Inverness to Helmsdale train with Scotrail

Sat 19 Sept
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Scotrail
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
Scotrail
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Inverness to Helmsdale

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 19 Sept

Cheapest price on 19 Sept

£36

Average ticket price on 19 Sept

£36

Fastest journey on 19 Sept

2 h 30 m

Average journey duration on 19 Sept

2 h 36 m

Trains on 19 Sept

4

Distance

78 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Inverness to Helmsdale will cost around £36 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £36.

Fast trains

On Sat 19 Sept, we found 4 trains from Inverness to Helmsdale, including 4 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 78 km distance in an average of 2 h 36 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 30 m .

The slowest trains will take 2 h 43 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.

  • ScotRail
    7:002h43
    Inverness
    9:43Helmsdale
    £361One-way
    0 changes
  • ScotRail
    10:412h30
    Inverness
    13:11Helmsdale
    £361One-way
    0 changes
  • ScotRail
    14:002h35
    Inverness
    16:35Helmsdale
    £361One-way
    0 changes
  • ScotRail
    18:312h36
    Inverness
    21:07Helmsdale
    £361One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Inverness to Helmsdale

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Inverness to Helmsdale among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £29 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 5m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £29, while a train costs an average of £29.

Distance: 78 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Driving

£29

Average Price

Cheapest

£18

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 5m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 35m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 32m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Inverness to Helmsdale is a train with an average price of £29.
The fastest way to travel from Inverness to Helmsdale is by train with an average journey time of 2h 35m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Inverness and Helmsdale including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around £29 compared to roughly £18 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-11.15. The journey takes 2h 35m versus 1h 32m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.

Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.

Live departures

Inverness to Helmsdale train times

The table below shows live departures for Inverness to Helmsdale trains for today, Friday 18 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
ScotRail18:31 Inverness
2h36
21:07 Helmsdale0 changesdirect
Saturday 19 September
ScotRail7:00 Inverness
2h43
9:43 Helmsdale0 changesdirect
ScotRail10:41 Inverness
2h30
13:11 Helmsdale0 changesdirect
ScotRail14:00 Inverness
2h35
16:35 Helmsdale0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Inverness to Helmsdale by train or coach

Compare train and coach 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.

Sat
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
Fri
25 Sept

Why should you book Inverness to Helmsdale trains with Omio?

Scotrail operates all trains services from Inverness to Helmsdale.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Inverness to Helmsdale.

Why book with Omio vs Scotrail?

  • 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 and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Inverness to Helmsdale.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Rome2rio?

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

Journey information

Overview: Train from Inverness to Helmsdale

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Inverness to Helmsdale run on average 2 times per day, taking around 2h 35m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £29 if you book in advance.

There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 07:00, the last at 18:31. The fastest train covers the 78 km distance in 2h 31m.

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
Distance
78 km
Average train duration
2h 35m
Cheapest ticket price
£29
Trains per day
2
Direct trains
2
Fastest train
2h 31m
First train
7:00
Last train
18:31
Cheapest Month
Sept
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Best time to book
28 days
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

Train companies: Scotrail from Inverness to Helmsdale trainsScotrail trains will get you between Inverness and Helmsdale from £29. 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 Scotrail Duration
2h 31m
Cheapest Scotrail Price
£29
Scotrail frequency
1 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

FAQs: Inverness to Helmsdale train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Inverness to Helmsdale 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 Helmsdale, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Inverness to Helmsdale can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £29, while the average price tends to be around £29.
The train journey from Inverness to Helmsdale covers a distance of 78 km and takes approximately 2h 31m. Trains run 2 per day.
The train distance from Inverness to Helmsdale is 78 km.
The first train from Inverness to Helmsdale leaves at 7:00.
The last train from Inverness to Helmsdale departs at 18:31.
Trains from Inverness to Helmsdale run approximately 2 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Inverness to Helmsdale.
Yes, there is a direct train between Inverness and Helmsdale. The service operates 2 times per day, provided by Scotrail.
To get from Inverness to Helmsdale, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Inverness to Helmsdale.
The train station in Inverness that goes to Helmsdale is Inverness station (INV), and it arrives at Helmsdale station (HMS).
The cheapest way to get from Inverness to Helmsdale is by train, costing approximately £29.
Booking trains from Inverness to Helmsdale 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 Inverness to Helmsdale is known for its scenic views, featuring picturesque countryside, rolling hills, and glimpses of the North Sea along the way.
A day trip from Inverness to Helmsdale is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 31m. However, there are 3 trains per day covering a distance of 78 km.
To explore Helmsdale and its attractions, a stay of 1 to 2 days is sufficient.
Yes, you can take the train from Inverness to Helmsdale.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Inverness and Helmsdale

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

Departure train stations in Inverness
Arrival train stations in Helmsdale

Which Inverness station do trains to Helmsdale leave from?

Trains from Inverness to Helmsdale leave from Inverness. The station is from Inverness city centre at Inverness station, Academy Street, Inverness, Highland, IV2 3PY.
InvernessInverness station, Academy Street, Inverness, Highland, IV2 3PYWifiParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Inverness from Inverness city centre

Location for Rail Replacement ServicesBuses pick up/drop off from the Eastgate side of the station at the short stay car park

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.

More options for your journey from Inverness to Helmsdale

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrains in United KingdomInverness to Helmsdale train

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