Edinburgh to Inverness train

Fri, 07 Feb
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Cheap train tickets from Edinburgh to Inverness

Showing times and prices for 07 Feb

Cheapest

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.

Cheapest
ScotrailL90700
09:393h46
Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
13:25Inverness station (INV)
£641One-way
1 change
Cheapest
ScotrailC08352
13:323h30
Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
17:02Inverness station (INV)
£641One-way
0 changes
Cheapest
ScotrailL90297
08:383h28
Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
12:06Inverness station (INV)
£641One-way
0 changes
Cheapest
ScotrailC08349
10:323h43
Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
14:15Inverness station (INV)
£641One-way
0 changes
Cheapest
ScotrailL90716
11:353h54
Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
15:29Inverness station (INV)
£641One-way
1 change

Edinburgh to Inverness train times

Showing trains for tomorrow, Friday 7 February
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChangesTickets
Scotrail
L90297
ScotrailL90297
08:38 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)3h28 12:06 Inverness station (INV)0 changesDirect
Scotrail
L90700
ScotrailL90700
09:39 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)3h46 13:25 Inverness station (INV)1 change
Scotrail
C08349
ScotrailC08349
10:32 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)3h43 14:15 Inverness station (INV)0 changesDirect
Scotrail
L90716
ScotrailL90716
11:35 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)3h54 15:29 Inverness station (INV)1 change
Scotrail
C08352
ScotrailC08352
13:32 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)3h30 17:02 Inverness station (INV)0 changesDirect
Scotrail
L90728
ScotrailL90728
13:37 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)4h49 18:26 Inverness station (INV)1 change

This is the last train of the day.

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Compare prices and tickets Edinburgh to Inverness by train or coach

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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Edinburgh to Inverness?

The best time to book your train from Edinburgh to Inverness is days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Edinburgh to Inverness route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Edinburgh to Inverness per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Edinburgh to Inverness.

Train times from Edinburgh to Inverness

Showing times and prices for 07 Feb

Fastest Journey

3 h 28 m

Average

3 h 52 m

Trains per day

6

Distance

181 km

Of the 6 trains 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.

Fastest
ScotrailL90297
08:383h28
Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
12:06Inverness station (INV)
£641One-way
0 changes
ScotrailC08352
13:323h30
Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
17:02Inverness station (INV)
£641One-way
0 changes
ScotrailC08349
10:323h43
Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
14:15Inverness station (INV)
£641One-way
0 changes
ScotrailL90700
09:393h46
Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
13:25Inverness station (INV)
£641One-way
1 change
ScotrailL90716
11:353h54
Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
15:29Inverness station (INV)
£641One-way
1 change

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Journey information

Overview: Train from Edinburgh to Inverness

Trains from Edinburgh to Inverness run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £16 but you can travel from only £8 by bus.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £8
Distance
180 km
Average train duration
3h 58m
Cheapest ticket price
£16
Trains per day
6
Direct trains
3
Train providers
2
Fastest train
3h 28m
First train
04:54
Last train
20:23
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £8

Train companies: ScotRail and East Coast trains Edinburgh to Inverness

For as little as £23 you can travel by train between Edinburgh and Inverness with ScotRail and East Coast. Omio will show you the best deals, timetables and tickets available for this route.

Scotrail is a train operating company in Scotland, providing rail services throughout the country. It operates a wide range of services, from commuter trains to long-distance intercity services. The company operates a variety of train types, including the Class 380, Class 385, Class 156, Class 158 and Class 170. These trains offer a range of onboard facilities, such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and comfortable seating. Scotrail also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Off-Peak, and Anytime tickets. The most popular routes for Scotrail include Glasgow to Edinburgh, Glasgow to Inverness, and Edinburgh to Aberdeen.

Train information from Edinburgh to Inverness with ScotRail:

  • Average Duration: 3 h 23 min
  • Cheapest Price: £23
  • ScotRail frequency: 5 a day

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

FAQs: Travel by train from Edinburgh to Inverness easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Edinburgh to Inverness.
FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Edinburgh to Inverness can start from as little as £16 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Edinburgh to Inverness is £38; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Edinburgh to Inverness train time is 3 h 18 min   covering the 112 mile long route, but the journey time can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Edinburgh to Inverness leaves at 04: 54. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last train from Edinburgh to Inverness leaves at 20: 23.
Yes, there are 3 direct trains a day from Edinburgh to Inverness with ScotRail. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
For the best Edinburgh to Inverness train to purchase, you can travel safely and comfortably with ScotRail or LNER. However, it's always good to check all possible train providers with services between Edinburgh and Inverness to compare what amenities they may offer.
No, there are no night trains, the latest train for this route is 20: 23.

Passengers board the train most frequently from Edinburgh Waverley, which is located around 0.4 miles (727 m) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Inverness, located 0.3 miles (469 m) away from the city centre.

A trip to Inverness from Edinburgh is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3 h 18 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month to travel from Edinburgh to Inverness by train is November.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel from Edinburgh to Inverness including taking a train or coach.

Important Stations and Airports in Edinburgh and Inverness

Edinburgh
Inverness
The major train station for departures in Edinburgh is Edinburgh Waverley. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Edinburgh Waverley for your trip from Edinburgh to Inverness.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59
  • Sun: 07:00 - 23:59
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free public Wi-Fi available.
Lockers
Lockers
  • You can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2.
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: Wide range of shops Passport Photo Booth
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: New Street: Long Stay
Dining
Dining
  • Bagel Factory
  • Burger King
  • Caffè Nero
  • Costa Coffee
  • JD Wetherspoon
  • The Pasty Shop
  • The Beer House
  • M&S
  • Pret a Manger
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: Nearest Taxi Ranks are on Market St and Waverley Bridge outside the station.
  • Accessible taxis: Taxi ranks are located on Waverley Bridge and also Market Street. Market Street can be accessed step free via available lifts.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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.
WC
WC
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • National key toilets location: At entrance to Public Toilets
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
  • Baby changing facilities location: Female toilets,Male toilets,
Hotel
Hotel
  • Old Waverley Hotel
  • Jurys Inn Edinburgh
  • The Scotsman Hotel
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59
  • Sun: 07:00 - 23:59
Public transport options for Edinburgh Waverley
  • Bus lines: 22, 30, 33, X22, X25, X37
  • Train lines: Avanti West Coast, Caledonian Sleeper, CrossCountry, LNER, ScotRail, Transpennine Express
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off on Waterloo Place, pick up across from Apex Hotel and drop off outside the Apex Hotel.
  • Metro: No metro available.
HaymarketWifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeTicket Office
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:30 - 21:25 Saturday 06:30 - 21:25 Sunday 08:10 - 21:25
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: M&S Simply Food
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 1, the Concourse and near the entrance from Haymarket Terrace.
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Lounge
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: Inside the station - one on platform 4 and one on platform 2 and 3
Public transport options for Haymarket
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off from the layby in front of the station
The major train station for arrivals in Inverness is Inverness. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Inverness for your journey to Inverness from Edinburgh.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:30 - 20:30 Saturday 06:30 - 18:30 Sunday 09:15 - 20:20
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The toilets are located on the Concourse. The National key toilets are located on the Concourse; these toilets are operated by a radar key. Available between 0630 and 1930
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Public transport options for Inverness
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off from the Eastgate side of the station at the short stay car park
HomeTrainsTrain Times to Inverness Edinburgh to Inverness train

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