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Inverness to Edinburgh (Waverley) by train
It takes an average of 3h 36m to travel from Inverness to Edinburgh (Waverley) by train, over a distance of around 113 miles (181 km). There are normally 13 trains per day traveling from Inverness to Edinburgh (Waverley) and tickets for this journey start from $20.90 when you book in advance.
| First train | 3:54 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 6:53 pm | |
| Departure station | Inverness | |
| Arrival station | Edinburgh (Waverley) | |
| Journey time | From 3h 13m | |
| Distance | 113 miles (181 km) | |
| Frequency | 13 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From $20.90 | |
| Train operators |
Traveling through Scotland from Inverness to Edinburgh by train
Considering a trip to the Scottish capital and need more information on how to take the train from Inverness to Edinburgh? We’ve got you covered!
On average, it takes around 3 hours and 42 minutes to travel the 113 miles from Inverness to Edinburgh by train. Although, you can get there in as little as 3 hours and 15 minutes on the fastest services. Normally, you’ll find around 12 direct trains running on this route each day, so you don’t need to worry about making any changes along the way.
When traveling on this route, you’ll board a train at Inverness station operated by either ScotRail or London North Eastern Railway. No matter who you travel with, you’ll enjoy onboard amenities such as free WiFi and comfortable seating. In just over 3 hours, you will travel through the heart of the Scottish countryside and arrive at Edinburgh Waverley station.
Once you’ve exited the station, you’ll find yourself in the centre of the Scottish capital. From here, you can walk to some of the city’s most famous landmarks, such as Edinburgh Castle, the National Museum of Scotland and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. If you’d like to see more of Scotland, check out our guide to the best day trips from Edinburgh.
Hoping to take advantage of the cheapest train tickets? Try traveling during Off-Peak times, as tickets are generally cheaper outside of morning/evening rush hours between Monday and Friday. If you’d like to save more money, try booking an Advance ticket, they are usually cheaper than buying tickets on the day of travel.
Ready to book? Start a search for cheap train tickets from Inverness to Edinburgh in our Journey Planner at the top of the page. If you’re not quite ready yet, keep reading for more information about the journey, including train timetables, tips on booking cheap tickets and our FAQs.
FAQs about the train journey from Inverness to Edinburgh (Waverley)
Want to know more about your journey from Inverness to Edinburgh (Waverley)? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
Are there direct trains from Inverness to Edinburgh (Waverley)?
What's the distance between Inverness and Edinburgh (Waverley) by train?
Can you travel from Inverness to Edinburgh (Waverley) without taking a flight?
What is the best way to get to Edinburgh (Waverley) from Inverness?
What time is the first train from Inverness to Edinburgh (Waverley)?
What time is the last train from Inverness to Edinburgh (Waverley)?
How often do trains go from Inverness to Edinburgh (Waverley)?
Do you need to prebook train tickets from Inverness to Edinburgh (Waverley)?
Is there a return trip from Inverness to Edinburgh (Waverley)?
Cheap train tickets from Inverness to Edinburgh (Waverley)
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 Inverness to Edinburgh (Waverley) 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.