Inverness Airport Guide: Everything You Need to Know for a Smooth Journey

8 min read

Nestled in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, Inverness Airport serves as a gateway to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the UK. Whether we’re planning a business trip or a Highland adventure, this airport offers a convenient and efficient starting point for our journey.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything we need to know about Inverness Airport, from transport options and facilities to insider tips that make our travel experience smoother. Let’s dive into what makes this regional airport a standout choice for travellers.

Key Takeaways

Strategic Location: Inverness Airport, situated 13 km northeast of Inverness city centre, serves as a vital gateway to the Scottish Highlands, enhancing connectivity to major UK and European cities.
Diverse Transportation Options: The airport offers multiple transport links, including bus services, car hire, and 24/7 taxis, ensuring easy access for travellers.
Comprehensive Amenities: Inverness Airport features numerous facilities such as free Wi-Fi, lounges with refreshments, dining outlets, and shopping options to ensure a comfortable travel experience.
Varied Parking Solutions: Travellers can choose from short-stay, long-stay, and disabled parking options, with online booking available for added convenience.
Key Airlines and Destinations: Major airlines like British Airways, KLM, and EasyJet connect Inverness Airport to significant domestic and international destinations, including London, Amsterdam, and Dublin.

Overview Of Inverness Airport

Inverness Airport, located approximately 13 km northeast of Inverness city centre, serves as a key hub connecting the Scottish Highlands to major cities across the UK and Europe. Managed by Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL), it accommodates around 946,391 passengers annually (2019 data).

Key Features

Runway Length: Inverness Airport features a primary runway measuring 1,887 metres, supporting various aircraft types.
Passenger Terminal: The terminal houses several amenities, including shops, dining options, and free Wi-Fi.
Airlines: Major airlines like British Airways and KLM operate regular flights to destinations such as London, Amsterdam, and Dublin.

Transportation Connections

Inverness Airport offers multiple transportation options for convenient access:

Bus Services: Stagecoach bus services connect the airport to Inverness city centre, with frequent services throughout the day.
Car Hire: Car rental companies like Avis, Budget, and Hertz provide hire vehicles directly at the terminal.
Taxis: A dedicated taxi rank is available outside the terminal with 24/7 service.

Parking Facilities

The airport provides a variety of parking options:

Short-Stay Parking: Ideal for quick drop-offs or pickups, located close to the terminal.
Long-Stay Parking: Suitable for extended trips, with transfer services available to the terminal.
Disabled Parking: Designated spaces near the terminal to accommodate passengers with reduced mobility.

Services And Amenities

Inverness Airport ensures a comfortable travel experience through various amenities:

Lounges: The airport offers a comfortable lounge area with refreshments and reading materials.
Wi-Fi Access: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, ensuring connectivity for all travellers.
Shopping And Dining: Shops like WHSmith and dining outlets provide a range of retail and food options.

Inverness Airport’s strategic location and comprehensive facilities make it an essential gateway to the Scottish Highlands, enhancing connectivity and convenience for all travellers.

Facilities And Services

Inverness Airport provides a range of facilities and services to ensure convenient and comfortable travel for all passengers.

Terminal Amenities

Inverness Airport offers various amenities to enhance passenger experience. The terminal has free Wi-Fi throughout, ensuring you stay connected while waiting for your flight. Comfortable seating areas with charging points allow you to relax and recharge devices. The airport also features baby changing facilities, ensuring convenience for travellers with young children.

Dining And Shopping Options

Our airport has a selection of dining and shopping options to cater to diverse needs. Passengers can enjoy meals at D’Lish Landside Café or grab a quick snack at The Bothy. WHSmith and Discover Scotland offer a range of products, from travel essentials to local souvenirs. This variety ensures you find everything you need before or after your flight.

Accessibility Services

We provide comprehensive accessibility services for travellers with reduced mobility. The airport offers reserved parking spaces near the terminal entrance, helping those with limited mobility to access the terminal easily. Assistance services include help with boarding and getting around the terminal. Accessible toilets are available, ensuring convenience for all passengers.

Transport And Parking

Inverness Airport offers various transport and parking options to cater to every traveller’s needs. Let’s dive into the details.

Car Hire Services

Travellers can choose from several car hire services at Inverness Airport. Companies like Avis, Hertz, and Europcar provide a range of vehicles to suit different preferences, from compact cars to larger family vehicles. Their desks are conveniently located in the terminal building. It’s recommended to book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure availability and the best rates.

Public Transport Links

Public transport links to and from Inverness Airport are robust. Stagecoach bus services run regularly between the airport and Inverness city centre, making stops at key locations. Bus line 11 is a popular choice for its frequent service. Taxis are readily available outside the terminal 24/7, providing another reliable transport option. Additionally, the airport is just a short drive from the Inverness railway station, which connects to major UK cities, facilitating seamless travel.

Parking Options

Inverness Airport offers a variety of parking options to suit different needs and budgets. The short-stay car park is ideal for quick trips, located just a short walk from the terminal. For longer trips, the long-stay car park provides a cost-effective solution with shuttle bus services to the terminal. Disabled parking spaces are available close to the terminal building to ensure accessibility. For added convenience, passengers can book their parking spaces online, often at discounted rates, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

Airlines And Destinations

Inverness Airport connects passengers to a range of domestic and international destinations, serviced by several major airlines. Below, we break down the key routes and carriers.

Domestic Flights

Domestic flights from Inverness Airport link the Scottish Highlands with major cities across the UK. British Airways, with its flights to London Heathrow and Gatwick, ensures seamless connections to global destinations. Loganair offers frequent services to Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Manchester, providing vital links for both business and leisure travellers. EasyJet operates routes to Bristol and Luton, catering to various travel needs.

International Flights

International flights extend Inverness Airport’s reach to key European destinations. KLM’s daily flights to Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport open up a gateway to numerous worldwide connections. EasyJet services several European cities, including Geneva and Zurich. Meanwhile, direct flights to Dublin operated by Aer Lingus facilitate easy access to Ireland and beyond, making international travel convenient.

Tips For Travellers

Security And Check-in Procedures

At Inverness Airport, arriving early facilitates a smooth security and check-in process. Major airlines advise arriving at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. It’s essential to have all travel documents, including a valid ID or passport and boarding pass, ready for inspection.

Ensure all liquids in carry-on baggage adhere to the 100ml limit per container and are placed in a single, clear plastic bag. Electronics such as laptops and tablets should be easily accessible for separate screening. The security team provides tubs for belongings to streamline the process. Checking the Civil Aviation Authority’s website offers the most current guidelines on prohibited items.

Nearby Accommodation Options

We’ve identified several convenient accommodation options near Inverness Airport. The Courtyard by Marriott Inverness Airport is located just a few minutes’ walk from the terminal, featuring modern rooms and amenities. Alternatively, the Holiday Inn Express Inverness offers a comfortable stay with complimentary breakfast and is situated about 10 minutes’ drive from the airport.

For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, the Travelodge Inverness Fairways provides essential amenities and is about 15 minutes from the airport by car. Each hotel offers transportation options, including shuttle services or nearby taxi ranks, ensuring seamless connectivity for travellers.

Conclusion

Inverness Airport stands as a vital gateway to the Scottish Highlands offering seamless connectivity and a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable travel experience. With efficient transport links and comprehensive facilities it caters to both business travellers and holidaymakers. Whether you’re heading to a major UK city or an international destination Inverness Airport provides the convenience and accessibility needed for a stress-free journey. We trust this guide has equipped you with all the information required for your next trip through Inverness Airport ensuring a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.