Glasgow to Inverness train times and tickets - Scotrail

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The cheapest and fastest trains from Glasgow to Inverness

Showing times and prices for 29 Aug

Cheapest price

£33

Average price

£57

Fastest journey

3 h 18 m

Average duration

3 h 20 m

Trains per day

Distance

179 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Glasgow to Inverness is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Glasgow to Inverness will cost around £57 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £33.

Fast trains

Of the 14 trains that leave Glasgow for Inverness every day 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 179 km distance in an average of 3 h 20 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 22 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.

L86968
14:395h00
Glasgow Queen Street (GLQ)
19:39Inverness station (INV)
£331One-way
0 changes
L87281
19:063h36
Glasgow Queen Street (GLQ)
22:42Inverness station (INV)
£331One-way
0 changes
C14712 · L87281
19:093h33
Glasgow Queen Street (GLQ)
22:42Inverness station (INV)
£331One-way
1 change
C14679
10:073h18
Glasgow Queen Street (GLQ)
13:25Inverness station (INV)
£641One-way
0 changes
C15291 · C14683
13:494h37
Glasgow Queen Street (GLQ)
18:26Inverness station (INV)
£641One-way
1 change

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Glasgow to Inverness

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Glasgow 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 33m. 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 £124.

Distance: 179 km

Compare train with

Train	Most popular Coach	Flight
£46 Average Price	£13 Average Price Cheapest	£160 Average Price
4h 3m Average total duration Fastest 3h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	4h 31m Average total duration 4h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	4h 50m Average total duration 2h 50m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time*
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest	0.2 - 0.4kg 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

Glasgow to Inverness train times

The table below shows live departures for Glasgow to Inverness trains for today, Friday 28 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Changes
C14592 · C14674	On time 5:51 Glasgow Queen Street (GLQ)	4h38	10:29 Inverness station (INV)	1 change
C14674	On time 7:07 Glasgow Queen Street (GLQ)	3h22	10:29 Inverness station (INV)	0 changesdirect
C15294 · C14678	On time 8:49 Glasgow Queen Street (GLQ)	3h18	12:07 Inverness station (INV)	1 change
C14680	On time 10:08 Glasgow Queen Street (GLQ)	3h17	13:25 Inverness station (INV)	0 changesdirect
C14598 · L87271	On time 10:41 Glasgow Queen Street (GLQ)	3h35	14:16 Inverness station (INV)	1 change
C14694	On time 12:07 Glasgow Queen Street (GLQ)	3h22	15:29 Inverness station (INV)	0 changesdirect
L86915 · L87274	On time 13:40 Glasgow Queen Street (GLQ)	3h22	17:02 Inverness station (INV)	1 change
W82806 · C14684	On time 13:49 Glasgow Queen Street (GLQ)	4h37	18:26 Inverness station (INV)	1 change
C14617	On time 14:39 Glasgow Queen Street (GLQ)	5h00	19:39 Inverness station (INV)	0 changesdirect
C14684	On time 15:07 Glasgow Queen Street (GLQ)	3h19	18:26 Inverness station (INV)	0 changesdirect
L86921+G80228	On time 16:38 Glasgow Queen Street (GLQ)	3h30	20:08 Inverness station (INV)	1 change
C14608 · C14686	On time 17:40 Glasgow Queen Street (GLQ)	3h43	21:23 Inverness station (INV)	1 change
W82852 · L87282	On time 18:49 Glasgow Queen Street (GLQ)	3h53	22:42 Inverness station (INV)	1 change
L87282	On time 19:07 Glasgow Queen Street (GLQ)	3h35	22:42 Inverness station (INV)	0 changesdirect
C14613 · C14687	On time 19:37 Glasgow Queen Street (GLQ)	3h42	23:19 Inverness station (INV)	1 change

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Glasgow 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 Glasgow to Inverness trains with Omio?

Scotrail as well as London North Eastern Railway or ScotRail offer trains services from Glasgow to Inverness.

Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Glasgow to Inverness.

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 or ScotRail to find the best option for your trip from Glasgow 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 Glasgow to Inverness.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Rome2rio?

Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Glasgow to Inverness.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Glasgow to Inverness

United Kingdom

Trains from Glasgow to Inverness run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 33m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £17 but you can travel from only £10 by coach.

There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:54, the last at 20:22. The fastest train covers the 179 km distance in 3h 17m.

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 £10

Distance

179 km

Average train duration

3h 33m

Cheapest ticket price

£17

Trains per day

Direct trains

Fastest train

3h 17m

First train

4:54

Last train

20:22

Cheapest Month

Jan

Cheapest Day

Sat

High Season

Jul - Sept

Low Season

Jan - Mar

Busiest Day

Tue

Least Busy Day

Fri

Best time to book

35 days

Price information

Cheapest alternative travel mode

Coach from £10

Train companies: Scotrail, London North Eastern Railway, ScotRail from Glasgow to Inverness trainsScotrail, London North Eastern Railway, ScotRail trains will get you between Glasgow and Inverness from £10. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Scotrail

About

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.

