official public transport app
Inverness Bus Station -> Inverness Railway Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh to Inverness by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Inverness, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Edinburgh to Inverness buses use the Edinburgh, Bus Station to Inverness, Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Inverness. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Inverness bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Edinburgh, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Sandwich Shop (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Edinburgh, Bus Station.
Available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.
Edinburgh, St Andrew's House has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, St Andrew's House: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
Inverness, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Inverness, Bus Station. ATMs are available at Inverness, Bus Station.
Ticket office support is available at Inverness, Bus Station.
Available at Inverness, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Inverness, Bus Station: Wheelchair access provided.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need