Your driver will meet you at your address in Edinburgh.
Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage
Trip
You’ll travel in comfort for 3 h 10 min.
Optional sight-seeing
Clean, comfortable car
Professional driver
Bottled water
Child seats
Prepared for handicapped
Smoke-free
Pet friendly
Drop-off
Your driver will drop you off at your address in Inverness.
Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage
In total
252 km3 h 10 min
Questions & Answers about Traveling from Edinburgh to Inverness
Can you get from Edinburgh to Inverness without a car?
You can travel easily from Edinburgh to Inverness without a car. Among the options are a bus, which takes almost 4 hours, or a picturesque train journey covering roughly 3.5 hours. However, booking a private car transfer is the fastest and most convenient.
How far is it from Edinburgh to Inverness?
The distance from Edinburgh to Inverness is approximately 156 miles (252 km). Driving by car takes approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes, and about 3.5 hours by train ride. Both provide picturesque views of the Scottish Highlands throughout.
Is the train from Edinburgh to Inverness scenic?
Absolutely! The train trip from Edinburgh to Inverness has spectacular views. The natural beauty will captivate you as the train passes by green mountains and glittering lochs. This scenic route is perfect for travelers who want to sit back, relax, and soak in the sights of the Highlands while making their way to Inverness.
What is the best way to get from Edinburgh to Inverness?
Booking a Daytrip private car transfer for maximum comfort and flexibility is the best way to get from Edinburgh to Inverness. However, people on a tighter budget might choose the bus or rail. A private car with Daytrip guarantees customized, flawless travel with possible picturesque stops along the way.
Is there a nonstop train from Edinburgh to Inverness?
Yes, there are direct trains from Edinburgh to Inverness, taking about 3.5 to 4 hours. There are also options with one change in Perth. Around 17 trains run daily via this route from Monday to Friday, 16 on Saturday, and 10 on Sundays.
What is the cheapest way to get from Edinburgh to Inverness?
The cheapest way to travel from Edinburgh to Inverness is by bus. Buses run regularly, with fares starting from $17 (£13) oneway. The train is the next cheapest, starting at $25, and it gets you to Inverness faster and more comfortably.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions, here are the answers.
Daytrip is the most convenient way to experience 14,500+ cities around the world.
Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.
Are you prepared to leave Edinburgh behind and travel to the picturesque Inverness? Embark on an exciting journey! More than just a drive, this 156-mile (252 km) trip takes you on an adventure into the very heart of Scotland. Think picturesque hills, lochs shrouded in mist, and quaint towns that whisk you away to a land that looks straight out of a fairy tale. And that’s no exaggeration; the car trip from Edinburgh to Inverness can be your own movie filming location tour!
Daytrip offers private car transfers, so you can travel the distance in comfort and style. You may take your time exploring, and enrich your trip with sightseeing stops along the way. Interested in taking a detour? Consider visiting the Forth Bridge, an engineering marvel, or the grand estate, Hopetoun House. With Daytrip, your travel day evolves into an exploration, transforming the road leading from Edinburgh to Inverness into an adventure as captivating as the destination itself.
About Inverness
Inverness is the Highland's capital city, located on Scotland's northeast coast, where the River Ness meets the Moray Firth. It’s the largest city in the Scottish highlands and skillfully blends its past with modern influence. With 47,000 people residing there, although small for a city, it radiates a friendly environment for everyone who visits.
History of Inverness
Inverness has a past that stretches back to prehistory, and the modern city can trace its foundation to the 6th century. Playing a role in the Jacobite uprisings the city's history is vividly portrayed by landmarks such as the Culloden Battlefield. Explore the remnants of the 12th-century Inverness Castle. Let whispers of tales captivate your imagination. Its history unfolds with battles, clans, and folklore each element contributing to its allure.
Modern Inverness
Fast forward to today. Inverness emerges as a center for culture and commerce. The modern essence of the city shines through its bustling shops, lively pubs, and flourishing arts community. Wander along the River Ness banks, stop at a café for some afternoon tea, or enjoy live music in a local pub with a pint in hand. From classic haggis to creative Scottish fusion cuisine offered at different restaurants, make sure to indulge in some of the local cuisine!
From Edinburgh to Inverness: travel tips
Trading Edinburgh's historical appeal for the beauty of Inverness? Here's how to make your Edinburgh to Inverness transfer flawless and fun as you travel through the heart of Scotland.
