Explore on your own rating
Inverness by train is easy; Loch Ness and the Highlands need a tour.
Where ships dock
- Invergordon cruise pier
Getting to town
Invergordon town (with murals) is right by the pier. The station is a 10–15 minute walk; trains to Inverness take about 50 minutes.
Loch Ness isn't on the rail line. Go to Inverness and then bus or tour, or book a tour from the pier.
Fares are as reported by the sources below and change often. Treat them as estimates.
Money & entry
Currency: British pound (£). Contactless cards are accepted almost everywhere.
Entry: U.S. citizens need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before traveling, including on cruises that call at UK ports. It costs £20 on GOV.UK (beware look-alike sites charging more), lasts 2 years or until your passport expires, and since Feb 25, 2026 carriers must refuse boarding without one. Apply on GOV.UK or the official "UK ETA" app. (Checked Oct 2026.)
Top sights nearby
- Inverness
- Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle
- Culloden Battlefield
- Invergordon murals
Beaches
- None
Safety & tips
- Trains are infrequent; check times.
- Book distillery tours ahead.
- UK ETA needed.
Check U.S. State Department travel advisories before you sail.
⏰ Back to the ship on time
Trains are hourly or less. Be back 60+ minutes before all-aboard.
Ship time can differ from local time. Your ship won't wait for independent travelers.