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4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Edinburgh to Inverness
Cheapest price
£32
Average price
£65
Fastest journey
3 h 18 m
Average duration
3 h 33 m
Trains per day
11
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 travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Edinburgh to Inverness will cost around £65 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £32.
Of the 11 trains that leave Edinburgh for Inverness every day 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 181 km distance in an average of 3 h 33 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 18 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 39 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.
G8022916:323h38Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)20:10Inverness station (INV)£321One-way0 changes
C146939:253h54Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)13:19Inverness station (INV)£661One-way0 changes- W83200 · C1467610:353h54Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)14:29Inverness station (INV)£661One-way1 change
- C1469113:533h32Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)17:25Inverness station (INV)£661One-way0 changes
- L87579 · L8727317:503h36Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)21:26Inverness station (INV)£661One-way1 change
- C1469215:523h18Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)19:10Inverness station (INV)£661One-way0 changes
- C1469113:533h32Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)17:25Inverness station (INV)£661One-way0 changes
- L87579 · L8727317:503h36Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)21:26Inverness station (INV)£661One-way1 change
- G8022916:323h38Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)20:10Inverness station (INV)£321One-way0 changes
- W83263 · C1468114:063h39Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)17:45Inverness station (INV)£661One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Edinburgh to Inverness
Omio 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 £160.
Distance: 181 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£51 Average Price | £15 Average Price Cheapest | £360 Average Price |
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* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Edinburgh to Inverness train times
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Inverness trains for tomorrow, Sunday 12 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C14693 | 9:25 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h54 | 13:19 Inverness station (INV) | 0 changesdirect | |
| W83200 · C14676 | 10:35 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h54 | 14:29 Inverness station (INV) | 1 change | |
| C14691 | 13:53 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h32 | 17:25 Inverness station (INV) | 0 changesdirect | |
| W83263 · C14681 | 14:06 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h39 | 17:45 Inverness station (INV) | 1 change | |
| C14692 | 15:52 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h18 | 19:10 Inverness station (INV) | 0 changesdirect | |
| W83273+G80229 | 16:06 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h04 | 20:10 Inverness station (INV) | 1 change | |
| G80229 | 16:32 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h38 | 20:10 Inverness station (INV) | 0 changesdirect | |
| W83278 · L87273 | 17:05 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 4h21 | 21:26 Inverness station (INV) | 1 change | |
| W83226 · L87273 | 17:34 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h52 | 21:26 Inverness station (INV) | 1 change | |
| L87579 · L87273 | 17:50 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h36 | 21:26 Inverness station (INV) | 1 change | |
| G80242+L87291 | 18:35 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 5h08 | 23:43 Inverness station (INV) | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Edinburgh to Inverness by train, coach or flight
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.
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Why should you book Edinburgh to Inverness trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Scotrail?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Scotrail, but also compare tickets for the likes of London North Eastern Railway, London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER), Caledonian Sleeper or ScotRail to find the best option for your trip from Edinburgh to Inverness.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Scotrail with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Edinburgh to Inverness.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Rome2rio?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of London North Eastern Railway, London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER), Caledonian Sleeper or ScotRail to find the best option for your trip from Edinburgh to Inverness.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Edinburgh to Inverness.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Edinburgh to Inverness?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Edinburgh to Inverness
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Edinburgh to Inverness run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 47m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £25 but you can travel from only £10 by coach.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:54, the last at 20:22. The fastest train covers the 181 km distance in 3h 28m.
Distance 181 km |
Average train duration 3h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price £25 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 3h 28m |
First train 4:54 |
Last train 20:22 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 56 days |
Train companies: Scotrail, London North Eastern Railway, London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER), Caledonian Sleeper, ScotRail from Edinburgh to Inverness trainsScotrail, London North Eastern Railway, London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER), Caledonian Sleeper, ScotRail trains will get you between Edinburgh and Inverness from £10. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Scotrail
London North Eastern Railway
Caledonian Sleeper
London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER)
ScotRail
Trains from Edinburgh to Inverness
There are about 10 trains from Edinburgh to Inverness every day from Monday to Saturday, and a reduced service of about six trains a day on Sunday. They run roughly between 06:30 and 19:30 on most days, with a train leaving Edinburgh once every 1h 30min on average. You can choose between direct and indirect journeys: the shortest direct journey is about 3h 15min, while indirect journeys can take up to 5h in total.
