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One of the most common questions asked by visitors planning a trip to Inverness, is How to travel to Inverness. This newly updated for 2025 blog will help anyone embarking on a journey to Inverness. Your journey is the beginning of your adventure in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Inverness is the gateway to the Highlands, a city that embodies the spirit of the Scottish Highlands.
It is charming, steeped in history and brimming with natural beauty, plus you will experience a warm Highland welcome, setting the stage for a memorable exploration. This travel guide will navigate you through the various options to make this journey a memorable one.
Geography: Understanding Inverness’s Location
To better understand How to travel to Inverness it is helpful to understand it’s location. Inverness is situated in the north of Scotland, Inverness is the largest city and the cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands. Nestled near the mouth of the River Ness and the Moray Firth. Inverness serves as a hub connecting the north of Scotland to the rest of the country.
Travelling by Air: Embracing the Skies
Air travel provides the quickest way to reach Inverness. Numerous airlines operate regular flights to Inverness from domestic and international destinations, daily London and Amsterdam flights make the city easily accessible from virtually anywhere in the world.
Currently British Airways, KLM, Loganair and Easyjet offer daily flights to Inverness Airport. You can fly direct from Amsterdam, London, Belfast, Bergen, Benbecula, Birmingham, Dublin, Exeter, Jersey, Manchester, Newquay, Orkney, and Stornoway.
Inverness Airport: Your Touchdown to the Highlands
Your aerial journey culminates at Inverness Airport, a modern and well-equipped gateway to the Highlands. Located just 9 miles east of the city, the airport offers a range of facilities and services, including car hire, taxis, and bus services to the city centre.
Travel To Inverness by Train from Edinburgh and Glasgow
For those who prefer to savour the journey, travelling by train offers a scenic and leisurely route to Inverness. The city is well-connected by rail with major cities across the UK, and the journey offers breath taking views of the Scottish countryside.
Travelling from Edinburgh to Inverness by Train
Edinburgh, the Scottish capital, is a city that effortlessly combines ancient history with a pulsating modern life. Its iconic castle, sprawling gardens, and rich cultural scene make it a fantastic starting point for your Scottish adventure.
Edinburgh to Inverness, embark at Waverley station in the heart of Edinburgh; Scotland’s capital city. Waverley Station is Edinburgh’s main railway station, there are normally 13 daily trains to Inverness, ensuring that you can choose a departure time that suits your schedule.
The route to Inverness takes you across the Forth Rail Bridge, through a panorama of rolling hills, lush forests, and sparkling lochs, it really does provide a unique perspective of the Scottish landscape.
Travelling from Glasgow to Inverness by Train
Glasgow, is Scotland’s largest city, full of culture, and history. A cityscape of grand Victorian architecture, cutting-edge design, and verdant parks sets the stage for your Scottish adventure. Inverness in contrast offers a picturesque setting, historic charm, and welcoming atmosphere promise a memorable experience.
A train journey from Glasgow to Inverness showcases the splendour of the Scottish landscape. This relaxing mode of travel offers a unique view of Scotland’s diverse topography, from rolling farmland to rugged mountains.
Your rail journey begins at Glasgow Central Station. There are regular departures to Inverness, approximately 14 trains per day, allowing you to choose a time that suits your travel plans.
The Caledonian Sleeper: A Unique Rail Experience
One of the most memorable ways to travel to Inverness is on the Caledonian Sleeper, an overnight train service from London. Offering comfortable accommodation and dining facilities, this journey allows you to wake up to the stunning landscapes of the Highlands.
Inverness Station: Arriving by Rail
Inverness Railway Station, located in the heart of the city, is your final stop. From here, you’re just a short walk or taxi ride from a range of accommodations and the city’s main attractions.
Traveling by Road, Your Epic Drive to the Highlands
If you relish the freedom and flexibility of a road trip, the network of highways and picturesque roads leading to Inverness will not disappoint. Whether you choose to drive yourself or hire a coach service, the journey to Inverness is filled with captivating vistas.
If you are coming from Glasgow or the west we recommend travelling north to Inverness on the A82. If you are coming from Edinburgh then head towards the A9 and Perth. This is a circular route take the A82 there and the A9 back or vice versa and you will see the very best of the Scotland!
Driving From Edinburgh To Inverness
Driving from Edinburgh and heading for the A9 you can cross the stunning Queensferry bridge and head towards A9 this is slightly shorter than the alternative which is to head towards the A9 via Falkirk and Stirling. You can choose to go one route on the way to Inverness and the other on the way back then you will have the opportunity to explore
- Falkirk: Start your journey by visiting the Falkirk Wheel, the world’s only rotating boat lift, and the nearby Kelpies, which are two 30-meter-high horse-head sculptures.
- Stirling: Next, stop at Stirling, a city steeped in history. Here, you can visit Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s grandest castles due to its imposing position and impressive architecture. The National Wallace Monument is also a must-visit.
Journey North on the A9 Route
Take the A9 route and include any of the amazing places below. There really is something for everyone.
- Highland Wildlife Park, has a long history of working to reconnect people and nature and help endangered species. Scotland’s first polar bear cub Hamish was born at the park and recently the first Amur Tiger Cubs have arrived, although they are too young for public display at the moment. Explore the park, learn about nature and have a great day out!
