The best way to get around Scotland without a car is by using public transportation. There are trains and buses that can take you to most places in Scotland. You can also rent a bike or walk if you are only going short distances.
- If you’re looking to explore Scotland but don’t have a car, there are plenty of ways to get around
- Here are a few options for getting around Scotland without a car: 1
- Take the bus – Buses in Scotland are reliable and reasonably priced
- You can use them to get between cities and towns, as well as to reach remote areas that might be difficult to access by other means of transportation
- Rent a bike – Cycling is a great way to see Scotland at your own pace
- There are plenty of places to rent bikes, and many routes throughout the country that are perfect for exploring by bike
- Take the train – The train network in Scotland is extensive, so it’s easy to get around without a car using this mode of transportation
- Trains can be expensive, however, so plan your route in advance and book tickets ahead of time to get the best deal possible
- Hitchhike – While not the most popular option, hitchhiking is another way to get around Scotland without a car
- If you’re planning on hitchhiking, make sure you research safe routes and always follow basic safety precautions when hitchhiking anywhere
Can I travel around Scotland without a car?
Scotland Itinerary 7 Days No Car
Assuming you would like a blog post discussing a possible 7 day itinerary for Scotland without using a car:
Day 1: Arrive in Edinburgh
Welcome to Scotland!
If you’re arriving by plane, you’ll likely land at Edinburgh Airport. From there, take a taxi or public bus into the city center. Once you’ve checked into your hotel and dropped off your bags, it’s time to start exploring!
Start with a walk down the Royal Mile, the main street of Old Town Edinburgh. This historic street is lined with buildings dating back hundreds of years, including St. Giles Cathedral and Parliament House. Be sure to pop into some of the shops and cafes along the way.
In the evening, head to The Scotsman Hotel for a drink in their stunning rooftop bar, which offers 360-degree views of the city skyline.
Day 2: Explore Edinburgh Castle & Take a Hike
After fueling up with breakfast at your hotel (or one of Edinburgh’s many great brunch spots), make your way up to Edinburgh Castle.
This imposing fortress has been standing on its rocky perch since the 12th century and today houses several museums and art galleries, as well as St Margaret’s Chapel – the oldest building in Edinburgh! Spend a couple hours touring the castle grounds before heading back down into town for lunch. In the afternoon, take a stroll through Princes Street Gardens then hike up Calton Hill for panoramic views over Edinburgh.
As night falls, have dinner in one of Leith’s trendy restaurants before heading out for drinks in one of the many hip bars lining Cockburn Street.
Day 3: Drive Out to Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle
Today you’ll be leaving Edinburgh behind as you set out on an adventure northwards!
Renting a car is really the best way to explore Scotland properly (public transport can be quite limited), but if you’re determined not do that then there are tours available from Edinburgh that will take you up to Loch Ness (just be prepared for long days full of driving!). Once you arrive at Loch Ness, spend some time exploring along its shores before stopping at Urquhart Castle for an afternoon tour. Built in the 13th century, this ruined castle sits atop a cliff overlooking Loch Ness and provides great photo opportunities! After dark, keep your eyes peeled for any sightings of Nessie…
Day 4: Isle Of Skye
Scotland Without a Car Reddit
If you’re planning a trip to Scotland, you may be wondering how you’ll get around without a car. While public transportation in Scotland is excellent, there are some parts of the country that can only be reached by car. Here’s a look at what your options are for getting around Scotland without a car.
By Train: The Scottish rail network is extensive and covers most of the country. You can reach many destinations by train, including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness, and Aberdeen. There are also several scenic routes that are worth taking by train, such as the West Highland Line between Fort William and Mallaig.
By Bus: Buses in Scotland are reliable and reasonably priced. They can take you to most places that trains don’t go, including the Isle of Skye and the Outer Hebrides. You can also use buses to connect to smaller towns and villages not served by trains.
