Is Inverness a good place to visit?

Yes, it is a historic city with a great cultural scene.

How long is the train journey?

Approximately 7 hours including transfers.

Are there direct trains?

No, you will need to change in Edinburgh or Glasgow.

What is the best route by car?

The M6/A9 route is the most direct.

No, there are no direct ferries from Cumbria to Inverness.

Keswick

Inverness

Train Driving

Keswick to Inverness

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from Keswick to Inverness is a long-distance trip of approximately 450 kilometers, taking you north through the beautiful Lake District and into the Scottish Highlands. By car, you will travel north on the M6, then take the A9 to reach Inverness. By train, you will travel to Carlisle, then take a service to Edinburgh or Glasgow before connecting to Inverness. This journey takes you from the mountainous Lake District to the historic city of Inverness in the Scottish Highlands.

Total Distance: 450 km driving distance; 380 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving is the fastest, taking approximately 6 hours.

Cheapest Way

Driving is generally more cost-effective for groups.

Compare Keswick to Inverness Routes

	Train Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	7 hours	6 hours
Avg Price	130-250 GBP	90-160 GBP
Operator	Avanti West Coast / ScotRail	N/A
Route	Bus to Carlisle, train to Edinburgh, train to Inverness.	M6 North, A9 North to Inverness.
Tip	The train from Edinburgh to Inverness is very scenic.	The A9 is a major route; plan your journey to avoid peak hours.

Travel Tips

A9 Safety
The A9 can be challenging in bad weather; check conditions before you leave.
Traffic
The A9 is a major route; check for accidents before you leave.
Booking
Book train tickets well in advance to avoid high prices.
Parking
Inverness has several large car parks; check for pre-booking options.
Weather
The Highlands can be cold and rainy; dress in layers.