Cardiff to Inverness from $84: 10 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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

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$84 by busBest price

675.4 kmDistance

3h 54m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Cardiff 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.

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Type	Mo 10/03	Tu 11/03	We 12/03	Th 13/03	Fr 14/03	Sa 15/03	Su 16/03
Train	$416	$320	$325	$326	$418	$204	$416

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Traveling From Cardiff to Inverness

The journey from Cardiff to Inverness offers a captivating shift from vibrant city life to the serene landscapes of the Scottish Highlands.

Best Neighbourhoods in Inverness

Inverness boasts charming neighborhoods that highlight its rich culture and beauty.

City Centre

• Bustling shops and cafes line the vibrant streets.

• Close proximity to historic sites and attractions.

Inverness East

• Offers stunning views of the Moray Firth.

• A quieter area with beautiful parks and trails.

Culduthel

• Known for its picturesque residential streets.

• Great access to outdoor activities and nature trails.

Best Times To Visit Inverness's Attractions

Planning your visit to Inverness’s attractions can enhance your experience.

Inverness Castle

Visit early morning or late afternoon for quieter exploration and stunning light.

Loch Ness

Explore during weekdays in spring or autumn for fewer tourists and clear views.

Culloden Battlefield

Enjoy a visit during early opening hours to soak in the solemn atmosphere.

Inverness Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Inverness experiences a temperate maritime climate, with cool summers and mild winters, making late spring and early autumn the best times to visit for pleasant conditions. Being prepared for rain at any time of year will enhance your travel experience, allowing you to explore the stunning landscapes and attractions comfortably.

Dining Recommendation in Inverness

Try the haggis at The Mustard Seed Restaurant, where the rich flavors of this traditional Scottish dish are elevated by using locally sourced ingredients. The cozy atmosphere, paired with views of the River Ness, provides a distinct dining experience that stands apart from the urban buzz of Cardiff's culinary scene.

Cardiff - Inverness operators

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

Train

Contact phone

+44 3457 000 125

Website

https://www.gwr.com/

Train from Cardiff Central to Bristol Temple Meads

Average Duration

45m

Estimated price

$22-55

Train from Cardiff Central to Paddington

Average Duration

1h 53m

Estimated price

$85-190

Contact phone

0345 026 4700

Website

https://www.thameslinkrailway.com/

Train from Farringdon to Luton

Average Duration

40m

Estimated price

$19-40

Contact phone

+44 344 811 0141

Website

https://www.scotrail.co.uk/

Train from Stirling to Inverness

Average Duration

2h 58m

Estimated price

$45-110

Train from Haymarket to Inverness

Average Duration

3h 38m

Estimated price

$55-130

Contact phone

+44 345 722 5333

Website

https://www.lner.co.uk/

Train from Stirling to Inverness

Average Duration

2h 46m

Estimated price

$100-150

Train from Haymarket to Inverness

Average Duration

3h 26m

Estimated price

$110-170

Train from Darlington to Inverness

Average Duration

5h 40m

Estimated price

$180-250

Contact phone

03333 211 202

Website

https://tfw.wales/

Train from Cardiff Central to Crewe

Average Duration

2h 39m

Estimated price

$60-95

Contact phone

00 44 345 528 0253

Website

https://www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/

Train from Crewe to Haymarket

Average Duration

3h 3m

Estimated price

$110-270

Contact phone

0344 736 9123

Website

https://www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/

Train from Cardiff Central to Birmingham New Street

Average Duration

Estimated price

$65-180

Train from Birmingham New Street to Darlington

Average Duration

2h 17m

Estimated price

$95-280

Website

https://sleeper.scot

Train from Crewe to Inverness

Average Duration

8h 45m

Estimated price

$85-110

Bus

Website

https://uk.megabus.com

Bus from Cardiff North Road to Bristol Bond St

Average Duration

1h 40m

Estimated price

$11-16

Bus from Edinburgh Airport Arrivals Terminal to Stirling Goosecroft Bus Station

Average Duration

57m

Estimated price

$6-15

Contact phone

+49 30 300 137 300

Website

https://www.flixbus.co.uk

Bus from Bristol to Perth

Average Duration

11h 35m

Estimated price

$55-80

Bus from Perth to Inverness

Average Duration

2h 40m

Estimated price

$17-25

Plane Show flights

Website

https://www.easyjet.com

Plane from Bristol to Inverness

Average Duration

1h 30m

Estimated price

$50-340

Plane from Cardiff to Edinburgh

Average Duration

1h 15m

Estimated price

$130-440

Contact phone

+44 344 811 0141

Website

https://www.loganair.co.uk

Plane from Bristol to Aberdeen

Average Duration

1h 30m

Estimated price

$220-750

Website

https://www.ryanair.com

Plane from Bristol to Glasgow

Average Duration

1h 15m

Estimated price

$40-200

Website

https://www.klm.com

Plane from Bristol to Aberdeen via Amsterdam Schiphol

Average Duration

3h 52m

Estimated price

$250-1400

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

Traveling between Cardiff 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 scenic road trip from Cardiff to Inverness, spanning a distance of 872.3 km. 💷 Prices for the journey by car range from £134 to £205, offering flexibility for different budget preferences. 🏞️ Immerse yourself in the beauty of the British countryside as you make your way to Inverness, a drive that takes approximately 9 hours and 9 minutes.

