Can you take a day trip from Edinburgh to Inverness by train?
Absolutely.
Inverness is one of those places where the journey is almost as enjoyable as the destination. Take a direct train from Edinburgh Waverley in the morning, watch Scotland’s landscape change as you travel north, spend the afternoon exploring Inverness on foot, and then take a later train back to Edinburgh.
You don’t need a car, an organised tour or an ambitious list of Highland attractions.
This is the route I took on my day trip to Inverness, including the scenic train journey, Leakey’s Bookshop, walks along the River Ness, two very different bridges, the Victorian Market, Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, Inverness Castle and some time exploring Inverness High Street.
If you’re looking for more ideas, I’ve also put together a guide to day trips from Edinburgh covering destinations around Scotland.
Table of contents
Inverness Day Trip at a Glance
Starting point: Edinburgh Waverley
Destination: Inverness
Transport: Direct train + walking
Time in Inverness: Around 7 hours
Walking: Approximately 3β4 km for the core route
Difficulty: Easy city walking, with a short uphill section to Inverness Castle
Car needed: No
Best for: Highland scenery, history, riverside walks, independent shops and a relaxed day out
Free highlights: River Ness, Greig Street Footbridge, Ness Bridge, Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, Inverness Castle Gardens
Paid option: Inverness Castle Experience
Best season: Spring to early autumn; summer gives you particularly long daylight hours
Edinburgh to Inverness by Train: The Scenic Journey
π 8:30am β Edinburgh Waverley β Inverness
Departure: Around 8:30am
Arrival: Around 12:07pm
Transport: Direct train
Journey: Around 3Β½ hours
Best seat: By the window
The day starts at Edinburgh Waverley, where I boarded a direct train to Inverness at around 8:30am.
The train journey is part of the experience, so I’d recommend getting a window seat if you can.
As you travel north, the scenery gradually changes from the Edinburgh area to Perthshire and then into the Highlands. The route passes through or near places including Stirling, Perth, Pitlochry and Blair Atholl, before continuing through the Cairngorms National Park towards Aviemore, Carrbridge and Inverness.
The further north you travel, the more dramatic the landscape becomes, with mountains, forests and wide Highland valleys appearing outside the window.
π What to look out for
Stirling: Wallace Monument
Perthshire: Rivers, forests and Highland countryside
Pitlochry & Blair Atholl: Highland scenery and mountains
Cairngorms: Mountains, forests and wide open landscapes
Aviemore & Carrbridge: Highland scenery before reaching Inverness
You don’t need to get off at any of these places. Just sit back and enjoy the view.
And remember to keep your window seat for the journey home too. I actually photographed the Wallace Monument on my return journey, and in summer the later train can also give you the chance to see the Highlands in the evening light or catch the sunset.
Arriving in Inverness
π 12:07pm
Eventually, the train arrives at Inverness Railway Station.
The station is right in the city centre, which makes this particularly convenient for a day trip. You don’t need to arrange a taxi or another connection before beginning your sightseeing.
There is one thing I’d deal with before doing anything else, though.
π» Where to go to the toilet in Inverness
This is a small practical detail, but it’s exactly the kind of thing that is useful when you’re copying someone else’s day-trip itinerary.
When you arrive at Inverness station, there are toilets on the station concourse. The station facilities are officially listed as including toilets and accessible toilets.
When I arrived, however, there was a queue for the toilet and you need a coin to use it.
If you don’t have a coin or simply don’t want to wait, there’s an easy alternative.
Walk towards the Victorian Market in the city centre, where you can use the public toilet for free.
The Victorian Market is already part of this itinerary, so you don’t need to make a special detour.
My tip: after a three-and-a-half-hour train journey, either keep some change handy or simply walk into the city and use the free toilet at the Victorian Market.
Lunch in Inverness
π΄ 12:15pm
Suggested time: ~45β60 minutes
Cost: Depends on where you eat
Location: Inverness city centre
After getting off the train, I headed towards the city centre and stopped for lunch. I’d recommend doing the same rather than immediately starting the sightseeing. You’ve already spent the morning travelling, and Inverness is compact enough that there is no need to rush.
Grab something you actually want to eat, take a short break and then start exploring.
Once you’re ready, head towards Church Street and your first proper stop.
