Trains from Inverness to Thurso
Inverness to Thurso by train
About the train journey from Inverness to Thurso
Want to travel from Inverness to Thurso by train? Start your journey with us.
The train from Inverness to Thurso usually takes 4 hours 1 minute on average to travel 81 miles (130 km), although the quickest services can take as little as 3 hours 43 minutes. You can expect to find 9 trains per day running on this popular route. Good news! There are direct trains available to Thurso, so you can just make yourself comfortable as soon as you board the train and just enjoy the journey. All or part of your journey will be served by ScotRail, as they are the main operator of trains on this route.
You can save money on train tickets from Inverness to Thurso if you book in advance, as tickets usually start from £14.00. You can also travel Off-Peak – tickets are usually cheaper during quieter times on weekdays and weekends – or get a Railcard and save up to 1/3 on eligible journeys for a whole year. Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to compare ticket prices and get the cheapest fares.
If you want to know more about the journey, scroll up for timetables and live train times, or keep reading for tips on finding cheap tickets and FAQs. Want to go straight to booking? Start a search with us today!
Journey details
How long does the train from Inverness to Thurso take?
The average journey time by train between Inverness and Thurso is 3 hours and 50 minutes, with around 9 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Inverness and Thurso by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Inverness to Thurso is 3 hours and 43 minutes.
How much does the train from Inverness to Thurso cost?
Train ticket prices from Inverness to Thurso can start from as little as £14 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
Is there a direct train from Inverness to Thurso?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Inverness to Thurso without having to change trains. There are 9 direct trains from Inverness to Thurso each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Inverness to Thurso leave?
The first train from Inverness to Thurso leaves at 06:00. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Inverness to Thurso leave?
The last train from Inverness to Thurso leaves at 18:31. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Inverness and Thurso by train?
Trains travelling from Inverness to Thurso cover a distance of around 81 miles (130 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Thurso to Inverness.Cheap train tickets from Inverness to Thurso
Book in advance
Look out for Advance tickets – they usually come out up to 12 weeks before the departure date and can be cheaper than buying on the day. If you’re here a tad early, sign up for our Advance ticket alert today to get notified when your tickets are released.
Consider a Season Ticket
If you catch this train more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly and weekly options available, find out if a season ticket for Inverness to Thurso is right for you.
Use your Railcard
National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel a few times or more in a year. Find out how you can save with a National Railcard here.
Split your tickets
Download our app to find split tickets — courtesy of SplitSave, our handy feature which 'splits' your train tickets where possible to find you a better deal. Learn more about the clever tech behind split tickets, and how to spot SplitSave discounts in our app.
For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.