- Recommended
Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
The City’s main museum and gallery, covering Highland history, Jacobite heritage, archaeology, and local art in the center of Inverness.
Cheapest price
$479
Average price
$479
Fastest journey
13 h 13 m
Average duration
13 h 13 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
670 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Inverness is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Inverness will cost around $479 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $479.
Of the 1 trains that leave Cardiff for Inverness on Sun, Jun 21, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct trains cover the 670 km distance in an average of 13 h 13 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 13 h 13 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest trains will take 13 h 13 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.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Inverness among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $50. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 10h 16m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $50, and a train costs an average of $106.
Distance: 416 miles (670 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$412 Average price | $105 Average price Cheapest | $189 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 46m Average total duration Fastest 10h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 18h 0m Average total duration 17h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 35m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Inverness:
A bus is $307 (€251) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Inverness costing on average $412 (€338).
Other travel options to Inverness take longer:
Bus takes on average 17h 30m.
You'll arrive about 19m sooner (10h 16m by train vs 10h 35m by car). Tickets start at around $412 (€338) compared to roughly $189 (€155) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Inverness trains for tomorrow, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:30 AM Cardiff | 13h13 | 10:43 PM Inverness | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Cardiff to Inverness run on average 4 times per day, taking around 10h 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $106 (€87) but you can travel from only $50 (€41) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:15, the last at 14:50. The fastest train covers the 416 miles (670 km) distance in 10h 15m.
Distance 416 miles (670 km) |
Average train duration 10h 16m |
Cheapest ticket price $106 (€87) |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 10h 15m |
First train 4:15 AM |
Last train 2:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 and gallery, covering Highland history, Jacobite heritage, archaeology, and local art in the center of Inverness.
A Strong regional museum in Portmahomack focused on Pictish archaeology and an important early medieval monastery site.
A Local history and archive center with exhibitions and research collections that give deeper insight into Highland families, maps, and records.
The Most popular scenic walk in Inverness, following the river through tree-lined paths and small islands linked by Victorian bridges.
The Compact central area around the castle, High Street, and river, ideal for first-time visitors wanting the city’s key sights in one walkable zone.
A Historic covered arcade in the city center that has become increasingly popular for its architecture, independent businesses, and photogenic interior.
A rich Scottish soup of smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions, long loved across the Highlands for its comforting flavor.
Scotland’s iconic savory dish of spiced minced offal served with mashed turnips and potatoes, widely found in Inverness.
Fresh salmon from Scottish waters, often grilled or smoked, is a Highland staple prized for its quality and clean taste.
A well-known Inverness restaurant in a former church, serving modern Scottish food in a stylish but relaxed setting.
An established contemporary venue known for polished Scottish and European dishes, smart presentation, and a lively atmosphere.
A famous Highland pub and music venue offering hearty Scottish fare, whisky, and a traditional atmosphere with live folk music.
Moderate by UK standards. Pub meals and cafes are reasonable, but hotels and summer dining cost more.
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Pubs: not expected. Taxis: round up. Hotels: optional small tip for helpful service.
Official public transport app
Inverness Airport, Inverness -> Inverness Railway Station, Inverness
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff 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 Cardiff to Inverness trains use the Cardiff Central to Inverness station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Inverness train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Cardiff Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Cathays has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Cathays.
Ticket office support is available at Cathays. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cathays: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B3. While both platforms are step-free, there is no facility for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users or persons with reduced mobility to cross between Platform 1 and 2 due to a steep footbridge. Customers who have travelled from the Valleys and wish to access the University or the Civic Centre are advised to travel to Queen Street station, change onto a North-bound service and alight at Cathays on the return service, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards. The machine on the Cardiff-bound platform is only available during staffing hours. The machine on the Pontypridd-bound platform is available all the time, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Cardiff Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff Queen Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Queen Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
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.
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