Edinburgh Airport to Inverness train with Scotrail

Fri, Jul 03
+ Add return
Scotrail
London North Eastern Railway
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
Scotrail
London North Eastern Railway
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Edinburgh Airport to Inverness

Showing times and prices for Jul 03

Cheapest price

$44

Average price

$81

Fastest journey

3 h 23 m

Average duration

3 h 34 m

Trains per day

19

Distance

178 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Edinburgh Airport 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 Airport to Inverness will cost around $81 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $44.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Edinburgh Airport to Inverness without transferring at least once.

  • ScotrailC14983 · C14687
    7:24 PM3h55
    Edinburgh Gateway (EGY)
    11:19 PMInverness station (INV)
    $441One-way
    1 transfer
  • ScotrailL87729 · L87282
    6:53 PM3h49
    Edinburgh Gateway (EGY)
    10:42 PMInverness station (INV)
    $441One-way
    1 transfer
  • ScotrailW83078 · L87282
    6:47 PM3h55
    Edinburgh Park (EDP)
    10:42 PMInverness station (INV)
    $441One-way
    1 transfer
  • ScotrailW68741 · C14686
    5:26 PM3h57
    Edinburgh Gateway (EGY)
    9:23 PMInverness station (INV)
    $441One-way
    1 transfer
  • ScotrailL87682 · C14694
    11:46 AM3h43
    Edinburgh Gateway (EGY)
    3:29 PMInverness station (INV)
    $871One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare bus, train, and flight for Edinburgh Airport to Inverness

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh Airport to Inverness among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $11. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 40m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $11, and a flight costs an average of $143.

Distance: 110 miles (178 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus
Flight
Driving

$67

Average price

$17

Average price

Cheapest

$435

Average price

$56

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

4h 10m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 40m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 19m

Average total duration

3h 49m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

8h 49m

Average total duration

5h 49m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

2h 59m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Edinburgh Airport to Inverness is a bus with an average price of $17 (€14).

This is compared to other travel options from Edinburgh Airport to Inverness:

A bus is $50 (€41) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh Airport to Inverness costing on average $67 (€55).

A bus is $418 (€345) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Edinburgh Airport to Inverness costing on average $435 (€359).

The fastest way to travel from Edinburgh Airport to Inverness is by train with an average journey time of 3h 40m.

Other travel options to Inverness take longer:

Bus takes on average 3h 49m.

Flight takes on average 5h 49m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Edinburgh Airport and Inverness including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Edinburgh Airport to Inverness among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around $67 (€55) compared to roughly $56 (€46) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-10.92 (€-9.01). The journey takes 3h 40m versus 2h 59m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.

Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.

Live departures

Edinburgh Airport to Inverness train times

The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh Airport to Inverness trains for today, Thursday, July 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
ScotrailL87633 · C14678
On time
8:28 AM Edinburgh Gateway (EGY)
3h39
12:07 PM Inverness station (INV)
1 transfer
ScotrailW83137 · C14678
On time
8:44 AM Edinburgh Park (EDP)
3h23
12:07 PM Inverness station (INV)
1 transfer
BusBus from Edinburgh Airport Bus/Tram to Inverkeithing+ScotrailL87668 · C14680
On time
9:16 AM Edinburgh, Airport
4h09
1:25 PM Inverness station (INV)
2 transfers
ScotrailC15379 · C14680
On time
9:44 AM Edinburgh Park (EDP)
3h41
1:25 PM Inverness station (INV)
1 transfer
ScotrailL87668 · C14680
On time
9:50 AM Edinburgh Gateway (EGY)
3h35
1:25 PM Inverness station (INV)
1 transfer
ScotrailW68696 · L87271
On time
10:23 AM Edinburgh Gateway (EGY)
3h53
2:16 PM Inverness station (INV)
1 transfer
ScotrailL87682 · C14694
On time
11:46 AM Edinburgh Gateway (EGY)
3h43
3:29 PM Inverness station (INV)
1 transfer
ScotrailW69666 · L87274
On time
1:21 PM Edinburgh Gateway (EGY)
3h41
5:02 PM Inverness station (INV)
1 transfer
ScotrailL87695 · C14684
On time
1:48 PM Edinburgh Gateway (EGY)
4h38
6:26 PM Inverness station (INV)
1 transfer

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Edinburgh Airport to Inverness by bus, train, or flight

Compare bus, train, 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.