Edinburgh to Inverness Train Time: Daily Departures
The first Edinburgh to Inverness train of the day departs around 06:30, and there’s a service operating every 1h 30min or so until about 19:30. There may be fewer trains operating on Sundays, when the first service of the day is around 09:30 and the last one at about 18:00. On any given week, there are around 66 trains from Edinburgh to Inverness. Generally, trains depart Edinburgh at a similar time every day.
How long is the journey by train from Edinburgh to Inverness?
The shortest direct journey gets you from Edinburgh to Inverness in about 3h 15min and is typically run by ScotRail. Indirect trains can take as little as 4h or as long as 5h, with the longer journeys mostly operated in the afternoon, after 15:00. There’s a mix of direct and indirect journeys every day to choose from. Changes usually take place in Perth and Aberdeen, and you can experience waiting times anywhere between 13min and 1h 30min. Be sure to check for alternative connections to Inverness, should the first leg of your journey be delayed.
couple on a train from Edinburgh. Source: Shutterstock
What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Edinburgh to Inverness?
Departure train station: The journey from Edinburgh to Inverness starts at Edinburgh Waverley, which is one of the city’s largest train stations. It’s positioned in the centre of Edinburgh, around 0.3 miles (0.5 km) or a roughly 7min walk from the Scottish National Gallery, and about 11min away by bus from the University of Edinburgh. The station has accessible toilets and baby-changing rooms, paid shower facilities and free Wifi. There are cycle and car parking spaces available, as well as wheelchairs and mobility vehicles for getting around the station. You could also depart to Inverness from Edinburgh Haymarket Station, which is based in West Edinburgh, about a 5min train ride from Waverley Station. Haymarket Station is about a 1 mile (1.6 km) or a roughly 23min walk away from Edinburgh Castle, in Old Town. Facilities include step-free access, accessible toilets and baby-changing rooms, free Wifi and wheelchairs available for use. There are bike storage facilities at Edinburgh Haymarket, but no car park.
Arrival train station: Trains from Edinburgh arrive at Inverness Station, which is in close proximity to main attractions in Inverness. It’s situated around 0.5 miles (0.8 km) or an approximately 12min walk from Inverness Castle. Additionally, there are buses available to local golf clubs, such as Kings Golf Club, about 14min away by bus. Inverness Station has accessible toilets, baby-changing rooms, step-free access and wheelchairs and ramps on site.
Which train companies travel from Edinburgh to Inverness?
The two main companies operating Edinburgh to Inverness trains are ScotRail and LNER. ScotRail runs most direct and indirect journeys, while LNER typically runs the daily train at around16:30 direct train only. The LNER train is quite fast, averaging about 3h 30min per trip, but some Scotrail journeys are quicker, at about 3h 15min. Both companies operate every day of the week, Monday to Sunday. Indirect ScotRail trains tend to stop in Perth or Aberdeen.
Night trains Edinburgh
There aren’t any night trains available on this route. The latest train departs Edinburgh Waverley around 19:00 and reaches Inverness Station at about 23:00. The earliest train departs around 06:30 and arrives at Inverness around 22:00.
ScotRail trains from Edinburgh to Inverness
ScotRail operates trains from Edinburgh to Inverness every day of the week, every 1h 30min or so, between 06:30 and 19:30. On Sundays, ScotRail services are limited between 9:30 and 17:30 approx. ScotRail operates the fastest direct journeys on this route, which take about 3h 15min. There are also indirect journeys to Inverness, lasting between 4h and 5h, which could be helpful if your schedule doesn’t permit departing on a direct train.
LNER trains from Edinburgh to Inverness
LNER usually operates one service per day from Edinburgh to Inverness, around 16:30. This is a direct service that takes about 3h 30min, available every day of the week, including Sundays. LNER does not offer indirect journeys on this route.
