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Taking the train from Aviemore to Thurso in 4 hours 30 minutes
Thinking about taking the train from Aviemore to Thurso? We've got you covered.
It usually takes around 6 hours 30 minutes to travel the 97 miles (157 km) from Aviemore to Thurso by train, although you can get there in as little as 4 hours 30 minutes on the fastest services. You'll normally find around 8 trains per day running on this route. You'll need to make 1 change along the way as there aren't any direct services on this line. As the main train operator on this route, you'll probably be travelling with ScotRail for all or at least part of your journey to Thurso.
Book train tickets from Aviemore to Thurso in advance instead of buying them on the day and you'll snap up the cheapest fares. We'll always highlight the cheapest prices in our Journey Planner, for example when you travel at Off-Peak times or use a Railcard.
If you're feeling ready to book, start looking for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information on the journey to Thurso by train, or check our timetable above to view live train times.
Journey details
Want to know more about your journey from Aviemore to Thurso? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from Aviemore to Thurso take?
The average journey time by train between Aviemore and Thurso is 6 hours and 30 minutes, with around 8 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 Aviemore and Thurso by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Aviemore to Thurso is 4 hours and 30 minutes.
Is there a direct train from Aviemore to Thurso?
No, there are no direct train services from Aviemore to Thurso. Travelling from Aviemore to Thurso by train will require a minimum of 1 change.
What time does the first train from Aviemore to Thurso leave?
The first train from Aviemore to Thurso leaves at 08:52. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Aviemore to Thurso leave?
The last train from Aviemore to Thurso leaves at 22:40. 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 Aviemore and Thurso by train?
Trains travelling from Aviemore to Thurso cover a distance of around 97 miles (157 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Thurso to Aviemore.
Cheap train tickets from Aviemore 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 Aviemore 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.