By Ferry: If you’re headed to the islands off the coast of Scotland, you’ll need to take a ferry. Ferries run regularly from mainland ports to destinations such as Orkney, Shetland, Lewis & Harris, Skye, Mull, Iona, and Islay.
Travelling around Scotland in a Campervan
When it comes to travelling around Scotland, there are many different options available to you. However, one of the best ways to see the country is by hiring a campervan and hitting the open road. This way, you can explore at your own pace and make sure that you see everything that you want to see.
Plus, it’s a great way to save money on accommodation as you can simply sleep in your van!
If you’re thinking about hiring a campervan and exploring Scotland, then here are a few things that you need to know…
How long can I hire a campervan for?
The minimum hire period for most campervans is 3 days. However, if you want to hire for longer, then most companies will be happy to accommodate this. Just bear in mind that the longer you hire for, the more expensive it will be.
What do I need to drive a campervan?
In order to drive a campervan in Scotland (or anywhere in the UK), you must have a full driving licence which has been held for at least 1 year. If you’re from outside of the EU/EEA, then you may also need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
You should check with your rental company before travelling as they will be able to advise on this.
In terms of insurance, most rental companies will include basic cover as standard. However, it’s always worth checking what exactly is included in this so that you know what level of cover you have.
It’s also worth considering taking out additional insurance if possible as this will give you peace of mind whilst on the road.
When it comes to fuel, most rental companies operate on a ‘full-to-full’ basis which means that you will need to fill up the tank before returning the van back at the end of your trip. Again, it’s always worth checking with your rental company so that there are no surprises!
Visiting the Highlands Without a Car
The Highlands are one of the most beautiful and popular tourist destinations in Scotland. However, many visitors don’t realize that it’s possible to visit the Highlands without a car. There are a number of public transport options that can get you around, including buses, trains, and even boats.
Here are some tips for visiting the Highlands without a car:
1. Plan your route in advance. There is an excellent public transport network in the Highlands, but it’s important to plan your route before you travel.
This will ensure you have all the necessary information, such as timetables and ticket prices.
2. Take advantage of bus services. Bus services operate throughout the Highlands and can be a great way to get around.
Check out websites like CityLink and Stagecoach for more information on routes and fares.
3. Use the railway network. The Highland Railway runs through some of the most stunning scenery in Scotland and is an excellent way to see the region without a car.
You can find information on timetables and fares on the ScotRail website.
4- Travel by boat..
If you’re visiting Loch Ness or other lochs in the area, consider travelling by boat instead of by car.. This is a great way to relax and take in the scenery.
. You can find boat operators at most major tourist attractions..
Island Hopping in Scotland Without a Car
Island Hopping in Scotland Without a Car
If you’re planning a trip to Scotland and want to explore the country’s stunning islands, you don’t necessarily need a car. There are plenty of ways to island hop without four wheels, whether you’re taking public transportation, renting a bike, or even hitchhiking.
Here’s everything you need to know about getting around Scotland’s islands without a car.
Public Transportation
Scotland’s extensive public transportation network makes it easy to get around without a car.
The Caledonian MacBrayne ferry service operates routes between the mainland and many of the country’s smaller islands, including Islay, Iona, Mull, and Skye. These ferries typically run multiple times per day, so you can easily plan your island-hopping itinerary around their schedules. You can also take advantage of ScotRail’s Island Hopscotch pass, which allows unlimited travel on certain train and ferry routes for just £49 ($63) per person.
If you’re traveling with children under 5 years old, they can ride for free.
Renting a Bike or Hitching a Ride
another option if you don’t want to rely on public transportation is to rent a bike or hitchhike your way around the islands.
This is particularly common on Skye, where there are few cars and many tourists rely on hitching rides from locals to get around. Just be sure to use common sense when hitchhiking – only accept rides from drivers who seem trustworthy and never get in a car with someone who makes you feel uncomfortable. If you’re renting a bike, make sure it’s equipped with tires that can handle rough terrain since some of the island roads can be quite rocky.
