- Must visit
Science and Industry Museum
Leading museum of science, industry, transport, and computing on a historic railway site. Essential for understanding Manchester's global impact.
Cheapest price on Aug 30
$172
Average ticket price on Aug 30
$191
Fastest journey on Aug 30
6 h 58 m
Average journey duration on Aug 30
7 h 18 m
Trains on Aug 30
2
Distance
462 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Inverness to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Inverness to Manchester will cost around $191 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $172.
It's difficult to get from Inverness to Manchester without transferring at least once.
C02012+
G15919
L87058 · W82870+
G89874+
Bus from Glasgow Queen Street to Glasgow Central
L87058 · W82870+
G89874+
Bus from Glasgow Queen Street to Glasgow Central
C02012+
G15919Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Inverness to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $47 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 4m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.4kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $47, while a flight costs an average of $233.
Distance: 287 miles (462 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$112 Average price | $47 Average price Cheapest | $233 Average price | $135 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 21m Average total duration 6h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 46m Average total duration 8h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 4m Average total duration Fastest 2h 4m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 6h 50m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | 1.4 - 2.8kg 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 Inverness to Manchester:
A bus is $65 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Inverness to Manchester costing on average $112.
A bus is $186 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Inverness to Manchester costing on average $233.
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 51m.
Bus takes on average 8h 16m.
Tickets start at around $112 compared to roughly $135 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $23. The journey takes 6h 51m versus 6h 50m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Inverness to Manchester trains for today, Saturday, August 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
L87051+ G80079+ G15977 | On time 10:50 AM Inverness station (INV) | 7h47 | 6:37 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 2 transfers | |
L87051+ W33762+ W84921 | On time 10:50 AM Inverness station (INV) | 7h32 | 6:22 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 2 transfers | |
L87051+ W84925 | On time 10:50 AM Inverness station (INV) | 8h32 | 7:22 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 1 transfer | |
L87051+ W84925 | On time 10:50 AM Inverness station (INV) | 8h36 | 7:26 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
C14654+ W33654+ G89834 | On time 12:48 PM Inverness station (INV) | 7h21 | 8:09 PM Deansgate (DGT) | 2 transfers | |
C02012+ G15919 | 9:40 AM Inverness station (INV) | 7h38 | 5:18 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 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 Inverness to Manchester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 6h 51m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $53 but you can travel from only $28 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 287 miles (462 km) distance in 7h 19m.
Distance 287 miles (462 km) |
Average train duration 6h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price $53 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 7h 19m |
First train 12:04 AM |
Last train 11:56 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.
Leading museum of science, industry, transport, and computing on a historic railway site. Essential for understanding Manchester's global impact.
Major art museum with Pre-Raphaelite works, design, and changing exhibitions. A central cultural stop with broad appeal.
The University of Manchester museum spans dinosaurs, Egypt, nature, and anthropology. Recently renewed and excellent for varied interests.
Historic canal-side district with Roman remains, warehouses, and walkable towpaths. One of Manchester's most atmospheric urban areas.
Central square framed by grand civic buildings, museums, and monuments. A classic starting point for exploring the city centre.
Creative quarter of street art, music history, indie shops, and nightlife. It is one of Manchester's most characterful neighborhoods.
A flaky pastry pie filled with spiced potatoes, onion and often chickpeas. Created by Manchester’s South Asian community and now a city staple.
A comforting Northern pudding of suet pastry filled with beef and onion, traditionally steamed and served with gravy. Common in Greater Manchester pubs.
Manchester’s classic order of battered fish with chips, often served with mushy peas and curry sauce. A long-standing local takeaway favourite.
Iconic market bakery and café known for Manchester tarts, Eccles cakes and hearty lunches. Casual, busy and deeply rooted in local food culture.
Refined modern British fine dining in a restored townhouse. Known for tasting menus, polished service and one of Manchester’s top culinary reputations.
Lively Indian restaurant famous for bold curries, grills and chaat. A long-established Rusholme favourite with a casual, energetic atmosphere.
Moderate for the UK: hotels often cost less than London, while dining and transit are manageable for tourists with many mid-range options.
Service may be included. If not, 10-12.5% in restaurants is common for good service. Round up or add a little for taxis. Cafe tipping is optional.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Inverness to Manchester 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 Manchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Inverness to Manchester trains use the Inverness to Manchester Victoria station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester Piccadilly. Use this guide to compare Inverness and Manchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 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.
Manchester Victoria has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Victoria.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Victoria.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Manchester Victoria: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Victoria: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Victoria: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, Scooter Friendly Station - Step free access around the whole station via use of lifts between platforms 3-6, connection with Manchester Metrolink using ramps, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards Located near the ticket office, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: As per ticket office opening hours, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Manchester Piccadilly has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Burger King, Caffè Nero, Carluccio’s, Hotel Chocolat, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Costa Coffee, Pret a Manger, Upper Crust, McDonald's, & more
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi. ATMs are there are ATM machines on the main concourse, Platform 10 and on the mezzanine level.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30, Sun: 07:00 - 22:30. Information desks are located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Luggage storage is operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Piccadilly: There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Premier Inn Manchester City, Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly.
Manchester Oxford Road has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Oxford Road: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B Station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station - There are two lifts at the Piccadilly end of platform 4 and 2/3 which connect the concourse area platform 4 and 5 with 2/3. Note: there is no lift access to platform 1 at all, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need