- 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
$117
Average price
$191
Fastest journey
7 h 21 m
Average duration
7 h 35 m
Trains per day
11
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 $117.
It's difficult to get from Inverness to Manchester without transferring at least once.
L88094+
W84915+
Bus from Glasgow Queen Street to Glasgow Central
C14653+
W29909+
C24972
C14653+
W84918
C14653+
C02014+
C24969
C14655+
G80091+
G15808
C14655+
W34268+
G89834
C14653+
C02014+
C24969
L88094+
Y14762+
W84915
L88094+
W84915+
Bus from Glasgow Queen Street to Glasgow Central
C14653+
W84918Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Inverness to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $22. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 24m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $22, and a flight costs an average of $105.
Distance: 287 miles (462 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$152 Average price | $57 Average price Cheapest | $246 Average price | $132 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 33m Average total duration 7h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 51m Average total duration 8h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 24m Average total duration Fastest 1h 24m Onboard + 3h 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 $95 (€78) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Inverness to Manchester costing on average $152 (€124).
A bus is $189 (€155) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Inverness to Manchester costing on average $246 (€202).
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 3m.
Bus takes on average 8h 21m.
Tickets start at around $152 (€124) compared to roughly $132 (€109) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-19.23 (€-15.79). The journey takes 7h 3m 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, Wednesday, July 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
L88094+ Bus from Glasgow Queen Street to Glasgow Central+ W84915 | On time 8:42 AM Inverness station (INV) | 7h40 | 4:22 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 2 transfers | |
L88094+ Y14762+ W84915 | On time 8:42 AM Inverness station (INV) | 7h40 | 4:22 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 2 transfers | |
L88094+ Y14762+ G89819 | On time 8:42 AM Inverness station (INV) | 7h57 | 4:39 PM Deansgate (DGT) | 2 transfers | |
C14653+ W84918 | On time 9:42 AM Inverness station (INV) | 7h40 | 5:22 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 1 transfer | |
C14653+ C02014+ C24969 | On time 9:42 AM Inverness station (INV) | 7h36 | 5:18 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 2 transfers | |
L87050+ G80080+ G15817 | On time 10:50 AM Inverness station (INV) | 8h19 | 7:09 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 2 transfers | |
L87050+ W84923 | On time 10:50 AM Inverness station (INV) | 8h32 | 7:22 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 1 transfer | |
L87050+ W00587+ P28511 | On time 10:50 AM Inverness station (INV) | 7h19 | 6:09 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 2 transfers | |
L87050+ C24975+ G01166 | On time 10:50 AM Inverness station (INV) | 8h28 | 7:18 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 2 transfers | |
C14655+ W34268+ W84873 | On time 12:48 PM Inverness station (INV) | 7h36 | 8:24 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 2 transfers | |
C14655+ W84928 | On time 12:48 PM Inverness station (INV) | 8h35 | 9:23 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 1 transfer | |
C14655+ W34268+ W84873 | On time 12:48 PM Inverness station (INV) | 7h36 | 8:24 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 2 transfers | |
C14655+ G80091+ G15808 | On time 12:48 PM Inverness station (INV) | 8h20 | 9:08 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 2 transfers | |
C14655+ Y14760+ G89841 | On time 12:48 PM Inverness station (INV) | 8h21 | 9:09 PM Deansgate (DGT) | 2 transfers | |
C14655+ W34268+ G89140 | On time 12:48 PM Inverness station (INV) | 7h30 | 8:18 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 2 transfers | |
C14655+ W34268+ G89834 | On time 12:48 PM Inverness station (INV) | 7h21 | 8:09 PM Deansgate (DGT) | 2 transfers | |
C14655 · L88054+ Bus from Glasgow Queen Street to Glasgow Central+ W84873 | On time 12:48 PM Inverness station (INV) | 8h03 | 8:51 PM Deansgate (DGT) | 4 transfers | |
C14655+ C24980+ G01170 | On time 12:48 PM Inverness station (INV) | 8h33 | 9:21 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 2 transfers | |
C14813 · W83006+ W33861+ G89849 | On time 2:50 PM Inverness station (INV) | 7h19 | 10:09 PM Deansgate (DGT) | 3 transfers | |
L88101 · W83039+ W84877 | On time 3:44 PM Inverness station (INV) | 7h37 | 11:21 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 2 transfers | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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 7h 3m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $87 (€72) but you can travel from only $22 (€18) 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 27m.
Distance 287 miles (462 km) |
Average train duration 7h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price $87 (€72) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 7h 27m |
First train 12:04 AM |
Last train 11:56 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 42 days |
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.
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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.

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