How to get to Inverness from Glasgow

From Glasgow to the Scottish Highlands

The cities of Glasgow and Inverness, whilst only separated by a few hours’ travel, offer visitors radically different experiences of Scotland. Getting from Glasgow in the south to Inverness in the north is easy, so remember to book your accommodation at the Kingsmills Hotel in advance. We’re a family-friendly and dog-friendly hotel offering luxury accommodation and spa facilities in Inverness. If you’re looking to travel north from Glasgow to experience some Highland hospitality, then here are our tips on getting here.

Drive up in a car

Whether in your own vehicle or hire one from a national outlet, driving to Inverness from Glasgow is a beautiful roadtrip. It’s around 170 miles and takes anywhere between 3 and 3.5 hours non-stop. However, stopping is part of the fun! A direct route to Inverness follows the A18, which will take you through the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Not only that, the route takes you through Glencoe, a beautiful and world-famous destination that also happens to be where James Bond came from!

There’s plenty of free parking here at the Kingsmills hotel, so once you arrive you can relax in our beautiful surroundings immediately. 

A couple standing recreating a shot from James Bond;s Skyfall in Glencoe.

Take the train

The train ride form Glasgow to Inverness is one of the most scenic in the country. Trains are run by Scotrail and depart from Glasgow Central and Glasgow Queen Street regularly, taking between 4 and 5 hours on average. If you are in no hurry, why not experience the overnight sleeper train?

Hop on the bus

If you are looking for a budget-friendly way to get to Inverness, then try hopping on one of the regular busses. Taking between 3 and 4 hours, most coaches come with Wi-Fi and reclining seats to make your journy as comfortable as possible. Companies such as Megabus offer up to 26 services per day.

What to do when you get to Inverness

Once you arrive in Inverenss, the adventure is just beginning! Here are some of our favourite things to do to get you a taste of our city. 

Inverness Castle

One of the first things you might notice in Inverness is the castle, perched high above the city. With links to Robert the Bruce, Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie, this landmark is undergoing some renovation and will be open to the public in 2025. When it does we can’t wait to enjoy their spectacular displays, installations and interactive experiences. Find out more about Inverness Castle here.

Clava Cairns

To experience Highland ancient history first hand, there’s no better place than Clava Cairns. This prehistoric burial site is around 4,000 years old. It’s free to visit and is a great way to enjoy our majestic countryside. 

Loch Ness

No visit to Inverness is complete without a trip to Loch Ness, and the chance to see our elusive monster! Take a tour on a boat to experience the loch from a unique perspective. 

Get from Glasgow to Inverness easily

Whenever you choose to visit, Inverness is always a welcoming and exciting city. Once you have decided how to get to Inverness from Glasgow, just sit back and enjoy the ride. When you arrive at the Kingsmills Hotel, take a break in our swimming pool or spa before feeling refreshed and eager to explore the city. Check out our special offers and book your stay today.