- Recommended
Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
City museum and gallery covering Highland history, archaeology, Jacobite heritage, and local art in the centre of Inverness.
Cheapest price
$18
Average price
$21
Fastest journey
4 h 5 m
Average duration
4 h 11 m
Buses per day
24
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 $21 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $18.
Of the 24 buses that leave Edinburgh for Inverness on Sat, Jul 04, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jul 04 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 Sat, Jul 04 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
FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
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 $13. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 47m. 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 $13, and a flight costs an average of $218.
Distance: 112 miles (181 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$21 Average price Cheapest | $70 Average price | $490 Average price | $100 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 22m Average total duration 3h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 17m Average total duration Fastest 3h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 37m Average total duration 5h 37m 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 |
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 $49 (€41) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh to Inverness costing on average $70 (€57).
A bus is $470 (€385) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Edinburgh to Inverness costing on average $490 (€402).
Other travel options to Inverness take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 52m.
Flight takes on average 5h 37m.
Tickets start at around $21 (€17) compared to roughly $100 (€82) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $79 (€65). The journey takes 3h 52m 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 Megabus, FlixBus, 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 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:40AM | Arrival Time 01:20PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:55AM | Arrival Time 03:10PM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:09AM | Arrival Time 03:10PM | Duration 6h01 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:10AM | Arrival Time 01:20PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 03:10PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:24AM | Arrival Time 03:10PM | Duration 5h46 | 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 $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:50AM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:09AM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 5h51 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35AM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:45PM | Arrival Time 08:55PM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:09PM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 5h11 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:15PM | Arrival Time 08:55PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:41PM | Arrival Time 08:55PM | Duration 6h14 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:02PM | Arrival Time 08:55PM | Duration 5h53 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:10PM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:11PM | Arrival Time 08:55PM | Duration 5h44 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:15PM | Arrival Time 08:55PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $16 |
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Inverness buses for tomorrow, Saturday, July 4. 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 · FlixBus | 6:40 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 6h40 | 1:20 PM Inverness, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 6:40 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 4h05 | 10:45 AM Inverness, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 | 9:24 AM Edinburgh, Princes Street (Stop PU) | 5h46 | 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 | 4h20 | 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 | 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 25 times per day, taking around 3h 52m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $13 (€11) if you book in advance.
There are 6 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 52m |
Cheapest ticket price $13 (€11) |
Buses per day 25 |
Direct buses 6 |
Fastest bus 4h 5m |
First bus 12:25 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
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.
City museum and gallery covering Highland history, archaeology, Jacobite heritage, and local art in the centre of Inverness.
Regimental museum at Fort George presenting the history of the Highlanders through uniforms, medals, and military collections.
New attraction inside Inverness Castle with exhibitions and viewpoints focused on Highland stories and the spirit of the region.
Scenic walking route along both banks of the River Ness, popular for views, bridges, and easy access to central sights.
Peaceful wooded islands linked by footbridges, loved by locals for quiet walks and one of Inverness’s most photogenic green spaces.
Famous atmospheric second-hand bookshop in a converted church, widely photographed and a distinctive cultural stop in the city.
A rich Scottish soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions. Popular across the Highlands and a classic comfort dish to try in Inverness.
Scotland’s most famous traditional dish: spiced minced offal with oats, served with mashed turnips and potatoes. A staple on Inverness menus.
Highland venison is widely served in Inverness, often as steak, pie, or casserole. It reflects the region’s strong game and rural food traditions.
A well-known contemporary restaurant serving refined Scottish and seafood dishes in stylish surroundings. Good choice for a more upscale meal.
A long-established Inverness favorite in a converted church, known for polished Scottish cooking, local produce, and a lively but relaxed atmosphere.
A popular riverside spot with modern Scottish cuisine, seafood, and steaks. It is established, central, and known for views over the River Ness.
Generally cheaper than London. Hotels can rise sharply in summer, but everyday food and local transport are fairly manageable.
Tipping is not mandatory. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual for good service if not already added. Round up for taxis. Small tips are optional in cafés, pubs, and hotels.
Official public transport app
Inverness Bus Station, Inverness -> Inverness Railway Station, Inverness
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need