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Inverness to Edinburgh (Waverley) train ticket prices
£16.22
On Mon 7
Inverness to Edinburgh (Waverley) train timetable
From Inverness to Edinburgh (Waverley), take the fastest train in 3h 21m, typically 3h 55m. Daily, 15 trains depart from Inverness, with the first at 04:54 and the last at 21:30. Check real-time updates for train times, delays, and cancellations. TrainPal saves you time, effort, and money.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
10:50 Inverness | 3h 40m, Direct | 14:30 Edinburgh (Waverley) | ScotRail | Find tickets |
10:56 Inverness | 5h 28m, 1 change | 16:24 Edinburgh (Waverley) | ScotRail | Find tickets |
12:48 Inverness | 3h 45m, Direct | 16:33 Edinburgh (Waverley) | ScotRail | Find tickets |
14:50 Inverness | 4h 1m, 1 change | 18:51 Edinburgh (Waverley) | ScotRail | Find tickets |
15:44 Inverness | 3h 59m, 1 change | 19:43 Edinburgh (Waverley) | ScotRail | Find tickets |
Inverness to Edinburgh (Waverley) train tickets and times
Plan your journey from Inverness to Edinburgh (Waverley) with ease. Explore the first and last train times, departure and arrival stations, distance, journey time, and price options to make the most of your trip.
ScotRail vs LNER: Which should you choose?
ScotRail handles most departures on this route, but you can also choose to travel with LNER. Below we break down why you might choose one operator over the other so you can ensure the best experience for you.
Train operators | Avg. duration | Departure stations | Best for | Feature services |
|---|---|---|---|---|
ScotRail | 3h 34m | Inverness | Flexible day-trippers | High frequency, free Wi-Fi, comfortable seating |
LNER | 3h 21m | Inverness | Luxury travellers, business travellers | Fast, reliable Wi-Fi; hot food in First Class |
Train travel from Inverness to Edinburgh (Waverley)
Sail through your stunning train journey from Inverness to Edinburgh with our top station tips for finding your platform before you leave and choosing the right exit when you arrive. We’ve also highlighted the top views to look out for along the way.
Departing from Inverness
- Platform for Edinburgh: As this journey requires longer trains, you’ll usually depart from the longest platforms: Platform 1 or 2 for LNER and Platform 3 (and sometimes 4) for ScotRail services.
- Grab a bite: In addition to familiar chains like Costa and Starbucks, you’ll find a traditional station pub called The Ness & Thistle Bar for pub grub and local tipples before you depart. If that’s not your vibe, you’ll find more cafes and food halls in Falcon Square right outside the station – we recommend Charlie’s Cafe for some classic comfort food.
Onboard trains from Inverness to Edinburgh (Waverley)
Arriving at Edinburgh (Waverley)
- Princes Street Exit: Head this way to get to the New Town, local city buses and the tram network. You’ll emerge right onto Princes Street next to the Waverly Market shopping centre.
- Market Street Exit: This south-side, street-level exit is best for accessing the Old Town and for finding a taxi.
- Calton Road Exit: This exit is much quieter and is located in the northeast corner of the station near Platform 2. Take this exit to reach Calton Hill, the St James Quarter shopping district, and to find any pre-booked private hire pick-ups.
- Waverley Bridge Exit: You can access this exit via pedestrian ramps at the western end of the concourse, and it allows you to cross between the Old and New Towns on foot. It’s also best for getting the Airlink 100 bus to Edinburgh Airport.
Why book Inverness to Edinburgh (Waverley) trains with TrainPal?
Why book with TrainPal vs Trainline?
Unlike Trainline, TrainPal charges no booking fees on any route. On top of that, TrainPal's Split Ticket feature automatically divides your journey into multiple ticket segments, saving up to 50% compared to buying a single through ticket. Train fares from Inverness to Edinburgh (Waverley) start from just £16.22 on TrainPal.
Is TrainPal cheaper than buying direct?
TrainPal is often cheaper than buying direct. We don't charge any booking fees, and our Split Ticketing technology searches for the lowest fare combination across your entire journey—something train operator websites don't offer. Plus, we compare prices across multiple operators (e.g., ScotRail, LNER on the Inverness to Edinburgh (Waverley) route) in a single search, so you always see the cheapest option regardless of which company operates the train.