- Highland Folk Museum, is Britain’s first open air museum, Outlander fans may recognise the houses as part of the TV set. Step back in time to the life of the Highland crofter.
- Cairngorm National Park, explore the cairngorms try a new outdoor activity, walking in the hills and moutains and lots of nature and some great bird spotting opportunities Boat of Garten Osprey.
- Dalwhinnie Distillery, a fabulous spot in the mountains of Badenoch. This is the highest working distillery in Scotland.
Stop for lunch on your journey south at House of Bruar for fabulous food and great shopping. Then pick your route home.
Please note that the journey from Edinburgh to Inverness is approximately 3.5 hours without stops, so adding these stops will significantly extend your travel time. It would be ideal to spread this itinerary over two or more days to fully enjoy each location.
The Highland Circular
The Highland circular allows the visitor to travel from either Glasgow or Edinburgh, take the A82 one way and the A9 the other or vice versa and you will experience a true Highland adventure!
Explore the A82 Route by Car
Head north to the Highlands on the A82 north from Glasgow, travel north along the banks of Loch Lomond, to the fabulous Green Welly for a pit stop at Crianlarich. Then onwards North, across the barren beauty of Rannoch Moor. Under the ominous peak of Buachaille Etive Mòr, at the head of Glen Etive, imagine Skyfall and James Bond, just wait till you see this stunning space.
Down again towards Glencoe and the site of the infamous 1692 Glencoe Massacre, across the waters of Loch Linnhe and Leven over the Ballachulish Bridge. The bridge replaced the old car ferry and gives amazing views. Follow the road as it winds its way north along the banks of Loch Linnhe towards Fort William. You will pass the Corran ferry, the gateway to the Ardnamurchan peninsula; home of Rowan Atkinson.
Arriving in Fort William, you have Choices:
Take a break from the road you step aboard the Hogwarts Express aka the Jacobite Steam Train over the Glenfinnan viaduct out to Mallaig; gateway to Skye & the Western Isles .
Put on your walking boots and you can tackle Britain’s highest mountain Ben Nevis. There is a foot path, it is a long uphill walk, go prepared; even in June it can snow at the top.
Try something new, board a Nevis Range Gondola & ride up Aonach Mor, with gorgeous views, walks and cycle paths. There is a tasty restaurant, bar and toilets at the top Gondola station.
Get back on the road, A82 towards Inverness
Keep coming North the Highlands are just beginning. Follow the Caledonian Canal through Fort Augustus, passed the turn off for Skye and towards Drumnadrochit. Turn Left at Drumnadrochit for Beauly but go right towards Inverness. You will follow the road alongside the magnificent Loch Ness, passed The Loch Ness Monster Exhibition and monster scanning vessel, glimpse Urquhart Castle, spot the Jacobite cruises on the Loch & head for Inverness.
When you arrive check in to the Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa, it the one opposite Inverness Castle, on the banks of the River Ness with its very own baronial twin turrets. Check in, grab a bite to eat in the Brasserie and then you can go exploring. On the way back south you can tae the A9 route described above, and experience the full Highland Circular.
Bus Services: Convenient & Cost-Effective
Bus services offer a convenient and cost-effective way to reach Inverness. National operators run regular services from major cities, while local bus companies provide connections to surrounding Highland communities.
Ferry Services: Connecting Inverness to the Isles
Inverness is also reachable by sea, with ferry services connecting the city to the Orkney and Shetland Isles. This mode of travel offers a unique perspective of Scotland’s rugged coastline and the chance to witness marine wildlife
Book your Trip in the Scottish Highlands
Come North, the route, whether taken by bus or car, unfolds like a storybook of picturesque towns, majestic castles, and stunning landscapes. Make sure to stay at the Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa.
There is so much to experience the breath-taking beauty and stunning scenery of the Scottish Highlands. It’s so much more than a viewpoint it’s a way of life! Sip a “wee dram”, delight in the delicious food straight from the sea, loch and field and “chat on” the locals. Scotland is a little different expect a “good morning” as take your morning stroll and there is always someone with a “wee bit” of local advice or a story. You can experience all these things when you take a road trip!
The Spring is fresh and green, the Summer is lush and Autumn is full of stunning colour, Winter is a time of quiet beauty, when the city transforms into a crystalline wonderland; a road trip for all seasons. Check out your blog, What’s the weather like in Inverness, to help you pack for your Highland adventure.
Stay With Us
Make sure you include Inverness on your trip to Scotland. Stay at the 4 Star Inverness Palace Hotel and Spa, family owned 4 star hotel, opposite Inverness Castle, on the banks of the River Ness; your time to stay in style and enjoy highland hospitality. Check out your Seasonal Offers and after your busy day of exploring you can relax in the pool at the beautifully refurbished luxury leisure club and dine in the newly renovated Eight on the River.
You will enjoy a truly memorable Inverness Escape, call us 01463 223243 or email Palace for your best offers direct. Book Direct for the very best offers. We hope you enjoyed your complete guide on How to travel to Inverness, check out the blog page for more guides to maximise your stay.
