The railway from Inverness to Thurso and Wick, known as the Far North Line, is one of Britain's most scenic.
From the fertile farmlands of the Cromarty Firth the line heads north through the sparsely populated Lairg loop with its remote communities and hills.
Then it returns to the North Sea coast and the coastal communities before heading inland for one of the most remote sections of railway in the country as it crosses the famous flow country, a landscape of peat bogs that are unique in the UK.
Top destinations: Beauly, Dornoch (from Tain), Dunrobin Castle, Forsinard
In this guide we have covered the most significant stops of interest. There are also a number of halts - small and simple stations. These are ideal for walking and cycling.
If you're interested in exploring the Far North Line and in going on the Kyle Line, you could base yourself at Beauly, Muir of Ord, Conon Bridge or Dingwall as alternatives to Inverness.
Trains for both lines stop at these locations, with the line splitting at Dingwall.
Far North Line at Forsinard
By train
Daytime trains to Inverness from Perth and stops on the Highland Main Line, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling and Aberdeen, as well as from London Kings Cross, Peterborough, Newark Northgate, Doncaster, York, Darlington, Newcastle and Berwick-upon-Tweed (Peterborough, Newark Northgate and Doncaster from 14 December 2025).
Caledonian Sleeper from London Euston, Birmingham International (from 15 January 2026), Crewe and Preston to Inverness.
By coach
Citylink from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Perth, Oban, Fort William, and Aberdeen to Inverness.
FlixBus from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth to Inverness.
Ember from Aberdeen, Perth and Glasgow to Inverness, and Inverness to Thurso (stopping at some of the same places as the train).
By plane
Inverness Airport: from Belfast City, Bristol, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, London Luton, Manchester and Amsterdam.
From the airport you can take the train to Inverness city centre – Inverness Airport Station is 15-20 minutes' walk from the airport. Alternatively you can take a bus from the airport to Inverness - see Stagecoach service 11.
Wick Airport: from Aberdeen. There is no public transport between the airport and Wick town centre. You would need to walk (about 25 minutes) or take a pre-booked taxi – these are the operators recommended by Highlands and Islands Airports.
By local bus from Inverness
It is also possible to explore part of this route by Stagecoach service X99 – it makes far more stops than the train and takes a slightly different route.
The stops at locations where the train stops are: Alness, Golspie, Dunrobin, Brora, Helmsdale, Wick and Thurso.
By coach from Inverness
It is also possible to explore part of this route by Ember service E6 which takes a slightly different route than the train.
The stops at locations where the train stops are: Conon Bridge, Dingwall, Alness, Invergordon, Tain, Golspie, Brora, Helmsdale, Wick and Thurso.
Attractive and popular large village on the River Beauly with independent shops and Beauly Priory
Stop in Muir of Ord for the Singleton of Glen Ord Distillery and the beautiful Estate of Ord. Stop in Conon Bridge for the historic Conon Hotel.
This busy market town is a short bus journey from the attractive village of Strathpeffer, a Victorian Spa town
Small town which would appeal to those with an interest in naval and industrial history
Attractive small town near to Glenmorangie Distillery and a short bus journey from picturesque and popular Dornoch
Fairytale castle with its own station, and Golspie station for the nearby pleasant seaside village
Remote hamlet in the heart of The Flow Country with an RSPB Reserve Visitor Centre and viewing tower
Most northerly mainland town, with sandy beaches and nearby Castle & Gardens of Mey, ferry link to Orkney
Town with an important fishing heritage, outdoor seawater swimming pools, bus to nearby John O'Groats
Beauly Railway Station
See our Scenic and Historic Guide to the Far North Line if you would like a detailed description of the line to read either before or during your journey.
Page last updated 3 September 2025