The average train distance from Glasgow to Inverness is 112 miles, which takes 4 hours and 9 minutes. However, some direct services can travel between the cities in only 3 hours and 17 minutes. Check the timetable at ScotRail on your departure date to find the fastest carriage available.
What is the easiest way to get from Glasgow to Inverness?
Daytrip's private door-to-door service is the easiest way to travel from Glasgow to Inverness. A provisional driver will collect you directly at your accommodation down south and manage your luggage at the time that best suits your travel plans. They'll also arrive at your new hotel's doorstep, eliminating the hassle of dragging bags through town or arranging taxis from bus stations.
How do you get from Glasgow to Inverness?
As of 2024, three travel options are available from Glasgow to Inverness, each with unique advantages. The bus is ideal when traveling on a budget, the train is the most scenic option, and Daytrip's private door-to-door service is the fastest, most comfortable, and most convenient option.
Can you fly from Glasgow to Inverness?
Currently, no direct flight operates from Glasgow to Inverness. Due to the proximity, extensive public transport network, and lack of demand for the service, one will unlikely appear. You can fly indirectly through London. However, this flight isn't recommended due to the cost, hassle, and duration.
What is the fastest way to get from Glasgow to Inverness?
Daytrip is the fastest way to travel from Glasgow to Inverness. A private door-to-door service can transport you between the cities in only 3 hours. A professional driver will even collect you at your hotel down south and drop you off at your new one up north. As a result, you'll save more time not organizing taxis to departure stations or when you arrive in Inverness.
Is it worth going to Inverness?
Inverness is worth visiting and should be on every travel enthusiast's bucket list. It's one of Europe's most underrated destinations, with a bustling downtown home to lively bars, high-quality restaurants, and a thriving museum scene. It's also the perfect base for exploring the extraordinary Scottish wilderness, including the world-renowned Loch Ness!
Something is exhilarating about driving through winding roads with craggy hills flowing into the distance, covered in a blanket of foggy dew. The mystic ambiance and the breathtaking vistas are why the car trip from Glasgow to Inverness is a travel enthusiast's dream!
Glasow's Victorian lanes will lead the way into the nation's iconic countryside, where glimmering lochs and rugged glens take center stage. Traditional villages and medieval fortresses nestled among the foliage offer evidence that the countryside is steeped in a rich history, where locals still favor ancient ways of life and centuries-old architecture.
Things take a turn halfway through the journey as you sprawl alongside Cairngorms National Park. The unspoiled views of exposed rock formations and rustic hills rolling as far as the horizon seem untouched by humanity. The road, dropped like spaghetti and littered with natural wonders, will lead you to Inverness's historic streets, where you can begin the next chapter of your Scottish staycation.
The drive from Glasgow to Inverness is one of the world's most scenic road trips. Comfort and panoramic seating are priorities for this route. So uncover which mode of transport can offer you everything you need for a surreal venture from south to northern Scotland!
About Inverness
You'll notice a significant difference after your scenic Glasgow to Inverness transfer. You'll travel 168 miles from Scotland's largest city to a town with a population of under 47,000 residents stretching along the banks of the River Ness.
<show-more>
The town sits in northeastern Scotland, hugging the border with the North Sea. Its position earned Inverness the nickname of the Gateway to the Highlands, and it's why over 310,000 travelers flock to the region annually.
Beginning of Inverness
Civilizations have lived around Inverness for over 8,500 years. In fact, farmers of the Nairn Valley built the nearby Clava Cairns burial grounds in 2000 BC. However, one of the early indicators of Inverness as a village was in the 560s, when King Brude named Inverness the capital of the Picts.
Inverness grew in size and importance during the medieval ages when the city built a castle with significant fortifications. This fortress became the royal residence until its destruction during the Jacobite uprising, which saw Charles Edward Stuart attempting to regain the British throne for his father.
