Guide to Getting Around Scotland

Getting around Scotland is part of the adventure. Whether you're winding through the Highlands by train, catching a ferry to the islands, or driving along scenic coastal roads, Scotland transportation offers flexibility and stunning views at every turn. From historic steam railways to modern coaches, the best way to get around Scotland depends on your pace and priorities. This guide to how to travel in Scotland covers it all—so you can explore castles, lochs, and wild landscapes with ease.

Last updated: 28.05.2025

Train Travel — Scenic and Stress-Free Journeys

The rail network is often hailed as the best way to get around Scotland for travellers seeking comfort, convenience, and spectacular views. Scotland’s trains link major cities like Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness, and the Highlands, making it easy to explore without the stress of driving. The West Highland Line, for example, is famed worldwide for its stunning landscapes, running from Glasgow to Fort William and Mallaig through rugged mountains and along lochs. Trains offer a relaxed pace that lets you take in the changing scenery, from historic towns to wild nature. Plus, many stations are located centrally, easing access to city centres and popular attractions.

For tourists who prefer not to rent a car, trains provide a reliable way to travel across Scotland, connecting you to buses and ferries for more remote spots. For an immersive experience, consider our Scotland by Train Journey, which takes you from Edinburgh to Inverness by rail, combining comfort with unforgettable Highland scenery.

Bus and Coach Networks — Affordable and Extensive

Buses and coaches form the backbone of transportation in Scotland, especially for routes not served by trains. Companies like Citylink and Stagecoach run frequent services connecting cities, towns, and rural areas. Long-distance coaches are a cost-effective way to travel, making them the cheapest way to get around Scotland for budget-conscious travellers.

The flexibility of bus travel means you can reach smaller villages or less touristy regions. For example, to visit the Isle of Skye, you can take a coach from Glasgow or Inverness. Urban buses within cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow also provide convenient transportation for sightseeing.

For those wondering how tourists get around in Scotland when visiting cities, buses combined with walking or cycling are very common. Using a combination of bus and train services also allows visitors to create customised routes suited to their itinerary.

Travel by Car — Drive or Be Driven to Scotland’s Hidden Gems

While Scotland’s public transportation is excellent, renting a car is often considered the best way to tour around Scotland if you want full freedom. Driving lets you set your own pace, stop whenever you like, and reach hidden gems unreachable by bus or train. Scotland’s roads take you through dramatic landscapes — from the winding single-track roads of the Highlands to coastal routes along the North Sea. Renting a car is ideal for exploring remote areas such as the Cairngorms National Park or the Outer Hebrides islands.

Along the way, you’ll visit iconic filming locations like Hopetoun House, Midhope Castle (Jamie’s ancestral home known as Lallybroch), the village of Blackness, and the bustling Falkland, which doubles as Outlander’s Inverness.

The route also includes stops at Aberdour Castle and Dysart Harbour, bringing the series to life as you journey through picturesque Scotland before arriving in Pitlochry.

However, driving in Scotland requires comfort with narrow roads and sometimes unpredictable weather. For those wondering how to travel in Scotland without hassle, combining car rental for certain legs with public transport can be a smart approach.

This guide on best cliffs in Scotland and how to reach them pairs well with renting a car.

Ferries — Connecting Mainland to Islands

Scotland’s island groups are world-renowned for their beauty, culture, and wildlife. To get around Scotland’s islands, ferries are essential and provide an unforgettable travel experience.

Ferries link the mainland to the Hebrides, Orkney, and Shetland islands. Travelling by ferry not only transports you but offers spectacular views of the sea and coastline. Popular routes include the ferry from Mallaig to Skye and from Ullapool to the Outer Hebrides.

For tourists wondering how to get around Scotland without a car, many ferries accommodate foot passengers and provide onward bus connections on the islands. Using ferries as part of your transportation in Scotland adds variety and deepens your connection with the landscape.

Cycling — Active Travel Through Stunning Scenery

For the adventurous, cycling is an increasingly popular way of getting around Scotland. The country boasts many dedicated cycle routes, including the famous National Cycle Network, which runs hundreds of miles across the nation.

Cycling offers a slow and immersive way to travel, letting you absorb local life and natural beauty. Cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow are becoming more cycle-friendly, and rural routes through the Borders or along the Caledonia Way offer peaceful, scenic rides.

If you’re thinking about how tourists get around in Scotland with eco-consciousness or fitness in mind, cycling is a rewarding choice. Many towns have bike rental shops, and you can even take your bike on some trains and ferries.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing — Convenient for Short Distances

In cities and towns, taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber provide a convenient way to get around Scotland for short distances or when public transport doesn’t fit your schedule. In Edinburgh and Glasgow, taxis are readily available, often hailed on the street or booked via apps.

This option is especially handy for late-night travel, airport transfers, or when exploring neighbourhoods beyond the reach of buses. Though not the cheapest way to get around Scotland, taxis offer flexibility and door-to-door service. For travellers unfamiliar with local public transport routes, taxis can bridge gaps without the need to rent a car.

over 20,000

of licensed taxis operating across Scotland, including major cities and rural areas
~100 million

annual taxi trips taken by locals and tourists throughout Scotland
1000+ daily

taxis serving as a primary mode of transport for travellers at Scotland’s busiest airports

Walking — The Ultimate Way to Explore Scottish Cities and Villages

No discussion of transportation in Scotland is complete without mentioning walking. Particularly in compact cities like Edinburgh, Dundee, and Inverness, walking is often the best way to explore narrow streets, historic quarters, and hidden alleyways. Many of Scotland’s top attractions are within walking distance of each other, making it easy to plan a day on foot.

For those wondering how to get around Scotland without a car, walking combined with public transport is an excellent strategy — giving you freedom and immersion simultaneously. You can also join guided walking tours in Glasgow and Edinburgh as part of Scotland’s Essential Experience, which offers a rich introduction to these cities’ culture and history.

Walking allows you to slow down and notice the details: the architecture, the accents, the street art, and the everyday life of locals.

How to get around Scotland depends on your priorities — whether that’s convenience, budget, adventure, or sightseeing. Scotland transportation is rich with options, from trains and buses to ferries and cycling routes. Tourists get around in Scotland by mixing these methods to suit their itinerary. The best way to travel in Scotland often involves balancing public transport for efficiency with walking or cycling for local flavour. If freedom is key, renting a car opens up remote areas. Meanwhile, budget travellers find bus and train networks ideal. No matter your choice, Scotland’s transport system makes it easy to discover its extraordinary landscapes and culture.