- Recommended
Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
The City’s main museum and gallery, covering Highland history, Jacobite heritage, archaeology, and local art in the center of Inverness.
Cheapest price
$32
Average price
$51
Fastest journey
3 h 29 m
Average duration
3 h 34 m
Trains per day
16
Distance
181 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Edinburgh to Inverness is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Edinburgh to Inverness will cost around $51 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $32.
Of the 16 trains that leave Edinburgh for Inverness on Sat, Jun 20, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct trains cover the 181 km distance in an average of 3 h 34 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 29 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 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.
L87284
G80230
L87728 · L87281
C14685
W83043 · C14675
L87275
C14677
G80230
C14685
C14682Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Inverness among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $13. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 47m. 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 $13, and a flight costs an average of $219.
Distance: 112 miles (181 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$70 Average price | $21 Average price Cheapest | $491 Average price | $100 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 17m Average total duration Fastest 3h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 22m Average total duration 3h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 37m Average total duration 5h 37m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 12m 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 Edinburgh to Inverness:
A bus is $49 (€41) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh to Inverness costing on average $70 (€57).
A bus is $470 (€385) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Edinburgh to Inverness costing on average $491 (€402).
Other travel options to Inverness take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 52m.
Flight takes on average 5h 37m.
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.
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Inverness trains for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
L87648 · C14674 | On time 6:36 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h53 | 10:29 AM Inverness station (INV) | 1 transfer | |
C14678 | On time 8:38 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h29 | 12:07 PM Inverness station (INV) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L87668 · C14680 | On time 9:39 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h46 | 1:25 PM Inverness station (INV) | 1 transfer | |
L87271 | On time 10:33 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h43 | 2:16 PM Inverness station (INV) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L87682 · C14694 | On time 11:35 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h54 | 3:29 PM Inverness station (INV) | 1 transfer | |
L87570 · L87692 · L87274 | On time 11:58 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h04 | 5:02 PM Inverness station (INV) | 2 transfers | |
L87274 | On time 1:32 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h30 | 5:02 PM Inverness station (INV) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L87695 · C14684 | On time 1:37 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h49 | 6:26 PM Inverness station (INV) | 1 transfer | |
L87703 · C14684 | On time 2:41 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h45 | 6:26 PM Inverness station (INV) | 1 transfer | |
G80228 | On time 4:33 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h35 | 8:08 PM Inverness station (INV) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C14686 | On time 5:33 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h50 | 9:23 PM Inverness station (INV) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L87729 · L87282 | On time 6:41 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h01 | 10:42 PM Inverness station (INV) | 1 transfer | |
C14687 | On time 7:34 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h45 | 11:19 PM Inverness station (INV) | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Edinburgh to Inverness run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 47m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $35 (€28) but you can travel from only $13 (€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 28m.
Distance 112 miles (181 km) |
Average train duration 3h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price $35 (€28) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 3h 28m |
First train 4:54 AM |
Last train 8:22 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 56 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 and gallery, covering Highland history, Jacobite heritage, archaeology, and local art in the center of Inverness.
A Strong regional museum in Portmahomack focused on Pictish archaeology and an important early medieval monastery site.
A Local history and archive center with exhibitions and research collections that give deeper insight into Highland families, maps, and records.
The Most popular scenic walk in Inverness, following the river through tree-lined paths and small islands linked by Victorian bridges.
The Compact central area around the castle, High Street, and river, ideal for first-time visitors wanting the city’s key sights in one walkable zone.
A Historic covered arcade in the city center that has become increasingly popular for its architecture, independent businesses, and photogenic interior.
A rich Scottish soup of smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions, long loved across the Highlands for its comforting flavor.
Scotland’s iconic savory dish of spiced minced offal served with mashed turnips and potatoes, widely found in Inverness.
Fresh salmon from Scottish waters, often grilled or smoked, is a Highland staple prized for its quality and clean taste.
A well-known Inverness restaurant in a former church, serving modern Scottish food in a stylish but relaxed setting.
An established contemporary venue known for polished Scottish and European dishes, smart presentation, and a lively atmosphere.
A famous Highland pub and music venue offering hearty Scottish fare, whisky, and a traditional atmosphere with live folk music.
Moderate by UK standards. Pub meals and cafes are reasonable, but hotels and summer dining cost more.
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Pubs: not expected. Taxis: round up. Hotels: optional small tip for helpful service.
Official public transport app
Inverness Airport, Inverness -> Inverness Railway Station, Inverness
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh to Inverness trains use the Edinburgh Waverley to Inverness station pair. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Inverness train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Edinburgh Waverley has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Bagel Factory, Burger King, Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, JD Wetherspoon, The Pasty Shop, The Beer House, M&S, Pret a Manger
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are there are a few ATM machines around the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59, Sun: 07:00 - 23:59. Information desks are information booths are located on the concourse. .
Luggage storage is you can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2. . Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Waverley: 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.
Nearby hotels include Old Waverley Hotel, Jurys Inn Edinburgh, The Scotsman Hotel.
Haymarket is 1 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Haymarket has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Haymarket.
Wi-Fi is available at Haymarket. ATMs are available at Haymarket.
Ticket office support is available at Haymarket. 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 Haymarket: Parking, WC.
Available at Haymarket: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Haymarket: 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.
Slateford is 4 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Slateford has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Slateford.
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, 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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Slateford: Parking.
Available at Slateford: Bike Parking.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need