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.
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 Edinburgh → Inverness if you're planning a return trip.
Take the train to Edinburgh.
First ScotRail Service
+ 2 othersTake the bus to Edinburgh Bus Station.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Transport option | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Distance |
---|---|---|---|---|
Train | 3h 30m | £46($55) | 5 times a day | 299km (185 miles) |
Bus | 3h 50m | £19($22) | hourly | 252km (156 miles) |
Drive | 2h 55m | £29($34) | on demand | 251km (156 miles) |
First ScotRail Service
LNER
Caledonian Sleeper
Scottish Citylink
The following major airports near Edinburgh offer regular flights to various popular destinations within United Kingdom and internationally.