The cheapest and fastest trains from Edinburgh to Thurso
Cheapest price
$113
Average price
$113
Fastest journey
7 h 52 m
Average duration
7 h 52 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
294 km
The best way to find a cheap train 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 $113 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $113.
It's difficult to get from Edinburgh to Thurso without transferring at least once.
C14691 · C150801:53 PM7h52Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)9:45 PMThurso station (THS)$1131One-way1 transfer
C14691 · C150801:53 PM7h52Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)9:45 PMThurso station (THS)$1131One-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 $56. 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 $56, and a train costs an average of $45.
Distance: 182 miles (294 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$88 Average price | $85 Average price Cheapest | $112 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 51m Average total duration 7h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 37m Average total duration Fastest 7h 7m 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 $88 (€88).
Other travel options to Thurso take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 21m.
Tickets start at around $88 (€88) compared to roughly $112 (€112) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $25 (€25). The journey takes 7h 21m versus 5h 26m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Edinburgh to Thurso train times
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Thurso trains for today, Saturday, July 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C14677 · C15065 | 8:37 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 9h13 | 5:50 PM Thurso station (THS) | 1 transfer | |
L87669 · C14679 · C15065 | 9:36 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 8h14 | 5:50 PM Thurso station (THS) | 2 transfers | |
L87275 · C15079 | 1:33 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 8h47 | 10:20 PM Thurso station (THS) | 1 transfer | |
W83196 · C14683 · C15079 | 1:38 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 8h42 | 10:20 PM Thurso station (THS) | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train 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.
Jul 26
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Jul 30
Jul 31
Aug 01
Why should you book Edinburgh to Thurso trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Scotrail?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Scotrail, but also compare tickets for the likes of London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER), Caledonian Sleeper or ScotRail to find the best option for your trip from Edinburgh to Thurso.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Scotrail with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Edinburgh to Thurso.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Rome2rio?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER), Caledonian Sleeper or ScotRail to find the best option for your trip from Edinburgh to Thurso.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Edinburgh to Thurso.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Edinburgh to Thurso
Trains from Edinburgh to Thurso run on average 4 times per day, taking around 7h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $45 (€45) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:33, the last at 16:37. The fastest train covers the 182 miles (294 km) distance in 7h 39m.
Distance 182 miles (294 km) |
Average train duration 7h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price $45 (€45) |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 7h 39m |
First train 5:33 AM |
Last train 4:37 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 28 days |
Train companies: Scotrail, London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER), Caledonian Sleeper, ScotRail from Edinburgh to Thurso trainsScotrail, London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER), Caledonian Sleeper, ScotRail trains will get you between Edinburgh and Thurso from $45 (€45). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Scotrail
Caledonian Sleeper
London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER)
ScotRail
FAQs: Trains from Edinburgh to Thurso
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh to Thurso by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Thurso, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Edinburgh to Thurso
Most Edinburgh to Thurso trains use the Edinburgh Waverley to Thurso station pair. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Thurso train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Getting to Edinburgh Waverley from Edinburgh city centre
Edinburgh Waverley train station facilities and services
Edinburgh Waverley has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Bagel Factory, Burger King, Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, JD Wetherspoon, The Pasty Shop, The Beer House, M&S, Pret a Manger
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are there are a few ATM machines around the station.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59, Sun: 07:00 - 23:59. Information desks are information booths are located on the concourse. .
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is you can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2. . Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Waverley: Entrances are step free. Station is equipped with an elevator. Staffed with guide communicators for the deaf. Tactile warning strips are on the platform edges for the blind.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Old Waverley Hotel, Jurys Inn Edinburgh, The Scotsman Hotel.
Getting to Haymarket from Edinburgh city centre
Haymarket is 1 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Haymarket train station facilities and services
Haymarket has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Haymarket.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Haymarket. ATMs are available at Haymarket.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Haymarket. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Haymarket: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Haymarket: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Haymarket: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to all platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the automatic ticket gates Blue Badge parking bays: 2, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Getting to Edinburgh Gateway from Edinburgh city centre
Edinburgh Gateway is 7 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Edinburgh Gateway train station facilities and services
Edinburgh Gateway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Edinburgh Gateway.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Edinburgh Gateway.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Edinburgh Gateway. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Announcements, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Edinburgh Gateway: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Edinburgh Gateway: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Gateway: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to both platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the Ticket Office Blue Badge parking bays: 4, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Which Thurso station do trains from Edinburgh arrive at?
Getting to Thurso from Thurso city centre
Thurso train station facilities and services
Thurso has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Thurso.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Thurso. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Thurso: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Thurso: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Thurso: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to both platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the Ticket Office Blue Badge parking bays: 1, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Most popular train connections from Edinburgh
More options for your journey from Edinburgh to Thurso
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