Fri
Jul 03
Sat
Jul 04
Sun
Jul 05
Mon
Jul 06
Tue
Jul 07
Wed
Jul 08
Thu
Jul 09

Why should you book Edinburgh Airport to Inverness trains with Omio?

Scotrail as well as London North Eastern Railway offer trains services from Edinburgh Airport to Inverness.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Edinburgh Airport to Inverness.

Why book with Omio vs Scotrail?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Scotrail, but also compare tickets for the likes of London North Eastern Railway to find the best option for your trip from Edinburgh Airport to Inverness.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Scotrail with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Edinburgh Airport to Inverness.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Rome2rio?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Edinburgh Airport to Inverness.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Edinburgh Airport to Inverness

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Edinburgh Airport to Inverness run on average 15 times per day, taking around 3h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $23 (€19) but you can travel from only $11 (€9) by bus.

The earliest train runs at 07:43, the last at 18:53. The fastest train covers the 110 miles (178 km) distance in 3h 22m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $11 (€9)
Distance
110 miles (178 km)
Average train duration
3h 40m
Cheapest ticket price
$23 (€19)
Trains per day
15
Fastest train
3h 22m
First train
7:43 AM
Last train
6:53 PM
Cheapest Month
Jan
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Mon
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $11 (€9)

Train companies: Scotrail, London North Eastern Railway from Edinburgh Airport to Inverness trainsScotrail, London North Eastern Railway trains will get you between Edinburgh Airport and Inverness from $11 (€9). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Scotrail

About
Scotrail is a train operating company in Scotland, providing rail services throughout the country. It operates a wide range of services, from commuter trains to long-distance intercity services. The company operates a variety of train types, including the Class 380, Class 385, Class 156, Class 158 and Class 170. These trains offer a range of onboard facilities, such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and comfortable seating. Scotrail also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Off-Peak, and Anytime tickets. The most popular routes for Scotrail include Glasgow to Edinburgh, Glasgow to Inverness, and Edinburgh to Aberdeen.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 22m
Cheapest Price
$23 (€19)
Scotrail frequency
14 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, designated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions mentioned above
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks, some stations have catering facilities
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are free but optional, recommended during peak times
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, dogs allowed with ticket (£1-£3), maximum 2 dogs per passenger, assistance dogs free
Quiet zone

London North Eastern Railway

About
LNER is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a wide range of services, from high-speed intercity trains to local services. Its most popular routes include London to Edinburgh, London to Leeds, and London to York. LNER offers a variety of train types, including the Azuma, InterCity 225, and HST. The Azuma is a modern, high-speed train that offers comfortable seating and onboard Wi-Fi. The InterCity 225 is a classic train that offers a more traditional experience. The HST is a high-speed train that offers a smooth ride and plenty of legroom. LNER offers a variety of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak. Advance tickets are the cheapest option and must be booked in advance. Anytime tickets are more expensive but can be used at any time. Off-Peak tickets are the most affordable option for travelling during off-peak times. Onboard facilities include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. LNER also offers a range of discounts and special offers, making it an affordable and convenient way to travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 41m
Cheapest Price
$47 (€39)
London North Eastern Railway frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund available if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First Class passengers receive complimentary refreshments
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are included with Advance tickets. Optional for other ticket types at £0-£2 per person depending on route
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two pets per passenger
Quiet zone

Complete guide to Inverness

Things to do in Inverness

Discover the best of Inverness — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Inverness trip today.