Recent and modern Inverness
The reconstruction of the Inverness Castle in the 19th century and the city's rapid economic growth in the late 20th century contributed to Inverness's charm today. Due to significant financial investment, the city's Victorian buildings and ancient landmarks have been well preserved. These almost Harry Potter-styled walkways, mixed with the carefree atmosphere, make Inverness one of Europe's most underrated destinations.
But you can't talk about Inverness without mentioning the picturesque landscape and folklore tales surrounding its hustle and bustle. As the Gateway to the Highlands, one of the world's most intriguing legends, the Loch Ness Monster, lies only 9 miles from the town. Thus, this makes Inverness an ideal base for nature lovers hiking in the nearby hills or mythology enthusiasts hoping to sneak a peek at the monster!
Language: English and Scots
Currency: British sterling (GBP)
Climate: Oceanic
Time zone: GMT
Plug type: G
</show-more>
From Glasgow to Inverness: travel tips
Unless you're a local who regularly travels from Glasgow to Inverness, you might miss out on some extraordinary treats en route. That's why our drivers and experts included insider tips for your upcoming voyage!
<show-more>
Raindrops keep falling on my head
Scotland is one of Europe's wettest nations. And the further north you drive, the rainier it gets.
Remember to check the forecast on the morning of your departure. But if you plan to sightsee en route, you should always have essential items like rain jackets, umbrellas, and waterproof shoes in case of a sudden rain shower.
Speak to the locals
If you want to feel like a local in northern Scotland, you'll need to chat with the residents. By 21st-century standards, the region remains off the beaten tourism map, and few guidebooks give a deep insight into the folklore and ways of life here.
With Daytrip, you can speak with your local driver with extensive regional knowledge who would be delighted to share tales, give tips, or recommend hidden spots in Inverness!
Explore natural and manmade wonders
Scotland's nature and manmade structures blend harmoniously like a surprising marriage. Over 31,000 lochs and around 1,500 castles litter through Scotland, and some of the most alluring reside on the road from Glasgow to Inverness.
The Queen's View overlooking Loch Tummel is arguably the most captivating spot in the United Kingdom. Blair Castle was the home of Europe's last private army, while Loch Ness, with its mystical beast, dazzling lake, and panoramic vistas, is the cream of the crop!
</show-more>
How to get from Glasgow to Inverness
The road from Glasgow to Inverness is a scenic yet thrilling experience. Fortunately, three modes of transport connect the cities, so you'll find one that suits your needs and travel preferences below!
Buses from Glasgow to Inverness
Buses are by far the cheapest way to transfer from Glasgow to Inverness, which is ideal when traveling on a budget. Since it costs less than other methods, it's the least comfortable and has the most extensive duration. This is something to consider when traveling as a family or when limited on time.
Megabus, Citylink, and Flixbus operate direct and indirect services, requiring only one change in Perth before continuing your journey. Whether you travel directly or not, you'll purchase a ticket online through either company's website from Glasgow Buchanan Station to Inverness Bus Station. All firms offer wifi, restrooms, and power outlets on board.
Cheapest bus ticket: $10 (тВм9)
Average bus ticket: $17.50 (тВм16)
Quickest bus duration: 3 hours and 30 minutes
Longest bus duration: 4 hours and 15 minutes
First bus departure: 6:15 AM
Last bus departure: 6:55 PM
Trains from Glasgow to Inverness
The train is the most popular means of transport for locals and tourists from Glasgow to Inverness. Therefore, you may find crowded carriages and inflated tickets if you reserve a seat at the last minute during the peak summer hours from 6 AM to 10 AM and 4 PM to 8 PM.
ScotRail runs 15 daily trains from Glasgow Queen Street to Inverness Railway Station. Since only a handful are direct, many require a quick change at Perth. You can explore the charming town en route or jump straight back on a direct carriage to your final destination in under 1.5 hours.
