Invergordon Cruise Port Guide: 6 Unmissable Highlights for Your Visit

Filled with hundreds of exciting stories and spectacular landscapes, the Scottish Highlands are lands of legends, heroic battles, heroes, villains, monsters, and majestic castles.

Invergordon is a small port town located at Cromarty Firth (a North Sea inlet that is part of Moray Firth), and the main getaway to the Inverness, the capital of this beautiful historic region of Scotland. In this article, read about:

• Invergordon cruise port (Invergordon cruise terminal, getting around the port, local transportation)
• 6 best things to do in Invergordon Scotland (Invergordon, Inverness, Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness, Dunrobin Castle, Cawdor Castle, Culloden Battlefield + How to get there)

Visit also our cruise port guides to Greenock (Glasgow), Cork (Cobh), Lerwick, Edinburgh, Reykjavik, Amsterdam

Invergordon Cruise Port

Cruise ships dock at the Port of Cromarty Firth. Invergordon cruise terminal consists of two piers, the Admiralty Pier (Max LOA 350 m) and the Saltburn Pier (Max LOA 300 m), both of them located within a short walking distance from Invergordon downtown.

There are also additional berths within the port facility but these are small and mainly serve the energy industry. Anchorage is available when all berths are occupied.

In 2018 started construction works on a new cruise terminal with a capacity to accommodate the world’s largest passenger cruise liners (RCL Oasis Class, LOA 362 m) by expanding the existing berths. Find updated information on the port authority’s official webpage https://www.pocf.co.uk/

Close to the piers, you will find a small tourist information kiosk and friendly locals selling authentic souvenirs and crafts.

Outside the terminal, you’ll find several tour vendors and local buses that connect Invergordon with Inverness.

Getting Around & Local Transportation

• The city center of Invergordon is located approximately 0.3 miles (0.5 km) or a 5-minute walk from Invergordon cruise terminal and can be easily explored on foot. It is a small town with not much to do, which is why most passengers go to Inverness instead.
• Invergordon railway station is located 10 minutes walk from the cruise terminal and offers daily transportation to the region’s capital Inverness, situated 25 miles (40 km) south of Invergordon. The train ride lasts 50 minutes. See the timetables on the official webpage https://www.scotrail.co.uk/
• To get to Inverness, you can also take the public bus 25X that departs from Camerons Garden Center, located on Invergordon High Street, less than a 5-minute walk from the terminal. The total trip duration for this route is approximately 50 minutes. There are normally bus company representatives outside the terminal, and they will provide you with all the information. You can also see the timetables at https://www.stagecoachbus.com/
• Taxis are also available on the pier, however, during a ship call these services might be limited.
• The official currency in Scotland is the British Pound (£). Local currency and major credit cards are widely accepted.
• Inverness Airport is the nearest airport to Invergordon port. It is located 30 miles/50 km (a 40-minute drive) to the southeast.
• Book a private transfer to/from Invergordon cruise port
• Explore Invergordon tours and activities
• Find accommodation in Invergordon port

6 Best Things to Do in Invergordon Cruise Port

Invergordon is a really small town, however, if you decide to explore it on a cruise, I suggest you scroll down to number 6 and read about the main Invergordon landmarks.

If you choose to explore the Scottish Highlands with its iconic Lock Ness, castles and Inverness, keep reading, as I am about to share with you the best attractions of this area.

1. Inverness

Enjoy scenic panoramic views as you travel along the Cromarty Firth waterway and green hills to the capital of the Highlands! These are some of the must-see Inverness attractions:

1.1. Inverness Old Town

Inverness is known as the capital of the Scottish Highlands, acting as the cultural and administrative hub of the region.

The city has a rich history, including its proximity to the famous Battle of Culloden in 1746, the last battle fought on British soil.

The city has a population of around 48,000 and its historic heart is the Old Town, which sits on the banks of the River Ness and is home to the main historic landmarks. It is relatively small and can easily be explored on foot.

Besides many shops selling clothing, arts and crafts, and souvenirs, the Old Town boasts numerous eateries where you can sit and savor Scottish delicacies such as Scotch pie and haggis and enjoy a pint of beer at one of the local pubs.

The main shopping street is the High Street, which runs through the heart of the Old Town and features a mix of well-known retailers, independent shops, and cafes.

1.2. High Street

One of the main streets in Inverness is the High Street, a pedestrian-friendly street packed with shops, bars, restaurants, street performers, and Highland pipers.

