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Trains from Exeter to Thurso

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Avanti West Coast
Caledonian Sleeper

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  1. Home
  2. Train times
  3. Exeter to Thurso

Trains to Thurso from Exeter

First train

05:25

Last train

20:14

Departure stationExeter
Arrival stationThurso
Journey time

From 15h 0m

Distance

544 miles (875 km)

Frequency

10 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

Train operators

Avanti West Coast, Caledonian Sleeper, CrossCountry, ScotRail, TransPennine Express

What are the train times from Exeter to Thurso?

Check out the next trains departing from Exeter to Thurso for Tuesday 13th October 2026 using our handy timetable below, including platform and live travel information. You can view the full day timetable or search for a different date here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
06:2522:2015h 55m, 3 changes
07:2022:2015h 0m, 4 changes
11:2710:5923h 32m, 2 changes
12:2710:5922h 32m, 4 changes
18:2714:2419h 57m, 3 changes
19:2814:2418h 56m, 3 changes
19:5617:5021h 54m, 5 changes
21:1417:5020h 36m, 5 changes

Trains to Thurso from Exeter

Want to travel from Exeter to Thurso by train? Start your journey with us.

It takes an average of 19 hours 38 minutes to travel from Exeter to Thurso by train. You'll find on average 10 trains per day running on this route.

There aren't any direct services on this line, but it's still easy to travel to Thurso by train; you'll need to make 2 changes.

Avanti West Coast, ScotRail, TransPennine Express and CrossCountry trains operate on this route.

Generally, booking Advance train tickets works out cheaper.

See our Journey Planner for up-to-date times and prices.

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Exeter to Thurso?

Want to know more about your journey from Exeter to Thurso? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How do you travel to Thurso from Exeter?

To get to Thurso from Exeter, why not take the train? With 10 trains per day and an average journey time of 19 hours and 38 minutes, taking the train is a great way to travel. See our Journey Planner for up-to-date times and prices.

How long does it take to get from Exeter to Thurso by train?

On average, it takes around 19 hours and 38 minutes to travel from Exeter to Thurso by train, although you can get there in 15 hours and 0 minutes on the fastest services. With 10 trains per day running on this route, journey times may vary, so check our Journey Planner for more information.

How fast can trains travel from Exeter to Thurso?

The fastest time a train can travel the 544 miles (875 km) from Exeter to Thurso is 15 hours and 0 minutes.

Are there any direct trains from Exeter to Thurso?

There are no direct trains that run between Exeter and Thurso. You’ll need to make at least 2 changes along the way.

How do I find cheap train tickets from Exeter to Thurso?

As most UK train companies increase their prices as the departure date approaches, our Trainline team of experts have put together these tips to help you find the cheapest tickets.

1. Sign up to Ticket Alert

If you're planning a trip more than 12 weeks ahead, sign up to our Ticket Alert to get notified when Advance tickets are released for your travel date.

2. Use a Railcard

National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel throughout the year. Buy one with us and you'll be able to store it digitally in our app, so you'll always have it on your travels.

3. Book split tickets

Our handy feature SplitSave will 'split' your train journey into multiple tickets, which can be much cheaper than buying a single ticket. Find out more about split tickets.

4. Travel Off-Peak

If you can be flexible with your travel times, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets are usually cheaper in the UK. Generally, Off-Peak times are any time at weekends and outside of Monday to Friday morning and evening rush hours.

5. Consider a Season Ticket

Best for commuters, if you catch a train on the same route more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly, weekly and flexi options available, find out if a Season Ticket for Exeter to Thurso is right for you.

For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.

§Advance adult single fare. Excludes booking fee. Prices seen by Trainline customers in the last 30 days. Availability limited.
† Average savings on advance fares booked at least one week before day of travel vs Anytime fares purchased on day of travel. Subject to availability. Excludes coach.

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