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Trains from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Inverness

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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.
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  3. Edinburgh (Waverley) to Inverness

Trains to Inverness from Edinburgh (Waverley)

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 travelling from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Inverness and tickets for this journey start from £15 when you book in advance.

First train

07:37

Last train

19:35

Departure stationEdinburgh (Waverley)
Arrival stationInverness
Journey time

From 3h 18m

Distance

113 miles (181 km)

Frequency

11 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

Price

From £15

Train operators

London North Eastern Railway, ScotRail

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.

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.

How do you get to Inverness from Edinburgh (Waverley)?

To travel to Inverness from Edinburgh (Waverley), you can take the train - on average, the journey takes around 3 hours and 38 minutes, though the fastest trains can take 3 hours and 18 minutes. Use our Journey Planner to get more information.

How long is the train ride from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Inverness?

Trains from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Inverness take an average of 3 hours and 38 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 3 hours and 18 minutes. You'll usually find 11 trains per day on this route, so use our Journey Planner to check specific dates as times may vary.

How much does it cost to get from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Inverness by train?

Train tickets from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Inverness can start from £15 when booked in advance, but they’re usually more expensive if bought on the day of travel. Prices may also vary depending on the time of day, route, and class you choose.

What is the quickest journey time between Edinburgh (Waverley) and Inverness by train?

The quickest journey time between Edinburgh (Waverley) and Inverness by train is 3 hours and 18 minutes.

How do I find cheap train tickets from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Inverness?

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

Train tickets from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Inverness start at £15§ one way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. UK train companies usually release Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of time, and these can be cheaper than tickets bought on the day of travel.

2. Sign up to Ticket Alert

If you're planning a trip more than 12 weeks ahead, sign up to our Ticket Alert to get notified when Advance tickets are released for your travel date.

3. Use a Railcard

National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel throughout the year. Buy one with us and you'll be able to store it digitally in our app, so you'll always have it on your travels.

4. Book split tickets

Our handy feature SplitSave will 'split' your train journey into multiple tickets, which can be much cheaper than buying a single ticket. Find out more about split tickets.

5. Travel Off-Peak

If you can be flexible with your travel times, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets are usually cheaper in the UK. Generally, Off-Peak times are any time at weekends and outside of Monday to Friday morning and evening rush hours.

6. Consider a Season Ticket

Best for commuters, if you catch a train on the same route more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly, weekly and flexi options available, find out if a Season Ticket for Edinburgh (Waverley) to Inverness is right for you.

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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