It serves the town and its surrounding areas, along with ferry services linking the mainland with Stromness on the Orkney Islands.

[6][7] Despite being the northernmost station on the line, Thurso was not built as the terminus for passenger services, with trains instead reversing and continuing further east to Wick.

This was necessary due to the difficult terrain, including a hill and a valley, which would have been encountered if the railway decided to take the most direct route to Wick by following the existing road.

[9]: 679  A wrought-iron turntable, 45 feet (14 m) in diameter, was built at the station by the Railway Steel and Plant Company of Manchester.

[9]: 680  The station roof was refurbished in 1999, prior to the introduction of services operated by Class 158 trains.