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Duration

3h 17m

Cheapest Price

£17

Scotrail frequency

6 a day

Luggage included

2 large items of luggage and 1 small item included

Luggage storage

Overhead racks, designated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats

Cancellation Policy

According to ticket conditions mentioned above

Refund

Full refund if service canceled

Amenities on board the train

Wifi

Food sold onboard

Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks, some stations have catering facilities

Seat reservation

Seat reservations are free but optional, recommended during peak times

Toilets

USB plugs

Accessibility

Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available

Pets

Small pets in carriers travel free, dogs allowed with ticket (£1-£3), maximum 2 dogs per passenger, assistance dogs free

Quiet zone

Learn more about Scotrail

London North Eastern Railway

About

LNER is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a wide range of services, from high-speed intercity trains to local services. Its most popular routes include London to Edinburgh, London to Leeds, and London to York. LNER offers a variety of train types, including the Azuma, InterCity 225, and HST. The Azuma is a modern, high-speed train that offers comfortable seating and onboard Wi-Fi. The InterCity 225 is a classic train that offers a more traditional experience. The HST is a high-speed train that offers a smooth ride and plenty of legroom. LNER offers a variety of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak. Advance tickets are the cheapest option and must be booked in advance. Anytime tickets are more expensive but can be used at any time. Off-Peak tickets are the most affordable option for travelling during off-peak times. Onboard facilities include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. LNER also offers a range of discounts and special offers, making it an affordable and convenient way to travel.

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Duration

3h 30m

Cheapest Price

£41

London North Eastern Railway frequency

1 a day

Luggage included

2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included

Luggage storage

Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats

Cancellation Policy

Refund policies apply as per ticket conditions

Refund

Full refund available if train is cancelled

Amenities on board the train

Wifi

Food sold onboard

Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First Class passengers receive complimentary refreshments

Seat reservation

Seat reservations are included with Advance tickets. Optional for other ticket types at £0-£2 per person depending on route

Toilets

USB plugs

Accessibility

Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available

Pets

Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two pets per passenger

Quiet zone

ScotRail

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Duration

3h 6m

Cheapest Price

£68

ScotRail frequency

12 a day

Complete guide to Inverness

Things to do in Inverness

Discover the best of Inverness — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Inverness trip today.

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.

View on map Visit website

Recommended

The Highlanders' Museum

Small military museum at Fort George with regimental collections, uniforms and medals. Best for visitors interested in Highland army history.

View on map Visit website

Highland Archive Centre

Community museum in a former church telling the story of Highland life through local artefacts, archives and changing displays near central Inverness.

View on map Visit website

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK: accommodation can rise in peak season, but dining and local buses are similar to other regional tourist cities.

Average meal costs

Budget: £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range: £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining: £45+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee: £3-4 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

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.

Trains from Glasgow to Inverness

The train line between Glasgow and Inverness is well served with connections. On weekdays and Saturdays, passengers can find six direct trains and six indirect trains with one change, and seven connections on Sundays.

Glasgow to Inverness Train Time: Daily departures

Passengers wishing to travel between Glasgow and Inverness can choose from 12 trains every day from Monday to Saturday. As six of these are indirect services, they will require a change at Perth or Stirling, but there are also six direct services available. The first train of the day leaves Glasgow just after 7:00 a.m. and the last shortly after 7:30 p.m. On Sundays, service is reduced, but there are still seven connections available between the two cities, including three direct trains.

How long is the journey by train from Glasgow to Inverness?

The train from Glasgow to Inverness generally takes around three and a half hours to travel from the central belt up to the Highlands. Most train connections complete the journey in three hours 13 minutes or up to half an hour longer. There is also a direct train that takes nearly five hours. Passengers should check the journey times and be aware that sometimes services with changes may be quicker than direct trains.

What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Glasgow to Inverness?

Departure train station: Trains from Glasgow to Inverness leave from Glasgow Queen Street. Queen Street is located in the centre of Glasgow and serves the trains to and from the north. It is within a seven-minute walk from both Glasgow Central Station and Buchanan Street Bus Station, making it convenient for those coming from further afield. The station has the usual facilities expected in a large city, including a ticket office, left-luggage, a waiting room, various food outlets and toilets.

Arrival train station: All trains from Glasgow to Inverness arrive at Inverness Station. Situated in the centre of the Highland Capital, Inverness Station is as conveniently located for the city itself as it is for onward travel. There is a taxi rank just outside and the bus station, with onward connections to the rest of the Highlands and beyond, is just a short walk. The station has left-luggage facilities, a newsagent, a café, a ticket office and ample waiting areas.

Which train companies travel from Glasgow to Inverness?

ScotRail operates most of the services between Glasgow and Inverness. However, the longer, second leg of one connection a day is offered by LNER.

ScotRail Glasgow to Inverness

ScotRail operates 11 of the 12 services between Glasgow and Inverness on weekdays and Saturdays. Sundays see a reduction in service, but passengers can still choose from six ScotRail connections, including three direct trains. All trains have an on-board catering trolley that offers hot and cold drinks and light snacks to passengers at their seats.

