Edinburgh to Inverness train with ScotRail

Wed, 05 Nov
+ Add return
ScotRail
LNER
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Deutsche Bahn
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Edinburgh to Inverness

Showing times and prices for 06 Nov

Cheapest price

$87

Average price

$87

Fastest journey

3 h 28 m

Average duration

3 h 40 m

Trains per day

6

Distance

181 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Edinburgh to Inverness will cost around $87 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only $87.

Fast trains

Of the 6 trains that leave Edinburgh for Inverness every day 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 181 km distance in an average of 3 h 40 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 28 m .

The slowest trains will take 3 h 54 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.

ScotRailC05950 · Y66235
11:35AM3h54
Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
03:29PMInverness station (INV)
$871One-way
1 change
ScotRailY66619 · Y66206
01:37PM4h49
Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
06:26PMInverness station (INV)
$871One-way
1 change
ScotRailY66201
10:32AM3h44
Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
02:16PMInverness station (INV)
$871One-way
0 changes
ScotRailY66593 · Y72913
09:39AM3h46
Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
01:25PMInverness station (INV)
$871One-way
1 change
ScotRailY66204
01:32PM3h30
Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
05:02PMInverness station (INV)
$871One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Edinburgh to Inverness

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Inverness among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from $13. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 36m. 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 $13, and a train costs an average of $32.

Distance: 181 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Coach

$71

Average Price

$21

Average Price

Cheapest

4h 6m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 36m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 29m

Average total duration

3h 59m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

ScotRail

Most popular train company

Megabus

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Edinburgh to Inverness train times

Showing trains for today, Wednesday, 5 November
Last updated at 12:04 am
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
scotrailY66198
On time
8:38 am Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
3h28
12:06 pm Inverness station (INV)
0 changesdirect
scotrailY66593 · Y72913
On time
9:39 am Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
3h46
1:25 pm Inverness station (INV)
1 change
scotrailY66201
On time
10:32 am Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
3h44
2:16 pm Inverness station (INV)
0 changesdirect
scotrailC05950 · Y66235
On time
11:35 am Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
3h54
3:29 pm Inverness station (INV)
1 change
scotrailY66204
On time
1:32 pm Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
3h30
5:02 pm Inverness station (INV)
0 changesdirect
scotrailY66619 · Y66206
On time
1:37 pm Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
4h49
6:26 pm Inverness station (INV)
1 change

This is the last train of the day.

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Compare prices and tickets Edinburgh to Inverness by train or coach

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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Edinburgh to Inverness?

The best time to book your train from Edinburgh to Inverness is 35 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Edinburgh to Inverness route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Edinburgh to Inverness per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Edinburgh to Inverness.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Edinburgh to Inverness

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train
Trains from Edinburgh to Inverness run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $32 but you can travel from only $13 by coach.
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 $13
Distance
181 km
Average train duration
3h 36m
Cheapest ticket price
$32
Trains per day
6
Direct trains
3
Fastest train
3h 28m
First train
04:54
Last train
20:23
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 $13

Train companies: ScotRail, LNER from Edinburgh to Inverness trainsScotRail, LNER trains will get you between Edinburgh and Inverness from $13. 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 29m
Cheapest Price
$44
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

LNER

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 31m
Cheapest Price
$36
LNER 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

FAQs: Edinburgh to Inverness train

FAQs: Travel by train from Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh to Inverness.
FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Edinburgh to Inverness can start from as little as $28 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Edinburgh to Inverness is $66; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The train time between Edinburgh and Inverness is on average 3 h 18 min   for the 180 km long journey, but the time it takes to go from Edinburgh to Inverness by train can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Edinburgh to Inverness leaves at 4: 54am. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last train from Edinburgh to Inverness leaves at 8: 23pm.
Yes, there are 3 direct trains a day from Edinburgh to Inverness with ScotRail. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
When taking a train from Edinburgh to Inverness, you can count on ScotRail or LNER for the best way to get you to Inverness. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Edinburgh and Inverness and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.

Passengers board the train most frequently from Edinburgh Waverley, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Inverness, located away from the city centre.

