- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
Major national museum with art, natural history, and geology collections in central Cardiff.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Inverness to Cardiff
Showing times and prices for Jun 21
Cheapest price
$471
Average price
$471
Fastest journey
9 h 25 m
Average duration
10 h 38 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
670 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Inverness to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Inverness to Cardiff will cost around $471 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $471.
Fast trains
Of the 2 trains that leave Inverness for Cardiff on Sun, Jun 21, 2 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 10 h 38 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 9 h 25 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest trains will take 11 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.
1:25 PM9h25Inverness10:50 PMCardiff$4711One-way0 transfers- 10:52 AM11h50Inverness10:42 PMCardiff$4711One-way0 transfers
- 1:25 PM9h25Inverness10:50 PMCardiff$4711One-way0 transfers
- 10:52 AM11h50Inverness10:42 PMCardiff$4711One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Inverness to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Inverness to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $46. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 9h 36m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $46, and a train costs an average of $271.
Distance: 416 miles (670 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$464 Average price | $78 Average price Cheapest | $189 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 6m Average total duration Fastest 9h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 14h 16m Average total duration 13h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 28m 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 |
The cheapest way to travel from Inverness to Cardiff is a bus with an average price of $78 (€64).
This is compared to other travel options from Inverness to Cardiff:
A bus is $386 (€316) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Inverness to Cardiff costing on average $464 (€379).
The fastest way to travel from Inverness to Cardiff is by train with an average journey time of 9h 36m.
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Bus takes on average 13h 46m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Inverness and Cardiff including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Inverness to Cardiff among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 52m sooner (9h 36m by train vs 10h 28m by car). Tickets start at around $464 (€379) 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.
Live departures
Inverness to Cardiff train times
The table below shows live departures for Inverness to Cardiff trains for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 6:44 AM Inverness | 9h59 | 4:43 PM Cardiff | 2 transfers | |
.png) | 7:55 AM Inverness | 10h50 | 6:45 PM Cardiff | 2 transfers | |
| 10:50 AM Inverness | 10h04 | 8:54 PM Cardiff | 2 transfers | |
| 12:47 PM Inverness | 10h16 | 11:03 PM Cardiff | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Inverness to Cardiff 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.
Sun
Jun 21
Jun 21
Mon
Jun 22
Jun 22
Tue
Jun 23
Jun 23
Wed
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Jun 27
Jun 27
Why should you book Inverness to Cardiff trains with Omio?
Scotrail as well as London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER) or ScotRail offer trains services from Inverness to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Inverness to Cardiff.
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 Limited (LNER) or ScotRail to find the best option for your trip from Inverness to Cardiff.
- 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 Inverness to Cardiff.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Rome2rio?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Inverness to Cardiff.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Inverness to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Inverness to Cardiff run on average 3 times per day, taking around 9h 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $271 (€222) but you can travel from only $46 (€38) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:08, the last at 13:26. The fastest train covers the 416 miles (670 km) distance in 9h 25m.
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 $46 (€38)
Distance 416 miles (670 km) |
Average train duration 9h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price $271 (€222) |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 9h 25m |
First train 4:08 AM |
Last train 1:26 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 28 days |
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 $46 (€38)
Train companies: Scotrail, London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER), ScotRail from Inverness to Cardiff trainsScotrail, London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER), ScotRail trains will get you between Inverness and Cardiff from $46 (€38). 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
9h 25m
Cheapest Price
$271 (€222)
Scotrail frequency
2 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 Limited (LNER)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
10h 50m
Cheapest Price
$479 (€392)
London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER) frequency
1 a day
ScotRail
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
9h 25m
Cheapest Price
$433 (€354)
ScotRail frequency
3 a day
Complete guide to Cardiff
Things to do in Cardiff
Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.
- Must visit
St Fagans National Museum of History
Open-air museum showcasing Welsh historic buildings, traditions, and everyday life on a large heritage site.
- Recommended
Museum of Cardiff
City museum covering Cardiff’s social history, industry, communities, and urban development.
- Must visit
Cardiff Bay
Revitalized waterfront district with promenades, public buildings, and popular photo-friendly views.
- Must visit
Bute Park
Large central park ideal for riverside walks, greenery, and easy access from the castle.
- Must visit
Cardiff Market Arcade Quarter
Network of historic Victorian and Edwardian arcades prized for architecture and local independent shops.
- Gluten-free
Cawl
Traditional Welsh soup or stew, usually made with lamb or beef, leeks, potatoes, and root vegetables. It is one of Wales’s best-known comfort dishes.
- Vegetarian
Welsh Rarebit
A classic Welsh dish of toasted bread topped with a savory cheese sauce, often seasoned with mustard or ale. It is a staple in pubs and cafes across Cardiff.
