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Trip Summary
4 trains operate daily from Edinburgh to Inverness. The train trip from Edinburgh to Inverness is usually about 3 hours and 46 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest London North Eastern Railway train can get you there in as little as 3 hours and 34 minutes.
| Distance | 112 mi (181 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 34m |
| Lowest price | $50.16 |
| Trains per day | 3 |
| Most frequent service | ScotRail |
| Train lines | 2 |
Which train should you take from Edinburgh to Inverness?
2 train services operate from Edinburgh to Inverness. ScotRail usually has more trains scheduled, with 3 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| London North Eastern Railway | 1 | 3h 34m | $50.16 |
| ScotRail | 3 | 3h 50m | $88.29 |
London North Eastern Railway (LNER) is a privately-owned train company that operates passenger services on behalf of the UK government. LNER manages the prestigious East Coast mainline route, connecting London King's Cross Station to various cities, including Leeds, Bradford, and Hull. With a comprehensive network of 55 stations and a fleet of approximately 75 trains, LNER facilitates numerous daily journeys, offering standard and first-class ticket options.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Edinburgh and Inverness is approximately 112 miles, or 181 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 46 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 34 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Edinburgh to Inverness on Tuesday. Tickets for Tuesday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Tuesday. Tuesday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Edinburgh at 4:00pm while the last train of the day leaves at 7:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 4 scheduled trains on most days. 3 of these are direct connections to Inverness. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Inverness to Edinburgh.
City Information
Edinburgh
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
As Scotland's capital, Edinburgh and its people are famed throughout history for their contribution to philosophy, literature, science, and industry, among many other areas. This incredibly diverse city promises to provide attractions and entertainment for people of all ages, budgets, and interests. Edinburgh is even ranked as the #6 city with the most historic sites per capita in Europe, and the #1 outside of Italy!
For those looking for outdoor adventure, take a walk up Arthur's Seat, one of four hill forts that date back to over 2,000 years ago. The walk to the top will allow you to embrace some of Scotland's most beautiful landscapes and wildlife, and you'll be rewarded with a dramatic view of Edinburgh at the top.
On rainy days, visit the National Museum of Scotland, where each floor provides information on several fascinating eras of Scotland's history. A trip down the Royal Mile will satisfy all your tartan and souvenir needs, while the world-famous Underground Ghost Tour will give you an entirely different view of this seemingly peaceful, quaint city.
If your trip falls during the holiday season, the Edinburgh Christmas Market is guaranteed to give you the festive feeling, while world-renowned Hogmanay celebrations will ensure that you ring in the New Year with a bang.
Edinburgh is easily accessible via train, plane, and bus. Edinburgh Airport provides global access to the city, while rail services connect the city to many other major towns and cities across the UK. In addition, numerous bus companies travel to and from Edinburgh, meaning that no matter your preferred mode of transport, the city is always within reach.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Edinburgh?
Main departure station: Edinburgh Waverley Station
There is one train station in Edinburgh.
All train stations in Edinburgh:
Edinburgh Waverley Station
Where is the train station in Inverness?
Main arrival station: Inverness Train Station
Inverness has one train station.
Train stations in Inverness:
Inverness Train Station
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Need a return trip from Inverness to Edinburgh?
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