Your connection to the Scottish Highlands

Did you know that the quickest way to get from Inverness to Thurso using public transport is by bus? Service X99 runs from Scrabster Ferry Gangway and Thurso to Inverness via Wick with single tickets for only £2. Operating three times a day from Monday - Friday, twice a day on Saturday and once a day on Sunday, providing vital connections for customers in the Northern Highlands to Inverness and Raigmore Hospital.

Places to visit on the X99 route:

Dunrobin Castle is Scotland's most northerly great houses. Built in the 1300s it is one of Britain's oldest continuously inhabited homes. Situated on the banks of the Moray Firth just north of Golspie, service X99 drops you off a 5 minute walk away from the castle.

Whaligoe is one of Scotland's most incredible harbours surrounded on 3 sides by 250ft cliffs and only accessible by the Whaligoe steps. The steps are made from flagstone and zigzag their way down to the harbour. Located south of Wick service X99 stops a short walk away from the steps and with the Whaligoe Steps cafe and restaurant nearby it's a great place to stop for lunch.

Brora beach is located in the busy town of Brora where the river Brora meets the Moray Firth. Offering incredible views and crystal clear water it's the perfect place to enjoy a picnic and to try and spot the local seals! Service X99 drops you in the town of Brora, then a short walk will take you to the beach.

Glenmorangie Distillery in Tain where they've been creating single malt scotch whisky since 1843, you can enjoy a wee dram. Home of Scotland's tallest whisky stills, they continue to produce some of the smoothest Scotch whisky available. Drop by for a distillery tour, finishing with a tasting. Service X99 drops you in Tain.

Dornoch Catherdral is a parish church in the small Sutherland town of Dornoch which held its first service in 1239 and remains in use today. With its impressive stained glass windows and underlying character, its a great way to experience history in the present. Service X99 will drop you off at Dornoch Square, a few minutes away from the catherdral.

Take in the picturesque scenery and enjoy the views as our luxury coach whisks you from Thurso directly to Inverness in 3 hours and 33 minutes.

You can now also book online with Citylink for further connections in Inverness to Glasgow, Edinburgh and beyond!

All You Need for Your Journey – In One App

Our Stagecoach Bus app makes travelling easy. Plan your journey, track your bus in real time, check live service updates, and buy mobile tickets – all in one place.

📍 Live Bus Tracking – See exactly where your bus is on our live map
🧭 Plan Your Journey – Just enter your details in the ‘Plan a Journey’ section
🎟️ Mobile Tickets – Buy and store your tickets digitally – no more paper
🚏 Find Your Nearest Stop – Quickly locate stops near you

Take the stress out of travel – download the Stagecoach Bus app today.

Catching the ferry to Orkney?

Take the luxury option and get there with time to spare, the X99 drops you off at Scrabster Ferry Gangway to head straight onto the ferry - don't forget you can book online at Northlink Ferries. Your connection to Orkney from Stromness is the service X1 which operates every 30 minutes, for more information on services in Orkney check our Orkney page.