  • Recommended

Inverness Museum and Art Gallery

City museum and gallery covering Highland history, archaeology, Jacobite heritage, and local art in the centre of Inverness.

  • Recommended

The Highlanders' Museum

Regimental museum at Fort George presenting the history of the Highlanders through uniforms, medals, and military collections.

  • Recommended

Inverness Castle Experience

New attraction inside Inverness Castle with exhibitions and viewpoints focused on Highland stories and the spirit of the region.

Pound Sterling

Generally cheaper than London. Hotels can rise sharply in summer, but everyday food and local transport are fairly manageable.

Average meal costs

Budget
GBP 8-15 for takeaway or a simple lunch.
Mid-range
GBP 18-35 per person at a casual restaurant.
Fine dining
GBP 60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
Coffee
GBP 3-4.50 for a regular coffee.

Tipping culture

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.

FAQs: Trains from Edinburgh Airport to Inverness

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh Airport 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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Edinburgh Airport to Inverness can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $23 (€19), while the average price is around $67 (€55).
The train from Edinburgh Airport to Inverness takes 3h 22m and runs 15 per day.
The distance by train from Edinburgh Airport to Inverness is 110 miles (178 km).
The first train from Edinburgh Airport to Inverness leaves at 7:43 AM.
The last train from Edinburgh Airport to Inverness leaves at 6:53 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Edinburgh Airport to Inverness.
There is no direct train service currently available from Edinburgh Airport to Inverness.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Edinburgh Airport to Inverness.
The cheapest way to get from Edinburgh Airport to Inverness is by bus, with a cost of around $11 (€9).
Yes, the train journey from Edinburgh Airport to Inverness is considered scenic, offering views of rolling countryside, picturesque villages, and the rugged landscapes of the Scottish Highlands.
A day trip from Edinburgh Airport to Inverness is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 22m each way, covering a distance of 110 miles (178 km). Trains run 16 times per day.
In Inverness, visitors can explore the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery to discover local history and art, enjoy performances at Eden Court Theatre, and take a leisurely walk on the Ness Islands. The Caledonian Canal offers scenic walks or boat trips, while the Merkinch Local Nature Reserve is perfect for wildlife exploration. Key sights include the historic Inverness Castle, the scenic Loch Ness, the informative Culloden Battlefield, the impressive Inverness Cathedral, and the ancient Clava Cairns.
To experience the highlights of Inverness, 2 to 3 days is typically sufficient to explore the city, visit nearby attractions like Loch Ness, and enjoy local culture and cuisine.
Yes, you can take the train from Edinburgh Airport to Inverness.
Since neither Edinburgh Airport nor Inverness are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Inverness include Invergordon, Aviemore, Elgin, Nairn, Pitlochry.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Edinburgh Airport to Inverness among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the BritRail Pass are valid on most trains within the United Kingdom, offering unlimited travel on participating train operators for a set period.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Inverness, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas and public transport hubs. Some visitors report occasional overcharging by taxi drivers, so it’s advisable to agree on fares beforehand or use licensed services. Always be aware of your surroundings at night and avoid poorly lit or isolated areas. Standard travel safety practices help ensure a secure visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Edinburgh Airport to Inverness

Most Edinburgh Airport to Inverness trains use the Edinburgh Waverley to Inverness station pair. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh Airport and Inverness train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Edinburgh
Arrival train stations in Inverness
InvernessInverness station, Academy Street, Inverness, Highland, IV2 3PYWifiParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Inverness from Inverness city centre

Location for Rail Replacement ServicesBuses pick up/drop off from the Eastgate side of the station at the short stay car park

Inverness train station facilities and services

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

Food and drink options are available at Inverness.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Inverness. ATMs are available at Inverness.

Tickets and information

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.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Inverness: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Inverness: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

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.

More options for your journey from Edinburgh Airport to Inverness

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