- Recommended
Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
City museum and gallery covering Highland history, archaeology, Jacobite heritage, and local art in the centre of Inverness.
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Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Thurso to Inverness
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Thurso to Inverness among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $16. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 3h 38m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $16, and a bus costs an average of $55.
Distance: 80 miles (130 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$55 Average price | $32 Average price Cheapest | $40 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 8m Average total duration Fastest 3h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 22m Average total duration 3h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 30m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Thurso to Inverness is a train with an average price of $32 (€26).
This is compared to other travel options from Thurso to Inverness:
A train is $23 (€19) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Thurso to Inverness costing on average $55 (€45).
The fastest way to travel from Thurso to Inverness is by bus with an average journey time of 3h 38m.
Other travel options to Inverness take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 52m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Thurso and Inverness including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Thurso to Inverness among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about -2h -8m sooner (3h 38m by bus vs 2h 30m by car) and save roughly $-15.11 (€-12.42) compared to fuel and tolls ($55 (€45) 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 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.
Thurso to Inverness Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Ember | Departure Time 03:52AM | Arrival Time 07:13AM | Duration 3h21 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator Ember | Departure Time 05:27AM | Arrival Time 08:43AM | Duration 3h16 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator Ember | Departure Time 09:24AM | Arrival Time 01:03PM | Duration 3h39 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator Ember | Departure Time 11:59AM | Arrival Time 03:34PM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator Ember | Departure Time 01:49PM | Arrival Time 05:30PM | Duration 3h41 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator Ember | Departure Time 04:14PM | Arrival Time 07:32PM | Duration 3h18 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator Ember | Departure Time 07:22PM | Arrival Time 10:33PM | Duration 3h11 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator Ember | Departure Time 07:42PM | Arrival Time 10:53PM | Duration 3h11 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $55 |
Live departures
Thurso to Inverness bus times
The table below shows live departures for Thurso to Inverness buses for today, Tuesday, July 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1:49 PM Thurso Royal Bank Of Scotland | 3h41 | 5:30 PM Inverness | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 7:42 PM Thurso Royal Bank Of Scotland | 3h11 | 10:53 PM Inverness | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Thurso to Inverness 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 Thurso to Inverness
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Thurso to Inverness run on average 2 times per day, taking around 3h 38m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $55 (€45) but you can travel from only $16 (€14) by train.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 06:58, the last at 18:31. The fastest bus covers the 80 miles (130 km) distance in 3h 11m.
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 $16 (€14)
Distance 80 miles (130 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price $55 (€45) |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 3h 11m |
First bus 6:58 AM |
Last bus 6:31 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
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 $16 (€14)
Bus providers: Ember from Thurso to InvernessYou can travel by bus between Thurso to Inverness with Ember for as low as $16 (€14). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Ember
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 11m
Cheapest Price
$55 (€45)
Ember frequency
4 a day
Complete guide to Inverness
Things to do in Inverness
Discover the best of Inverness — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Inverness trip today.
- Recommended
The Highlanders' Museum
Regimental museum at Fort George presenting the history of the Highlanders through uniforms, medals, and military collections.
- Recommended
Inverness Castle Experience
New attraction inside Inverness Castle with exhibitions and viewpoints focused on Highland stories and the spirit of the region.
- Must visit
River Ness Walk
Scenic walking route along both banks of the River Ness, popular for views, bridges, and easy access to central sights.
- Must visit
Ness Islands
Peaceful wooded islands linked by footbridges, loved by locals for quiet walks and one of Inverness’s most photogenic green spaces.
- Recommended
Leakey's Bookshop
Famous atmospheric second-hand bookshop in a converted church, widely photographed and a distinctive cultural stop in the city.
- Gluten-free
Cullen Skink
A rich Scottish soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions. Popular across the Highlands and a classic comfort dish to try in Inverness.
Haggis, Neeps And Tatties
Scotland’s most famous traditional dish: spiced minced offal with oats, served with mashed turnips and potatoes. A staple on Inverness menus.
