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Cairnryan to Inverness from $48: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Cairnryan, United Kingdom
to
Inverness, United Kingdom

How to Get from Cairnryan to Inverness: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$48 by busBest price
284.4 kmDistance
4h 21m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Cairnryan to Inverness with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
various
Bus
Train
Average Duration
6h  30m
Estimated price
$79-162
Recommended
Company
Megabus UK
Bus
Average Duration
6h  29m
Estimated price
$48-67
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 284.4 km
Duration: 4h 21m

See more options

Company
self-drive
Drive
Average Duration
4h  33m
Estimated price
$75-120
Company
various
Bus
Train
Average Duration
6h  53m
Estimated price
$80-157
Company
various
Train
Average Duration
7h  30m
Estimated price
$108-222
Company
various
Drive
Plane
Average Duration
4h  21m
Estimated price
$193-379
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Traveling From Cairnryan to Inverness

Journeying from Cairnryan to Inverness offers a remarkable transition from the serene coastal beauty of the ferry port to the vibrant cultural tapestry and historical richness of the Scottish Highlands.

Best Neighbourhoods in Inverness

Inverness boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with its own charm and attractions.

City Centre
• Bustling shopping streets and local boutiques.
• Rich in historical landmarks and cultural sites.
Merkinch
• Beautiful riverside walks and parks.
• Community-focused with a friendly atmosphere.
Culcabock
• Scenic views of the surrounding hills.
• Quieter residential area, perfect for relaxation.

Best Times To Visit Inverness's Attractions

Timing your visit can enhance your experience at Inverness's highlights.

Loch Ness
Early mornings or late afternoons are best to beat tourist crowds.
Inverness Castle
Visit during weekdays for a quieter experience and great views.
Culloden Battlefield
Late spring or early autumn offers comfortable weather and fewer visitors.

Inverness Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Inverness experiences a temperate maritime climate, characterized by mild summers and cool winters, making it a year-round destination. Spring and early autumn are often ideal times for visiting, as the weather is generally pleasant, allowing you to fully enjoy outdoor attractions and scenic views.

Dining Recommendation in Inverness

Experience the Highland flavors at The Mustard Seed, where modern Scottish cuisine takes center stage with local ingredients and innovative pairings. This lively restaurant offers a vibrant atmosphere and dishes like haggis bonbons, contrasting the seafood-focused dining options commonly found in Cairnryan.

Cairnryan - Inverness operators

Explore transport companies operating between Cairnryan and Inverness, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+44 28 9066 6630
Website
https://www.translink.co.uk/

Bus from Cairnryan Stena Terminal to Glasgow Buchanan

Average Duration
2h 5m
Estimated price
$23-35
Website
https://uk.megabus.com

Bus from Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station to Inverness Bus Station

Average Duration
3h 38m
Estimated price
$19-26
Contact phone
+49 30 300 137 300
Website
https://www.flixbus.co.uk

Bus from Glasgow to Inverness

Average Duration
3h 55m
Estimated price
$24-35
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+44 344 811 0141
Website
https://www.scotrail.co.uk/

Train from Glasgow Queen Street to Inverness

Average Duration
3h 18m
Estimated price
$55-130

Train from Glasgow Queen Street to Stirling

Average Duration
32m
Estimated price
$11-25

Train from Stirling to Inverness

Average Duration
2h 58m
Estimated price
$45-100

Train from Stranraer to Ayr

Average Duration
1h 21m
Estimated price
$20-45

Train from Ayr to Glasgow Central

Average Duration
51m
Estimated price
$12-28
Contact phone
+44 345 722 5333
Website
https://www.lner.co.uk/

Train from Stirling to Inverness

Average Duration
2h 46m
Estimated price
$55-80
Plane Show flights
Website
britishairways.com