Inverness to Edinburgh (Waverley) train travel guide
The train journey from Inverness to Edinburgh (Waverley) combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from Inverness, you can get to Edinburgh (Waverley) in just 3h 21m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Inverness to Edinburgh (Waverley)?
The average ticket fare from Inverness to Edinburgh (Waverley) is about £16.22, but prices are dynamic. The final cost depends on when you book, when you travel, and ticket flexibility. To find the exact cost for your journey, please search with your travel dates.
How do I find the best train route from Inverness to Edinburgh (Waverley)?
What is the fastest train from Inverness to Edinburgh (Waverley)?
The fastest train journey time from Inverness to Edinburgh (Waverley) is 3h 21m . Use our Train Journey Planner to find direct trains, avoid transfers, and compare travel times for each route to see if there are fewer stops to make your journey seamless.
Are there direct trains from Inverness to Edinburgh (Waverley)?
No, there are no direct trains from Inverness to Edinburgh (Waverley). However, you can still find the best train options using the TrainPal Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to see all available train services and plan your trip
Is it worth taking a train from Inverness to Edinburgh (Waverley)?
Yes, the train is a highly practical choice. Compared to driving, it is more eco-friendly and avoids the stress of traffic and parking. Compared to coaches, it offers more comfort, space, and scheduling flexibility. Furthermore, its ability to drop you off in the heart of the city makes it an exceptionally convenient option for most journeys.
How far in advance can I book my train ticket?
You can book UK train tickets as far as 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is the key period when train operators release their cheapest Advance tickets. Therefore, to ensure you get the best possible fare, we recommend purchasing your tickets as soon as they become available.
Check timetables and during the journey
Are Inverness to Edinburgh (Waverley) trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
Inverness to Edinburgh (Waverley) trains are generally punctual, but delays or cancellations can occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. After purchasing a ticket, use TrainPal to track live train updates. Before buying a ticket, our Train Journey Planner provides all necessary booking information. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations, click 'Search,' and view routes labelled 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest,' with all details displayed.
How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
Typically, you should plan to arrive at the station 15-20 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart. However, the size of the station and your familiarity with it can affect this timing. For larger or less familiar stations, leaving home earlier can help reduce stress and ensure a more relaxed journey.
Do Inverness to Edinburgh (Waverley) trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the Inverness to Edinburgh (Waverley) route offer amenities like Wi-Fi, food services, and various seating options. Additional facilities may include power sockets, accessibility features, and luggage storage. Check the specific amenities offered by the train operator when booking, as these can vary.
How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?
Transferring between train stations in the UK can be effortless with some planning. If your travel requires a transfer, review your ticket and journey details for specific transfer instructions. Major stations typically feature clear signage and helpful staff. Additionally, TrainPal Train Journey Planner offers comprehensive transfer details.
What is the difference between Standard and First Class?
Standard Class ensures a comfortable journey. For an upgraded experience, First Class provides superior comfort and additional amenities, such as complimentary refreshments, though the exact services vary by train operator.
Other things you might be interested
Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?
Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?
How do I check train delays and cancellations in the UK?
Use TrainPal for quick access to live updates and notifications. If your phone allows messages from us, you'll receive instant notifications about train cancellations directly on your screen.
Which train companies operate the Inverness to Edinburgh (Waverley) route?
The Inverness to Edinburgh (Waverley) route is operated by ScotRail. For any journey, the easiest way to find the operator is to search for your route on this page. The operator's name will appear next to each travel option in the results.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
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Luggage
You can bring up to three pieces of luggage for free, including satchels, backpacks, suitcases, and similar items.
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Bicycle
Bike reservations are mandatory and free for most train journeys, but space is limited. Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed. Some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are not permitted. We strongly recommend checking the specific cycle policy on your train operator's website before you travel.
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Children
Discounts are available for young travellers based on age: Travellers under 5 usually travel free, children aged 5–15 get a 50% discount, and 16 to 17-year-olds can use a 16-17 Saver Railcard to get 50% off.
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Pets
Bring up to 2 pets free; keep dogs on a lead or in a carrier. No animals on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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Passenger assistance
Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange assistance with their train operator, if required. To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
How to buy cheap Inverness to Edinburgh (Waverley) train tickets
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds
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* Prices are dynamic and subject to change. Ticket prices vary based on time of day, route, and class. This pricing does not apply to discounted Split tickets and Railcards.
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