Time your journey
Dodge the brunt of the traffic by leaving early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Timing is key as the highways may grow crowded, particularly in peak travel season. Plus, the early morning sunrise in the Scottish Highlands is simply magical!
Plan scenic detours
With a few well-placed stops, your road journey will become an amazing Scottish adventure. Stretch your legs at Glen Coe, the dramatic Highlands setting for films including "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" and "Harry Potter". Alternatively, have a wee dram at one of Scotland's smallest traditional distilleries, Edradour Distillery. Each stop adds a layer of excitement and discovery to your journey.
Prepare for typical Scottish weather
Scottish weather can be erratic, so prepare for dramatic changes. Cool, cloudy summers and cold, rainy winters define Inverness' oceanic climate. It might be stormy and windy, particularly during winter months. Carry a waterproof jacket and layers to remain comfortable, no matter the season.
How to get from Edinburgh to Inverness
Ready to leave Edinburgh behind and head to the Highlands? Here are some of the transportation options to make the trip.
Train from Edinburgh to Inverness
For a relaxing and scenic journey, take a train. Direct trains departing from Edinburgh Waverley and arriving in Inverness take roughly 3.5 to 4 hours. As you relax, take in the breathtaking scenery of Scotland. Though one-way tickets start as low as $25.50 (£20.90), rates vary based on the service class and early booking date.
Price: starting from $25.50 (£20.90)
Duration: roughly 3.5 to 4 hours
Bus from Edinburgh to Inverness
If you want to cut some expenses, take the bus from Edinburgh to Inverness. The bus is often less expensive than the train, with tickets starting at $17, but the ride usually lasts 4 to 5 hours. Buses run regularly via this route, around 48 daily. Departures from Edinburgh Bus Station and arrivals at Inverness Bus Station offer reasonably priced travel choices.
Price: from $17 (£13) oneway
Duration: approximately 4 to 5 hours
Private car transfer from Edinburgh to Inverness
If your top priorities are comfort, flexibility, and adventure, think about a private car transfer with Daytrip. Instead of driving yourself, travel for 3 hours and 10 minutes in clean, comfortable cars with a professional driver and the option to add sightseeing stops.
Why not stop on the way at Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle? Or make a detour to Scotland's largest city, Glasgow. Starting at $106 (£84) per seat, this is a luxurious yet reasonably priced choice. Here are some more reasons that make Daytrips door-to-door service unique:
Optional sightseeing stops
24/7 customer service
Complimentary bottled water
Clean and sanitized vehicles
Prepared for pets, children, and those with limited mobility
Price: starting at $106 (£84) per seat
Duration: approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes
Flights from Edinburgh to Inverness
There are no direct flights from Edinburgh to Inverness, only layovers in Luton or Belfast. The flights will take around 3 to 4 hours overall, and extra travel time to and from the airport, and even more time for check-in and security. Traveling by one of the regular bus or train services or by private car transfer is faster and easier.
Things to do when you get to Inverness
Arriving in Inverness, it's time to explore the core of the Scottish Highlands. These are some must-do activities to really engage yourself in the charm and legacy of this city and make the trip unforgettable.
Explore Inverness Castle
Visit Inverness Castle to start your exploration of the Highland capital. Situated on a rock facing the River Ness, this ancient building offers breathtaking views as well as a window into the past of the city. Climbing the North Tower gives visitors a 360-degree view of the city and its surroundings. From the top, the views are amazing; the grounds around the castle are perfect for a slow stroll.
Go dolphin spotting on the Moray Firth
Go on an exciting high-speed boat tour over the Moray Firth and spot some native wildlife and dolphins. Among the many animals you can see are whales, porpoises, sharks, seals, birds, otters, and the well-known bottlenose dolphins. Spend time on the water racing past well-known feeding sites near Chanonry Point while an experienced skipper offers information on the local wildlife and history.
Visit the Culloden Battlefield
Step into the past at the Culloden Battlefield, the site of the last battle of the Jacobite Rising in 1746. You can learn all about the battle and how it changed Scotland's history at the visitor center. The experience of walking the battlefield brings a strong sense of poignancy and a profound connection to Scotland's past.
