The cheapest and fastest trains from Glasgow to Inverness
Cheapest price
€70
Average price
€70
Fastest journey
3 h 17 m
Average duration
3 h 24 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
179 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Glasgow to Inverness is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Glasgow to Inverness will cost around €70 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €70.
Of the 4 trains that leave Glasgow for Inverness on Fri, Jan 02, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jan 02 the direct trains cover the 179 km distance in an average of 3 h 24 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 17 m .
On Fri, Jan 02 the slowest trains will take 3 h 35 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
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Y38495 · Y38785
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Y38495 · Y38785Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Glasgow to Inverness
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Glasgow to Inverness among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €10. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 56m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €10, and a flight costs an average of €129.
Distance: 179 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€65 Average price | €16 Average price Cheapest | €160 Average price |
3h 48m Average total duration 3h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 22m Average total duration 3h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 56m Average total duration Fastest 2h 56m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Glasgow to Inverness train times
The table below shows live departures for Glasgow to Inverness trains for today, Thursday, January 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:07 AM Glasgow | 3h18 | 12:25 PM Inverness | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:41 AM Glasgow | 3h35 | 1:16 PM Inverness | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:38 PM Glasgow | 3h29 | 7:07 PM Inverness | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:19 PM Glasgow | 4h24 | 9:43 PM Inverness | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:07 PM Glasgow | 3h36 | 9:43 PM Inverness | 0 transfersDirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Glasgow to Inverness by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Glasgow to Inverness?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Glasgow to Inverness
Trains from Glasgow to Inverness run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €19 but you can travel from only €10 by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:54, the last at 20:22. The fastest train covers the 179 km distance in 3h 7m.
Distance 179 km |
Average train duration 3h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price €19 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 3h 7m |
First train 04:54 |
Last train 20:22 |
Train companies: ScotRail, LNER from Glasgow to Inverness trainsScotRail, LNER trains will get you between Glasgow and Inverness from €10. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
ScotRail
LNER
Trains from Glasgow to Inverness
The train line between Glasgow and Inverness is well served with connections. On weekdays and Saturdays, passengers can find six direct trains and six indirect trains with one change, and seven connections on Sundays.
Glasgow to Inverness Train Time: Daily departures
Passengers wishing to travel between Glasgow and Inverness can choose from 12 trains every day from Monday to Saturday. As six of these are indirect services, they will require a change at Perth or Stirling, but there are also six direct services available. The first train of the day leaves Glasgow just after 7:00 a.m. and the last shortly after 7:30 p.m. On Sundays, service is reduced, but there are still seven connections available between the two cities, including three direct trains.
How long is the journey by train from Glasgow to Inverness?
The train from Glasgow to Inverness generally takes around three and a half hours to travel from the central belt up to the Highlands. Most train connections complete the journey in three hours 13 minutes or up to half an hour longer. There is also a direct train that takes nearly five hours. Passengers should check the journey times and be aware that sometimes services with changes may be quicker than direct trains.
What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Glasgow to Inverness?
Departure train station: Trains from Glasgow to Inverness leave from Glasgow Queen Street. Queen Street is located in the centre of Glasgow and serves the trains to and from the north. It is within a seven-minute walk from both Glasgow Central Station and Buchanan Street Bus Station, making it convenient for those coming from further afield. The station has the usual facilities expected in a large city, including a ticket office, left-luggage, a waiting room, various food outlets and toilets.
Arrival train station: All trains from Glasgow to Inverness arrive at Inverness Station. Situated in the centre of the Highland Capital, Inverness Station is as conveniently located for the city itself as it is for onward travel. There is a taxi rank just outside and the bus station, with onward connections to the rest of the Highlands and beyond, is just a short walk. The station has left-luggage facilities, a newsagent, a café, a ticket office and ample waiting areas.
Which train companies travel from Glasgow to Inverness?
ScotRail operates most of the services between Glasgow and Inverness. However, the longer, second leg of one connection a day is offered by LNER.
ScotRail Glasgow to Inverness
ScotRail operates 11 of the 12 services between Glasgow and Inverness on weekdays and Saturdays. Sundays see a reduction in service, but passengers can still choose from six ScotRail connections, including three direct trains. All trains have an on-board catering trolley that offers hot and cold drinks and light snacks to passengers at their seats.
