4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest buses from Edinburgh to Thurso
Cheapest price
$136
Average price
$136
Fastest journey
8 h 6 m
Average duration
8 h 39 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
294 km
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 $136 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $136.
It's difficult to get from Edinburgh to Thurso without transferring at least once.
L87695 · C14684 · SR3482001:37 PM8h39Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)10:16 PMThurso station (THS)$1361One-way2 transfers- C14678 · SR3483008:38 AM9h07Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)5:45 PMThurso station (THS)$1361One-way1 transfer
- L87668 · C14680 · SR3483009:39 AM8h06Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)5:45 PMThurso station (THS)$1361One-way2 transfers
- L87274 · SR3482001:32 PM8h44Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)10:16 PMThurso station (THS)$1361One-way1 transfer
- L87668 · C14680 · SR3483009:39 AM8h06Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)5:45 PMThurso station (THS)$1361One-way2 transfers
- L87695 · C14684 · SR3482001:37 PM8h39Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)10:16 PMThurso station (THS)$1361One-way2 transfers
- L87274 · SR3482001:32 PM8h44Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)10:16 PMThurso station (THS)$1361One-way1 transfer
- C14678 · SR3483008:38 AM9h07Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)5:45 PMThurso station (THS)$1361One-way1 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 $68. 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 $68, and a train costs an average of $54.
Distance: 182 miles (294 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$103 Average price Cheapest | $106 Average price | $136 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 37m Average total duration Fastest 7h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 51m Average total duration 7h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 26m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Edinburgh to Thurso:
A bus is $3 (€3) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh to Thurso costing on average $106 (€88).
Other travel options to Thurso take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 21m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
Edinburgh to Thurso Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Ember | Departure Time 02:07AM | Arrival Time 11:56AM | Duration 9h49 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $120 |
Operator Ember | Departure Time 02:13AM | Arrival Time 11:56AM | Duration 9h43 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $120 |
Operator Ember | Departure Time 04:49AM | Arrival Time 02:21PM | Duration 9h32 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $98 |
Operator Ember | Departure Time 05:00AM | Arrival Time 02:21PM | Duration 9h21 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $98 |
Operator Scotrail | Departure Time 08:38AM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 9h07 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $136 |
Operator Ember | Departure Time 09:13AM | Arrival Time 05:49PM | Duration 8h36 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $120 |
Operator Scotrail | Departure Time 09:39AM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 8h06 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $136 |
Operator Ember | Departure Time 09:41AM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 8h29 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $120 |
Operator Scottish Citylink Coaches Ltd | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 08:41PM | Duration 8h26 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator Scottish Citylink Coaches Ltd | Departure Time 01:15PM | Arrival Time 08:52PM | Duration 7h37 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator Ember | Departure Time 01:22PM | Arrival Time 09:51PM | Duration 8h29 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $120 |
Operator Scotrail | Departure Time 01:32PM | Arrival Time 10:16PM | Duration 8h44 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $136 |
Operator Scotrail | Departure Time 01:37PM | Arrival Time 10:16PM | Duration 8h39 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $136 |
Operator Ember | Departure Time 03:17PM | Arrival Time 11:47PM | Duration 8h30 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $120 |
Operator Scottish Citylink Coaches Ltd | Departure Time 06:15PM | Arrival Time 02:21PM | Duration 20h06 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator Ember | Departure Time 11:06PM | Arrival Time 07:44AM | Duration 8h38 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $120 |
Live departures
Edinburgh to Thurso bus times
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Thurso buses for today, Wednesday, June 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C14678 · SR348300 | On time 8:38 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 9h07 | 5:45 PM Thurso station (THS) | 1 transfer | |
| L87668 · C14680 · SR348300 | On time 9:39 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 8h06 | 5:45 PM Thurso station (THS) | 2 transfers | |
| L87274 · SR348200 | On time 1:32 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 8h44 | 10:16 PM Thurso station (THS) | 1 transfer | |
| L87695 · C14684 · SR348200 | On time 1:37 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 8h39 | 10:16 PM Thurso station (THS) | 2 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
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.
Jun 25
Jun 26
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Jun 28
Jun 29
Jun 30
Jul 01
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Edinburgh to Thurso
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Edinburgh to Thurso run on average 4 times per day, taking around 7h 7m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $68 (€56) but you can travel from only $54 (€45) by train.
The earliest bus runs at 06:50, the last at 16:37. The fastest bus covers the 182 miles (294 km) distance in 7h 37m.
Distance 182 miles (294 km) |
Average bus duration 7h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price $68 (€56) |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 7h 37m |
First bus 6:50 AM |
Last bus 4:37 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Bus providers: Ember, Scottish Citylink Coaches Ltd from Edinburgh to ThursoYou can travel by bus between Edinburgh to Thurso with Ember, Scottish Citylink Coaches Ltd for as low as $54 (€45). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Ember
Scottish Citylink Coaches Ltd
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.
- 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.
- 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.
More options for your journey from Edinburgh to Thurso
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Thurso and Edinburgh
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