A trip to Inverness from Edinburgh is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3 h 18 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Edinburgh to Inverness is November.
You have options as you can travel to Inverness from Edinburgh 2 different ways: train or coach.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Edinburgh and Inverness

Edinburgh
Inverness
The major train station for departures in Edinburgh is Brunstane. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Brunstane for your trip from Edinburgh to Inverness.
BrunstaneParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
6 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: No
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to single platform
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Ramp for train access: No
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Information available from staff: Yes - from help point
  • 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
Public transport options for Brunstane
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off from the bus stop on Milton Road East-West bound
HaymarketWifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:30 - 21:25 Saturday 06:30 - 21:25 Sunday 08:10 - 21:25
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: M&S Simply Food
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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: 2
  • 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
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 1, the Concourse and near the entrance from Haymarket Terrace.
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Lounge
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: Inside the station - one on platform 4 and one on platform 2 and 3
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • 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
Public transport options for Haymarket
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off from the layby in front of the station
Edinburgh ParkWifiParkingDiningAccessibilityLoungeLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
7 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: No
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to both platforms
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Ramp for train access: No
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Information available from staff: Yes - from help point
  • 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
Public transport options for Edinburgh Park
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off from Platform 2 bus stop, adjacent to Herminston Gate
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59
  • Sun: 07:00 - 23:59
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free public Wi-Fi available.
Lockers
Lockers
  • You can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2.
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: Wide range of shops Passport Photo Booth
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: New Street: Long Stay
Dining
Dining
  • Bagel Factory
  • Burger King
  • Caffè Nero
  • Costa Coffee
  • JD Wetherspoon
  • The Pasty Shop
  • The Beer House
  • M&S
  • Pret a Manger
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: Nearest Taxi Ranks are on Market St and Waverley Bridge outside the station.
  • Accessible taxis: Taxi ranks are located on Waverley Bridge and also Market Street. Market Street can be accessed step free via available lifts.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Entrances are step free. Station is equipped with an elevator. Staffed with guide communicators for the deaf. Tactile warning strips are on the platform edges for the blind.
WC
WC
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • National key toilets location: At entrance to Public Toilets
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
  • Baby changing facilities location: Female toilets,Male toilets,
Hotel
Hotel
  • Old Waverley Hotel
  • Jurys Inn Edinburgh
  • The Scotsman Hotel
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59
  • Sun: 07:00 - 23:59
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Cycle storage can be found in the station: by the lift at Platform 2 (37 spaces) Platform 3 (68 Spaces) and adjacent to Platform 19 (86 Spaces). Additional cycle spaces are available in New Street car park (32 spaces).
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Information booths are located on the concourse.
Public transport options for Edinburgh Waverley
  • Bus lines: 22, 30, 33, X22, X25, X37
  • Train lines: Avanti West Coast, Caledonian Sleeper, CrossCountry, LNER, ScotRail, Transpennine Express
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off on Waterloo Place, pick up across from Apex Hotel and drop off outside the Apex Hotel.
  • Metro: No metro available.
SlatefordParkingDiningLoungeLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
4 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Information available from staff: Yes - from help point
  • 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
Public transport options for Slateford
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off from the bus stop on Slateford Road at Platform 2 stair exit
South GyleParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
6 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: No
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: This is a Category B station. Ramps to both platforms and roadbridge connecting both platforms Blue Badge parking bays: 1
  • 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
  • Ramp for train access: No
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage location: Near Carpark
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Information available from staff: Yes - from help point
  • 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
Public transport options for South Gyle
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off from the car park entrance, Platform 2
Edinburgh GatewayWifiParkingDiningAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:10 - 00:10 Sunday 08:40 - 00:10
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
7 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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 both platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the Ticket Office Blue Badge parking bays: 4
  • 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
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The toilets are located in the Waiting Shelter/Room. The toilet facilities are only available during ticket office opening hours.
  • National key toilets: No
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • 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: Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Edinburgh Gateway
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off from the bus stops outside the station

Most popular train connections from Edinburgh

More options for your journey from Edinburgh to Inverness

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

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