Inverness Airport: Take Stagecoach 11/11A “Jet Bus” to central Inverness; it runs about every 30 minutes and is the sensible option, taking roughly 25 minutes. Budget about £5–6. A taxi is worthwhile only for a group or a very late arrival: around £25 to the centre. Do not rely on Inverness Airport railway station for town access—the station is about a mile from the terminal along an unappealing route.
Inverness railway station (Academy Street): This is the arrival point you want: it is genuinely central, a few minutes’ walk from the Victorian Market, river and most hotels. Direct trains link Edinburgh and Glasgow (about 4 hours), Aberdeen (about 2 hr 15 min), Kyle of Lochalsh for Skye (about 2 hr 40 min), and Wick/Thurso (about 4 hours); the Caledonian Sleeper runs from London Euston Sunday–Friday nights. Use it rather than hiring a car immediately if Inverness itself and bus-accessible Highland day trips are your plan.
Inverness Bus Station (Farraline Park): The coach hub is two blocks northwest of the railway station, so transfers are easy on foot. It is the practical arrival point for Citylink/Megabus/Ember services from Edinburgh and Glasgow via Perth and Aviemore, frequent buses from Aberdeen, and the 919 along Loch Ness to Fort William. There is a ticket office, toilets, café and luggage storage.