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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

Highlands And Northern Islands, Scotland

Air Travel to Inverness

Major Airports & Airlines

Inverness Airport (INV) is the main gateway to the Highlands.

Airlines and Routes

  • Loganair: Connects Inverness to Manchester, Birmingham, Belfast City, Dublin, Stornoway, Kirkwall, and Sumburgh.
  • EasyJet: Offers routes to London Gatwick, London Luton, and Bristol.
  • British Airways: Operates routes to London Heathrow.

Direct Flights & Transfers

International Connections & Airport Facilities

  • KLM: Has routes to Amsterdam Schiphol, an international hub. The only direct international flight from Inverness is to Amsterdam (AMS). Other international travelers typically connect through London (LHR, LGW, LTN), Manchester (MAN), or Amsterdam (AMS).
  • Flight frequency and prices generally ascend during the summer high season (June-August). Booking flights in advance is a wise choice. Use Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner to find deals.
  • Inverness Airport is a small regional airport. It features basic amenities, including a café or bar, a duty-free shop, car rental desks, and limited public transport connections.

Airport Bus

Stagecoach Highlands service 11 runs between Inverness Airport and Inverness city center, including the bus station and railway station. The journey takes about 25 minutes.

Airport Taxi

Taxis are available outside the terminal. The approximate fare to the city center is £15-£20.

Car Rental

Several major car rental companies, like Avis, Budget, Europcar, and Hertz, have desks at the airport. Consider DiscoverCars.com for options.

Getting to and from the Airport

Inverness Airport INV Terminal

  • Inverness Airport terminal building.

Airport Transfers Overview

  • Bus service 11 from Stagecoach Highlands is a direct connection.
  • Taxis are available outside the terminal for direct routes.
  • Car rental options provide flexibility for onward travel in the Highlands.
  • Allow sufficient time for transfer, especially during busy periods.

Scottish Borders & Transit

Land Travel

Scotland is part of the United Kingdom. No internal border crossings exist from England or Wales, making land travel seamless.

UK Travel

Internal UK travel on trains and buses runs without specific border checks.

Connectivity

Excellent road and rail networks link Inverness to the rest of the UK.

Land Transportation Details

Train Connections

Inverness railway station serves as a major hub for ScotRail services.

Train Lines

  • Highland Main Line: Connects Inverness to Perth, Stirling, Glasgow Queen Street, and Edinburgh Waverley (approx. 3.5-4 hours).
  • Aberdeen Line: Connects Inverness to Aberdeen in about 2 hours.
  • Kyle of Lochalsh Line: This scenic route goes to Kyle of Lochalsh, a gateway to the Isle of Skye (about 2.5 hours).

Long-Distance Bus Options

Affordable coach travel:

Major Bus Operators

  • Scottish Citylink: Operates express bus services connecting Inverness to Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Fort William, and the Isle of Skye.
  • Megabus: Offers budget long-distance services to major Scottish and English cities.
  • These services depart from Inverness Bus Station.

Self-Driving Considerations

Exploring by car for flexibility:

Driving Rules & Licenses

  • Driving Side: Drive on the left-hand side of the road.
  • License: A valid full driving license from your home country usually covers visits up to 12 months. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is sensible for non-EU/EEA licenses and aids with translation.
  • Fuel: Petrol (gasoline) and diesel are widely available. Electric vehicle charging infrastructure is growing.

Road Conditions & Safety

Be prepared for various road types:

Highland Roads

  • Road Conditions: Major roads, like the A9, are well-maintained. Rural roads can be single-track with passing places. Understand local driving etiquette, like using passing places and waving thanks.
  • Wildlife Hazard: Deer and other wildlife can pose a hazard, especially at dawn and dusk.
  • Weather Awareness: Stay alert for adverse weather conditions, especially in winter, which can make driving challenging.

Train Travel Visuals

  • A ScotRail train at Inverness station.
  • Caledonian Sleeper: An overnight train service to London Euston takes about 11 hours, providing a unique travel experience.
  • Book train tickets in advance for best prices, especially for longer journeys.
  • The Kyle of Lochalsh line is renowned for its scenic beauty.

Sea & River Approaches

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

Inverness itself is not a major international cruise port.

Coastal & Island Connections

  • Some smaller cruise ships may dock in the Moray Firth, for example, at Invergordon, which is about 25 miles north of Inverness. Bus transfers arrange transport to the city for excursions.
  • Ferry services connect the Scottish mainland (e.g., Scrabster, Ullapool) to the Orkney and Shetland Islands. These generally serve for onward travel, not as main arrival points for Inverness.
  • If you arrive via a cruise ship at Invergordon, immigration procedures would have been completed at a previous port of entry to the UK or onboard.

River Transportation

The River Ness mainly serves recreational use.

Recreational Use

  • The River Ness mainly serves recreational use and short boat trips, not for arrival or departure from the city.
  • You can enjoy strolls along the riverbanks and to the Ness Islands.
  • Photo opportunities abound along the river, with Inverness Castle as a backdrop.

Cruise Ship Excursions

For cruises docking at Invergordon, bus transfers are common for city excursions to Inverness.

Island Ferry Routes

Ferry services from mainland ports connect to Orkney and Shetland, mostly for onward travel.

River Ness Use

The River Ness is great for recreational boat trips, not for main city transport.

Departure Information

Exit Procedures

Prepare for your departure from Inverness.

Departure Information

  • Exit Fees: No specific exit fees or taxes are levied on departing travelers from the UK.
  • Air Travel: Arrive at Inverness Airport at least 1.5-2 hours before scheduled departure for domestic flights. For international flights, like to Amsterdam, arrive 2-2.5 hours before, especially during peak season. Confirm with your airline.
  • Train/Bus: Arrive at the station 15-30 minutes before departure.

Airport/Station Facilities

Amenities for travelers:

Available Services

  • Inverness Airport features limited amenities, including a café and a shop.
  • Inverness train station has a waiting area, toilets, and some retail and food outlets.
  • Inverness Bus Station serves as a central hub for local and long-distance bus travel.

Inverness Bus Station

Location

Margaret Street or Farraline Park, city center.

Services

Hub for Stagecoach Highlands and long-distance coaches.

Travel Hub

Connects local and intercity routes.

Bus Station Visual

Inverness Bus Station, a hub for local and long-distance travel.
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