5 Day Scotland Itinerary No Car
Assuming you would like a 5 day Scotland itinerary without a car:
Day 1:
Edinburgh
Start your trip in Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh. If you arrive in the morning, head to the Edinburgh Castle for a guided tour (book in advance to avoid the queues). In the afternoon, walk down The Royal Mile – the main street in Edinburgh Old Town – and pop into some of the many shops and historical sites.
In the evening, enjoy a traditional Scottish meal like haggis, neeps and tatties (turnips, potatoes and sheep stomach) or fish and chips. Finish your day with a whisky (or two) at one of Edinburgh’s many whisky bars.
Overnight in Edinburgh.
Day 2:
Edinburgh to St Andrews
Today is all about golf – even if you don’t play yourself, golfing is deeply ingrained into Scottish culture.
Start with a visit to the National Museum of Flight to see some historic aircrafts then drive north-east towards St Andrews – home of golf. Visit the British Golf Museum to learn about the history of this sport then hit up one of the seven courses in town for a round or just to watch others play. For those not interested in golfing, there are plenty of other activities available including exploring medieval castles, going for walks along sandy beaches and visiting art galleries.
Overnight in St Andrews.
Day 3:
Stirling & The Trossachs National Park
From St Andrews drive inland towards Glasgow stopping first at Sterling Castle which has been dominating this city since the 13th century when it was built by King Alexander III as his royal residence. While you’re here be sure take part in one of their interactive shows which bring stories from Sterling’s past vividly back to life! After lunch continue on towards Glasgow making sure to detour through The Trossachs National Park – often referred to as ‘The Highlands in Miniature’ due its diverse landscapes including lochs (lakes), mountains and forests all within close proximity from each other.. Stop at Loch Lomond en route where you can take out a boat or simply enjoy views over this large freshwater lake before continuing on your journey arriving into Glasgow late afternoon/evening.. Overnight stay Glasgow..
Isle of Skye Without a Car
If you’re looking to explore the Isle of Skye without a car, there are plenty of options available to get around. The island is serviced by a regular bus service which runs between the main towns, and there are also a number of tour operators offering day trips from the mainland. For those wanting to explore at their own pace, there are several companies offering bike hire.
And for those wanting to really get away from it all, why not try one of the many walking or cycling trails that criss-cross the island?
Fort William Without a Car
Fort William is a town in the Scottish Highlands, located in the vicinity of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. It’s a popular base for outdoor activities like hill-walking, climbing and mountain biking. Even though it can be reached by public transport from Glasgow and Edinburgh, getting around Fort William without a car can be challenging.
Here are some tips on how to make the most of your visit without four wheels.
The best way to get to Fort William is by train. The West Highland Line runs from Glasgow Queen Street station all the way up to Mallaig, passing through stunning scenery along the way.
Once you’re in Fort William, there are plenty of things to do without needing a car. If you’re keen on walks or hikes, there are several routes that can be accessed easily from town. For something more strenuous, try walking up Ben Nevis – it’s about 16km round trip and will take around 6-8 hours depending on your fitness level.
There are also plenty of opportunities for cycling in and around Fort William. The Great Glen Way is a popular route for both road and mountain bikes – it follows the Caledonian Canal from Inverness all the way down to Fort William (about 80km). There are also several shorter cycle routes starting from town if you don’t fancy such a long ride!
Mountain biking is also popular in the area – there are several purpose-built trails as well as off-road routes through forests and mountains. Again, there are options for all abilities so you can find something to suit you.
If you want to explore further afield without using public transport or hiring a car, one option is taking a boat tour on Loch Linnhe or Loch Ness (both of which are close to Fort William).
You could also join an organised tour – these typically include transportation from Glasgow or Edinburgh as well as entrance fees/guides etc., so they’re great if you want everything sorted before you travel!