Cheapest train ticket: $27.50 (тВм25)
Average train ticket: $54 (тВм49)
Quickest train duration: 3 hours and 17 minutes
Longest train duration: 5 hours
First train departure: 6:52 AM
Last train departure: 10:55 PM
Daytrip from Glasgow to Inverness
Daytrip is the fastest, most comfortable, and most convenient transportation from Glasgow to Inverness. A private door-to-door service will whisk you off your feet from your hotel down south and transport you directly to your new one in the north in only 3 hours.
After a professional driver greets you with a smile and helps with your bags, you'll cruise along in a clean and sanitized vehicle. You can roll down the windows and let the crisp country air flow through or set the thermostat to perfection with your seats reclining in a quiet environment.
Daytrip also offers the most flexibility when traveling from Glasgow to Inverness. No other vehicle will drop you at the doorstep of Hopetoun House, the finest manor nationwide, and wait with your luggage while you explore indoors. Since you'll be out of the driver's seat, you can even sample the finest whiskey at Edradour Distillery, which happens to be one of Scotland's smallest producers!
Seats from: $114 (тВм104)
English-speaking driver
Complimentary bottled water
Equipped for pets, kids, groups, or those with limited mobility
24/7 responsive customer service
Free cancellation 24 hours before departing
Things to do when you get to Inverness
Inverness isn't on the same tourist radar as other world-renowned British cities like London, Edinburgh, or Liverpool. Therefore, you'll be pleasantly surprised when you discover you'll have a full itinerary after driving from Glasgow to Inverness!
Cruise along Loch Ness
A visit to Inverness wouldn't be complete without a day trip to the legendary Loch Ness. Just a short drive from the city, this vast, mysterious loch is world-famous for its elusive monster, Nessie.
The best way to experience Loch Ness is by taking a boat cruise, which allows you to appreciate the loch's depth and beauty. Many cruises depart from the nearby village of Drumnadrochit and often include visits to the ruins of the historic Urquhart Castle.
Journey through Inverness Castle
The Inverness Castle standing before you dates back to the 1830s. However, a fortress has stood here since 1057, so you can expect a rich and fascinating history lesson within its imposing fortress.
The Inverness Castle Experience will guide you through its walkways, showcasing historical relics and sharing legends in its newly refurbished visitor center. After soaking up the culture, you can relax in the onsite gardens while overlooking the city and River Ness.
Take shelter in the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
With Inverness receiving over 140 days of rainfall annually, you'll likely witness some showers while in town. Luckily, visiting the Inverness Museum and Gallery is the perfect place to shelter from the elements and inject some art and culture into your Scottish adventure.
The vast showrooms highlight the history of Inverness but also the whole Highlands region. The art gallery section portrays many permanent and temporary exhibitions, focusing on promoting local talent. It's free to enter the setting, but donations are welcome!
Relax in Inverness Botanical Gardens
The Inverness Botanical Gardens should be the first in town when traveling as a family. The stunning environment allows you to unwind and your kids to admire unique features like the tropical conservatory or the cactus house, and you won't have to spend a penny to enter!
Prince Edwards opened the gardens in 1993. Today, the gardens are a peaceful oasis, ideal for a relaxing afternoon, and also host a cafe where you can enjoy a light snack surrounded by nature.
When is the best time to visit Inverness?
Summer is the most popular time local and international tourists flock to Inverness. Since the town remains off the tourist's map, it's also the best time to book a Glasgow to Inverness transfer!
July and August are the hottest months of the year when the daily high temperature reaches 65┬░ F. Unlike parts of southern Europe, the summer climate is ideal for exploring the outdoors and participating in city walking tours during the day.
The warm weather brings a vibrant atmosphere to town when cafes dust off their outdoor terraces from the wet winter and spring seasons. But the most significant reason Inverness bursts into life is the live concerts and cultural events around town, such as The Gathering Festival, National Whiskey Fest, and the beloved Inverness Highland Games!
