4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest buses from Inverness to Thurso
Cheapest price
$25
Average price
$33
Fastest journey
3 h 45 m
Average duration
3 h 58 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
130 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Inverness to Thurso is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Inverness to Thurso will cost around $33 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $25.
Of the 2 buses that leave Inverness for Thurso on Sat, Jun 20, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct buses cover the 130 km distance in an average of 3 h 58 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 45 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest buses will take 4 h 10 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
W69108 · SR3483001:35 PM4h10Inverness station (INV)5:45 PMThurso station (THS)$251One-way1 transfer- SR34840012:00 PM3h45Inverness station (INV)3:45 PMThurso station (THS)$421One-way0 transfers
- SR34840012:00 PM3h45Inverness station (INV)3:45 PMThurso station (THS)$421One-way0 transfers
- W69108 · SR3483001:35 PM4h10Inverness station (INV)5:45 PMThurso station (THS)$251One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Inverness to Thurso
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Inverness to Thurso among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $24. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 3h 45m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $24, and a bus costs an average of $34.
Distance: 80 miles (130 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$49 Average price | $36 Average price Cheapest | $40 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 15m Average total duration Fastest 3h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 17m Average total duration 3h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 29m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Inverness to Thurso:
A train is $13 (€11) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Inverness to Thurso costing on average $49 (€40).
Other travel options to Thurso take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 47m.
You'll arrive about -2h -16m sooner (3h 45m by bus vs 2h 29m by car) and save roughly $-9.51 (€-7.79) compared to fuel and tolls ($49 (€40) vs $40 (€33)). 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 Stagecoach North Scotland, Ember.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
Inverness to Thurso Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Ember | Departure Time 04:30AM | Arrival Time 07:44AM | Duration 3h14 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator Ember | Departure Time 08:21AM | Arrival Time 11:56AM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator Stagecoach North Scotland | Departure Time 10:50AM | Arrival Time 02:21PM | Duration 3h31 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator Scotrail | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 03:45PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator Scotrail | Departure Time 01:35PM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator Ember | Departure Time 02:19PM | Arrival Time 05:49PM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator Ember | Departure Time 02:34PM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 3h36 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator Stagecoach North Scotland | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator Stagecoach North Scotland | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 08:41PM | Duration 3h31 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator Stagecoach North Scotland | Departure Time 05:25PM | Arrival Time 08:52PM | Duration 3h27 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator Ember | Departure Time 06:39PM | Arrival Time 09:51PM | Duration 3h12 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator Ember | Departure Time 08:39PM | Arrival Time 11:47PM | Duration 3h08 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $55 |
Live departures
Inverness to Thurso bus times
The table below shows live departures for Inverness to Thurso buses for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SR348400 | 12:00 PM Inverness station (INV) | 3h45 | 3:45 PM Thurso station (THS) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W69108 · SR348300 | On time 1:35 PM Inverness station (INV) | 4h10 | 5:45 PM Thurso station (THS) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Inverness 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 20
Jun 21
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Inverness to Thurso
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Inverness to Thurso run on average 2 times per day, taking around 3h 45m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $34 (€28) but you can travel from only $24 (€20) by train.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 06:58, the last at 17:54. The fastest bus covers the 80 miles (130 km) distance in 3h 8m.
Distance 80 miles (130 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price $34 (€28) |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 3h 8m |
First bus 6:58 AM |
Last bus 5:54 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 days |
Bus providers: Stagecoach North Scotland, Ember from Inverness to ThursoYou can travel by bus between Inverness to Thurso with Stagecoach North Scotland, Ember for as low as $24 (€20). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Stagecoach North Scotland
Ember
FAQs: Bus from Inverness to Thurso
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Inverness 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.
Most popular bus connections from Inverness
More options for your journey from Inverness to Thurso
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Thurso and Inverness
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