Stroll along the River Ness
Take it easy on a stroll along the River Ness if you're looking for a tranquil approach to take in Inverness: parks, little bridges, and picturesque vistas line the riverbanks. Take in the breathtaking stained-glass windows, intricate stone, wood carvings, and stunning architecture of Alexander Ross's Inverness Cathedral.
When is the best time to visit Inverness
While Inverness is great all year round, the summer months bring in the most visitors. The days stretch longer than in any other major city in the United Kingdom, and the warmer temperatures make exploring the surroundings perfect.
Inverness in spring (March to May)
Spring means Scottish wildflowers are in full bloom, making it a perfect time to visit the botanical gardens. And the best chance to spot local wildlife like the red squirrel. Fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures make it ideal for exploring the Highlands.
Average temperatures: 45°F to 60°F (7°C to 16°C)
Weather: mild and often sunny, ideal for walks and sightseeing
Events: the Etape Loch Ness in April and the Inverness Half Marathon in March
Inverness in summer (June to August)
Summer is lively, with warm days and a bustling atmosphere. It’s perfect for enjoying the long daylight hours.
Average temperatures: 55°F to 70°F (13°C to 21°C)
Weather: warm and sunny, great for festivals and outdoor events
Inverness is at its most picturesque in the fall. With its cool breeze and golden tones, autumn is ideal for a leisurely walk along the River Ness or an adventure into the surrounding woods and hills.
Average temperatures: 45°F to 60°F (7°C to 16°C)
Weather: cool and crisp, ideal for scenic drives and walks
Events: Ness Bookfest, Inverness Bonfire Nights Festivities, Black Isle Festival
Inverness in winter (December to February)
Winter in Inverness is calm and serene; occasional snow gives a magical touch to the landscape.
Average temperatures: 30°F to 45°F (-1°C to 7°C)
Weather: cold, with occasional snow, perfect for cozying up with a hot drink
Events: Hogmanay, Burns Night celebrations, Christmas celebrations
Visit these sights on the way
The Forth Bridge
This UNESCO World Heritage Site was a groundbreaking feat of engineering in its design, materials, and scale. An Engineering Marvel
Hopetoun House
Scotland’s finest stately manor has hosted kings, knights, and the BBC show Outlander. Outlandish Opulence
Glasgow
Welcome to Glasgow, Scotland's largest city and a vibrant hub of culture, history, and modernity, known for its rich industrial heritage and dynamic arts scene. Gritty and Green
Glen Coe
This beautiful section of the Scottish Highlands has been featured in everything from Monty Python and the Holy Grail to Harry Potter. Dramatic Backdrops
Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle
With its legendary beastie, historic castle, and beautiful views, the world’s most famous lake is a breath of fresh air. The Legendary Lake
Good to know
Children
If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!
Pets
Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.
Tips
Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).
Luggage
Big luggage
29x21x11 inches
74x53x28 cm
Small luggage
22x14x9 inches
56x36x23 cm
Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.
Payment methods
Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!
“I used this service for a transfer from Split in Croatia to Perast Montenegro. My experience was exceptional. My driver Bojan was helpful, informative and ensured my journey was comfortable and enjoyable. I highly recommend the service.”
“We were extremely satisfied with the quality of service we received from Day Trip. We had two Day Trip rides on August 31 from Athens to Lefkada and September 7 from Lefkada back to Athens. Both trips included stops at scenic sites in Greece. Both drivers were excellent and accommodating. However, we’d especially like to recognize Panos Peppas, who was our driver from Lefkada to Athens. Panos was incredibly nice & pleasant and delivered outstanding customer service, which included handling all of luggage, providing us with cold waters throughout the trip, providing us protein bars, providing us with printed materials on the Corinth Canal (one of scenic stops), looking up and providing us with terminal & gate info for our flight back home and providing us with a recipe for tzatziki.”
Reviewed by Tripadvisor
traveler Daydream20046758137
“We absolutely love this company and have used it many times over the years to get from A to B without the hassle of hiring a car ourselves. Excellent drivers every time. Efficient and professional. It’s worth every penny and we can honestly recommend Day Trip to everyone. It’s 5 star rating is well deserved.”
