Thurso to Inverness train with ScotRail

Thu, Nov 20
+ Add return
ScotRail
ScotRail
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
Italo
1,000+ travel companies
ScotRail
ScotRail
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
Italo
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Thurso to Inverness

Showing times and prices for Nov 21

Cheapest price

$42

Average price

$42

Fastest journey

3 h 53 m

Average duration

3 h 53 m

Trains per day

1

Distance

130 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Thurso to Inverness is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Thurso to Inverness will cost around $42 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $42.

Fast trains

Of the 1 trains that leave Thurso for Inverness on Fri, Nov 21, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Fri, Nov 21 the direct trains cover the 130 km distance in an average of 3 h 53 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 53 m .

On Fri, Nov 21 the slowest trains will take 3 h 53 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.

ScotRail
07:34AM3h53
Thurso
11:27AMInverness
$421One-way
0 transfers

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 bus with prices starting from €27. 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 bus costs an average of €27, and a train costs an average of €20.

Distance: 80 miles (130 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus

€32

Average price

€27

Average price

Cheapest

4h 23m

Average total duration

3h 53m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 8m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 38m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Thurso to Inverness train times

The table below shows live departures for Thurso to Inverness trains for today, Thursday, November 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 5:22 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
scotrail5:50 AM Thurso
3h49
9:39 AM Inverness0 transfersDirect
scotrail7:34 AM Thurso
3h53
11:27 AM Inverness0 transfersDirect

This is the last train 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.

Fri
Nov 21
Sat
Nov 22
Sun
Nov 23
Mon
Nov 24
Tue
Nov 25
Wed
Nov 26
Thu
Nov 27

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Thurso to Inverness?

The best time to book your train from Thurso to Inverness is 2 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Thurso to Inverness route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Thurso to Inverness per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Thurso to Inverness.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Thurso to Inverness

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Thurso to Inverness run on average 2 times per day, taking around 3h 53m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $25 (€20) if you book in advance.

There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:50, the last at 18:31. The fastest train covers the 80 miles (130 km) distance in 3h 45m.

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
Distance
80 miles (130 km)
Average train duration
3h 53m
Cheapest ticket price
$25 (€20)
Trains per day
2
Direct trains
2
Fastest train
3h 45m
First train
06:50
Last train
18:31
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

Train companies: ScotRail from Thurso to Inverness trainsScotRail trains will get you between Thurso and Inverness from $25 (€20). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

ScotRail

About
Scotrail is a train operating company in Scotland, providing rail services throughout the country. It operates a wide range of services, from commuter trains to long-distance intercity services. The company operates a variety of train types, including the Class 380, Class 385, Class 156, Class 158 and Class 170. These trains offer a range of onboard facilities, such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and comfortable seating. Scotrail also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Off-Peak, and Anytime tickets. The most popular routes for Scotrail include Glasgow to Edinburgh, Glasgow to Inverness, and Edinburgh to Aberdeen.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 19m
Cheapest Price
$26 (€21)
ScotRail frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, designated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions mentioned above
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks, some stations have catering facilities
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are free but optional, recommended during peak times
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, dogs allowed with ticket (£1-£3), maximum 2 dogs per passenger, assistance dogs free
Quiet zone

FAQs: Trains from Thurso to Inverness

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Thurso to Inverness 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 Inverness, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
A day trip from Thurso to Inverness is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 45m each way, with a frequency of 2 trips per day by train.
To experience the highlights of Inverness, 2 to 3 days is typically sufficient to explore the city, visit nearby attractions like Loch Ness, and enjoy local culture and cuisine.
The distance by train from Thurso to Inverness is 80 miles (130 km).
In Inverness, visitors can explore the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery to discover local history and art, enjoy performances at Eden Court Theatre, and take a leisurely walk on the Ness Islands. The Caledonian Canal offers scenic walks or boat trips, while the Merkinch Local Nature Reserve is perfect for wildlife exploration. Key sights include the historic Inverness Castle, the scenic Loch Ness, the informative Culloden Battlefield, the impressive Inverness Cathedral, and the ancient Clava Cairns.
Yes, the train journey from Thurso to Inverness is considered scenic, offering views of the rugged Scottish Highlands, coastal landscapes, and charming small towns along the route.
The train station in Thurso that goes to Inverness is Thurso station (THS), which connects to Inverness station (INV).
Train ticket prices from Thurso to Inverness can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $25 (€20), while the average price is around $40 (€32).
There is no high speed train available from Thurso to Inverness.
The cheapest way to get from Thurso to Inverness is by train, with a cost of around $25 (€20).
The first train from Thurso to Inverness leaves at 6:50 AM.
The train from Thurso to Inverness takes 3h 45m and runs 2 per day.
Yes, you can take the train from Thurso to Inverness.
The last train from Thurso to Inverness leaves at 6:31 PM.
Yes, there is a direct train from Thurso to Inverness. This service operates 2 times per day, provided by ScotRail, ScotRail.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Thurso to Inverness.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Thurso to Inverness

Thurso
Inverness
The major train station for departures in Thurso is Thurso. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Thurso for your trip from Thurso to Inverness.
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 09:50 - 16:54 Saturday 10:10 - 16:54 Sunday Closed
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: Available during ticket office opening hours.
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Lounge
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: Part of the ticket office
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • 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
Public transit options for Thurso
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off from the bus stop at the station entrance

Most popular train connections from Thurso

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