- 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
£96
Average price
£140
Fastest journey
6 h 38 m
Average duration
7 h 28 m
Trains per day
19
Distance
462 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Inverness is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Inverness will cost around £140 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £96.
To travel from Manchester to Inverness you need to make at least one change.
W85165+
C14694+
Bus from Glasgow Central to Glasgow Queen Street
G89564 · L89250 · P28355+
G80216
C24895+
G80216 · G80228+
C15391
C24495+
G80228
C24895+
G66987+
L87274
W85177+
L87274
G89047+
W33912+
C14684+
Bus from Glasgow Central to Glasgow Queen Street
G89042+
Y14756+
C14694
W85170 · W85177+
L87274
G89564+
W85177+
L87274Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Inverness among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £14. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 1m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £14, and a flight costs an average of £93.
Distance: 462 km
| Train | Most popular Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£101 Average Price | £39 Average Price Cheapest | £176 Average Price |
8h 6m Average total duration 7h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 40m Average total duration 8h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 1m Average total duration Fastest 2h 1m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | 1.4 - 2.8kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
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 Manchester to Inverness trains for today, Sunday 16 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W84663+ C14691+ G80212 | On time 9:09 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 8h16 | 17:25 Inverness station (INV) | 2 changes | |
W84675+ G80229 | On time 11:20 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 8h50 | 20:10 Inverness station (INV) | 1 change | |
W84675+ C14692+ G80223 | On time 11:20 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 7h50 | 19:10 Inverness station (INV) | 2 changes | |
W85184+ C14692 | On time 12:30 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 6h40 | 19:10 Inverness station (INV) | 1 change | |
C04441+ W33373+ G80229 | On time 12:41 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 7h29 | 20:10 Inverness station (INV) | 2 changes | |
W84694+ G80242+ L87291 | On time 14:17 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 9h26 | 23:43 Inverness station (INV) | 2 changes | |
W85192+ G01071+ L87291 | On time 14:30 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 9h13 | 23:43 Inverness station (INV) | 2 changes | |
G89068+ W33375+ G01071+ L87291 | On time 14:52 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 8h51 | 23:43 Inverness station (INV) | 3 changes | |
| Monday 17 August | |||||
C24567+ C01971+ L87309 | 6:15 Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 9h43 | 15:58 Inverness station (INV) | 2 changes | |
G15866+ G66982+ W83178 · C14694 | 7:00 Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 8h29 | 15:29 Inverness station (INV) | 3 changes | |
W85165+ C14694+ Bus from Glasgow Central to Glasgow Queen Street | 7:25 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 8h04 | 15:29 Inverness station (INV) | 2 changes | |
G89042+ Y14756+ C14694 | 7:56 Deansgate (DGT) | 7h33 | 15:29 Inverness station (INV) | 2 changes | |
This is the last train 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.
Trains from Manchester to Inverness run on average 6 times per day, taking around 7h 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £49 but you can travel from only £14 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 01:35, the last at 18:52. The fastest train covers the 462 km distance in 6h 40m.
Distance 462 km |
Average train duration 7h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price £49 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 6h 40m |
First train 1:35 |
Last train 18:52 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 77 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 Airport -> Inverness Bus Station, Inverness
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester 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.

Most Manchester to Inverness trains use the Manchester Piccadilly to Inverness station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Inverness train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Manchester Piccadilly has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Burger King, Caffè Nero, Carluccio’s, Hotel Chocolat, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Costa Coffee, Pret a Manger, Upper Crust, McDonald's, & more
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi. ATMs are there are ATM machines on the main concourse, Platform 10 and on the mezzanine level.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30, Sun: 07:00 - 22:30. Information desks are located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Luggage storage is operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Piccadilly: There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Premier Inn Manchester City, Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly.
Manchester Victoria has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Victoria.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Victoria.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Manchester Victoria: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Victoria: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Victoria: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, Scooter Friendly Station - Step free access around the whole station via use of lifts between platforms 3-6, connection with Manchester Metrolink using ramps, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards Located near the ticket office, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: As per ticket office opening hours, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Manchester Oxford Road has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Oxford Road: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B Station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station - There are two lifts at the Piccadilly end of platform 4 and 2/3 which connect the concourse area platform 4 and 5 with 2/3. Note: there is no lift access to platform 1 at all, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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 options are available at Inverness.
Wi-Fi is available at Inverness. ATMs are available at Inverness.
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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Inverness: Parking, WC.
Available at Inverness: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
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.
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