Leakey's Bookshop
π 1:10pm
Type: Independent second-hand bookshop
Suggested time: ~20β30 minutes
Entry: Free
Location: Church Street
Why visit: Historic atmosphere and more than 100,000 books
Leakey’s Bookshop is not your typical second-hand bookshop.
The shop has been buying and selling books in the Scottish Highlands for decades and currently has more than 100,000 books covering most subjects.
The building itself is part of the attraction.
Inside, you’ll find shelves packed with books, old editions and narrow spaces to explore. It has much more character than a modern bookshop, and even if you’re not particularly interested in buying anything, it’s worth going inside.
I liked having this as the first sightseeing stop of the day.
Rather than beginning with a major tourist attraction, you start by discovering one of the more unusual independent businesses in Inverness.
If you enjoy books, history or old buildings, give yourself enough time to browse.
Tip: Check Leakey’s current opening hours before travelling, particularly if you’re visiting on a Monday or outside the main season.
Walking Along the River Ness
π 1:30pm
Type: Riverside walk
Suggested time: ~1 hour
Entry: Free
Why visit: River views, bridges, historic buildings and free sightseeing
From Leakey’s, head towards the River Ness.
This is where the trip starts to feel less like sightseeing and more like simply experiencing Inverness.
The River Ness runs directly through the city, with walking paths, bridges, historic buildings and views along the water.
You don’t need a ticket or a particular destination here.
Just walk.
Take photographs.
Look at the buildings.
Follow the river.
And enjoy the fact that one of the nicest parts of the day is completely free.
Cross Greig Street Footbridge
One of the highlights of this walk is Greig Street Footbridge, the historic pedestrian suspension bridge crossing the River Ness.
The bridge dates from 1881 and is one of Inverness’s distinctive historic crossings.
Crossing the bridge gives you a different perspective of the River Ness and the buildings along the riverbanks.
It’s not an attraction that requires you to stop for half an hour.
It’s simply something you encounter as part of the walk β and that’s exactly what makes it enjoyable.
Continue Along the River to Ness Bridge
π Around 2:00pm
Type: City crossing / riverside viewpoint
Suggested time: ~15β20 minutes
Entry: Free
Why visit: Views of the River Ness and Inverness city centre
After crossing Greig Street Footbridge, continue walking along the River Ness.
Eventually you’ll reach Ness Bridge, another important crossing in the centre of Inverness.
This is a completely different experience from Greig Street Footbridge. The pedestrian suspension bridge feels historic and intimate, while Ness Bridge is the main road crossing through the heart of the city.
This is a good place to stop and look along the river.
You’ll get views of the water, the surrounding buildings and the distinctive Inverness skyline.
The area around here is also particularly photogenic, so it’s worth taking a few minutes rather than simply crossing and moving on.
From here, start making your way towards the centre and the Victorian Market.
The Victorian Market
π¦ 3:00pm
Type: Historic covered market
Suggested time: ~45β60 minutes
Entry: Free
Why visit: Independent shops, food, ice cream and historic architecture
The Victorian Market was one of my favourite places to slow down during the afternoon.
The market dates back to 1890 and retains historic architectural features including its ornate roof and traditional shopfronts. Today, it contains around 30 independent businesses.
After the riverside walk, this was a good place to take a break.
I had an ice cream, wandered around the shops and spent some time simply sitting down and enjoying the atmosphere.
There are food and drink businesses inside the market as well as shops selling gifts, jewellery, Scottish crafts and souvenirs.
You don’t need to have a specific shopping list.
Just walk around and see what catches your eye.
And if you didn’t use the toilet at the station, this is your convenient free toilet stop.
Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
ποΈ 4:00pm
Type: Museum and art gallery
Suggested time: ~30β45 minutes
Entry: Free; donations welcome
Why visit: Highland history, culture, archaeology, natural heritage and art
After the market, head towards Inverness Museum and Art Gallery.
This is an especially useful stop because it gives some context to the city and the Highlands you’re exploring.
The museum covers Inverness and the wider Highland region through history, archaeology, natural heritage, culture and art.
It’s also an easy attraction to fit into a day trip because you don’t have to spend several hours there.
I’d allow around 30β45 minutes.
The museum is free to enter, although donations are welcome. Its current official site lists the museum and shop as open MondayβSaturday, 10amβ5pm, although opening arrangements can change, so check before travelling.
If you’re visiting during 2026, there is also a free Views of Inverness Castle exhibition at the museum, running through the year and exploring the history of the castle and its transformation into a visitor attraction.