It is home to the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery and Town Hall and offers easy access to the nearby Victorian Market, a historic indoor shopping space with local artisan goods and small boutiques.

At the end of High Street is the Ness Bridge from where you can enjoy a beautiful city panorama, while at the other end, visitors can enjoy shopping in Eastgate Shopping Center. 

1.3. Inverness Castle

Built on the site of an earlier medieval fortress, the iconic Inverness Castle sits on a hill overlooking the River Ness, within a few minutes walk from the High Street and right across Inverness Cathedral.

The original castle on this site was destroyed in the 18th century, and the current red sandstone structure, built in 1836, stands as its replacement.

William Shakespeare used Inverness Castle as the setting for the infamous murder of King Duncan in his play “Macbeth”. Although the play is fictional, this connection has cemented the castle’s place in literary history, linking it to one of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies.

Inverness Castle is temporarily closed due to a redevelopment project, so check for updates before planning your visit.

1.4. Inverness Cathedral

Dedicated to St Andrew, this magnificent red-brick cathedral lies on the bank of River Ness and dates from the 19th century.

It boasts numerous valuable treasures including the gold icons gifted by Czar Alexander II to the Bishop of Moray.

There is a small fee of around 2£ to enter the cathedral.

1.5. The Victorian Market

Dating back to 1890, the Victorian Market is a picturesque indoor market that offers a charming blend of history and modern flair. Today, it is home to a variety of independent shops, bars, and eateries.

With its beautifully preserved architecture and inviting atmosphere, the market is a popular spot for both locals and visitors to explore. You can easily access it from the High Street, as it’s only a few minutes walk away.

1.6. Inverness Museum and Art Gallery

Located at one end of the High Street, right next to Inverness Castle, this contemporary museum offers a fascinating insight into Scottish history, geology, art, and archeology.

You can explore a diverse collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the region’s history, culture, and wildlife, along with impressive works by both local and national artists.

1.7. Old High Church

The Old High Church, dating back to the 18th century, is the city’s oldest parish church and is located on the banks of the River Ness.

With its striking tower and rich history, it has long been a symbol of the city’s religious heritage, and its site is believed to have been a place of worship for centuries before the current building was constructed.

1.8. Inverness Hop on Hop off bus tours

If you want to explore the city and avoid too much walking, you can book a Hop on Hop off tour which usually includes stops at the major city highlights, including Inverness Castle, Botanic Gardens, Inverness Cathedral, and others. Check Inverness open sightseeing bus tours on Get Your Guide and Viator

How to Get from the Port of Invergordon to Inverness?

• Inverness is located 25 miles south of Invergordon cruise port, and the ride takes around 30 minutes. The easiest, yet most expensive way to get here is by taxi.
• Both cruise lines and independent tour operators offer guided tours of Inverness with stops at the main attractions or convenient bus transfers that include a knowledgeable escort that will provide city maps and useful tips for your “On Your Own” exploration. Escorts will set a specific meeting time and location for your return trip to the Invergordon cruise port. Check out Inverness tours and activities
• There are trains available from Invergordon to Inverness and the journey takes 55 minutes.
• Bus 25X from Invergordon Station will get you to Inverness in 50 minutes (subject to traffic).

2. Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness

Loch Ness is one of the most famous lakes in the world, largely due to its legendary inhabitant, the Loch Ness Monster—affectionately known as “Nessie.”

Sightings of Nessie date back to the 6th century, with modern reports starting in the 1930s, sparking global intrigue and speculation.

While the existence of Nessie remains a mystery, the allure of the myth draws countless visitors to Loch Ness every year, eager to explore the deep waters and perhaps catch a glimpse of the elusive creature.

Loch Ness is not only famous for the legendary Nessie but also for its stunning surroundings, including the historic Urquhart Castle.

Overlooking the vast waters of the loch, Urquhart Castle dates back to the 13th century and offers a fascinating glimpse into Scotland’s medieval past. The castle was robbed by the MacDonald clan of the Western Isles and then destroyed during the first Jacobite Rising in 1692.

Tourists can explore the castle ruins and visitor center where they can see the exhibitions, enjoy a film presentation, and learn more about the legendary monster “Nessie” whose cave is said to be under the castle.

How to Get to the Urquhart Castle from Invergordon Cruise Port?

