- Must visit
National Museum of Scotland
Scotland’s flagship museum covering science, design, world cultures, and Scottish history in one major city-centre complex.
Cheapest price
$19
Average price
$22
Fastest journey
4 h 5 m
Average duration
4 h 8 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 $22 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $19.
Of the 22 buses that leave Inverness for Edinburgh on Mon, May 25, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, May 25 the direct buses cover the 181 km distance in an average of 4 h 8 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 5 m .
On Mon, May 25 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
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 $14. 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 $14, and a flight costs an average of $184.
Distance: 112 miles (181 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$21 Average price Cheapest | $74 Average price | $461 Average price | $101 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 26m Average total duration Fastest 3h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 30m Average total duration 4h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 46m Average total duration 5h 46m 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 $53 (€43) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Inverness to Edinburgh costing on average $74 (€60).
A bus is $439 (€356) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Inverness to Edinburgh costing on average $461 (€373).
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 0m.
Flight takes on average 5h 46m.
Tickets start at around $21 (€17) compared to roughly $101 (€82) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $80 (€64). 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 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 07:20AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 01:20PM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:50PM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:20PM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:50PM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $19 |
The table below shows live departures for Inverness to Edinburgh buses for today, Sunday, May 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 | 5h39 | 4:24 PM Edinburgh, Princes Street West (Stop PF) | 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 | 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 | 5h43 | 10:33 PM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:50 PM Inverness, Bus Station | 5h51 | 10:41 PM Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HB) | 1 transfer | |
| Monday, May 25 | |||||
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 | 7:20 AM Inverness, Bus Station | 5h34 | 12:54 PM Edinburgh, Princes Street West (Stop PF) | 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 24 times per day, taking around 3h 56m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $14 (€11) if you book in advance.
There are 6 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 $14 (€11) |
Buses per day 24 |
Direct buses 6 |
Fastest bus 4h 5m |
First bus 12:02 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
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 covering science, design, world cultures, and Scottish history in one major city-centre complex.
The national art collection in central Edinburgh, with major European paintings and an excellent Scottish art selection.
Striking red-sandstone gallery dedicated to portraits of figures from Scottish history, culture, and public life.
The Old Town’s most famous historic street, linking Edinburgh Castle and Holyroodhouse through dense medieval architecture.
Short, rewarding hill walk with some of Edinburgh’s best panoramic views, especially popular at sunrise and sunset.
The city’s most famous natural viewpoint, offering a memorable hike and sweeping views over Edinburgh and the coast.
Scotland’s best-known national dish: a savoury pudding of minced offal, oats, onion, and spices, usually served with mashed turnips and potatoes. It is strongly associated with Edinburgh and Burns Sup
A rich Scottish soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions, often finished with milk or cream. It is a classic warming starter found in many Edinburgh pubs and restaurants.
A traditional double-crust meat pie, usually filled with spiced minced mutton or beef. It is a classic bakery and football-day snack across Scotland and remains a familiar local comfort food.
Well-known gastropub from Tom Kitchin, serving polished Scottish pub classics in a relaxed setting. A good choice for traditional dishes with high-quality ingredients.
Long-running local favourite serving modern Scottish dishes with local produce. Friendly, reliable, and popular with visitors seeking approachable regional food.
Historic, atmospheric restaurant near Edinburgh Castle, known for refined Scottish cuisine and a dramatic Gothic setting popular for special occasions.
Moderate by UK standards. Attractions and pubs add up, but transport and casual dining are manageable.
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if not included. Pubs: not expected. Taxis: round up. Hotels: optional for helpful service.
Official public transport app
Edinburgh Bus Station, Edinburgh -> Edinburgh Waverley Station, Edinburgh
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.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need