- Gluten-free
Venison
Highland venison is widely served in Inverness, often as steak, pie, or casserole. It reflects the region’s strong game and rural food traditions.
Rocpool Restaurant
A well-known contemporary restaurant serving refined Scottish and seafood dishes in stylish surroundings. Good choice for a more upscale meal.
The Mustard Seed Restaurant
A long-established Inverness favorite in a converted church, known for polished Scottish cooking, local produce, and a lively but relaxed atmosphere.
The Kitchen Brasserie
A popular riverside spot with modern Scottish cuisine, seafood, and steaks. It is established, central, and known for views over the River Ness.
Pound Sterling
Generally cheaper than London. Hotels can rise sharply in summer, but everyday food and local transport are fairly manageable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- GBP 8-15 for takeaway or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- GBP 18-35 per person at a casual restaurant.
- Fine dining
- GBP 60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- GBP 3-4.50 for a regular coffee.
Tipping culture
Tipping is not mandatory. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual for good service if not already added. Round up for taxis. Small tips are optional in cafés, pubs, and hotels.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- GBP 2.70
- Day pass
- GBP 5.00
To the city center
Inverness Bus Station, Inverness -> Inverness Railway Station, Inverness
- Distance
- 0.3 km
- Travel time
- 4 min
- You can usually pay by contactless card on Stagecoach buses, but carry a backup payment method in case a vehicle does not accept card payments.
- The bus station is already in the central area, so many city-center destinations are easiest to reach on foot.
FAQs: Bus from Thurso to Inverness
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Thurso to Inverness 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 Inverness, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Thurso to Inverness can start from as little as $55 (€45) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Thurso to Inverness is $55 (€45) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Thurso to Inverness is 3h 11m to travel the 80 miles (130 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Thurso to Inverness leaves at 6:58 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Thurso to Inverness leaves at 6:31 PM.
Yes, there are 2 direct buses a day from Thurso to Inverness with Ember. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Thurso to Inverness, you can count on Ember for the best way to get you to Inverness. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Thurso and Inverness and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Inverness from Thurso is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 11m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Thurso to Inverness is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Thurso and Inverness including taking a train and bus.
No, the bus from Thurso to Inverness has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from Thurso to Inverness.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Inverness are:
- Inverness Castle, a historic fortress offering panoramic views of the city and River Ness
- Loch Ness, a famous freshwater loch known for its mythical monster and scenic beauty
- Culloden Battlefield, the site of the last battle on British soil with an informative visitor center
- Inverness Cathedral, a striking 19th-century cathedral with impressive architecture
- Clava Cairns, ancient burial cairns and standing stones dating back to the Bronze Age.
The best things to do in Inverness include:
- Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, discover the local history and art through diverse exhibits
- Eden Court Theatre, enjoy a variety of performances including theater, dance, and music in a modern venue
- Ness Islands, take a leisurely walk through the picturesque islands on the River Ness
- Caledonian Canal, enjoy a relaxing boat trip or a scenic walk along this historic waterway
- Merkinch Local Nature Reserve, explore the diverse wildlife and natural beauty of this tranquil reserve.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from Thurso to Inverness.
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 Thurso to Inverness.
No, luggage for the bus from Thurso to Inverness needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from Thurso to Inverness.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Thurso to Inverness.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from Thurso to Inverness.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from Thurso to Inverness.
Since neither Thurso nor Inverness are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Thurso to Inverness among Omio's users.
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 Inverness, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas and public transport hubs. Some visitors report occasional overcharging by taxi drivers, so it’s advisable to agree on fares beforehand or use licensed services. Always be aware of your surroundings at night and avoid poorly lit or isolated areas. Standard travel safety practices help ensure a secure 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.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Thurso to Inverness
Most Thurso to Inverness buses use the to Inverness station pair. Use this guide to compare Thurso and Inverness bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Thurso
Arrival bus stations in Inverness
Inverness
More options for your journey from Thurso to Inverness
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Inverness and Thurso
Most popular bus connections to Inverness
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