Trains from Edinburgh to Inverness: Sustainability travel
Choosing to travel by train from Edinburgh to Inverness involves fewer emissions than, for example, travelling by car, particularly as ScotRail exclusively uses electric trains. To travel even more sustainably, you could cycle to your departure station, as Edinburgh Waverley Station has bike-storage facilities. Alternatively, you could use bus services to get to and from the train stations.
Train Edinburgh to Inverness: Services on Board
If travelling from Edinburgh to Inverness with ScotRail, you can choose between standard and first-class tickets, with the latter including power points and larger seats. You can bring two suitcases and one item of hand luggage on a ScotRail train, as well as carry a bike if you book space for it in advance. Up to two pets are allowed, if they’re restrained on a lead or in a pet carrier. Accessibility requirements on ScotRail trains must be booked in advance as well, with services including platform and ontrain assistance, ramp access and wheelchair and mobile scooter storage. On LNER trains, you can travel with a suitcase, one carry-on bag and a personal item (like a handbag). Travelling with bikes must be booked in advance, and up to two pets can ride with you on leads or in carriers. You should book assistance with LNER in advance, by 22:00 approx. the night before you travel, for services including platform guidance, wheelchair and mobility scooter designated spaces and accessible toilets on board.
How to find cheap train tickets from Edinburgh to Inverness
To get cheap tickets for your train journey between Edinburgh and Inverness, it’s a good idea to be flexible with your date and time of departure. While prices don’t vary a lot on this route, you may find a bargain deal for indirect journeys or trains later in the day. You may also find that prices differ between providers; for example, LNER journeys are sometimes cheaper than those run by ScotRail. Always book as far in advance as possible to secure better prices. For more travel tips, you can check out the Omio Window Seat magazine.
Ness river at sunset in Inverness. Source: Shutterstock
To Inverness by train—travel tips
You can’t go to Inverness without visiting one of the most well-known landmarks in the world: Loch Ness. Located on the River Ness, the town of Inverness is about 8 miles (13 km) north of the lake, which is said to be the home of the Loch Ness Monster. Getting to Dores Beach, for example, on the north shore of Loch Ness, is about a 15min journey on bus 16 from Inverness Station. Loch Ness is huge, and it’s worth visiting its many attractions, including Urquhart Castle, Clava Cairns and the Highlanders Museum. You can even book a cruise and try to spot the elusive monster yourself. While staying in Inverness, check out these other sights and activities in town:
- Ness Islands
- Dolphin Spirit
- Utopia Cafe
- Ness Walk, along River Ness
- Inverness Golf Club
FAQs: Edinburgh to Inverness train
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.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Edinburgh and Inverness
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.
Getting to Edinburgh Waverley from Edinburgh city centre
Edinburgh Waverley 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 and drink
Food options include: Bagel Factory, Burger King, Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, JD Wetherspoon, The Pasty Shop, The Beer House, M&S, Pret a Manger
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are there are a few ATM machines around the station.
Tickets and information
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 and lost property
Luggage storage is you can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2. . Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
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.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Old Waverley Hotel, Jurys Inn Edinburgh, The Scotsman Hotel.
Getting to Haymarket from Edinburgh city centre
Haymarket is 1 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Haymarket train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Haymarket.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Haymarket. ATMs are available at Haymarket.
Tickets and information
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.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Haymarket: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Haymarket: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
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.
Getting to Slateford from Edinburgh city centre
Slateford is 4 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Slateford train station facilities and services
Slateford has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Slateford.
Tickets and information
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.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Slateford: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Slateford: Bike Parking.
Which Inverness station do trains from Edinburgh arrive at?
Getting to Inverness from Inverness city centre
Inverness train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Inverness.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Inverness. ATMs are available at Inverness.
Tickets and information
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.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Inverness: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Inverness: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
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.
Most popular train connections from Edinburgh
More options for your journey from Edinburgh to Inverness
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Inverness and Edinburgh
Most popular train connections to Inverness
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