The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Inverness
Cheapest price
£142
Average price
£151
Fastest journey
7 h 28 m
Average duration
7 h 53 m
Trains per day
8
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 £151 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £142.
To travel from Manchester to Inverness you need to make at least one change.
L87682 · C14694+
G15866+
G669826:498h40Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)15:29Inverness station (INV)£1421One-way3 changes
L87274+
C24895+
G669878:548h08Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)17:02Inverness station (INV)£1421One-way2 changes
C14694+
W85165+
Bus from Glasgow Central to Glasgow Queen Street7:258h04Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)15:29Inverness station (INV)£1541One-way2 changes
L87274+
W851688:248h38Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)17:02Inverness station (INV)£1541One-way1 change
L87271+
W851646:257h51Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)14:16Inverness station (INV)£1541One-way1 change
L87271+
G38390+
W342136:487h28Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)14:16Inverness station (INV)£1541One-way2 changes
L87271+
W851646:257h51Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)14:16Inverness station (INV)£1541One-way1 change
L87274+
W85177+
G895649:087h54Deansgate (DGT)17:02Inverness station (INV)£1541One-way2 changes
C14694+
W85165+
Bus from Glasgow Central to Glasgow Queen Street7:258h04Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)15:29Inverness station (INV)£1541One-way2 changes
L87274+
C24895+
G669878:548h08Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)17:02Inverness station (INV)£1421One-way2 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Manchester to Inverness
Omio 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
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£101 Average Price | £39 Average Price Cheapest | £177 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.
Live departures
Manchester to Inverness train times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Inverness trains for today, Thursday 2 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W85168+ L87274 | On time 8:24 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 8h38 | 17:02 Inverness station (INV) | 1 change | |
C24895+ G66987+ L87274 | On time 8:54 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 8h08 | 17:02 Inverness station (INV) | 2 changes | |
W84665+ G01060+ L87703 · C14684 | On time 9:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 9h13 | 18:26 Inverness station (INV) | 3 changes | |
W85170 · W85177+ L87274 | On time 9:21 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 7h41 | 17:02 Inverness station (INV) | 2 changes | |
W85182+ G80228 | On time 12:24 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 7h44 | 20:08 Inverness station (INV) | 1 change | |
G89072+ W34286+ G80228 | On time 12:56 Deansgate (DGT) | 7h12 | 20:08 Inverness station (INV) | 2 changes | |
W84680+ W34290+ C14687 | On time 13:11 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 10h08 | 23:19 Inverness station (INV) | 2 changes | |
W84680+ W34187+ Bus from Glasgow Central to Glasgow Queen Street+ L87282 | On time 13:11 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 9h31 | 22:42 Inverness station (INV) | 3 changes | |
W84680+ W34187+ Bus from Glasgow Central to Glasgow Queen Street+ C14608 | On time 13:11 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 8h12 | 21:23 Inverness station (INV) | 4 changes | |
G85317 · G89602+ W34187+ Bus from Glasgow Central to Glasgow Queen Street | On time 13:15 Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 8h08 | 21:23 Inverness station (INV) | 5 changes | |
L87271+ W85164 | 6:25 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 7h51 | 14:16 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 Manchester 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.
03 Jul
04 Jul
05 Jul
06 Jul
07 Jul
08 Jul
09 Jul
Why should you book Manchester 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, Transpennine Express, Caledonian Sleeper or TransPennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Manchester 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 Manchester 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, Transpennine Express, Caledonian Sleeper or TransPennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Manchester 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 Manchester to Inverness.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Manchester to Inverness?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Manchester to Inverness
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 |
Train companies: Scotrail, London North Eastern Railway, Transpennine Express, Caledonian Sleeper, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited from Manchester to Inverness trainsScotrail, London North Eastern Railway, Transpennine Express, Caledonian Sleeper, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited trains will get you between Manchester and Inverness from £14. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Scotrail
London North Eastern Railway
Transpennine Express
Caledonian Sleeper
TransPennine Express
Northern Trains Limited
FAQs: Manchester to Inverness train
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.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Inverness
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.
Which Manchester station do trains to Inverness leave from?
Getting to Manchester Piccadilly from Manchester city centre
Manchester Piccadilly 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 and drink
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
Wi-Fi and ATMs
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.
Tickets and information
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 and lost property
Luggage storage is operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Piccadilly: There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Premier Inn Manchester City, Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly.
Getting to Manchester Oxford Road from Manchester city centre
Manchester Oxford Road train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
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.
Getting to Manchester Victoria from Manchester city centre
Manchester Victoria train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Victoria.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Victoria.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Victoria: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Victoria: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
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.
Which Inverness station do trains from Manchester 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 Manchester
More options for your journey from Manchester to Inverness
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