Average price

£132 - £202

🚆 Planning a trip from Cardiff to Inverness? The journey involves transfers at Crewe and Haymarket, taking approximately 11 hours and 20 minutes. 🛤️ The route options vary in duration and number of transfers, with distances ranging from 911 km to 1,090 km. Each route offers a unique train experience operated by different agencies, including Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast, LNER, CrossCountry, and ScotRail. 🎫 Prices for the train between Cardiff and Inverness range from £179 to £419. It's advised to check the schedules and availability with the respective train operators before embarking on this scenic journey through the UK countryside.

Departure Point

Cardiff Central station

Arrival Point

Inverness station

🛫 Flying from Cardiff to Inverness, you can opt for a quick and convenient direct flight departing from Bristol Airport. This flight typically takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes, providing a swift journey to your destination.

Departure Point

Bristol Airport

Arrival Point

Inverness Airport

Useful tips for plane travellers

• Always check the flight schedule before your journey, as EasyJet flights can occasionally shift to alternate times or involve stops at other airports, increasing travel time.

• Upon arriving at Inverness Airport (INV), expect a small but efficiently laid-out terminal where baggage claim is usually quite swift; keep an eye on the screens for your flight’s baggage carousel, which may differ from what you are used to in larger airports.

• Taxi fares from Inverness Airport to the city center typically range between £15-£20 for the 15-20 minute journey; alternatively, check local public bus schedules on the Highland Council website for the best options if you're looking to save on transport costs.

🚌 If you're traveling from Cardiff to Inverness by bus, be prepared for a journey that includes transfers. The total travel time is approximately 17 hours and 11 minutes. 🛣️ Route 1 offers a 14-hour, 8-minute journey covering a distance of 991 km with 1 transfer. You'll take a bus from Cardiff to Glasgow, followed by another bus from Glasgow to Inverness. 🛤️ Route 2 is a longer option, taking 18 hours and 13 minutes with 3 transfers. You'll pass through Birmingham, Newcastle upon Tyne, Glasgow, and finally reach Inverness on this route.

Departure Point

Cardiff North Road station

Arrival Point

Inverness Bus Station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Cardiff to Inverness.

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The distance between Cardiff and Inverness is approximately 674.3 km by road. By train, it takes around 11 hours and 17 minutes to reach Inverness from Cardiff. Another option is to take a train to Bristol and then fly to Inverness, which takes about 5 hours and 5 minutes. If driving, it typically takes around 9 hours and 9 minutes to travel from Inverness to Cardiff by car. Alternatively, taking a bus from Cardiff to Inverness can take around 16 hours and 12 minutes.

The most cost-effective option for traveling from Cardiff to Inverness is by bus, with prices ranging from £68-£119. However, this option takes the longest amount of time, with a travel time of 16 hours and 12 minutes. For a more time-efficient option, taking a train and then flying to Inverness is the quickest, with a travel time of 5 hours and 5 minutes, but it is slightly more expensive, costing between £68-£263.

When traveling from Cardiff to Inverness, the prices for a train ticket range from £172 to £421. On the other hand, the prices for a bus ticket from Inverness to Cardiff vary from £68 to £113.

To get from Cardiff to Inverness without using public transportation, you can choose to drive. The driving distance is approximately 872.3 km and it takes around 9 hours and 9 minutes to reach Inverness by car. The cost of the journey can vary, but it typically ranges from £135 to £207.

The best way to travel from Cardiff to Inverness without a car is by train. The journey takes approximately 11 hours and 17 minutes, with ticket prices ranging from £167 to £438. Alternatively, you can take a train to Bristol and then fly to Inverness, which takes about 5 hours and 5 minutes.

There is no direct link between Cardiff and Inverness. The most convenient mode of transportation is by train, which takes approximately 11h 17m with transfers at Crewe and Haymarket. Alternatively, you can fly from Cardiff to Bristol and then fly to Inverness, which takes approximately 5h 5m. If you prefer to drive, it takes approximately 9h 9m by car, while taking the bus is the longest option, with a travel time of approximately 16h 12m.

The flight duration between Cardiff and Inverness is around 1 hour and 30 minutes. The cost of the flight typically varies depending on the date and time of booking, but it can range from around £50 to £150. Once you arrive at Inverness Airport, you can easily reach Inverness city center by taking a taxi, which usually takes around 20 minutes.

There are plenty of options for accommodation near Inverness. With a wide range of 927+ hotels available, you can choose from various price ranges starting at £21.

Cardiff to Inverness from $84: 10 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

See more options

Compare prices for your selected dates

Traveling From Cardiff to Inverness

Best Neighbourhoods in Inverness

Best Times To Visit Inverness's Attractions

Inverness Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Dining Recommendation in Inverness

Cardiff - Inverness operators

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

Useful tips for plane travellers

Frequently asked questions

Trips from Cardiff

Trips to Dublin

Popular routes