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The cheapest and fastest trains from Edinburgh to Inverness
Showing times and prices for Jan 10
Cheapest price
$90
Average price
$90
Fastest journey
3 h 29 m
Average duration
3 h 40 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
181 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Edinburgh 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 to Inverness will cost around $90 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $90.
Fast trains
Of the 6 trains that leave Edinburgh for Inverness on Sat, Jan 10, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jan 10 the direct trains cover the 181 km distance in an average of 3 h 40 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 29 m .
On Sat, Jan 10 the slowest trains will take 3 h 50 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.
W73880 · Y3879001:38PM4h48
Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)06:26PMInverness station (INV)
$901One-way
1 transfer
Y3878410:33AM3h42
Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)02:15PMInverness station (INV)
$901One-way
0 transfers
Y39159 · Y3880311:39AM3h50
Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)03:29PMInverness station (INV)
$901One-way
1 transfer
Y39144 · Y3878109:36AM3h49
Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)01:25PMInverness station (INV)
$901One-way
1 transfer
Y3878801:33PM3h29
Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)05:02PMInverness station (INV)
$901One-way
0 transfers
Y3878801:33PM3h29
Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)05:02PMInverness station (INV)
$901One-way
0 transfers
Y3877908:37AM3h29
Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)12:06PMInverness station (INV)
$901One-way
0 transfers
Y3878410:33AM3h42
Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)02:15PMInverness station (INV)
$901One-way
0 transfers
Y39144 · Y3878109:36AM3h49
Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)01:25PMInverness station (INV)
$901One-way
1 transfer
Y39159 · Y3880311:39AM3h50
Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)03:29PMInverness station (INV)
$901One-way
1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Edinburgh to Inverness
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh 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 36m. 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 €11, and a train costs an average of €27.
Distance: 112 miles (181 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus |
|---|---|
€58 Average price | €17 Average price Cheapest |
4h 6m Average total duration Fastest 3h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 29m Average total duration 3h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Edinburgh to Inverness train times
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Inverness trains for today, Friday, January 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 11:46 AM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Y38787 | On time 1:32 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h30 | 5:02 PM Inverness station (INV) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Y39179 · Y38789 | On time 2:41 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h45 | 6:26 PM Inverness station (INV) | 1 transfer | |
 C41115 | On time 4:33 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h35 | 8:08 PM Inverness station (INV) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Y38791 | On time 5:33 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h50 | 9:23 PM Inverness station (INV) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Y39204 · Y38794 | On time 6:41 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h01 | 10:42 PM Inverness station (INV) | 1 transfer | |
| W73790 · Y38796 | On time 7:04 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h15 | 11:19 PM Inverness station (INV) | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, January 10 | |||||
| Y38779 | On time 8:37 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h29 | 12:06 PM Inverness station (INV) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Y39144 · Y38781 | On time 9:36 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h49 | 1:25 PM Inverness station (INV) | 1 transfer | |
| Y38784 | On time 10:33 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h42 | 2:15 PM Inverness station (INV) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Y39159 · Y38803 | On time 11:39 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h50 | 3:29 PM Inverness station (INV) | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Edinburgh to Inverness by train or bus
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.
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Why should you book Edinburgh to Inverness trains with Omio?
ScotRail as well as LNER offer trains services from Edinburgh to Inverness. Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Edinburgh 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 LNER to find the best option for your trip from Edinburgh 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Edinburgh to Inverness.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Multiple travel company options: While ScotRail tickets can be bought on ScotRail's website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of LNER to help you choose the right option for your journey from Edinburgh to Inverness.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Edinburgh to Inverness.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Edinburgh to Inverness?
The best time to book your train from Edinburgh to Inverness is 35 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Edinburgh to Inverness route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Edinburgh to Inverness per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Edinburgh to Inverness.
Trains
from $48Buses
from $15Journey information
Overview: Train from Edinburgh to Inverness
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Edinburgh to Inverness run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $33 (€27) but you can travel from only $14 (€11) by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:54, the last at 20:23. The fastest train covers the 112 miles (181 km) distance in 3h 28m.
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 $14 (€11)
Distance 112 miles (181 km) |
Average train duration 3h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price $33 (€27) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 3h 28m |
First train 04:54 |
Last train 20:23 |
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 $14 (€11)
Train companies: ScotRail, LNER from Edinburgh to Inverness trainsScotRail, LNER trains will get you between Edinburgh and Inverness from $14 (€11). 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 29m
Cheapest Price
$45 (€36)
ScotRail frequency
6 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
LNER
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 31m
Cheapest Price
$36 (€29)
LNER frequency
1 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
FAQs: Trains from Edinburgh to Inverness
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh 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.
