How to travel from Edinburgh to Inverness, United Kingdom

The distance between Edinburgh and Inverness is around 250km (155 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to drive which takes around 2h 55m.

4 routes found

We've found 4 different ways to get from Edinburgh to Inverness by train, bus and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out InvernessEdinburgh if you're planning a return trip.

1
train
+

Train

Take the train to Inverness.

  • Duration3h 35m
  • Departs5 times a day
  • Typical cost
    £51($60)
Operated by

First ScotRail Service

+ 2 others
2
bus
+

Bus

Take the bus to Inverness Bus Station Stance 3.

  • Duration3h 45m
  • Departsevery 2 hours
  • Typical cost
    £38($45)
Operated by

Scottish Citylink

+ 1 others

1 similiar route

We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.

🚀 Fastest
3
car
+

Drive

Drive to Inverness.

  • Duration2h 55m
  • Distance250km (155 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Edinburgh and Inverness

There are several options for getting from Edinburgh to Inverness by train, bus and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around £32 ($38) and will take around 4h 35m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and arrive in approximately 2h 55m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately £29 ($34).

The distance between Edinburgh and Inverness is around 250km (155 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 181km (113 miles)

It takes around 3h 35m to get from Edinburgh and Inverness by train. If you are travelling by car it will take around 2h 55m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Edinburgh to Inverness is to drive which takes around 2h 55m and will set you back approx £29 ($34).

The cheapest way to travel between Edinburgh and Inverness, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around £32 ($38) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Edinburgh and Inverness. It typically takes around 3h 35m and departs 4 times a day.

Yes there is a direct train service that runs between Edinburgh and Inverness with no changeovers required. The train runs 4 times a day and takes 3h 35m.

First ScotRail Service and LNER run train services between Edinburgh and Inverness. Trains depart 4 times a day and will take around 3h 35m, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Edinburgh and Inverness. It typically takes around 3h 45m and departs every 2 hours.

Yes there is a direct bus service that runs between Edinburgh and Inverness with no changeovers required. The bus runs every 2 hours and takes 3h 45m.

Scottish Citylink, Megabus UK, Stagecoach East Scotland and Fishers Tours of Dundee run regular bus services between Edinburgh and Inverness. Buses run every 2 hours and take around 3h 45m on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Edinburgh to Inverness. We recommend that you take the train to Inverness. instead which will take 3h 35m.

The closest major airport to Inverness is Inverness Airport (INV) (INV) which is approximately 12km (7 miles) from Inverness. Aberdeen Airport (ABZ) (ABZ) and Dundee Airport (DND) (DND) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from Edinburgh and Inverness. The distance is around 250km (155 miles) by road and it will take around 2h 55m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Edinburgh to Inverness is to take the train which takes, on average, 3h 35m and will usually cost around £51 ($60).

How do I get from Edinburgh to Inverness

Compare travel optionsbetween Edinburgh and Inverness

Transport options from Edinburgh to Inverness
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Train
3h 35m
£51($60)
5 times a day278km (172 miles)
Bus + 1 similar
3h 45m
£38($45)
every 2 hours253km (157 miles)
Bus via Glenrothes, Bus Station Arrival Bay4h 35m
£32($38)
once a week279km (174 miles)
Drive
2h 55m
£29($34)
on demand250km (155 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Edinburgh and Inverness

Bus companies

Train operators

Airports near Inverness

The following major airports near Inverness offer regular flights to various popular destinations within United Kingdom and internationally.

INV
Inverness Airport (INV)
International Airport
Distance
12km (7 miles) from Inverness
ABZ
Aberdeen Airport (ABZ)
International Airport
Distance
125km (78 miles) from Inverness
DND
Dundee Airport (DND)
Domestic Airport
Distance
136km (84 miles) from Inverness