- 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 on Aug 29
$172
Average ticket price on Aug 29
$196
Fastest journey on Aug 29
7 h 5 m
Average journey duration on Aug 29
8 h 4 m
Trains on Aug 29
7
Distance
462 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Inverness is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Inverness will cost around $196 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $172.
It's difficult to get from Manchester to Inverness without transferring at least once.
L87704 · C14683+
G89114+
G01057
G15984+
K65879+
L87275
G80218+
L86968+
C24585
G80218+
L86968+
L89250 · P28355
L87275+
G89569+
W85176
C14695+
Y14771+
W85167
L87275+
G89569+
W85176
G15984+
K65879+
L87275
L87275+
W85167
L87704 · C14683+
G89114+
G01057Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Inverness among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $48 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 0m. 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 $48, while a flight costs an average of $221.
Distance: 287 miles (462 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$125 Average price | $48 Average price Cheapest | $221 Average price | $136 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 55m Average total duration 7h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 36m Average total duration 8h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 0m Average total duration Fastest 2h 0m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 6h 32m 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 Manchester to Inverness:
A bus is $77 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Inverness costing on average $125.
A bus is $173 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Inverness costing on average $221.
Other travel options to Inverness take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 25m.
Bus takes on average 8h 6m.
Tickets start at around $125 compared to roughly $136 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $11. The journey takes 7h 25m versus 6h 32m 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 Manchester to Inverness trains for tomorrow, Saturday, August 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
L87275+ W85167 | 8:24 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 8h38 | 5:02 PM Inverness station (INV) | 1 transfer | |
C14695+ W85167+ Y14771 | 8:24 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 7h05 | 3:29 PM Inverness station (INV) | 2 transfers | |
L87275+ K65879+ G15984 | 9:00 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 8h02 | 5:02 PM Inverness station (INV) | 2 transfers | |
G80218+ L86968+ C24585 | 9:15 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 10h24 | 7:39 PM Inverness station (INV) | 2 transfers | |
L87704 · C14683+ G89114+ G01057 | 9:21 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 9h05 | 6:26 PM Inverness station (INV) | 3 transfers | |
L87275+ W85176+ G89569 | 9:33 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 7h29 | 5:02 PM Inverness station (INV) | 2 transfers | |
G80218+ L86968+ P28355 · L89250 | 9:36 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 10h03 | 7:39 PM Inverness station (INV) | 3 transfers | |
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 Manchester to Inverness run on average 6 times per day, taking around 7h 25m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $68 but you can travel from only $23 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 01:35, the last at 18:52. The fastest train covers the 287 miles (462 km) distance in 7h 5m.
Distance 287 miles (462 km) |
Average train duration 7h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price $68 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 7h 5m |
First train 1:35 AM |
Last train 6:52 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 21 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 Manchester 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 Manchester to Inverness trains use the Manchester Piccadilly to Inverness station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Inverness train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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 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 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.
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.
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