281 Thurso to Dounreay via Pennyland, Forss
Operated by Stagecoach Bluebird. First bus 07:24, last bus 16:25. 2 journeys on weekdays. Fares: set by the operator — more.
Wanted a different 281? 9 other bus routes are numbered 281 elsewhere in the UK — see every 281 bus timetable by area.
| Stop | 07:24 |
|---|---|
| Sir George's Street Church (opp) | 07:24 |
| St Magnus Road (opp) | 07:28 |
| Bus Stance (at) | 07:43 |
Each column is one journey, headed by the time it sets off. Times are shown at the route's main timing stops — buses serve all stops in between. Switch a table to All stops for every stop it calls at, or open a stop's own page for live departures there.
Tickets on the 281
Stagecoach Bluebird publishes singles on this route for adults and children.
Single
Ticket types come from Stagecoach Bluebird's own fares data on the Bus Open Data Service, last updated 13 August 2026. That dataset lists what's sold, not what it costs, so check prices with Stagecoach Bluebird.
Route map
All stops on route 281
281 towards Dounreay
All 15 stops
- Sir George's Street Church (opp) Thurso
- Miller Academy (at) Thurso
- Brownhill Road (at) Pennyland
- St Magnus Road (opp) Pennyland
- Thorfinn Terrace (opp) Pennyland
- Weigh Inn Hotel (opp) Thurso
- Janetstown Road End (at) Thurso
- Taldale House (nr) Forss
- School Place (opp) Forss
- Forss Mains Road End (opp) Forss
- Skiall Road End (at) Forss
- Business Park Road End (W-bound) Forss
- Shebster Road End (at) Dounreay
- Site Road End (W-bound) Dounreay
- Bus Stance (at) Dounreay
281 towards Thurso
All 16 stops
- Bus Stance (at) Dounreay
- Site Road End (E-bound) Dounreay
- Shebster Road End (opp) Dounreay
- Business Park Road End (E-bound) Forss
- Skiall Road End (opp) Forss
- Forss Mains Road End (at) Forss
- School Place (at) Forss
- Brims Road End (at) Forss
- Janetstown Road End (opp) Thurso
- Weigh Inn Hotel (at) Thurso
- Thorfinn Terrace (at) Pennyland
- St Magnus Road (at) Pennyland
- Brownhill Road (opp) Pennyland
- Miller Academy (opp) Thurso
- St Peters Church (o/s) Thurso
- Sir Georges Street Church (at) Thurso
Service registration & registered changes
- Withdrawal from 19 October 2026 Thurso (Sir George Street) → Dounreay (AEA Bus Stance)
- New service effective 19 August 2024 1 return journey Monday to Friday. No Saturday or Sunday service.
- New service effective 19 August 2024 1 return journey Monday to Friday. No Saturday or Sunday service.
From official Traffic Commissioner registrations. Registration PM0000005/792 · Registration PM0000005/793 · Changes in Highland Council · All service changes →
Towns & areas on this route
Frequently asked questions
What time is the first 281 bus?
The first 281 departure on weekdays leaves at 07:24 (check the full timetable below for your stop, as times vary along the route — weekend times can differ).
What time is the last 281 bus?
The last 281 on weekdays leaves its first stop at 16:25. Always check the timetable for your specific stop — later stops are reached after this time.
How much does the 281 bus cost?
The England fare cap doesn't apply in Scotland — Stagecoach Bluebird sets the fares on the 281. Under-22s, over-60s and eligible disabled passengers travel free with a National Entitlement Card.
Who runs the 281 bus?
The 281 is operated by Stagecoach Bluebird.
Is the 281 bus being withdrawn?
Stagecoach Bluebird has registered the withdrawal of the 281 with the Traffic Commissioner, effective 19 October 2026. A registered withdrawal is the operator's formal notice that it intends to stop running the service; operators do sometimes re-register before that date, and the local transport authority can tender a replacement.
Timetable data from Stagecoach Bluebird via the DfT Bus Open Data Service (Scotland feed). Registered with the Traffic Commissioner as PM0000005/792. Check before you travel — services can change at short notice.