- Must visit
National Museum of Scotland
Scotland’s flagship museum covering history, science, design and world cultures in a landmark Victorian building. A top all-round visit in the city.
Cheapest price
$40
Average price
$85
Fastest journey
3 h 21 m
Average duration
3 h 31 m
Trains per day
14
Distance
181 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Inverness to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Inverness to Edinburgh will cost around $85 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $40.
Of the 14 trains that leave Inverness for Edinburgh on Sat, Jun 20, 7 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 31 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 21 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest trains will take 3 h 38 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.
C02030
C14810 · W83091
L87051
L87054
C14812 · C15372
C02030
L87054
C14650
C14652
L87051Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Inverness to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $14. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 3h 56m. 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 $14, and a flight costs an average of $181.
Distance: 112 miles (181 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$73 Average price | $21 Average price Cheapest | $455 Average price | $100 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 30m Average total duration 4h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 26m Average total duration Fastest 3h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 46m Average total duration 5h 46m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 13m 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 Inverness to Edinburgh:
A bus is $52 (€43) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Inverness to Edinburgh costing on average $73 (€60).
A bus is $434 (€356) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Inverness to Edinburgh costing on average $455 (€373).
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 0m.
Flight takes on average 5h 46m.
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 Inverness to Edinburgh 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C14809 · W83089 | On time 5:35 AM Inverness station (INV) | 3h46 | 9:21 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
C14576+ G01153 | On time 5:49 AM Inverness station (INV) | 5h05 | 10:54 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
C14651 | On time 6:38 AM Inverness station (INV) | 3h36 | 10:14 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C02029 | On time 7:55 AM Inverness station (INV) | 3h21 | 11:16 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L88094 · L87660 | On time 8:42 AM Inverness station (INV) | 4h01 | 12:43 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
C14653 | On time 9:42 AM Inverness station (INV) | 3h32 | 1:14 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L87050 | On time 10:50 AM Inverness station (INV) | 3h40 | 2:30 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L86847 · L87079 | On time 10:56 AM Inverness station (INV) | 5h28 | 4:24 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
C14655 | On time 12:48 PM Inverness station (INV) | 3h45 | 4:33 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C14813 · W83006 | On time 2:50 PM Inverness station (INV) | 4h01 | 6:51 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
L88101 · C14725 | On time 3:44 PM Inverness station (INV) | 3h59 | 7:43 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
C14815 · W83234 | On time 5:25 PM Inverness station (INV) | 4h01 | 9:26 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
C14588 · L87087 | On time 6:01 PM Inverness station (INV) | 5h29 | 11:30 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
L87055 | On time 6:52 PM Inverness station (INV) | 3h23 | 10:15 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L88106 · W83258 | On time 8:22 PM Inverness station (INV) | 3h55 | 12:17 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 1 transfer | |
C14659 | 4:54 AM Inverness station (INV) | 4h41 | 9:35 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 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 Inverness to Edinburgh run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $29 (€24) but you can travel from only $14 (€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 8m.
Distance 112 miles (181 km) |
Average train duration 4h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price $29 (€24) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 3h 8m |
First train 4:54 AM |
Last train 8:22 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 42 days |
Discover the best of Edinburgh — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Edinburgh trip today.
Scotland’s flagship museum covering history, science, design and world cultures in a landmark Victorian building. A top all-round visit in the city.
Major national art gallery on The Mound with Scottish and European masterpieces. Central, elegant and one of Edinburgh’s classic cultural stops.
Striking red-sandstone gallery dedicated to portraits of figures from Scottish history and culture. Well regarded for both the collection and the building itself.
Edinburgh’s most famous historic street linking the castle and Holyroodhouse, lined with closes, courtyards, shops and major sights.
One of Edinburgh’s essential viewpoints, especially popular for sunrise and sunset photography. Famous for sweeping views over the city and Arthur’s Seat.
Ancient volcanic peak in Holyrood Park with the city’s most famous hike and outstanding panoramic views. A classic outdoor Edinburgh experience.
Scotland’s best-known national dish: a peppery savoury pudding traditionally made with oats and offal, served with mashed turnips and potatoes. It is strongly associated with Edinburgh and Burns supps
A rich Scottish soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes and onions. Though from Cullen, it is a classic on Edinburgh menus and a comforting local staple
A traditional hearty soup of barley, root vegetables and usually lamb or mutton. It is a long-standing Scottish comfort food commonly found in pubs and cafes
A polished gastropub from Tom Kitchin, known for refined Scottish pub classics, seasonal produce and a warm neighbourhood atmosphere
A long-established seafood restaurant popular for Scottish mussels, fish dishes and a relaxed city-centre setting
A respected upscale seafood restaurant focused on high-quality Scottish fish and shellfish in an elegant contemporary space
Edinburgh is pricier than many UK cities, especially for hotels and dining in the centre during peak season.
Service is sometimes included. If not, tip 10-12.5% in restaurants for good service. Rounding up is common in taxis. Tipping is not expected for counter service.
Official public transport app
Edinburgh Waverley, Edinburgh -> Princes Street, Edinburgh
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Inverness to Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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