The cheapest and fastest trains from Inverness to Edinburgh
Cheapest price
$46
Average price
$87
Fastest journey
3 h 14 m
Average duration
3 h 23 m
Trains per day
8
Distance
181 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Inverness to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Inverness to Edinburgh will cost around $87 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $46.
Of the 8 trains that leave Inverness for Edinburgh on Sun, May 17, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, May 17 the direct trains cover the 181 km distance in an average of 3 h 23 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 14 m .
On Sun, May 17 the slowest trains will take 3 h 42 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.
C020129:40 AM3h42Inverness station (INV)1:22 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)$461One-way0 transfers
L88088 · W8327412:37 PM4h02Inverness station (INV)4:39 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)$891One-way1 transfer
C146571:25 PM3h20Inverness station (INV)4:45 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)$891One-way0 transfers
L8705810:52 AM3h14Inverness station (INV)2:06 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)$891One-way0 transfers
L88082 · W830744:25 PM3h42Inverness station (INV)8:07 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)$891One-way1 transfer
L8705810:52 AM3h14Inverness station (INV)2:06 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)$891One-way0 transfers
L870593:21 PM3h16Inverness station (INV)6:37 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)$891One-way0 transfers
C146571:25 PM3h20Inverness station (INV)4:45 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)$891One-way0 transfers
L870606:52 PM3h24Inverness station (INV)10:16 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)$891One-way0 transfers
L88082 · W830744:25 PM3h42Inverness station (INV)8:07 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)$891One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Inverness to Edinburgh
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Inverness to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $14. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 3h 56m. 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 $14, and a flight costs an average of $184.
Distance: 112 miles (181 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$74 Average price | $21 Average price Cheapest | $462 Average price | $101 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 30m Average total duration 4h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 26m Average total duration Fastest 3h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 46m Average total duration 5h 46m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 13m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Inverness to Edinburgh:
A bus is $53 (€43) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Inverness to Edinburgh costing on average $74 (€60).
A bus is $440 (€356) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Inverness to Edinburgh costing on average $462 (€373).
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 0m.
Flight takes on average 5h 46m.
Tickets start at around {cheapestPrice} compared to roughly {drivingPriceInCents} in fuel and tolls — a saving of about {savingsAmount}. The journey takes {durationInMinutes} versus {drivingDurationInMinutes} 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.
Live departures
Inverness to Edinburgh train times
The table below shows live departures for Inverness to Edinburgh trains for tomorrow, Sunday, May 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C02012 | 9:40 AM Inverness station (INV) | 3h42 | 1:22 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L87058 | 10:52 AM Inverness station (INV) | 3h14 | 2:06 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L88088 · W83274 | 12:37 PM Inverness station (INV) | 4h02 | 4:39 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
C14657 | 1:25 PM Inverness station (INV) | 3h20 | 4:45 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L87059 | 3:21 PM Inverness station (INV) | 3h16 | 6:37 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L88082 · W83074 | 4:25 PM Inverness station (INV) | 3h42 | 8:07 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
L86949 · C14658 | 5:03 PM Inverness station (INV) | 5h39 | 10:42 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
L87060 | 6:52 PM Inverness station (INV) | 3h24 | 10:16 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Inverness to Edinburgh by train, bus, or flight
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.
May 17
May 18
May 19
May 20
May 21
May 22
May 23
May 24
May 25
May 26
May 27
May 28
May 29
May 30
May 31
Jun 01
Jun 02
Jun 03
Jun 04
Jun 05
Jun 06
Why should you book Inverness to Edinburgh trains with Omio?
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, CrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER) or Caledonian Sleeper to find the best option for your trip from Inverness to Edinburgh.
- 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, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Inverness to Edinburgh.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Rome2rio?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of London North Eastern Railway, CrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER) or Caledonian Sleeper to find the best option for your trip from Inverness to Edinburgh.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Inverness to Edinburgh.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Inverness to Edinburgh?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Inverness to Edinburgh
Trains from Inverness to Edinburgh run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $29 (€24) 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 20:22. The fastest train covers the 112 miles (181 km) distance in 3h 8m.
Distance 112 miles (181 km) |
Average train duration 4h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price $29 (€24) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 3h 8m |
First train 4:54 AM |
Last train 8:22 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 42 days |
Train companies: Scotrail, London North Eastern Railway, CrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER), Caledonian Sleeper, ScotRail from Inverness to Edinburgh trainsScotrail, London North Eastern Railway, CrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER), Caledonian Sleeper, ScotRail trains will get you between Inverness and Edinburgh from $14 (€11). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Scotrail
London North Eastern Railway
CrossCountry
Caledonian Sleeper
London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER)
ScotRail
FAQs: Trains from Inverness to Edinburgh
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Inverness to Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Inverness to Edinburgh
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:30 - 20:30 Saturday 06:30 - 18:30 Sunday 09:15 - 20:20
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- 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
- 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
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage CCTV: No
- 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
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off from the Eastgate side of the station at the short stay car park
- Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59
- Sun: 07:00 - 23:59
- Free public Wi-Fi available.
- You can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2.
- Type of shops available: Wide range of shops Passport Photo Booth
- Car Park: New Street: Long Stay
- Bagel Factory
- Burger King
- Caffè Nero
- Costa Coffee
- JD Wetherspoon
- The Pasty Shop
- The Beer House
- M&S
- Pret a Manger
- 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.
- 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.
- 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,
- Old Waverley Hotel
- Jurys Inn Edinburgh
- The Scotsman Hotel
- Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59
- Sun: 07:00 - 23:59
- 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 booths are located on the concourse.
- 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.
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:30 - 21:25 Saturday 06:30 - 21:25 Sunday 08:10 - 21:25
- Type of shops available: M&S Simply Food
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 1, the Concourse and near the entrance from Haymarket Terrace.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Waiting rooms location: Inside the station - one on platform 4 and one on platform 2 and 3
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage CCTV: No
- 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
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off from the layby in front of the station
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:10 - 00:10 Sunday 08:40 - 00:10
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located in the Waiting Shelter/Room. The toilet facilities are only available during ticket office opening hours.
- National key toilets: No
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage CCTV: No
- 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
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off from the bus stops outside the station
Most popular train connections from Inverness
More options for your journey from Inverness to Edinburgh
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