The direct ScotRail or LNER train from Inverness is the main way to Aviemore: about 42 minutes on a typical run, 34 at best, with no change. What needs planning is the frequency. On the weekday timetable we checked there were twelve departures from Inverness, at 05:35, 06:38, 07:55, 08:42, 09:42, 10:50, 12:48, 14:50, 15:44, 17:25, 18:52 and 20:22.
In the middle of the day the departures found were about two hours apart, the 10:50, the 12:48 and the 14:50, so it pays to choose your Aviemore train first and arrange the rest of your time in Inverness around it. The morning is better served, with the 05:35, 06:38, 07:55, 08:42 and 09:42 giving five chances to reach Aviemore before about half past ten; on a typical run the 05:35 has you there by about 06:17.
The planner showed the train making one stop before Aviemore.
The latest train in the list leaves Inverness at 20:22. After that, the planner showed buses running all the way to Aviemore at 21:15, 22:45 and 23:24, taking around 48 minutes, so a late evening in Inverness does not strand you. Earlier in the day, buses at 11:10 and 13:05, and another at 19:05, took about 45 minutes, only a few minutes longer than the train, and the 11:10 and 13:05 fall usefully into the midday gaps between Aviemore trains.
On a normal daytime trip the train is still the first choice, being slightly quicker and running more often, but the 23:24 bus means you can leave Inverness for Aviemore close to midnight.
Aviemore station is about 430 metres from Grampian Road, a six-minute walk, so the centre is only a short stroll from the Inverness train.
Journey times and changes below come from the rail and bus timetables for Tuesday 1 December 2026. Weekend and holiday timetables differ, so check the day you travel.
From Inverness on the weekday we checked: every 60 to 105 minutes or so between 05:35 and 20:22.
By road it is about 35 miles from Inverness to Aviemore, mostly via the A9 — roughly 48 min with clear roads. Car parks in Aviemore are listed on the Getting Here page.