- Must visit
Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
Main local museum covering Highland history, archaeology, Jacobite stories and natural heritage. A strong introduction to Inverness and the region.
Cheapest price
£58
Average price
£58
Fastest journey
10 h 16 m
Average duration
10 h 16 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
298 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Carlisle to Inverness is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Carlisle to Inverness will cost around £58 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £58.
To travel from Carlisle to Inverness you need to make at least 2 changes.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Carlisle to Inverness among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £18. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 43m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £18, and a flight costs an average of £281.
Distance: 298 km
| Coach | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£22 Average Price Cheapest | £97 Average Price | £372 Average Price |
6h 17m Average total duration 5h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 13m Average total duration Fastest 4h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 14h 25m Average total duration 11h 25m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The table below shows live departures for Carlisle to Inverness coaches for tomorrow, Thursday 6 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 0:19 Carlisle | 10h16 | 10:35 Inverness | 2 changes | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach, 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.
Buses from Carlisle to Inverness run on average 3 times per day, taking around 5h 47m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £18 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 04:54, the last at 20:10. The fastest coach covers the 298 km distance in 9h 10m.
Distance 298 km |
Average bus duration 5h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price £18 |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 9h 10m |
First bus 4:54 |
Last bus 20:10 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Inverness — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Inverness trip today.
Main local museum covering Highland history, archaeology, Jacobite stories and natural heritage. A strong introduction to Inverness and the region.
Small military museum at Fort George with regimental collections, uniforms and medals. Best for visitors interested in Highland army history.
Community museum in a former church telling the story of Highland life through local artefacts, archives and changing displays near central Inverness.
Tree-lined riverside walk linking islands, bridges and paths on the River Ness. Popular for gentle walks, views and a peaceful break near the centre.
Attractive promenade along the River Ness with mature trees, historic buildings and access to the cathedral, theatre and city centre walks.
Canal-side walking area south-west of the city where boats pass through locks. It offers easy waterside views and a different side of Inverness.
Classic Highland porridge made with oats, water or milk, and salt. A staple breakfast in the Highlands, prized for warmth and simplicity.
Cured salmon from the nearby Black Isle, often lightly smoked. It showcases the region’s excellent fish and traditional smoking methods.
A rich savoury pudding of sheep offal, oats, suet and spice, traditionally served with neeps and tatties. Scotland’s most famous traditional dish.
Well-known traditional venue for haggis, pies and Scottish comfort food, with a lively, informal feel in the city centre.
Popular modern bistro serving Scottish seafood, steaks and classics in a relaxed central setting by the River Ness.
Stylish restaurant focused on local Highland produce, including venison, beef and seafood, with a smart but welcoming atmosphere.
Moderate for the UK: accommodation can rise in peak season, but dining and local buses are similar to other regional tourist cities.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafés do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Inverness Bus Station -> Inverness Railway Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Carlisle to Inverness by coach. 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 coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Inverness, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Carlisle to Inverness buses use the Carlisle to Inverness, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Carlisle and Inverness bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Carlisle has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Carlisle. ATMs are available at Carlisle.
Ticket office support is available at Carlisle.
Available at Carlisle: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Carlisle: Wheelchair accessible entrance and services.
Carlisle, Parkhouse Road (Argos) is 3 km from Carlisle city centre. Public transport options include:
Carlisle, Parkhouse Road (Argos) has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Carlisle, Parkhouse Road (Argos): The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
Inverness, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Inverness, Bus Station. ATMs are available at Inverness, Bus Station.
Ticket office support is available at Inverness, Bus Station.
Available at Inverness, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Inverness, Bus Station: Wheelchair access provided.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need