- Vegetarian
Glamorgan Sausage
A traditional Welsh vegetarian sausage made with cheese, leeks, and breadcrumbs. It is especially associated with South Wales.
Pasture Cardiff
Well-known steakhouse in central Cardiff, praised for quality Welsh beef, polished service, and a lively modern atmosphere.
The Clink Restaurant Cardiff
Highly regarded fine-dining venue serving well-presented British dishes in a unique and memorable setting.
Madeira Restaurante
Long-running Portuguese restaurant popular for grilled meat, seafood, and generous portions in a warm, traditional setting.
Pound Sterling
Generally cheaper than London. Hotels can rise on event days, but food, transport, and pubs are usually moderate for UK city travel.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- GBP 8-15 for takeaway or a casual lunch.
- Mid-range
- GBP 18-35 per person at a standard restaurant.
- Fine dining
- GBP 60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- GBP 3-4.50 for a regular coffee.
Tipping culture
Service charge is not always included. Tip about 10-12.5% in restaurants for good service, round up taxis, and tipping in pubs or cafes is optional.
TfW
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- GBP 2.00
- Day pass
- GBP 4.60
To the city center
Cardiff Central, Cardiff -> Cardiff City Centre, Cardiff
- Distance
- 0.5 km
- Travel time
- 7 min
- Tap in and out with contactless payment on Transport for Wales rail services where available; always use the same card or device for the journey.
- On many local buses in Cardiff, you can buy tickets with contactless card payment, but carry a backup payment method as acceptance can vary by operator.
FAQs: Trains from Inverness to Cardiff
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Inverness to Cardiff 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 Cardiff, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Inverness to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $271 (€222), while the average price is around $464 (€379).
The train from Inverness to Cardiff takes 9h 25m and runs 3 per day.
The distance by train from Inverness to Cardiff is 416 miles (670 km).
The first train from Inverness to Cardiff leaves at 4:08 AM.
The last train from Inverness to Cardiff leaves at 1:26 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Inverness to Cardiff.
There is no direct train service currently available from Inverness to Cardiff.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Inverness to Cardiff.
The train station in Inverness that goes to Cardiff is Inverness station (INV), which connects to Cardiff Central (CDF).
The cheapest way to get from Inverness to Cardiff is by bus, with a cost of around $46 (€38).
The train journey from Inverness to Cardiff offers scenic views, particularly through the Scottish Highlands, with picturesque landscapes, rolling hills, and views of historic towns along the way.
A day trip from Inverness to Cardiff is not feasible as the journey takes 9h 25m. The distance is 416 miles (670 km) with a frequency of 3 trips per day for trains.
In Cardiff, you can enjoy a variety of activities and sights. Attend performances at the Millennium Centre, explore the vibrant nightlife in the city center, or take a scenic boat tour around Cardiff Bay. For adventure, visit Cardiff International White Water for rafting and kayaking. Shop and dine at Cardiff Market. Discover history at Cardiff Castle and St Fagans National Museum of History, explore art and culture at the National Museum Cardiff, and relax in Bute Park. Cardiff Bay also offers dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions.
A visit of 2 to 3 days is typically sufficient to explore Cardiff's main attractions, such as Cardiff Castle, the National Museum, and Cardiff Bay, while allowing time for leisure and dining experiences.
Yes, you can take the train from Inverness to Cardiff.
Since neither Inverness nor Cardiff 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 Cardiff include Swansea, Bristol, Bath, Newport, Gloucester.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Inverness to Cardiff 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 Cardiff, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like Cardiff Central Station and popular tourist spots. Taxi scams can occur, so it’s advisable to use licensed taxis or reputable ride-hailing apps. Additionally, travelers should be aware of occasional street distractions designed to divert attention while accomplices attempt theft. Staying vigilant and securing personal belongings helps ensure a safe 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 Inverness to Cardiff
Most Inverness to Cardiff trains use the Inverness to Cardiff Central station pair. Use this guide to compare Inverness and Cardiff train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Inverness
Arrival train stations in Cardiff
Which Inverness station do trains to Cardiff leave from?
Trains from Inverness to Cardiff leave from Inverness. The station is from Inverness city centre at Inverness station, Academy Street, Inverness, Highland, IV2 3PY.
InvernessInverness station, Academy Street, Inverness, Highland, IV2 3PY
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.
Cardiff CentralCentral Square, Cardiff CF10 1EP, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre
Bus24, 25, 27, 86, 62, 30, 35, 21, 136, 7, 23, 63, 64 · 3m · $2 · every ~47 min
C1 · 5m · every ~8 min
Cardiff Central 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 and drink
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
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.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Most popular train connections from Inverness
More options for your journey from Inverness to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cardiff and Inverness
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