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Edinburgh (Waverley) to Inverness by train
It takes an average of 3h 37m to travel from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Inverness by train, over a distance of around 113 miles (181 km). There are normally 11 trains per day traveling from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Inverness and tickets for this journey start from $17.49 when you book in advance.
| First train | 7:37 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 7:35 pm | |
| Departure station | Edinburgh (Waverley) | |
| Arrival station | Inverness | |
| Journey time | From 3h 18m | |
| Distance | 113 miles (181 km) | |
| Frequency | 11 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From $17.49 | |
| Train operators |
Traveling through Scotland from Edinburgh to Inverness by train
Considering a trip to the “Capital of the Highlands” and looking for more information about the journey from Edinburgh to Inverness by train? We’ve got you covered!
Usually, it takes around 3 hours and 35 minutes to travel the 133 miles from Edinburgh to Inverness by train, although you can get there in as little as 3 hours and 18 minutes on the fastest services. On this popular route, you’ll find around 14 direct trains running each day. As there are direct trains available, you can sit back and enjoy the scenery as you don’t need to worry about changing along the way.
If you’re traveling on this route, you’ll board either a ScotRail or London North Eastern Railway (LNER) train at Edinburgh Waverley station, in the heart of the Scottish capital. Whichever operator you’re traveling with, you’ll enjoy onboard amenities such as comfortable seating and free WiFi. In just over 3 hours, you will travel through the Scottish countryside and arrive at Inverness station.
Once you’ve hopped off the train, you can start to explore the city’s most popular landmarks, such as Inverness Castle, Inverness Museum and Art Gallery and Inverness Cathedral. Check out our guide to what to do in Inverness! Or, if you’d like to see more of Scotland, check out our guide to the 8 best day trips from Inverness, including Loch Ness (home of the Loch Ness monster), Aviemore and Pitlochry.
If you’re hoping to book the cheapest train tickets, try traveling Off-Peak, as tickets tend to be cheaper during quieter travel times compared to busier Peak times. Also, if you want to save more money, try booking Advance tickets – they are generally cheaper than buying tickets on the day of travel.
Keen to book? There’s no need to wait around, start your search for cheap train tickets from Edinburgh to Inverness in our Journey Planner at the top of the page. If you’d like to find out a bit more about the journey first, you’ll find our train schedule below, as well as tips on booking cheap tickets and FAQs, including first and last train times.
FAQs about the train journey from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Inverness
Want to know more about your journey from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Inverness? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
Are there direct trains from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Inverness?
What's the distance between Edinburgh (Waverley) and Inverness by train?
Can you travel from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Inverness without taking a flight?
What is the best way to get to Inverness from Edinburgh (Waverley)?
What time is the first train from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Inverness?
What time is the last train from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Inverness?
How often do trains go from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Inverness?
Do you need to prebook train tickets from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Inverness?
Is there a return trip from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Inverness?
Cheap train tickets from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Inverness
Book in advance
Look out for Advance tickets – they usually come out up to 12 weeks before the departure date and can be cheaper than buying on the day. If you’re here a tad early, sign up for our Advance ticket alert today to get notified when your tickets are released.
Consider a Season Ticket
If you catch this train more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly and weekly options available, find out if a season ticket for Edinburgh (Waverley) to Inverness is right for you.
Use your Railcard
National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel a few times or more in a year. Find out how you can save with a National Railcard here.
Split your tickets
Download our app to find split tickets — courtesy of SplitSave, our handy feature which 'splits' your train tickets where possible to find you a better deal. Learn more about the clever tech behind split tickets, and how to spot SplitSave discounts in our app.
For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.