LNER Glasgow to Inverness
LNER runs half of one connection a day between Glasgow to Inverness; the first part of the journey from Glasgow to Stirling is operated by ScotRail. The ScotRail connection to the LNER train leaves Glasgow just after 4:40 p.m. each day of the week. As the LNER connection is a long-distance train that has travelled up from London, it has a high standard of comfort on board, which includes a café bar and catering trolley. Passengers in first-class receive a complementary hot meal served to them at their seat.
Glasgow to Inverness Trains: Services on board
Seats can be reserved for free on all ScotRail and LNER trains between Glasgow and Inverness in first or standard-class carriages.
Bikes can be carried on both ScotRail and LNER services without an additional fee, but as space is limited, it must be booked ahead of time. Bicycles should only be carried in the bicycle storage area.
Up to two pets can accompany each passenger on both ScotRail and LNER trains. They should, however, be on a lead or in a travel container. Should passengers wish to bring an additional pet on board, a small fee is payable.
Three items of luggage are permitted per person on both providers. ScotRail also offer the carriage of additional luggage for an extra fee.
LNER trains offer wheelchair accessible spaces and toilets in both first and standard-class carriages; currently, ScotRail only offers this in standard class. Assistance at the start and end stations can be booked in advance for those who need it, regardless of the train operator.
How do I find cheap train tickets from Glasgow to Inverness?
Booking in advance is the best way to find the cheapest train tickets between Glasgow and Inverness. Passengers should be aware that particularly busy services, such as those at peak times, are likely to be more expensive, so they should consider travelling at quieter times of the day.
FAQs: Trains from Glasgow to Inverness
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Glasgow to Inverness by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Inverness, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Passengers board the train most frequently from Glasgow Queen Street, which is located around 0.6 miles (893 m) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Inverness, located 0.3 miles (469 m) away from the city centre.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Glasgow to Inverness
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:10 - 23:55 Saturday 05:10 - 23:55 Sunday 07:10 - 23:55
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to all platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the Information Desk on Concourse.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Toilets Location: The toilet is located on the concourse. Toilet facilities are only available during station opening hours. On Sundays the toilets close at 23:00. Radar - National Key Scheme
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Waiting rooms location: Inside the station next to the ticket office
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing)
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off from the bus stop on the bridge at Cathedral Street
- Metro: Interchange station for SPT Subway
- Mon - Sat: 05:30 - 21:30
- Sun: 09:15 - 21:30
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- Luggage storage facilities are located near Platform 1 operated by Excess Baggage Co.
- Type of shops available: Wide range of shops
- Car Park: Oswald Street NCP Car Park
- Burger King
- Krispy Kreme
- Gordon St Coffee
- Starbucks
- Upper Crust
- The Beer House
- Patisserie Valerie
- Alston Bar & Beef
- Taxi: Taxis are available outside opposite the Gordon Street exit
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis can be located on Gordon Street.
- There is step-free access in the whole station via elevators and ramps for train access. There are also escalators.
- Toilets Location: Accessible toilets can be located inside the Gordon Street entrance, use the intercom for access. There is also an accessible toilet on platform 9 opposite the water hydration point. Both toilets are operated with a radar Key Accessible shower is available within the changing places facility.
- National key toilets: No
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Hotel Indigo Glasgow
- Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow
- voco Grand Central Glasgow
- Mon - Sat: 05:30 - 21:30
- Sun: 09:15 - 21:30
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- There is a customer service center in the station located next to the ticket office.
- Bus lines: 6, 7, 18, 21, 75, 263, 267, 500 Airport Express
- Train lines: West Coast Main Line, ScotRail, Avanti West Coast, LNER, TransPennine Express, CrossCountry, Caledonian Sleeper
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Bus pick up / drop off on Gordon St.
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:00 - 23:20 Saturday 06:00 - 23:20 Sunday 08:20 - 23:30
- Type of shops available: WHSmith newsagent
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to both platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the Ticket Office
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Toilets Location: As part of our COVID-19 response, the toilets are opened upon request. The toilets are located on the Concourse. Radar - National Key Scheme
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: No
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing)
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off from Elmbank Gardens to the left of the station entrance
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:30 - 20:30 Saturday 06:30 - 18:30 Sunday 09:15 - 20:20
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to all platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the automatic ticket gates Blue Badge parking bays: 3
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on the Concourse. The National key toilets are located on the Concourse; these toilets are operated by a radar key. Available between 0630 and 1930
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage CCTV: No
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing)
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off from the Eastgate side of the station at the short stay car park
Most popular train connections from Glasgow
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