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Each fare is the lowest adult economy ticket fare found by our customers on Trainline. Fares booked further in advance than the dates displayed may be cheaper. Prices are updated daily, subject to change and indicative of price last update. Limited availability. Discount cards and coach journeys excluded, prices exclusive of booking fee.

Edinburgh (Waverley) to Inverness by train

It takes an average of 3h 36m to travel from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Inverness by train, over a distance of around 113 miles (181 km). There are normally 13 trains per day travelling from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Inverness and tickets for this journey start from £14.40 when you book in advance.

First train

07:37

Last train

19:39

Departure station

Edinburgh (Waverley)

Arrival station

Inverness

Journey time

From 3h 18m

Distance

113 miles (181 km)

Frequency

13 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

Price

From £14.40

Train operators

ScotRail, London North Eastern Railway

Edinburgh (Waverley) to Inverness train times

Check out the next trains departing from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Inverness for Tuesday 19th March 2024 using our handy timetable below, including platform and live travel information. You can view the full day timetable or search for a different date here.
DepartsArrivesTrainDuration
06:35 edinburgh (waverley)10:29 invernessPlat. 15 estimatedscotrail PeakGet tickets3h 54m, 1 change
08:38 edinburgh (waverley)12:01 invernessPlat. 16 estimatedscotrail PeakGet tickets3h 23m, direct
09:36 edinburgh (waverley)13:25 invernessPlat. 17 estimatedscotrail PeakGet tickets3h 49m, 1 change
10:32 edinburgh (waverley)14:15 invernessPlat. 16 estimatedscotrail PeakGet tickets3h 43m, direct
11:35 edinburgh (waverley)15:29 invernessPlat. 16 estimatedscotrail PeakGet tickets3h 54m, 1 change

Travelling from Edinburgh to Inverness by train

Considering a trip to the “capital of the Highlands” and need more information on how to travel by train from Edinburgh to Inverness? Look no further! 

Usually, the journey from Edinburgh to Inverness by train takes around 3 hours and 36 minutes, although the fastest services can take you there in just 3 hours and 18 minutes. As there are around 10 direct trains on this popular route each day, you don’t need to worry about making any changes along the way.  

If you’re travelling on this route, you’ll board a train at Edinburgh Waverley station operated by either ScotRail or London North Eastern Railway (LNER). No matter who you choose to travel with, you’ll enjoy onboard amenities including free WiFi, comfortable seating and luggage storage. If you prefer to travel in style, why not upgrade to ScotRail First Class or LNER First Class? With both, you’ll enjoy quieter coaches, extra legroom and complimentary food and drink. In just over 3 and a half hours, you’ll arrive at Inverness station.  

After you’ve exited the station, you’ll find yourself in the centre of the city. From here, you can reach the city’s most popular locations on foot. Not sure where to start? Every trip to Inverness should include a trip to Inverness Castle or Inverness Museum and Art Gallery.  

Hoping to book the cheapest train tickets? Try travelling during Off-Peak hours, as tickets are generally cheaper during quieter travel times. Also, if you tend to travel more than a few times a year, why not get yourself a Railcard? You’ll save up to 1/3 on eligible journeys for a whole year.  

Ready to book? There’s no need to wait, begin a search for cheap train tickets from Edinburgh to Inverness with us today! Just head to our Journey Planner at the top of the page to get started. For more information, keep reading for our timetable where you can view first and last train times, as well as money-saving tips and FAQs.

Journey details

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.

How long does the train from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Inverness take?

The average journey time by train between Edinburgh (Waverley) and Inverness is 3 hours and 36 minutes, with around 13 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.

What's the fastest journey time between Edinburgh (Waverley) and Inverness by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Inverness is 3 hours and 18 minutes.

How much does the train from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Inverness cost?

Train ticket prices from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Inverness can start from as little as £14.40 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.

Is there a direct train from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Inverness?

Yes, it is possible to travel from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Inverness without having to change trains. There are 13 direct trains from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Inverness each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.

What time does the first train from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Inverness leave?

The first train from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Inverness leaves at 07:37. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

What time does the last train from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Inverness leave?

The last train from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Inverness leaves at 19:39. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.

What's the distance between Edinburgh (Waverley) and Inverness by train?

Trains travelling from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Inverness cover a distance of around 113 miles (181 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Inverness to Edinburgh (Waverley).

Cheap train tickets from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Inverness

Train tickets from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Inverness start at £14.40 one way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. As most UK train companies increase their prices as the departure date approaches, we’ll help you find the cheapest tickets.

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.

Advance adult single fare. Excludes booking fee. Prices seen by Trainline customers in the last 30 days. Availability limited.
† Average savings on advance fares booked at least one week before day of travel vs Anytime fares purchased on day of travel. Subject to availability. Excludes coach.

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