A day trip from Edinburgh to Inverness is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 28m, with a distance of 112 miles (181 km). Trains run 6 times per day.
Yes, the train journey from Edinburgh to Inverness is considered scenic, offering views of the rolling countryside, forests, and the Cairngorms National Park.
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.
The distance by train from Edinburgh to Inverness is 112 miles (181 km).
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.
The first train from Edinburgh to Inverness leaves at 4:54 AM.
Train ticket prices from Edinburgh to Inverness can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $33 (€27), while the average price is around $72 (€58).
The last train from Edinburgh to Inverness leaves at 8:23 PM.
The cheapest way to get from Edinburgh to Inverness is by bus, with a cost of around $14 (€11).
There is no high speed train available from Edinburgh to Inverness.
The train from Edinburgh to Inverness takes 3h 28m and runs 6 per day.
Yes, you can take the train from Edinburgh to Inverness.
Yes, there is a direct train from Edinburgh to Inverness. This service operates 3 times per day, provided by ScotRail, LNER, ScotRail.
The train station in Edinburgh that goes to Inverness is Edinburgh Waverley (EDB), which connects to Inverness station (INV).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Edinburgh to Inverness.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Edinburgh to Inverness
Edinburgh
Inverness
The major train station for departures in Edinburgh is Edinburgh Waverley. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Edinburgh Waverley for your trip from Edinburgh to Inverness.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59
- Sun: 07:00 - 23:59
Wifi
- Free public Wi-Fi available.
Lockers
- You can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2.
Shopping
- Type of shops available: Wide range of shops Passport Photo Booth
Parking
- Car Park: New Street: Long Stay
Dining
- Bagel Factory
- Burger King
- Caffè Nero
- Costa Coffee
- JD Wetherspoon
- The Pasty Shop
- The Beer House
- M&S
- Pret a Manger
Taxis
- Taxi: Nearest Taxi Ranks are on Market St and Waverley Bridge outside the station.
- Accessible taxis: Taxi ranks are located on Waverley Bridge and also Market Street. Market Street can be accessed step free via available lifts.
Accessibility
- Entrances are step free. Station is equipped with an elevator. Staffed with guide communicators for the deaf. Tactile warning strips are on the platform edges for the blind.
WC
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: At entrance to Public Toilets
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Baby changing facilities location: Female toilets,Male toilets,
Hotel
- Old Waverley Hotel
- Jurys Inn Edinburgh
- The Scotsman Hotel
Ticket Office
- Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59
- Sun: 07:00 - 23:59
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Cycle storage can be found in the station: by the lift at Platform 2 (37 spaces) Platform 3 (68 Spaces) and adjacent to Platform 19 (86 Spaces). Additional cycle spaces are available in New Street car park (32 spaces).
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information booths are located on the concourse.
Public transit options for Edinburgh Waverley
- Bus lines: 22, 30, 33, X22, X25, X37
- Train lines: Avanti West Coast, Caledonian Sleeper, CrossCountry, LNER, ScotRail, Transpennine Express
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off on Waterloo Place, pick up across from Apex Hotel and drop off outside the Apex Hotel.
- Metro: No metro available.
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:30 - 21:25 Saturday 06:30 - 21:25 Sunday 08:10 - 21:25
Distance to city center
1 kmShopping
- Type of shops available: M&S Simply Food
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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: 2
- 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: No
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 1, the Concourse and near the entrance from Haymarket Terrace.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: Inside the station - one on platform 4 and one on platform 2 and 3
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
- 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
Public transit options for Haymarket
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off from the layby in front of the station
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningLoungeLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingInformation Deskinformation
Address
Slateford station, Meggetgate, off A70 Slateford Road, Slateford, City of Edinburgh, EH14 1BXDistance to city center
4 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
- 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
Public transit options for Slateford
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off from the bus stop on Slateford Road at Platform 2 stair exit
The major train station for arrivals in Inverness is Inverness. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Inverness for your journey to Inverness from Edinburgh.
Amenities at train station
WifiParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:30 - 20:30 Saturday 06:30 - 18:30 Sunday 09:15 - 20:20
Parking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on the Concourse. The National key toilets are located on the Concourse; these toilets are operated by a radar key. Available between 0630 and 1930
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
- 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
Public transit options for Inverness
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off from the Eastgate side of the station at the short stay car park
More options for your journey from Edinburgh to Inverness
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Inverness and Edinburgh
Most popular train connections to Inverness
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