Edinburgh to Thurso bus with Megabus

Thu, Nov 06
+ Add return
Megabus
Scottish Citylink
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
1,000+ travel companies
Megabus
Scottish Citylink
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Edinburgh to Thurso

Showing times and prices for Nov 06

Cheapest price

$59

Average price

$72

Fastest journey

7 h 41 m

Average duration

10 h 2 m

Buses per day

5

Distance

294 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Edinburgh to Thurso is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Edinburgh to Thurso will cost around $72 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $59.

Fast buses

It's difficult to get from Edinburgh to Thurso without transferring at least once.

FlixBus
07:30PM18h51
Edinburgh
02:21PMSir George's Street Church
$591One-way
1 transfer
Scottish Citylink
06:40AM7h41
Edinburgh
02:21PMSir George's Street Church
$721One-way
3 transfers
Scottish Citylink
12:35PM7h46
Edinburgh
08:21PMSir George's Street Church
$721One-way
3 transfers
Scottish Citylink
10:10AM7h41
Edinburgh
05:51PMSir George's Street Church
$791One-way
1 transfer
Scottish Citylink
12:10PM8h11
Edinburgh
08:21PMSir George's Street Church
$791One-way
1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Edinburgh to Thurso

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Thurso among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €47. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 7h 7m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €47, and a train costs an average of €48.

Distance: 182 miles (294 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train

€60

Average price

Cheapest

€102

Average price

7h 37m

Average total duration

Fastest

7h 7m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 52m

Average total duration

7h 22m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Edinburgh to Thurso bus times

The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Thurso buses for tomorrow, Thursday, November 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 8:36 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Scottish Citylink6:40 AM Edinburgh
7h41
2:21 PM Sir George's Street Church3 transfers
Scottish Citylink10:10 AM Edinburgh
7h41
5:51 PM Sir George's Street Church1 transfer
Scottish Citylink12:10 PM Edinburgh
8h11
8:21 PM Sir George's Street Church1 transfer
Scottish Citylink12:35 PM Edinburgh
7h46
8:21 PM Sir George's Street Church3 transfers
meinfernbus_flixbus7:30 PM Edinburgh
18h51
2:21 PM Sir George's Street Church1 transfer

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Edinburgh to Thurso by train or bus

Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

Thu
Nov 06
Fri
Nov 07
Sat
Nov 08
Sun
Nov 09
Mon
Nov 10
Tue
Nov 11
Wed
Nov 12

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Edinburgh to Thurso

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
182 miles (294 km)
Average bus duration
7h 7m
Cheapest ticket price
$57 (€47)
Buses per day
3
Fastest bus
7h 16m
First bus
06:36
Last bus
16:37

Key Takeaways

Train Ticket Prices
  • Budget Options: Train tickets from Edinburgh to Thurso start from as low as $57 (€47) if booked well in advance.
  • Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $74 (€60) depending on the train type and class.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Bus providers: Megabus, Scottish Citylink, FlixBus from Edinburgh to ThursoYou can travel by bus between Edinburgh to Thurso with Megabus, Scottish Citylink, FlixBus for as low as $57 (€47). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

FlixBus

About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
7h 46m
Cheapest Price
$59 (€48)
FlixBus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.

Megabus

About
Megabus is a low-cost intercity bus service operating across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Known for its affordable fares, including promotional $1 tickets, Megabus offers routes connecting over 500 cities and university campuses in North America. The company provides amenities such as air conditioning, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and onboard restrooms, with many routes utilizing double-decker buses for scenic views. Megabus aims to provide safe, convenient, and affordable express bus travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
8h 11m
Cheapest Price
$56 (€46)
Megabus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
Refund
If Megabus fails to provide on-time reliable service for reasons wholly within their control, refunds or alternative travel arrangements may be offered.
Pregnant on board
Being pregnant on board is allowed, but no specific details or restrictions are provided.
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minors under the age of 17 are not permitted to travel on Megabus.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cold food and drinks, as well as hot drinks with a lid, are allowed on board, but hot food is not.
Seat reservation
Reserved seats can be purchased for an additional fee, starting from £2.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.

Scottish Citylink

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
7h 16m
Cheapest Price
$72 (€59)
Scottish Citylink frequency
3 a day

FAQs: Bus from Edinburgh to Thurso

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh to Thurso by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Thurso, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Edinburgh to Thurso can start from as little as $64 (€52) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Edinburgh to Thurso is $81 (€67); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Edinburgh to Thurso bus time is 7 h 16 min   covering the 182 mile (294 km) long trip, but the journey time can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first bus from Edinburgh to Thurso leaves at 6: 35AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last bus from Edinburgh to Thurso leaves at 4: 37PM.
There are 2 buses a day from Edinburgh to Thurso which require at least one change with FlixBus, Scottish Citylink or Megabus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
Take the Edinburgh to Thurso bus with FlixBus, Scottish Citylink or Megabus. However, it's always good to check out all possible bus companies for the trip between Edinburgh and Thurso as there might be differences in the amenities they offer.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Edinburgh and Thurso including taking a train or bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Edinburgh to Thurso:
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Edinburgh to Thurso for bus company FlixBus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Thurso are:
  • Thurso Castle, a historic ruin offering scenic views of the coastline
  • Caithness Horizons Museum, a local museum showcasing the history and culture of Thurso and the surrounding area
  • Old St Peter's Church, a medieval church ruin with significant historical importance
  • Scrabster Harbour, a bustling port providing insight into the local fishing industry
  • Holburn Head Lighthouse, a picturesque lighthouse offering panoramic views of the surrounding sea and cliffs.
The best things to do in Thurso include:
  • Surf at Thurso East, experience one of the UK's premier surfing spots known for its powerful waves
  • Walk along Thurso Beach, enjoy a leisurely stroll on the sandy beach with scenic views of the North Sea
  • Visit the Castlehill Heritage Centre, explore exhibits on local heritage and participate in workshops
  • Take a boat tour from Scrabster Harbour, discover marine wildlife and stunning coastal landscapes
  • Enjoy a round of golf at Thurso Golf Club, play on a scenic course with views of the surrounding countryside.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Edinburgh to Thurso depends on the bus company:
  • FlixBus
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Edinburgh to Thurso, follow these tips:

  • Book in advance: Tickets are often cheaper when booked early.
  • Be flexible with dates and times: Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money.
  • Use our search filters: Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options.
  • Look for special deals or discounts: Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
  • Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!

    Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Edinburgh to Thurso.
    Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Edinburgh to Thurso:
    • FlixBus
      • One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
    Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Edinburgh to Thurso:
    • FlixBus
      • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
    Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Edinburgh to Thurso. The following conditions apply:
    • FlixBus
      • Small pets in carriers allowed
      • Guide dogs travel for free.
    You can reserve your seat on the bus from Edinburgh to Thurso with the following bus company: FlixBus
    Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Edinburgh to Thurso with the following bus company: FlixBus.
    Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Edinburgh to Thurso with the following bus company: FlixBus.

    More options for your journey from Edinburgh to Thurso

    Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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