Inverness Castle and Castle Gardens
π° 4:45pm
Type: Castle, gardens and viewpoint
Suggested time: ~30β45 minutes for the free areas
Castle Gardens: Free
Castle Experience: Paid
Why visit: Elevated views over Inverness
From the museum, walk uphill towards Inverness Castle.
This is a nice change of perspective.
For most of the afternoon you’ve been at river level.
Now you’re looking down over the city.
The Inverness Castle Experience is a paid attraction that explores Highland stories, people, culture and landscapes.
However, you do not need to buy a ticket simply to enjoy the castle grounds and gardens.
For my day trip, I mainly wanted to enjoy the grounds and the view rather than spend several hours inside the attraction.
If you have more time and are particularly interested in Highland history and culture, the full Castle Experience is another option.
For this itinerary, though, I’d stick with the gardens and viewpoint.
You get to see one of Inverness’s most recognisable landmarks without turning the afternoon into another long indoor attraction.
Explore Inverness High Street
ποΈ 5:30pm
Type: Shopping and city-centre walk
Suggested time: ~30β45 minutes
Entry: Free
Why visit: Souvenirs, local shops and a relaxed end to sightseeing
After the castle, head back towards Inverness High Street.
By this point, I’d deliberately stop adding attractions to the itinerary.
You’ve already had a full day.
Instead, walk through the city centre and browse the souvenir shops and local stores.
This is also a good time to pick up anything you wanted from the trip β whether that’s a small Scottish souvenir, something Highland-themed or simply something you happened to find while wandering around.
One of the things I enjoyed about this itinerary was that the final part of the day wasn’t tightly scheduled.
You can simply explore.
Dinner in Inverness
π΄ 6:00pm
Suggested time: ~45β60 minutes
Cost: Depends on restaurant
Location: Inverness city centre
After several hours of walking, stop for dinner before heading back to the station.
I prefer doing this in the city rather than trying to eat on the train.
It gives you a proper break at the end of the day, and because you’re taking a later train, there is no need to rush through your meal.
Once you’re finished, make your way back towards Inverness Railway Station.
The Scenic Train Back to Edinburgh
π 7:00pm
Transport: Direct train
Destination: Edinburgh Waverley
Eventually, it’s time to get back on the train.
And if you’re making this trip during summer, the journey home has one final bonus.
The sun sets very late in Scotland during the summer months, so a later return train can still leave you with plenty of daylight as you travel south.
Depending on the date, weather and exact train time, you may even catch the sunset somewhere along the route.
The same Highland landscape that you watched during the morning journey now looks completely different in the evening light.
It’s a fitting way to finish the day.
Edinburgh to Inverness Day Trip Itinerary
| Time | What to do |
|---|---|
| 8:30am | Direct train from Edinburgh Waverley to Inverness |
| 12:07pm | Arrive in Inverness |
| 12:10pm | Toilet stop at the station or continue to the Victorian Market |
| 12:15pm | Lunch in the city centre |
| 1:10pm | Leakey’s Bookshop |
| 1:30pm | River Ness walk and Greig Street Footbridge |
| 2:00pm | Continue along the river and cross Ness Bridge |
| 3:00pm | Victorian Market β ice cream, shops, toilet and a rest |
| 4:00pm | Inverness Museum and Art Gallery |
| 4:45pm | Inverness Castle and free Castle Gardens |
| 5:30pm | Inverness High Street and souvenir shopping |
| 6:00pm | Dinner in Inverness |
| 7:00pm | Train back to Edinburgh |
| Evening | Enjoy the Highland scenery and potentially watch the sunset from the train in summer |
How Much Does an Edinburgh to Inverness Day Trip Cost?
The main expense is the train between Edinburgh and Inverness. Once you arrive, however, much of this itinerary can be enjoyed for free.
| Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Edinburgh β Inverness train | Depends on date and ticket type |
| Leakey’s Bookshop | Free entry |
| River Ness walk | Free |
| Greig Street Footbridge | Free |
| Ness Bridge | Free |
| Victorian Market | Free entry |
| Inverness Museum and Art Gallery | Free; donations welcome |
| Inverness Castle Gardens | Free |
| Inverness Castle Experience | Paid |
| Lunch | Depends on where you eat |
| Dinner | Depends on where you eat |
ScotRail currently advertises advance EdinburghβInverness fares from Β£21.70 one way, but the actual fare for your journey will depend on the date, service and ticket type.
