Edinburgh (Waverley) to Inverness Trains From £5.00*

Hop on a direct ScotRail train from Edinburgh Waverley to Inverness and arrive in the Highland capital in just over three hours, swapping city life for breathtaking mountain and forest views.

Enjoy spectacular scenery as your Edinburgh Waverley to Inverness train climbs from the rolling Lowlands into the rugged Highlands, passing through ancient Caledonian forests and the dramatic mountain landscapes of the Cairngorms before arriving into Inverness, in the very heart of the Highlands.

Connecting Scotland’s major urban hubs and remote Highland communities alike, ScotRail offers regular services between cities like Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness and Aberdeen, as well as breathtaking journeys through the country’s rugged landscapes.

Departing from Edinburgh Waverley

Right in the centre of Edinburgh, Waverley station is easily accessible from both the historic Old Town and the elegant Georgian New Town. With excellent links to trams, buses, and taxis, as well as pedestrian access from Princes Street and Market Street, it’s easy to reach from just about anywhere in the city.

As one of Scotland’s busiest transport hubs, Edinburgh Waverley is served by ScotRail, LNER, Avanti West Coast and CrossCountry, with direct trains running to Stirling, Perth, Dundee, Aberdeen, Inverness, Glasgow Central, as well as further south to London. Whether you’re bound for the Highlands or heading to England, this station is the perfect place to begin your journey.

Main stops

Set off from Edinburgh Waverley and travel north through Scotland’s scenic heartland, passing Stirling, Perth, Pitlochry and Aviemore before arriving in the Highland capital of Inverness.

Arriving at Inverness

Arriving into Inverness station, you’ll find yourself in the heart of the city, just moments from its historic centre and within easy reach of the breathtaking Scottish Highlands.

Managed by ScotRail, Inverness is the terminus for several scenic lines across Scotland, including the Highland Main Line, Far North Line and routes to Aberdeen and Kyle of Lochalsh. From here, you’ll also find frequent ScotRail services to major cities like Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Perth and Manchester, as well as London via the Caledonian Sleeper or LNER’s Highland Chieftain.

Explore Inverness’ rich history just beyond the station. Browse the shops and eateries of the atmospheric Victorian Market, or duck into the renowned Leakey’s Bookshop, housed in a former church. Take in panoramic views from Inverness Castle and admire the soaring St Andrew’s Cathedral.

For a deeper journey into the Highlands, head to the ancient Clava Cairns – a 4,000‑year‑old burial site, or walk the ground at Culloden Battlefield, where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite uprising was crushed by the British Crown. You can even take a scenic Loch Ness cruise in search of elusive monsters, or visit Cawdor Castle, steeped in the dark intrigue of Macbeth’s legend.

ScotRail train classes 

• Standard Class: ScotRail’s Standard Class offers free Wi-Fi, power sockets at every seat pair and modern, spacious carriages for a more comfortable ride. Trains also feature two wheelchair spaces and improved accessible toilets to support inclusive travel.
• First Class: ScotRail First Class is available on InterCity, Class 170, and eXpress 385 trains, featuring reclining seats with extra space, tables, power sockets and free Wi-Fi. On some routes, you’ll also enjoy complimentary refreshments – perfect for both working and unwinding.

ScotRail train travel advice

Head into the Highlands with everything you need to know before you climb aboard your Edinburgh Waverley to Inverness train – from luggage and bike allowances to travelling with children, pets, and available accessibility support.

• Luggage: ScotRail lets you bring a reasonable amount of luggage on board for free. Just be sure to store bags in the overhead racks, under your seat or in luggage areas, keeping aisles and wheelchair spaces clear.
• Bicycles: You can bring a folding bike on any service, provided it’s stowed as luggage. Non-folding bikes can also travel when space allows, but certain routes may require an advance reservation.
• Children: Kids under 5 can ride for free, while those aged 5-15 are eligible for 50% off when travelling with an adult. If you’re aged 16-25, you can save a third on fares with a 16-25 Railcard.
• Pets: Passengers can bring a dog or small pet along at no extra cost – just keep dogs on a lead and smaller pets safely enclosed in a carrier. Pets must stay off seats for the duration of the journey.
• Passenger  Assist: If you need help with boarding, luggage, getting around the station or reserving wheelchair space, you can request assistance in advance or speak to staff on the day of travel.

Depart Edinburgh Waverley and reach Inverness in just over three hours aboard a direct Edinburgh Waverley to Inverness train with LNER, enjoying a relaxed, scenic ride from Scotland’s capital to the Highlands.

Watch the landscape transform when your train departs Edinburgh and journeys north, as rolling farmland gives way to dense pine woods and sweeping Highland views, with the Cairngorm mountains providing a dramatic backdrop all the way to Inverness.

From London King’s Cross, LNER runs sleek, high-speed services up the East Coast Main Line to major UK cities – Peterborough, York, Leeds, Newcastle and Edinburgh among them.

LNER train classes 

• Standard Class: Settle into your Edinburgh to Inverness journey with extra legroom, ergonomically designed seating, and generous storage options above and below your seat. Each seat includes a power socket, free Wi-Fi and a QR code for ordering locally sourced food and drinks delivered straight to your table.
• First Class: Upgrade to First Class on your Edinburgh to Inverness journey and enjoy wider, reclining seats, fast Wi-Fi, USB and power sockets, plus complimentary food and drink sourced from Scottish producers, all served in a calm, relaxing carriage.

LNER train travel advice

Make your Edinburgh to Inverness journey smooth and stress-free with key travel tips on bringing bikes or bags, family travel, pet policies and available assistance.

• Luggage: LNER passengers can bring up to three pieces of luggage at no extra cost, whether it’s a suitcase, cabin bag or backpack. For everyone’s comfort, use the overhead racks or keep your items tucked under your seat to avoid blocking aisles.
• Bicycles: Bikes and electric bikes require an advance reservation and may be restricted at busy times. You can bring a folding bike onboard LNER services, provided it remains folded for the duration of your trip. E-scooters are not permitted.
• Children: Kids under 5 can travel for free, while those aged 5 to 15 can get 50% off in both Standard and First Class. Teens aged 16 to 17 can also enjoy half-price fares with a 16-17 Saver railcard.
• Pets: Travelling with pets is easy – you can bring up to two with you at no extra charge. Just make sure dogs are kept on a leash or in a secure carrier, and keep all pets off the seats.
• Passenger Assist: LNER’s Passenger Assist service offers help with boarding, station navigation, and reserving wheelchair space. You can arrange support when booking your ticket, via the app, or by speaking to staff at the station on the day of travel.

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.