Plane from Glasgow to Inverness

Average Duration
2h 30m
Estimated price
$170-600
Website
easyjet.com

Plane from Glasgow to Inverness

Average Duration
4h 32m
Estimated price
$150-750
Website
loganair.co.uk

Plane from Glasgow to Inverness

Average Duration
3h 57m
Estimated price
$170-600
Website
klm.com

Plane from Glasgow to Inverness

Average Duration
4h 30m
Estimated price
$250-1500

Cairnryan to Inverness: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Cairnryan and Inverness offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a picturesque road trip from Cairnryan to Inverness, covering a distance of 389.5 km. 💰 Experience flexibility in your travel budget with car trip prices ranging from £59 to £95, making it a cost-effective journey. 🏞️ Enjoy a scenic drive through the stunning landscapes of the United Kingdom, arriving in Inverness after approximately 4 hours and 33 minutes on the road.
Average price
£58 - £93
🚂 Embark on a scenic train journey from Cairnryan to Inverness, spanning approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes. 💷 The ticket prices for trains between Cairnryan and Inverness range from £85 to £175, offering travelers flexibility in choosing their preferred class and amenities.
✈️ The quickest flight with one stopover takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, offering a convenient way to reach Inverness.
Departure Point
Glasgow Airport
Arrival Point
Inverness Airport. The quickest flight takes 2h 30m and has one stopover
🚌 Traveling from Cairnryan to Inverness by bus involves a journey with transfers, taking approximately 6 hours and 29 minutes. The services depart from Cairnryan Stena Terminal and arrive at Inverness Bus Station via Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station. 🗺️ The route from Cairnryan to Inverness covers a distance of 410 km and includes 4 transfers. These steps involve buses towards Girvan, Ayr, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and finally, Inverness. 💰 The prices for a bus ticket between Cairnryan and Inverness typically range from £38 to £53, making this scenic and convenient trip an affordable way to explore the beauty of Scotland through its picturesque routes.
Departure Point
Cairnryan Stena Terminal station
Arrival Point
Inverness Bus Station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Cairnryan to Inverness.

Or choose the category:
The distance between Cairnryan and Inverness is approximately 284.9 km by road, which takes about 4 hours and 33 minutes by car. Alternatively, it takes around 6 hours and 34 minutes to travel by bus. However, for a combination of bus and train, the total travel time is approximately 7 hours and 6 minutes, including a stop at Perth. So, depending on the chosen mode of transportation, the typical travel times vary between 4 and 7 hours.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Cairnryan to Inverness is by taking a bus, which costs between £36-£79 and takes approximately 6 hours and 34 minutes. This is a convenient choice for budget-conscious travelers. However, if you're looking for a quicker option, driving is the most time-efficient choice, taking around 4 hours and 33 minutes.
The prices of a bus between Inverness and Cairnryan can vary depending on the operator and type of ticket chosen. On average, prices range from £36 to £76.
To get from Cairnryan to Inverness without using public transportation, you can choose to drive. The distance is approximately 389.5 km and it takes around 4 hours and 33 minutes. Rental car prices vary, but they typically range from £59 to £95.
The best way to travel from Cairnryan to Inverness without a car is by taking a bus. The bus journey takes approximately 6 hours and 34 minutes and can cost between £36 and £79.
There is no direct link between Cairnryan and Inverness. However, there is a bus service that operates from Cairnryan Stena Terminal to Inverness Bus Station with a transfer at Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station. The journey takes approximately 6h 34m. Another option is to travel by car, which takes about 4h 33m.
There is no direct flight between Cairnryan and Inverness. The quickest flight option with one stopover takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes. However, it's important to note that due to the proximity of Cairnryan and Inverness, flying may not be the most practical mode of transportation. Flight prices can vary depending on the airline, time of booking, and other factors, but generally, flights from Glasgow Airport to Inverness Airport start at around £50.
There are plenty of options for accommodation near Inverness with over 927 hotels available. Prices for hotels in Inverness start as low as £21 per night.

Trips to Inverness