- Recommended
Thurso Museum
Local history museum covering Thurso, Caithness life, archaeology, and the nuclear era at Dounreay. Compact, informative, and central.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Edinburgh to Thurso
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 30
Cheapest price on Sep 30
$68
Average ticket price on Sep 30
$102
Fastest journey on Sep 30
8 h 26 m
Average journey duration on Sep 30
8 h 41 m
Buses on Sep 30
7
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 $102 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $68.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Edinburgh to Thurso without transferring at least once.
12:15 PM8h26Edinburgh8:41 PMBank Of Scotland$681One-way1 transfer- 6:15 PM20h06Edinburgh2:21 PMBank Of Scotland$681One-way1 transfer
5:00 AM9h21Edinburgh2:21 PMBank Of Scotland$981One-way2 transfers- 2:13 AM9h43Edinburgh11:56 AMThurso Bank Of Scotland$1201One-way1 transfer
- 9:41 AM8h29Edinburgh6:10 PMThurso Bank Of Scotland$1201One-way1 transfer
- 12:15 PM8h26Edinburgh8:41 PMBank Of Scotland$681One-way1 transfer
- 9:41 AM8h29Edinburgh6:10 PMThurso Bank Of Scotland$1201One-way1 transfer
- 1:22 PM8h29Edinburgh9:51 PMThurso Bank Of Scotland$1201One-way1 transfer
- 11:06 PM8h38Edinburgh7:44 AMThurso Bank Of Scotland$1201One-way1 transfer
- 5:00 AM9h21Edinburgh2:21 PMBank Of Scotland$981One-way2 transfers
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, Wed, Thu, 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, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $98 |
Operator Ember | Departure Time 09:13AM | Arrival Time 05:49PM | Duration 8h36 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $120 |
Operator Ember | Departure Time 09:41AM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 8h29 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $120 |
Operator Scottish Citylink Coaches Ltd | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 08:41PM | Duration 8h26 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, 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, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $120 |
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, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator Ember | Departure Time 11:06PM | Arrival Time 07:44AM | Duration 8h38 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $120 |
Live departures
Edinburgh to Thurso bus times
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Thurso buses for today, Tuesday, September 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:15 PM Edinburgh | 20h06 | 2:21 PM Bank Of Scotland | 1 transfer | |
| 11:06 PM Edinburgh | 8h38 | 7:44 AM Thurso Bank Of Scotland | 1 transfer | |
| Wednesday, September 30 | |||||
| 2:13 AM Edinburgh | 9h43 | 11:56 AM Thurso Bank Of Scotland | 1 transfer | |
| 5:00 AM Edinburgh | 9h21 | 2:21 PM Bank Of Scotland | 2 transfers | |
| 9:41 AM Edinburgh | 8h29 | 6:10 PM Thurso Bank Of Scotland | 1 transfer | |
| 12:15 PM Edinburgh | 8h26 | 8:41 PM Bank Of Scotland | 1 transfer | |
| 1:22 PM Edinburgh | 8h29 | 9:51 PM Thurso Bank Of Scotland | 1 transfer | |
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.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Edinburgh to Thurso
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Take a bus from Edinburgh to Thurso and enjoy the approximately 182 miles (294 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest bus runs at 06:50, the last at 16:37.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $54 (€45)
Distance 182 miles (294 km) |
First bus 6:50 AM |
Last bus 4:37 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Thu |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $54 (€45)
Complete guide to Thurso
Things to do in Thurso
Discover the best of Thurso — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Thurso trip today.
- Recommended
Caithness Horizons
Museum and archive at Wick Airport focused on the region's aviation story. Useful for visitors interested in transport history near Thurso.
Castlehill Heritage Centre
Visitor centre interpreting nearby Castlehill Heritage Centre collections and the history of flagstone, transport, and local industry in the area.
- Must visit
Thurso Beach
Broad sandy beach popular for walks, surfing, and sunset views. One of Thurso's signature outdoor spots and easy to reach from the town centre.
- Recommended
Thurso Riverside Walk
Riverside and coastal walk leading to the beach and harbour areas. A pleasant route for views, birdlife, and getting a feel for the town's setting.
- Recommended
Thurso Harbour
Active harbour area with fishing and ferry links nearby. Good for a stroll, sea air, and watching boats while learning the town's maritime character.
- Gluten-free
Cullen Skink
A rich Scottish soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes, onions and milk. Popular across the north coast and valued for local fish and warming comfort.
- Gluten-free
Highland Venison
Lean red deer from the Highlands, often served as roast or steak. It is a traditional northern Scottish game meat with a deep, distinctive flavour.
Haggis
A hearty pudding of sheep offal, oats, suet and seasoning. Scotland’s best-known traditional savoury dish, commonly served with neeps and tatties.
Spice Tandoori
Long-established Indian restaurant serving curries, tandoori dishes and takeaway options in a simple central setting.
Park Hotel Restaurant
Hotel dining room and bar serving Scottish classics, seafood and steaks in a traditional town-centre setting.
Y-Not Bar & Grill
Popular harbourside fish and chip shop known for fresh local seafood and relaxed casual dining.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the Scottish Highlands. Lodging can be pricey in peak season, but dining and local transport are usually reasonable for UK travelers.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple café meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £35-60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.50-4 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is often included or optional. In restaurants, 10% is polite for good service. Round up taxi fares. Café tipping is optional.
ScotRail
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- Unknown
- Day pass
- None
To the city center
Thurso, Sir George Street (Church) -> Thurso Railway Station, Thurso
- Distance
- 0.7 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Thurso is very small and central stops, shops, and Thurso railway station are walkable from Sir George Street.
- Buy rail tickets before boarding where possible; ScotRail confirms Thurso station has ticket vending machines and a booking office at opening hours.
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.
The earliest bus from Edinburgh to Thurso leaves at 6:50 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Edinburgh to Thurso leaves at 4:37 PM.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Edinburgh and Thurso including taking a train and bus.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from Edinburgh to Thurso.
No, the bus from Edinburgh to Thurso has no accessibility options.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from Edinburgh to Thurso.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the bus from Edinburgh to Thurso.
No, luggage for the bus from Edinburgh to Thurso needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from Edinburgh to Thurso.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Edinburgh to Thurso.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from Edinburgh to Thurso.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from Edinburgh to Thurso.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Thurso, travelers should be mindful of typical small-town safety concerns such as petty theft and pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas. It is advisable to stay alert when using transportation services and avoid accepting unsolicited offers for rides. Scams are generally rare, but travelers should be cautious of overcharging or unofficial taxis. Staying informed and using reputable service providers helps ensure a safe visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
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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