- Must visit
National Museum of Scotland
Scotland's flagship museum covers science, design, natural history, and world cultures in a landmark building with excellent family appeal.
Cheapest price
€15
Average price
€24
Fastest journey
4 h 5 m
Average duration
4 h 7 m
Buses per day
22
Distance
181 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Inverness to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Inverness to Edinburgh will cost around €24 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €15.
Of the 22 buses that leave Inverness for Edinburgh 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 7 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 10 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 Inverness to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €10. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 3h 56m. 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 €10, and a flight costs an average of €173.
Distance: 112 miles (181 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€16 Average price Cheapest | €46 Average price | €418 Average price | €82 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 26m Average total duration Fastest 3h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 29m Average total duration 3h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 13m Average total duration 5h 13m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 13m 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 Inverness to Edinburgh:
A bus is €30 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Inverness to Edinburgh costing on average €46.
A bus is €402 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Inverness to Edinburgh costing on average €418.
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 59m.
Flight takes on average 5h 13m.
Tickets start at around €16 compared to roughly €82 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €67. The journey takes 3h 56m versus 3h 13m 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 07:20AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price €15 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 05:25PM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price €13 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price €15 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:50PM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €15 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:20PM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €12 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:20PM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €12 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:50PM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €15 |
The table below shows live departures for Inverness to Edinburgh 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 | 3:20 PM Inverness, Bus Station | 4h05 | 7:25 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:20 PM Inverness, Bus Station | 5h11 | 8:31 PM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:50 PM Inverness, Bus Station | 4h10 | 9:00 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:50 PM Inverness, Bus Station | 5h51 | 10:41 PM Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HB) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:50 PM Inverness, Bus Station | 5h43 | 10:33 PM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:20 AM Inverness, Bus Station | 5h05 | 12:25 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:20 AM Inverness, Bus Station | 4h10 | 11:30 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:20 AM Inverness, Bus Station | 5h19 | 12:39 PM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:20 AM Inverness, Bus Station | 5h28 | 12:48 PM Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HB) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:15 AM Inverness, Bus Station | 8h10 | 5:25 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 9:15 AM Inverness, Bus Station | 4h05 | 1:20 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:15 AM Inverness, Bus Station | 4h56 | 2:11 PM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:45 AM Inverness, Bus Station | 6h15 | 5:00 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:45 AM Inverness, Bus Station | 4h15 | 3:00 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:45 AM Inverness, Bus Station | 5h24 | 4:09 PM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:45 AM Inverness, Bus Station | 5h33 | 4:18 PM Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HB) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:50 PM Inverness, Bus Station | 4h10 | 5:00 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:50 PM Inverness, Bus Station | 5h19 | 6:09 PM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:50 PM Inverness, Bus Station | 5h28 | 6:18 PM Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HB) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:20 PM Inverness, Bus Station | 6h05 | 7:25 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 1:20 PM Inverness, Bus Station | 4h05 | 5:25 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:20 PM Inverness, Bus Station | 5h19 | 6:39 PM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 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 Inverness to Edinburgh run on average 21 times per day, taking around 3h 56m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €10 if you book in advance.
There are 4 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:02, 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 56m |
Cheapest ticket price €10 |
Buses per day 21 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 4h 5m |
First bus 12:02 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Edinburgh — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Edinburgh trip today.
Scotland's flagship museum covers science, design, natural history, and world cultures in a landmark building with excellent family appeal.
Major art gallery with Scottish and international works from the Renaissance onward, set dramatically on The Mound in the city centre.
Gallery of modern and contemporary art in a neoclassical building with sculpture park, strong changing exhibitions, and a peaceful setting.
Historic spine of the Old Town linking the castle and palace, lined with closes, landmarks, performers, shops, and layered city history.
Elegant shopping boulevard in the New Town with castle views, gardens below, major monuments, and strong access to central attractions.
Extinct volcano in Holyrood Park climbed for sweeping city views, sunrise walks, and one of Edinburgh's most memorable outdoor experiences.
A rich savoury pudding of sheep offal, oats, suet, onion and spices, traditionally served with neeps and tatties. Scotland’s national dish and central to Burns Suppers.
Mashed turnips and potatoes, usually served with haggis. This classic Scottish side is a staple of traditional Edinburgh meals.
A hearty soup of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions in milk or cream. Strongly linked to Scotland’s fishing heritage and widely loved in Edinburgh.
Refined Scottish fine dining in the Balmoral Hotel, known for seasonal tasting menus and polished service in an elegant setting.
Historic oyster bar and restaurant serving Scottish seafood, shellfish and game in a lively, classic Victorian dining room.
Celebrated modern Scottish restaurant focused on local produce, creative small plates and a relaxed but high-quality neighbourhood feel.
Edinburgh is pricier than many UK cities. Hotels surge in festival season, dining is mid-to-high, and transit is reasonable but not especially cheap for visitors.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if no service charge is added. Round up for taxis. Cafes usually do not expect tips.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Inverness to Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Inverness to Edinburgh buses use the Inverness, Bus Station to Edinburgh, Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Ingliston, Airport (Stance C). Use this guide to compare Inverness and Edinburgh bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
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.
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