“We traveled from Nuremberg to Munich in a beautiful Audi. Driver picked us at our hotel at the exact time requested. Got us to Munich in plenty of time for our next tour. Driver made sure we were comfortable”
“Gonzalo from daytrip was our driver and he was absolutely amazing. He went over and beyond trying to locate us as our service wasn't so good on our phones. He patiently awaited our arrival to the lobby so he could take us from Tulum Dreams Resort to our other hotel in cancun an hour and a half away near the airport prior to our departure flight home. He was polite, respectful and kind. Made sure we were comfortable during our long ride. Fast and to the point. I recommend this company as finding a one way ride from Tulum to Cancun isn't easy or cheap and this company provides a great service for a great price. I will definitely be using them again whenever I'm in the Cancun/Tulum area. Thank you DayTrip and Gonzola.”
“We were picked up by Marianna to drive us from Heraklion to Chania. The weather was terrible & due to this Marianna arrived a few minutes late. She contacted me to advise of this. Marianna lives in Chana and she made our trip very interesting by informing us of local things to do and see in Chania. Marianna is a safe driver and we all felt comfortable with the speed she drove at and how good her driving was in heavy rain. She is a lovely person with fluent English. We highly recommend Daytrips and if you are in Heraklion or Chania please make sure you ask for Marianna.”
“Used the service to go from Luxor to Hurghada, Egypt. Ahmed H was our driver and he was perfect. The car was new, clean, he had water and snacks for us, and accommodated our stops. Great service from him and would recommend it.”
“Used Daytrip for two rides in Mexico, which were both great. So comfortable, and we arrived at each of our destinations at a great time. Both were incredible drivers, and we felt so safe. One of our drivers, Miguel, also played the best music! Will definitely use Daytrip on our next trip to Mexico.”
“We did not know what to expect with this trip and booked from Australia. We were initially looking for an easy way to travel from Granada to Malaga. We decided not to waste the opportunity to see something additional on our way. Miguel certainly exceeded our expectations. His English was excellent (unfortunately we speak very little Spanish), and he was very friendly and helpful. We thoroughly enjoyed hearing about the regions as we passed through and also discussing some of the local ways. Miguel took us to Antequera as planned and ensured we were able to easily get our tickets to the attractions without any sense of rushing us. We were picked up and dropped off punctually and really enjoyed our trip. Hopefully we will return to Spain and we can use this service again sometime.”
“We used the service twice while in Thailand. Extremely prompt and efficient customer service. Best rate being offered in Chiang Mai for the travels. Polite, punctual, professional and English speaking drivers. Clean, comfortable vehicles. Being a regular visitor to Thailand, this was hands down the best service. Most pleased with the company. I hope it sustains the excellence of service that was rendered to us.”
Reviewed by Tripadvisor
traveler Omar
Daytrip is a platform that connects you with local drivers who will transport you door-to-door, from one city to the next. We also give you the opportunity to explore sights/attractions along the way. We drive, you discover.
Yes! A return trip will take you back to your city of origin in the same size car in which you arrived. Return trips can be booked for the any day. You can also add customized sightseeing stops separately for each trip! Don’t worry if you don’t know your exact address at the time of booking - you’ll have the opportunity to update us closer to your travel date. Make sure to select “Return” when you start the booking process, then choose the dates and times of your departures.
For private trips, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure. For the Daytrip Pool shared shuttle, we offer 3 ticket options when booking: Non-refundable, Flexible with cancellations 24 hours before departure, and Super-flexible with cancellations up to 15 minutes before departure.
Simply choose your origin and destination via our homepage and enter your departure date and time. Browse and add sightseeing stops along the way by following the booking instructions provided on-screen. Select “One Way” or “Return” to change the type of trip you need. It’s a simple, easy, and fun way to book your next adventure! And if you don’t see your desired route on our website, you can request a custom trip. You can even book without knowing your exact pick-up or drop-off address - we let you add these later!
Each passenger is allowed one large bag (29" x 21" x 11" / 74 x 53 x 28 cm) and one small bag (22" x 14" x 9" / 56 x 36 x 23 cm). Luxury sedans can only accommodate 2 large bags. We always send the vehicle that is the best fit for you and your luggage, so make sure to select the actual amount of luggage you are traveling with when booking. If you have oversized luggage, or are unsure if your luggage will fit, contact us.
Everywhere except the USA, drivers will supply appropriate child seats (just let us know during booking). In the USA, certain states require you to supply your own child seats.
