- 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
$33
Average price
$55
Fastest journey
2 h 3 m
Average duration
2 h 7 m
Trains per day
10
Distance
133 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Aberdeen to Inverness is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Aberdeen to Inverness will cost around $55 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $33.
Of the 10 trains that leave Aberdeen for Inverness on Wed, Jul 15, 10 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jul 15 the direct trains cover the 133 km distance in an average of 2 h 7 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 3 m .
On Wed, Jul 15 the slowest trains will take 2 h 12 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.
L87309
L87293
L87298
L88776
C14689
C14689
L87293
L87298
L88776
C14689Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Aberdeen to Inverness among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 16m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $12, and a train costs an average of $17.
Distance: 82 miles (133 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$44 Average price | $21 Average price Cheapest | $79 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 46m Average total duration Fastest 2h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 32m Average total duration 4h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 43m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Aberdeen to Inverness:
A bus is $23 (€19) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Aberdeen to Inverness costing on average $44 (€36).
Other travel options to Inverness take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 2m.
The journey is about 27m faster (2h 16m by train vs 2h 43m by car) and roughly $36 (€29) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($44 (€36) vs $79 (€65)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Scotrail.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Aberdeen to Inverness trains for today, Tuesday, July 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
L87309 | On time 1:41 PM Aberdeen station (ABD) | 2h17 | 3:58 PM Inverness station (INV) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, July 15 | |||||
C14689 | 6:14 AM Aberdeen station (ABD) | 2h12 | 8:26 AM Inverness station (INV) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C14689 | 6:23 AM Dyce (Aberdeen Airport) (DYC) | 2h03 | 8:26 AM Inverness station (INV) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L88776 | 7:18 AM Aberdeen station (ABD) | 2h18 | 9:36 AM Inverness station (INV) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L88776 | 7:27 AM Dyce (Aberdeen Airport) (DYC) | 2h09 | 9:36 AM Inverness station (INV) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L87293 | 8:23 AM Aberdeen station (ABD) | 2h12 | 10:35 AM Inverness station (INV) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L87293 | 8:31 AM Dyce (Aberdeen Airport) (DYC) | 2h04 | 10:35 AM Inverness station (INV) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L87298 | 10:08 AM Aberdeen station (ABD) | 2h16 | 12:24 PM Inverness station (INV) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L87298 | 10:16 AM Dyce (Aberdeen Airport) (DYC) | 2h08 | 12:24 PM Inverness station (INV) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L87300 | 11:57 AM Aberdeen station (ABD) | 2h15 | 2:12 PM Inverness station (INV) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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.
Trains from Aberdeen to Inverness run on average 4 times per day, taking around 2h 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $17 (€14) but you can travel from only $12 (€10) by bus.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:54, the last at 22:08. The fastest train covers the 82 miles (133 km) distance in 2h 11m.
Distance 82 miles (133 km) |
Average train duration 2h 16m |
Cheapest ticket price $17 (€14) |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 2h 11m |
First train 4:54 AM |
Last train 10:08 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 28 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%.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Aberdeen to Inverness by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Inverness, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Aberdeen to Inverness trains use the Aberdeen to Inverness station pair. Use this guide to compare Aberdeen and Inverness train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Aberdeen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Silver Darling, Moonfish Cafe
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Aberdeen. Information desks are located in the main concourse.
Luggage storage is available at Aberdeen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Aberdeen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Aberdeen: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Aberdeen: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Residence Inn Aberdeen, Hilton Aberdeen TECA, Jurys Inn Aberdeen.
Dyce (Aberdeen Airport) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Accessibility, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Wi-Fi is available at Dyce (Aberdeen Airport).
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Dyce (Aberdeen Airport): Parking.
Available at Dyce (Aberdeen Airport): Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Dyce (Aberdeen Airport): Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Fully Accessible - lifts and footbridge Blue Badge spaces: 3, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Inverness has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Inverness.
Wi-Fi is available at Inverness. ATMs are available at Inverness.
Ticket office support is available at Inverness. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Inverness: Parking, WC.
Available at Inverness: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Inverness: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to all platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the automatic ticket gates Blue Badge parking bays: 3, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need