Manchester to Thurso train with ScotRail

Wed 07 Jan
+ Add return
ScotRail
first_transpennine_express
Great Western Rail
Avanti West Coast
West Midlands Trains
1,000+ travel companies
ScotRail
first_transpennine_express
Great Western Rail
Avanti West Coast
West Midlands Trains
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Thurso

Showing times and prices for 07 Jan

Cheapest price

£194

Average price

£198

Fastest journey

17 h 58 m

Average duration

19 h 41 m

Trains per day

2

Distance

574 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Manchester to Thurso will cost around £198 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £194.

Fast trains

To travel from Manchester to Thurso you need to make at least 2 changes.

TransPennine Express Service
20:2521h24
Manchester
17:49Thurso
£1941One-way
2 changes
TransPennine Express Service
20:2517h58
Manchester
14:23Thurso
£2021One-way
3 changes

Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Thurso by train

Compare train 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.

Wed
07 Jan
Thu
08 Jan
Fri
09 Jan
Sat
10 Jan
Sun
11 Jan
Mon
12 Jan
Tue
13 Jan

Journey information

Overview: Train from Manchester to Thurso

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Manchester to Thurso run on average 2 times per day, taking around 10h 31m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £195 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 06:26, the last at 12:30. The fastest train covers the 574 km distance in 11h 14m.

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
574 km
Average train duration
10h 31m
Cheapest ticket price
£195
Trains per day
2
Fastest train
11h 14m
First train
06:26
Last train
12:30
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, first_transpennine_express from Manchester to Thurso trainsScotRail, first_transpennine_express trains will get you between Manchester and Thurso from £195. 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
12h 12m
Cheapest Price
£140
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

first_transpennine_express

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
11h 14m
Cheapest Price
£195
first_transpennine_express frequency
3 a day

FAQs: Manchester to Thurso train

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

FAQs
A stay of 2 to 3 days in Thurso is ideal to explore the town, visit the nearby attractions such as the Castle of Mey and Dunnet Head, and enjoy some time on the stunning beaches.
In Thurso, you can surf at Thurso East, a prominent surfing spot known for its powerful waves. Enjoy a leisurely walk along Thurso Beach with scenic views of the North Sea. Visit the Castlehill Heritage Centre to explore local heritage exhibits and participate in workshops. Take a boat tour from Scrabster Harbour to discover marine wildlife and stunning coastal landscapes. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round at Thurso Golf Club, which offers a course with beautiful countryside views. For sightseeing, explore the historic Thurso Castle ruins, the Caithness Horizons Museum showcasing local history, Old St Peter's Church, and the picturesque Holburn Head Lighthouse.
Booking trains from Manchester to Thurso in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
A day trip from Manchester to Thurso is not feasible as the journey takes 11h 14m. The distance is 574 km. There are 2 trains per day.
The train journey from Manchester to Thurso offers scenic views, particularly as it passes through the picturesque landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, including mountains, lochs, and remote countryside.
The train journey from Manchester to Thurso covers a distance of 574 km and takes approximately 11h 14m. Trains run 2 per day.
The cost of a train ticket from Manchester to Thurso can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £195, while the average price tends to be around £200.
The train station in Manchester that goes to Thurso is Manchester Oxford Road (MCO), and it arrives at Thurso station (THS).
The cheapest way to get from Manchester to Thurso is by train, costing approximately £195.
The train distance from Manchester to Thurso is 574 km.
The last train from Manchester to Thurso departs at 12:30.
There is no night train service from Manchester to Thurso.
The first train from Manchester to Thurso leaves at 6:26.
To travel from Manchester to Thurso, you can take a train.
Trains from Manchester to Thurso run approximately 2 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Manchester to Thurso.
Yes, you can take the train from Manchester to Thurso.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Manchester to Thurso.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Thurso

Manchester
Thurso
The major train station for departures in Manchester is Manchester Oxford Road. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Manchester Oxford Road for your trip from Manchester to Thurso.
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:40 Sunday 07:30 - 22:00
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: No
  • Step free access note: Category B Station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station - There are two lifts at the Piccadilly end of platform 4 and 2/3 which connect the concourse area platform 4 and 5 with 2/3. Note: there is no lift access to platform 1 at all
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards
  • Accessible toilets: Yes
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: There will be no toilet provision at Manchester Oxford Road from 15th July to 25th July to allow for existing toilets to be refurbished
  • Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: on Platform 4/5
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Manchester Oxford Road
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at the bus stops on Whitworth St West (200 yards from station) (station side for Liverpool, opposite side for Piccadilly)
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
  • Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
Wifi
Wifi
  • Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi.
Lockers
Lockers
  • Operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Dining
Dining
  • Burger King
  • Caffè Nero
  • Carluccio’s
  • Hotel Chocolat
  • Starbucks
  • The Pasty Shop
  • Costa Coffee
  • Pret a Manger
  • Upper Crust
  • McDonald's
  • & more
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Hotel
Hotel
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly
  • Premier Inn Manchester City
  • Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
  • Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Public transport options for Manchester Piccadilly
  • Bus lines: 1, 2, 3, 147
  • Train lines: Northern, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:20 - 23:40 Sunday 08:10 - 23:30
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: Category A station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station From Whitworth Street, up a ramp (43 paces, 1:25 slope) and level access through the entrance into the foyer. Or from the junction of Chester Road, Whitworth Street and Deansgate, level access through the entrance, along the corridor and up 21 steps into the foyer. Then, to Manchester: Past the ticket office, via the lift in the foyer. Or up a ramp (34 paces), up 17 steps onto the platform. To Bolton, Warrington and Wigan : Via the lift in the foyer or along the subway (26 paces), up a ramp (32 paces) and up 18 steps onto the platform. Level access to Manchester platform also via overbridge from Metrolink G-Mex Metrolink stop. Lift available first to last train, currently 06:20 - 23:40 Monday to Saturday. 08:10 - 23:30 Sunday.
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Deansgate
  • Onward travel information: Free Metro shuttle bus link from station front serving Manchester City centre including Victoria Station On both sides of Whitworth Street, Deansgate and Chester Road for buses to Piccadilly Gardens, Altrincham or Sale. Contact Busline 0871 200 2233
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at bus stops on Whitworth St.
  • Metro: Metrolink G-Mex tram stop linked by footbridge from Manchester platform. 0161 228 7811

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