The average bus between Cairnryan and Thurso takes 14h 2m and the fastest bus takes 9h 32m. The bus service runs several times per day from Cairnryan 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.
Buses run 3 times a day between Cairnryan and Thurso. The earliest departure is at 10:15 AM in the morning, and the last departure from Cairnryan is at 6:15 PM which arrives into Thurso at 3:53 PM. All services require a transfer at Buchanan Bus Station and take an average of 14h 2m. The schedules shown below are for the next available departures.


11h 36m • 2 changes


9h 39m • 2 changes
Arrives next day


20h 21m • 2 changes


11h 36m • 2 changes


9h 39m • 2 changes
Arrives next day


20h 21m • 2 changes


11h 36m • 2 changes


9h 39m • 2 changes
Arrives next day


20h 21m • 2 changes


11h 36m • 2 changes


9h 39m • 2 changes
Arrives next day


20h 21m • 2 changes
Want to know about travelling from Cairnryan 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 bus from Cairnryan to Thurso. However, there are services departing from Cairnryan station and arriving at Thurso station via Buchanan Bus Station station. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 14h 2m.
Cairnryan to Thurso bus services, operated by Scottish Citylink Coaches Ltd, depart from Ferry Terminal station.
Cairnryan to Thurso bus services, operated by Scottish Citylink Coaches Ltd, arrive at Thurso Bank of Scotland station.
The distance between Cairnryan and Thurso is 412.9 km. The road distance is 613 km.
You can take a bus from Ferry Terminal to Thurso Bank of Scotland via Buchanan Bus Station, Bus Station Stance 3, and Inverness Union Street in around 10h 42m.