So you don’t need to budget for several expensive attractions to have a full day in Inverness.
Can You Visit Inverness from Edinburgh Without a Car?
Yes.
This itinerary is completely possible without a car.
Take the train from Edinburgh Waverley to Inverness Railway Station, then explore the city centre and River Ness on foot.
The main stops are close enough together that there is no need to hire a car or use taxis between attractions.
The only significant journey is the train between Edinburgh and Inverness.
How Much Walking Is Involved?
The core Inverness route is approximately 3β4 km, although the exact distance will depend on how much you explore along the River Ness and which streets you take.
The walking is generally straightforward city walking, with pavements and riverside paths.
There is a short uphill section when walking towards Inverness Castle.
If you are comfortable walking around a city for several hours, this is a manageable itinerar
Who Is This Inverness Day Trip Good For?
This itinerary is particularly good for:
- Travellers without a car
- Solo travellers
- Couples
- Friends
- Families with older children
- People who enjoy walking
- History and architecture enthusiasts
- Book lovers
- Travellers looking for a relaxed Highland experience
It is less suitable if your main goal is to visit Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle or Culloden Battlefield, because trying to add those destinations would make this city itinerary considerably more rushed.
What Makes This a Good Day Trip from Edinburgh?
The best thing about this itinerary is that it doesn’t try to turn Inverness into a checklist.
You’re not spending the day jumping between attractions.
Instead, the stops naturally connect together:
π Scenic train β π» Station β π΄ Lunch β π Bookshop β π Bridge β π River β π Bridge β π¦ Market β ποΈ Museum β π° Castle β ποΈ Shops β π΄ Dinner β π Scenic train home
Most of the walking and sightseeing is free, and you don’t need a car once you arrive.
The River Ness is free to explore. Greig Street Footbridge is a public pedestrian crossing. The Castle Gardens are free, while the museum offers free admission with donations welcome.
That makes it possible to have a full day in Inverness without having to spend the day buying attraction tickets.
More Day Trips from Edinburgh
Inverness is one of several very different day-trip options from Edinburgh.
If you want another Highland town that is much closer to Edinburgh, take a look at my one-day public-transport itinerary for Pitlochry. That trip offers a very different Highland experience, with a smaller town and surrounding countryside.
If you’d prefer a city and riverside experience that is closer to Edinburgh, see my one-day trip to Perth.
For coastal scenery, I also have a guide to the Fife coastal towns from Edinburgh, covering Elie, Anstruther, Crail, Pittenweem and St Monans.
And if you want something closer to Edinburgh itself, my North Berwick day trip combines a boat trip around the islands and Bass Rock with a climb up North Berwick Law.
You can find these and other ideas in my broader guide to day trips from Edinburgh.
Final Thoughts
An Edinburgh to Inverness day trip gives you a taste of the Highlands without needing a car.
You start the morning in Edinburgh and watch the scenery change from your train window β from the central belt and the Wallace Monument around Stirling, through Perthshire and eventually into the Cairngorms.
Then you arrive in Inverness and spend the afternoon exploring the city on foot.
You browse thousands of old books at Leakey’s, cross a Victorian suspension bridge, follow the River Ness, stop at the historic Victorian Market, learn about the Highlands at the museum, look over the city from Inverness Castle and finish with some shopping and dinner.
Then you get back on the train.
If you’re travelling in summer, you might even get to watch the sun set over the Highland landscape on the way home.
For a car-free day trip from Edinburgh to Inverness, it is a surprisingly complete day out.
Quick Information for Planning
Best for: Couples, solo travellers, friends, families and anyone who enjoys walking and exploring cities at a relaxed pace.
Car needed: No.
Main transport: Direct train between Edinburgh and Inverness; walking within Inverness.
Walking: Approximately 3β4 km for the core route, depending on exactly where you walk and how much time you spend along the river.
Free highlights: River Ness, Greig Street Footbridge, Ness Bridge, Inverness Castle Gardens and Inverness Museum and Art Gallery.
Paid option: The Inverness Castle Experience.
Best season: Spring through early autumn. Summer is particularly attractive because of the long daylight hours and the possibility of seeing the evening landscape β or sunset β from the train.
Before you go: Check the train timetable, Leakey’s opening days, museum opening hours and any seasonal changes to attractions before travelling.