Inverness

Private car transfer
from Edinburgh to Inverness

Door-to-door
in 3 h 10 min
From ...
per seat
Comfortable
car
One way
Cancel for free 24 hours before departure
Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice 2024
Excellent
trustpilot-stars

Trip Information

Pick-up

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 km
  • 3 h 10 min

Overview: car trip from Edinburgh to Inverness

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
  • Events: Inverness Highland Games, various music festivals

Inverness in autumn (September to November)

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

Questions & Answers about Traveling from Edinburgh to Inverness

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Visit these sights on the way

The Forth Bridge

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

Hopetoun House

Scotland’s finest stately manor has hosted kings, knights, and the BBC show Outlander. Outlandish Opulence 

Glasgow

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

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

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 

Why people love Daytrip

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4,800+ reviews
  • 275 travelers took this route with us
Dec 4, 2024

Excellent service for transfers in Thailand

I was unsure about this company but a few good reviews on Trip Advisor made me take the chance. I am so happy that we did. We needed a ride from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. Our driver Saksun was an excellent driver - it's not a long distance to drive (by Texas standards!) but the road is challenging and there are a lot of places where improvements to the road are being made. It took around 3 hours with a stop at a place with very clean bathrooms, very interesting hot springs and a place to get a snack and cold drinks. Saksun had a vehicle that was fantastic for this type of drive - a very comfortable ride indeed and was obviously well maintained and very clean. I highly recommend this company. I used to post on trip advisor as "lakekariba" but got out of the habit of doing so. This company was so easy to use and the result was so enjoyable that I felt that the company Daytrip and the driver Saksun had earned our trust and a glowing review. Gillian and Ted Pearsall Austin, Texas

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler lakekariba
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lakekariba

Dec 4, 2024
Dec 3, 2024

Excellent option to get to Vienna to Budapest!

We used Daytrip to travel between Budapest and Vienna with a 2 hour stop for lunch in Bratislava. Our driver Zsombor arrived on time at our hotel in Budapest and was very friendly and informative throughout our trip. His vehicle was roomy and clean and he was kind enough to provide us with some bottled water for the trip. Our quick visit stop in Bratislava was very nice as well. He gave us plenty of time to explore the city and have lunch before meeting him again when it was time to head for Vienna. Daytrip provided us with a happy and trouble free transfer between Budapest and Vienna. Many thanks to your team and especially to your driver Zsombor!

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler pgh1125
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pgh1125

Dec 3, 2024
Nov 9, 2024

Great communication with an actual person! They will take you ANYWHERE, No pre-set routes to choose from!

Last minute plan change and Daytrip was our last resort so I chatted with them and had an immediate response from a real person, best situation ever. Never used Daytrip before but the reviews were incredible so we took the chance and booked a driver at like 11-12pm and by 7am the next morning when we woke, they found us a driver and the driver had already texed us making contact! Very impressed and will definitely use them again. We went from Dubrovnik, Croatia to Tivat, Montenegro.

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler James B
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James B

Nov 9, 2024
Nov 1, 2024

Perfect Transport

Andreas did a great job picking us up from Pireaus Cruise Port and taking us to our rental in Spata. The three of us had been on a long cruise and had 9 pieces of luggage. He arrived in an appropriate vehicle and loaded and unloaded all of it. We are very happy with out decision to book with Daytrip.

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler LuckyTraveler01
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LuckyTraveler01

Nov 1, 2024

Vehicle options for this trip

Most popular

sedan

Sedan

Comparable to aVolkswagen Passat
Passengers and luggage
  • 1-3
  • 3x
  • 3x
  • Clean
  • Comfortable
  • Air conditioned
  • Handicapped accessible
  • Child seats
  • Pet friendly
  • Smoke-free
From ... per seatSelect

Best reviews

luxury sedan

Luxury sedan

Comparable to aMercedes Benz E-class
Passengers and luggage
  • 1-2
  • 2x
  • 2x
  • All standard sedan features
  • Luxurious vehicle
  • Chauffeur-style service
  • Extra amenities
From ... per seatSelect

More options

mpv

Compact MPV

Comparable to aVolkswagen Touran
Passengers and luggage
  • 4
  • 4x
  • 4x
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van

Van

Comparable to aMercedes Vito
Passengers and luggage
  • 5-7
  • 7x
  • 7x
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The Daytrip driver advantage

Daytrip driver
  • Local knowledge about the route from Edinburgh to Inverness
    Including available sights:
  • English speaking*

    All Daytrip drivers speak English* as well as their native language (and sometimes additional languages too!). They'll be happy to discuss local history and culture with you, as well as answer any questions you may have. And because they speak the language, they're able to provide you with a unique opportunity to connect with local culture. *Drivers for Lite service aren't required to speak English but must meet all other standards.

  • Safety first!

    We screen all our drivers for criminal and traffic records, and personally interview each one. We also inspect their cars for safety, comfort, and reliability. All cars must be less than ten years old, in excellent operating condition, and insured as required by local law. And because our drivers are locals, they're familiar with the rules and customs of the road.

World-class customer support

  • Available 24/7
  • Close relationship with drivers
  • Experts on the route from Edinburgh to Inverness

Flexible cancellation policy

  • Cancellations: 100% refund up to 24 hours before the trip!
  • Changes: Free up to 24 hours before the trip!

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!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, here are the answers.

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