LNER Glasgow to Inverness

LNER runs half of one connection a day between Glasgow to Inverness; the first part of the journey from Glasgow to Stirling is operated by ScotRail. The ScotRail connection to the LNER train leaves Glasgow just after 4:40 p.m. each day of the week. As the LNER connection is a long-distance train that has travelled up from London, it has a high standard of comfort on board, which includes a café bar and catering trolley. Passengers in first-class receive a complementary hot meal served to them at their seat.

Glasgow to Inverness Trains: Services on board

Seats can be reserved for free on all ScotRail and LNER trains between Glasgow and Inverness in first or standard-class carriages.

Bikes can be carried on both ScotRail and LNER services without an additional fee, but as space is limited, it must be booked ahead of time. Bicycles should only be carried in the bicycle storage area.

Up to two pets can accompany each passenger on both ScotRail and LNER trains. They should, however, be on a lead or in a travel container. Should passengers wish to bring an additional pet on board, a small fee is payable.

Three items of luggage are permitted per person on both providers. ScotRail also offer the carriage of additional luggage for an extra fee.

LNER trains offer wheelchair accessible spaces and toilets in both first and standard-class carriages; currently, ScotRail only offers this in standard class. Assistance at the start and end stations can be booked in advance for those who need it, regardless of the train operator.

How do I find cheap train tickets from Glasgow to Inverness?

Booking in advance is the best way to find the cheapest train tickets between Glasgow and Inverness. Passengers should be aware that particularly busy services, such as those at peak times, are likely to be more expensive, so they should consider travelling at quieter times of the day.

FAQs: Glasgow to Inverness train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Glasgow 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.

The cost of a train ticket from Glasgow to Inverness can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £17, while the average price tends to be around £46.

The train journey from Glasgow to Inverness covers a distance of 179 km and takes approximately 3h 17m. Trains run 6 per day.

The train distance from Glasgow to Inverness is 179 km.

The first train from Glasgow to Inverness leaves at 4:54.

The last train from Glasgow to Inverness departs at 20:22.

Trains from Glasgow to Inverness run approximately 6 times per day.

Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Glasgow to Inverness.

Yes, there is a direct train between Glasgow and Inverness. The service operates 2 times per day, provided by Scotrail, ScotRail.

To get from Glasgow to Inverness, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.

There is no night train service from Glasgow to Inverness.

The train station in Glasgow that goes to Inverness is Glasgow Queen Street (GLQ), and it arrives at Inverness station (INV).

The cheapest way to get from Glasgow to Inverness is by coach, costing approximately £10.

Booking trains from Glasgow to Inverness in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.

Yes, the train journey from Glasgow to Inverness is considered scenic, featuring beautiful landscapes such as the Highlands, picturesque lochs, and charming villages along the route.

A day trip from Glasgow to Inverness is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 17m. However, there are 6 train services available per day.

In Inverness, you can explore local history and art at the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, enjoy performances at Eden Court Theatre, and take a scenic walk through Ness Islands. Discover the historic Caledonian Canal by boat or on foot, and explore the natural beauty of Merkinch Local Nature Reserve. Visit best sights like Inverness Castle for panoramic views, the famous Loch Ness, Culloden Battlefield with its visitor centre, the impressive Inverness Cathedral, and the ancient Clava Cairns.

Three to four days in Inverness is ideal for exploring the city's highlights, including the historic Inverness Castle, the picturesque River Ness, and nearby attractions like Loch Ness and Culloden Battlefield.

Yes, you can take the train from Glasgow to Inverness.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Glasgow and Inverness

Most Glasgow to Inverness trains use the Glasgow Queen Street to Inverness station pair. Use this guide to compare Glasgow and Inverness train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Glasgow

Arrival train stations in Inverness

Which Glasgow station do trains to Inverness leave from?

Trains from Glasgow to Inverness leave from Glasgow Queen Street. The station is 1 km from Glasgow city centre at Glasgow Queen Street station, North Hanover Street, George Square, Glasgow, Glasgow City, G1 2AF.

Glasgow Queen StreetGlasgow Queen Street station, North Hanover Street, George Square, Glasgow, Glasgow City, G1 2AF Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Glasgow Queen Street from Glasgow city centre

Bus19, 38C, 38A, 38B, 38E, 38, 57A, 57 · 2m · £2 · every ~46 min

15 · 3m · £0.90 · every ~7 min

SubwaySub · 23m · £2 · every ~57 min

Glasgow Queen Street train station facilities and services

Glasgow Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Glasgow Queen Street.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Glasgow Queen Street.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Glasgow Queen Street. 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 Glasgow Queen Street: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Glasgow Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Glasgow Queen Street: 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 Information Desk on Concourse, 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.

More about Glasgow Queen Street

Glasgow CentralGordon St, Glasgow G1 3SL, United Kingdom+44 3457114141 Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Glasgow Central from Glasgow city centre

Bus18, 10, 6, X8, N267, 18A, 75, 7A, 7, N18, 263, 267 · 2m · £2 · every ~78 min

SubwaySub · 26m · £2 · every ~57 min

Glasgow Central train station facilities and services

Glasgow Central 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, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.