- Recommended
Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
City museum and gallery covering Highland history, archaeology, natural history, and local art in the center of Inverness.
Cheapest price
$98
Average price
$167
Fastest journey
7 h 12 m
Average duration
8 h
Trains per day
6
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 $167 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $98.
It's difficult to get from Manchester to Inverness without transferring at least once.
G80228+
W85182
W34286+
G80228+
G89072
C24909+
G01067+
C14686
G80216 · G80228+
C24895+
C15391
C24895+
G66987+
L87274
W34286+
G80228+
G89072
G80228+
W85182
C24895+
G66987+
L87274
C24909+
G01067+
C14686
W85168+
L87274Omio 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 prices starting from $19. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 1m. 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 $19, and a flight costs an average of $128.
Distance: 287 miles (462 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$140 Average price | $54 Average price Cheapest | $244 Average price | $135 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 6m Average total duration 7h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 40m Average total duration 8h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 1m Average total duration Fastest 2h 1m Onboard + 3h 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 $86 (€69) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Inverness costing on average $140 (€113).
A bus is $190 (€153) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Inverness costing on average $244 (€196).
Other travel options to Inverness take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 36m.
Bus takes on average 8h 10m.
Tickets start at around $140 (€113) compared to roughly $135 (€109) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-4.96 (€-4.00). The journey takes 7h 36m 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, Friday, May 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W85168+ L87274 | 8:24 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 8h38 | 5:02 PM Inverness station (INV) | 1 transfer | |
C24895+ G66987+ L87274 | 9:00 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 8h02 | 5:02 PM Inverness station (INV) | 2 transfers | |
C24895+ G80216+ C15391+ G80228 | 9:00 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 11h08 | 8:08 PM Inverness station (INV) | 3 transfers | |
W85182+ G80228 | 12:24 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 7h44 | 8:08 PM Inverness station (INV) | 1 transfer | |
W34286+ G80228+ G89072 | 12:56 PM Deansgate (DGT) | 7h12 | 8:08 PM Inverness station (INV) | 2 transfers | |
C24909+ G01067+ C14686 | 1:00 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 8h23 | 9:23 PM Inverness station (INV) | 2 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 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $68 (€55) but you can travel from only $19 (€15) 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 6h 40m.
Distance 287 miles (462 km) |
Average train duration 7h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price $68 (€55) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 6h 40m |
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 Sun |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 77 days |
Discover the best of Inverness — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Inverness trip today.
City museum and gallery covering Highland history, archaeology, natural history, and local art in the center of Inverness.
Regimental museum at Fort George with collections on the history of Highland soldiers, campaigns, uniforms, and medals.
Well-regarded contemporary art gallery in central Inverness showing Scottish artists and changing exhibitions.
The city’s signature walking route, with suspension bridges, wooded islands, and excellent river views close to the center.
Atmospheric converted church bookshop that has become a widely shared social-media favorite for its character and interior.
Historic covered market with distinctive architecture and a central location, popular for browsing and local atmosphere.
A creamy smoked haddock, potato, and onion soup from northeast Scotland, widely loved in Inverness and a classic Highland starter.
Scotland’s best-known national dish: spiced sheep offal with mashed turnips and potatoes, often served with a whisky sauce.
Highland venison is a local speciality, prized for its rich, lean flavour and often served as loin, stew, or burgers in Inverness.
A well-known contemporary restaurant serving refined Scottish and seafood dishes in a stylish but relaxed setting.
A long-established riverside restaurant in a converted church, known for polished Scottish cooking and a warm, lively atmosphere.
Popular for modern Highland cooking and views over the River Ness, with a smart casual atmosphere and strong local produce focus.
Moderate by UK standards. Pubs and casual meals are fairly priced, but hotels and summer dining cost more.
Service is often included only at some restaurants. If not included, tip 10-12.5% for good service. Round up in taxis. Tipping is not expected for counter service, but small tips are appreciated.
Official public transport app
Inverness Airport, Inverness -> Inverness Railway Station, Inverness
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.

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