Credit: lostinlandmarks.com
How Do You Get around in Scotland If You Don’T Drive?
Assuming you would like tips for visitors to Scotland who do not drive:
There are a few options for getting around in Scotland if you don’t drive. You can take public transportation, such as buses and trains, or you can use a ride-sharing service.
You can also rent a car with a driver, or cycle around the country. Each option has its own set of pros and cons, so it’s important to choose the one that best suits your needs.
Public transportation in Scotland is reliable and relatively inexpensive.
The bus network covers most of the country, and there are also train lines connecting major cities.
Can I Tour Scotland Without a Car?
Although having a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, it is possible to tour Scotland without one. There are plenty of public transport options available and many scenic routes that can be enjoyed without the need for a car.
There are several bus companies operating in Scotland which offer tours of the country as well as regular services between towns and cities.
National Express offer coach tours of Scotland starting from £49 per person, whilst Citylink operate an extensive network of buses across the country. Megabus also run services in Scotland with fares starting from just £1 (+50p booking fee).
Trains are another popular way to travel around Scotland.
The Caledonian Sleeper service runs overnight from London Euston to Fort William or Inverness, allowing you to make the most of your time in Scotland. Alternatively, Scotrail operate regular trains across the country, including routes through the stunning Scottish Highlands. For those on a budget, Virgin Trains East Coast also offer affordable train travel with advance fares starting from £19 one-way.
Travelling by ferry is another option for getting around Scotland and there are several routes connecting the mainland with the islands off its coast. Ferries operated by Caledonian MacBrayne sail to destinations including Mull, Iona, Skye and Harris & Lewis. Tickets can be purchased online or at port offices on the day of travel (subject to availability).
What is the Best Way to Get around Scotland?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to get around Scotland depends on a number of factors, including your budget, travel style and the amount of time you have. However, here are some general tips to help you plan your trip:
1. If you’re on a tight budget, consider using public transport.
Scotland has an excellent public transport network, with trains and buses connecting all major cities and towns. This can be a great way to see the country without spending too much money.
2. If you’re looking for flexibility and freedom, hiring a car is probably the best option.
This will allow you to explore at your own pace and make detours as you please. Just be sure to familiarise yourself with Scottish driving laws before getting behind the wheel!
3. If time is limited, flying may be the quickest way to get around Scotland.
There are several airports across the country that offer regular domestic flights. This can be a convenient option if you’re pressed for time but it will likely cost more than other methods of travel.
What is the Cheapest Way to Travel around Scotland?
There is no one definitive answer to this question, as the cheapest way to travel around Scotland will vary depending on your individual circumstances and budget. However, there are a few general tips that can help you keep costs down when travelling in Scotland.
Firstly, consider using public transport where possible.
Scotland has an excellent network of buses and trains which can be a very affordable way to get around, especially if you take advantage of discounts and special offers (such as advance purchase tickets or day passes). If you’re planning on doing a lot of travelling, it may also be worth investing in a ScotRail card which gives you unlimited travel on Scottish trains for a set period of time.
Secondly, think about accommodation options carefully.
There are plenty of cheap hotels and hostels in Scotland, but self-catering accommodation can often work out even cheaper – particularly if you’re travelling in a group. Camping is also a popular (and inexpensive) option in Scotland – just be sure to check the weather forecast before you pitch your tent!
Finally, remember that many attractions in Scotland offer free admission – so don’t spend money unnecessarily on things like museums and galleries when there’s so much to see and do for free.
With a little careful planning, it is possible to enjoy an affordable trip around Scotland.
Conclusion
If you’re planning a trip to Scotland and don’t want to rent a car, there are plenty of ways to get around without one. You can take advantage of the country’s excellent public transportation system, which includes trains, buses, and ferries. You can also explore Scotland on foot or by bike.
And if you want to see the most remote parts of the country, you can always hitch a ride with a local.