- 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
£13
Average price
£19
Fastest journey
4 h 5 m
Average duration
4 h 11 m
Buses per day
23
Distance
181 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Edinburgh to Inverness is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Edinburgh to Inverness will cost around £19 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £13.
Of the 23 buses that leave Edinburgh for Inverness every day 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 181 km distance in an average of 4 h 11 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 5 m .
The slowest buses will take 4 h 15 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.
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus
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FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio 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 coach with prices starting from £10. 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 coach costs an average of £10, and a flight costs an average of £161.
Distance: 181 km
| Coach | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£15 Average Price Cheapest | £52 Average Price | £361 Average Price |
4h 22m Average total duration 3h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 17m Average total duration Fastest 3h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 37m Average total duration 5h 37m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Inverness coaches for tomorrow, Sunday 16 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:35 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 4h15 | 10:50 Inverness, Bus Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:40 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 6h40 | 13:20 Inverness, Bus Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus | 6:40 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 4h05 | 10:45 Inverness, Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:55 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 7h15 | 15:10 Inverness, Bus Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:55 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 9h05 | 17:00 Inverness, Bus Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus | 9:10 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 4h10 | 13:20 Inverness, Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:20 Edinburgh, St Andrew's House | 5h50 | 15:10 Inverness, Bus Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:30 Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HH) | 5h40 | 15:10 Inverness, Bus Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:39 Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 5h31 | 15:10 Inverness, Bus Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:50 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 10h05 | 20:55 Inverness, Bus Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:50 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 6h10 | 17:00 Inverness, Bus Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:50 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 4h20 | 15:10 Inverness, Bus Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:09 Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 5h51 | 17:00 Inverness, Bus Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:35 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 9h20 | 20:55 Inverness, Bus Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:35 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 5h25 | 17:00 Inverness, Bus Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:45 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 8h10 | 20:55 Inverness, Bus Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:45 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 4h15 | 17:00 Inverness, Bus Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 14:09 Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 5h11 | 19:20 Inverness, Bus Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 14:15 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 6h40 | 20:55 Inverness, Bus Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 15:02 Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HH) | 5h53 | 20:55 Inverness, Bus Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus | 15:10 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 4h10 | 19:20 Inverness, Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 15:11 Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 5h44 | 20:55 Inverness, Bus Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 16:15 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 4h40 | 20:55 Inverness, Bus Station | 1 change | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, coach 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 Edinburgh to Inverness run on average 25 times per day, taking around 3h 52m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £10 if you book in advance.
There are 6 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:25, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 181 km distance in 4h 5m.
Distance 181 km |
Average bus duration 3h 52m |
Cheapest ticket price £10 |
Buses per day 25 |
Direct buses 6 |
Fastest bus 4h 5m |
First bus 0:25 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 49 days |
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 Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh to Inverness buses use the Edinburgh, Bus Station to Inverness, Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Inverness. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Inverness bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Edinburgh, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Sandwich Shop (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Edinburgh, Bus Station.
Available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.
Edinburgh, St Andrew's House has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, St Andrew's House: 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.
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