• The Urquhart Castle is located 37 miles (60 km) south of the Invergordon cruise terminal and 18 miles (29 km) south of Inverness. The best option for cruise ship passengers to visit the castle is on an organized shore excursion due to the distance.
• There are also many ways to get to Loch Ness by public transport, such as taking a train to Inverness and then switching to bus #917 or bus #919 departing from Inverness bus station. You need to get off at the Urquhart Castle bus stop (castle car park). The bus ride takes 35 minutes, however, the buses do not run as often as thought so make sure you check the timetables when planning your trip.
• You can also get there by taxi in around 50 minutes. The drive from Inverness takes 25 minutes.

Check out Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness tours and activities

3. Dunrobin Castle

Boasting 189 rooms, this fairytale castle is the largest in the Northern Highlands and is the most northern of Scotland’s great houses.

Situated on a scenic hill overlooking the North Sea, the castle has been home to the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland since the 13th century, one of the most powerful families in Britain.

The castle served as a naval hospital during World War I and as a boarding school from 1965 to 1972.

Today visitors can explore the castle’s opulent staterooms, the museum, the Victorian gardens, and the famous falconry displays.

How to Get to Dunrobin Castle from Invergordon Cruise Ship Port?

• Dunrobin Castle is located 30 miles (48 km) north of the port of Invergordon, and the ride takes around 40 minutes. Due to the distance, it’s advisable to either book a shore excursion or a round-trip private transfer so you don’t worry about getting back to the ship on time.
• You can also take a direct train from Invergordon to Dunrobin Castle. The ride takes 1h 20 minutes. However, the trains don’t operate frequently so make sure you check timetables before planning your journey.
• It is also possible to go there by bus (bus #25 and then switch to #X99), however, the ride can take more than 2 hours one way and the buses don’t run frequently.
• The taxi ride takes 40 minutes (subject to traffic conditions).

Explore Dunrobin Castle tours and activities

4. Cawdor Castle

Set amidst beautiful gardens in the historic county of Nairnshire, Cawdor Castle has been inhabited by the Cawdor family for over 600 years and is one of the most visited castles in Scotland.

The castle dates back to the late 14th century and was built as a private fortress by the Thanes of Cawdor. With its 15th-century tower house, iron gate, moat, drawbridge, and turrets, you’ll be transported back to medieval times.

Stroll through the castle and admire the beautiful architecture and exquisite decoration, including rare tapestries and valuable artwork.

Make sure you visit three gorgeous castle gardens offering a symphony of colors with flowers and more than 131 registered species.

How to Get to Cawdor Castle from Invergordon Cruise Port?

• Cawdor Castle is located around 36 miles (58 km) southeast of Invergordon, and only 16 miles (26 km) east of Inverness. The ride from the cruise terminal to the castle takes approximately 45 minutes one way.
• The best way to get there is on an organized shore excursion where transport and entrance fees are included.
• Another way to get to Cawdor Castle is by taxi. Alternatively, you can book a round-trip private transfer to ensure you get back to the ship on time.
• Public transportation is also available however the journey can take up to 3 hours one way, which includes train and bus transfer in Inverness.

Check out Cawdor Castle tours and activities

5. Culloden Battlefield

Culloden Battlefield, the site of the last battle fought on British soil in 1746, is a significant historical location where the Jacobite forces of Bonnie Prince Charlie were defeated by the British army.

On-site, you can explore the interactive visitor center, walk the battlefield, and pay respects at the memorial cairn.

The Battle of Culloden plays a pivotal role in both the “Outlander” books by Diana Gabaldon and the TV adaptation, which has contributed to the battlefield’s growing popularity.

From the Invergordon cruise port, the battlefield is around a 45-minute drive. Many cruise passengers choose to visit by booking a guided tour or arranging private transportation to experience this pivotal piece of Scottish history firsthand.

Explore Culloden Battlefield tours and activities

6. Invergordon

If you decide to stay near the port or you have some free time, you can walk around the small town of Invergordon, whose city center is located within a 5-minute walk from the cruise terminal.

You can walk around streets filled with shops and visit the Invergordon Museum, a small town museum that provides the history of the town as a naval port and serving the offshore oil industry. The museum is easily identified by the colorful and interesting murals painted on the sides of the building.

The town also has a beautiful church (Invergordon Parish Church) that serves as the seafarer’s center during the cruise ship season. You can get free wi-fi and tea inside the church free of charge, however, donations are welcome.

Wrapping Up

Whether you choose to uncover the charm of Inverness, dive into the mysteries of Loch Ness, or step back in time at one of Scotland’s historic castles, Invergordon cruise port offers something for every traveler!

---

You may also like our cruise port guides to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Western Europe, Baltic & Scandinavia, USA & Canada, Australia & New Zealand

This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. For full information, please see my privacy policy here.