How to travel from Inverness to Edinburgh, United Kingdom

The distance between Inverness and Edinburgh is around 251km (156 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to drive which takes around 2h 55m.

3 routes found

We've found 3 different ways to get from Inverness to Edinburgh 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 EdinburghInverness if you're planning a return trip.

1
train
+

Train

Take the train to Edinburgh.

  • Duration3h 30m
  • Departs5 times a day
  • Typical cost
    £46($55)
Operated by

First ScotRail Service

+ 2 others
💰 Cheapest
2
bus
+

Bus

Take the bus to Edinburgh Bus Station.

  • Duration3h 50m
  • Departshourly
  • Typical cost
    £19($22)
Operated byMegabus UK+ 1 others
🚀 Fastest
3
car
+

Drive

Drive to Edinburgh.

  • Duration2h 55m
  • Distance251km (156 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Inverness and Edinburgh

There are several options for getting from Inverness to Edinburgh by train, bus and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around £19 ($22) and will take around 3h 50m. 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 Inverness and Edinburgh is around 251km (156 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 181km (113 miles)

It takes around 3h 30m to get from Inverness and Edinburgh by train. If you are travelling by car it will take around 2h 55m to drive there.

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

The cheapest way to travel between Inverness and Edinburgh, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around £19 ($22) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Inverness and Edinburgh. It typically takes around 3h 30m and departs 4 times a day.

Yes there is a direct train service that runs between Inverness and Edinburgh with no changeovers required. The train runs 4 times a day and takes 3h 30m.

First ScotRail Service and LNER run train services between Inverness and Edinburgh. Trains depart 4 times a day and will take around 3h 30m, 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 Inverness and Edinburgh. It typically takes around 3h 50m and departs hourly.

Yes there is a direct bus service that runs between Inverness and Edinburgh with no changeovers required. The bus runs hourly and takes 3h 50m.

Megabus UK and Scottish Citylink run regular bus services between Inverness and Edinburgh. Buses run hourly and take around 3h 50m on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Inverness to Edinburgh. We recommend that you take the train to Edinburgh. instead which will take 3h 30m.

The closest major airport to Edinburgh is Edinburgh Airport (EDI) (EDI) which is approximately 11km (7 miles) from Edinburgh. Dundee Airport (DND) (DND) and Glasgow Airport (GLA) (GLA) 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 Inverness and Edinburgh. The distance is around 251km (156 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 Inverness to Edinburgh is to take the train which takes, on average, 3h 30m and will usually cost around £46 ($55).

How do I get from Inverness to Edinburgh

Compare travel optionsbetween Inverness and Edinburgh

Transport options from Inverness to Edinburgh
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Train
3h 30m
£46($55)
5 times a day299km (185 miles)
Bus
3h 50m
£19($22)
hourly252km (156 miles)
Drive
2h 55m
£29($34)
on demand251km (156 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Inverness and Edinburgh

Train operators

Bus companies

Airports near Edinburgh

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

EDI
Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
International Airport
Distance
11km (7 miles) from Edinburgh
DND
Dundee Airport (DND)
Domestic Airport
Distance
57km (35 miles) from Edinburgh
GLA
Glasgow Airport (GLA)
International Airport
Distance
78km (48 miles) from Edinburgh