- 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
kr423
Average price
kr788
Fastest journey
3 h 29 m
Average duration
3 h 36 m
Trains per day
13
Distance
181 km
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 kr788 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only kr423.
Of the 13 trains that leave Edinburgh for Inverness on Mon, Aug 24, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Aug 24 the direct trains cover the 181 km distance in an average of 3 h 36 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 29 m .
On Mon, Aug 24 the slowest trains will take 3 h 45 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.
C14639 · L87323
G80228
C14678
L87682 · C14694
L87271
C14678
L87274
G80228
L87271
C14687Omio recommends booking the train 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 kr123. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 20m. 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 kr123, and a flight costs an average of kr2083.
Distance: 112 miles (181 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
kr609 Average price | kr171 Average price Cheapest | kr4841 Average price | kr953 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 17m Average total duration 3h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 19m Average total duration 3h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 20m Average total duration Fastest 3h 20m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 12m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
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 Edinburgh to Inverness:
A bus is kr438 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh to Inverness costing on average kr609.
A bus is kr4670 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Edinburgh to Inverness costing on average kr4841.
Other travel options to Inverness take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 47m.
Bus takes on average 3h 49m.
Tickets start at around kr609 compared to roughly kr953 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about kr344. The journey takes 3h 47m versus 3h 12m 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.
Direct services run with Scotrail, London North Eastern Railway, London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER), Caledonian Sleeper, ScotRail.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Inverness trains for today, Sunday, August 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C14693 | On time 9:25 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h54 | 1:19 PM Inverness station (INV) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W83194 · C14676 | On time 9:35 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h54 | 2:29 PM Inverness station (INV) | 1 transfer | |
W83200 · C14676 | On time 10:35 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h54 | 2:29 PM Inverness station (INV) | 1 transfer | |
C14691 | On time 1:53 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h32 | 5:25 PM Inverness station (INV) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W83263 · C14681 | On time 2:06 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h39 | 5:45 PM Inverness station (INV) | 1 transfer | |
C14692 | On time 3:52 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h18 | 7:10 PM Inverness station (INV) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G80229 | On time 4:32 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h38 | 8:10 PM Inverness station (INV) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W83226 · L87273 | On time 5:34 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h52 | 9:26 PM Inverness station (INV) | 1 transfer | |
L87579 · L87273 | On time 5:50 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h36 | 9:26 PM Inverness station (INV) | 1 transfer | |
G80242+ L87291 | On time 6:35 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h08 | 11:43 PM Inverness station (INV) | 1 transfer | |
W83042 · C14674 | 5:33 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h56 | 10:29 AM Inverness station (INV) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train 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.
Trains from Edinburgh to Inverness run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 47m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at kr225 but you can travel from only kr123 by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:54, the last at 20:22. The fastest train covers the 112 miles (181 km) distance in 3h 29m.
Distance 112 miles (181 km) |
Average train duration 3h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price kr225 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 3h 29m |
First train 4:54 AM |
Last train 8:22 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 56 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%.
Official public transport app
Inverness Airport -> Inverness Railway Station
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.

Most Edinburgh to Inverness trains use the Edinburgh Waverley to Inverness station pair. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Inverness train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Edinburgh Waverley has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Bagel Factory, Burger King, Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, JD Wetherspoon, The Pasty Shop, The Beer House, M&S, Pret a Manger
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are there are a few ATM machines around the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59, Sun: 07:00 - 23:59. Information desks are information booths are located on the concourse. .
Luggage storage is you can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2. . Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Waverley: 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.
Nearby hotels include Old Waverley Hotel, Jurys Inn Edinburgh, The Scotsman Hotel.
Haymarket is 1 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Haymarket has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Haymarket.
Wi-Fi is available at Haymarket. ATMs are available at Haymarket.
Ticket office support is available at Haymarket. 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 Haymarket: Parking, WC.
Available at Haymarket: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Haymarket: 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.
Edinburgh Gateway is 7 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Edinburgh Gateway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Edinburgh Gateway.
Wi-Fi is available at Edinburgh Gateway.
Ticket office support is available at Edinburgh Gateway. 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: Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Edinburgh Gateway: Parking, WC.
Available at Edinburgh Gateway: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Gateway: 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 both platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the Ticket Office Blue Badge parking bays: 4, 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.
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