The average train between Edinburgh and Thurso takes 10h 40m and the fastest train takes 7h 51m. The train service runs several times per day from Edinburgh to Thurso. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays; use the search form on this page to search for a specific travel date.
Trains run 3 times a day between Edinburgh and Thurso. The earliest departure is at 4:20 AM at night, and the last departure from Edinburgh is at 7:34 PM which arrives into Thurso at 10:58 AM. All services require a transfer, and take on average 10h 40m. The schedules shown below are for the next available departures.

10h 3m • 1 change

9h 11m • 1 change

8h 47m • 1 change
Arrives next day

15h 24m • 1 change

10h 3m • 1 change

9h 11m • 1 change

8h 47m • 1 change
Arrives next day

15h 24m • 1 change
Want to know about travelling from Edinburgh to Thurso? We have put together a list of the most frequently asked questions from our users such as: What is the cheapest mode of transport? What is the quickest option? How much do tickets usually cost? and many more.
No, there is no direct train from Edinburgh to Thurso. However, there are services departing from Edinburgh station and arriving at Thurso station via Inverness. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 10h 40m.
Edinburgh to Thurso train services, operated by ScotRail, depart from Edinburgh Waverley station.
Edinburgh to Thurso train services, operated by ScotRail, arrive at Thurso station.
Book your Edinburgh to Thurso train tickets online with ScotRail, Caledonian Sleeper and London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER).
The distance between Edinburgh and Thurso is 294.5 km. The road distance is 539 km.
You can take a train from Edinburgh Waverley to Thurso via Inverness in around 8h 32m.