is Europe’s Nº 1 destination for train and bus tickets*
Edinburgh (Waverley) to Inverness by train
It takes an average of 3h 38m 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 $21.47 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 $21.47 | |
| 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.
What do people frequently ask 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?
How do I find cheap train tickets from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Inverness?
Planning a trip to the UK soon? As most UK train companies increase their prices as the departure date approaches, our Trainline team of experts have put together these tips to help you find the cheapest tickets.
1. Book in advance
2. Sign up to Ticket Alert
3. Book split tickets
4. Travel Off-Peak
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.