4.9
4.6
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Inverness among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £104 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 9h 51m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £104, while a train costs an average of £182.
Distance: 670 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£182 Average Price | £104 Average Price Cheapest | £139 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 51m Average total duration Fastest 9h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 17h 59m Average total duration 17h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 35m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Inverness:
A coach is £78 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Inverness costing on average £182.
Other travel options to Inverness take longer:
Coach takes on average 17h 59m.
You'll arrive about 1h 14m sooner (9h 21m by train vs 10h 35m by car). Tickets start at around £182 compared to roughly £139 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
How to get to Inverness from Cardiff by train, bus, flight or ferry.
The best way to travel from Cardiff to Inverness is by taking a coach because it’s the best combination of price and speed.
Find all the dates and times for this journey by train, bus, flight, and ferry .
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.
The most popular day trips by train from Inverness are Aviemore, Nairn, Elgin, Keith and Fort William. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Inverness on Omio.
Aviemore is a Highland town in the Cairngorms National Park, known for mountain scenery and outdoor activities. Its modern resort character makes it a base for walking, cycling and winter snowsports.
Elgin is the historic centre of Moray, best known for the ruins of Elgin Cathedral and its links to Scotch whisky. Its compact centre, old stone buildings and nearby countryside give it a calm north-east Scottish character.
Fort William is a Highland town on Loch Linnhe, best known as the gateway to Ben Nevis. Its character is shaped by mountain scenery, outdoor sports and a working-town feel.
Travel 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 Cardiff to Inverness.
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Inverness:
A coach is £78 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Inverness costing on average £182.
Other travel options to Inverness take longer:
Coach takes on average 17h 59m.
However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Cardiff and Inverness as scheduled services by train and coach can vary by season or day of the week.
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