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No matter which kind of Scotland tour package you choose, you're never far from fantastic attractions, all set amongst some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the world. Go island hopping and explore the island paradises off Scotland's coast, see if you can spot Nessie on a Loch Ness tour, take a day trip around world-famous historic attractions or book a multi-day tour to really get a feel for the country's beautiful scenery and rich culture.

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Scotland’s UNESCO Trail

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Harry Potter film and book locations itinerary

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Outlander Filming Locations

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Speyside Malt Whisky Trail Itinerary

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7 days in the West of Scotland

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48 hours in Glasgow

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12 Reasons I Loved My 8-Day Bus Tour Through Scotland

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• United Kingdom

Growing up on a farm in rural Wisconsin, I didn’t know much about travel apart from geography classes and books. I remember my older sister Kathy being enamored with the Scottish Highlands, castles, kilts, bagpipes, and all things Scotland. It was a dream destination for her, but as a country kid, she might as well have wanted to go to the moon (Elon Musk, notwithstanding).

Decades passed. A few years ago, I asked her if she still had the dream to go to Scotland. She did but couldn’t convince her Caribbean cruise friends to try a different destination. An idea occurred to me — maybe I could travel to Scotland with her. (Don’t think me too noble; after all, I was volunteering to travel to Scotland!)

We booked an 8-day bus tour, fittingly called “ Scottish Dream ,” with CIE Tours, a company that specializes in United Kingdom travel. The trip started in the bustling city of Glasgow in western Scotland, traveled by coach bus in a horseshoe shape, and ended in the capital city of Edinburgh. I loved it, and here are a dozen reasons you might love it, too.

1. Curious Floating Heads In A Glasgow Museum

In addition to traditional art at the 22 galleries of the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum , you can’t miss the unusual Hanging Heads , created by artist Sophie Cave. Museum lighting highlights the emotional expressions — everything from joy to agony — on some 50+ heads. It’s the kind of thing you can’t help but stare at, and it’s fascinating (and a bit creepy) that some stare back!

2. Panoramic Views On A Loch Lomond Cruise

I’m not sure if we took the high road or low road to get to Loch Lomond, but I can tell you that the Scots drive on the “wrong” side of the road, which made us glad to be on a bus tour instead of maneuvering those roads on our own! We took a short boat cruise on this classic loch (Scottish for lake), and although the day was cloudy and rainy, our spirits couldn’t be dampened.

3. “Weapons Made Art” At Inveraray Castle

In our first castle in the Scottish Highlands, Inveraray Castle , I was struck by the elaborate décor in the foyer, which strikes a perfect balance of art and weaponry. The walls showcased an array of weapons, including guns, war shields, spears, and blades. Those who dare to enter, take heed!

Pro Tip: Lunchtime in Inveraray? Head to the Argyll Bar and if you’re lucky, they’ll be serving up fresh, locally caught salmon. You’ll know it by the unpretentious sign: “Bar meals, lunches and suppers – served by attentive staff.”

4. Hike Around The Stunning Glenfinnan Monument

Erected in 1815, this stately monument honors the fallen Jacobite clansmen who battled and died in the cause of Prince Charles Edward Stuart. If you have time, stretch your legs on a short climb up the hill at the visitor center to take in endless mountain views.

Pro Tip: Tickets to climb the monument are available for a small fee at the visitor center or online .

5. The Romantic Gardens Of Armadale Castle

After a short car ferry (or should I say an “enormous touring bus” ferry), ride from Mallaig to the Isle of Skye, part of the Inner Hebrides archipelagos off the western coast of Scotland, we enjoyed a self-guided tour of the Clan Donald Centre at the Armadale Castle ruins. The ruins and gardens were stately: flowers everywhere, footbridges over bubbling streams, decorative gates, trellises, archways, and more.

Pro Tip: After touring the Isle of Skye, make a photo stop at the magnificent Eilean Donan Castle .

6. The Deep Dark Waters Of Loch Ness

Ah, the Loch Ness Monster. Lore or legacy, who can say? Loch Ness is about 23 miles long and has a depth of nearly 800 feet. The weather was so idyllic the day we were there, I could see why Nessie would want to live there forever. Kathy and I took a short walk to the lake, and I loved this beautiful sign: “ Like the heart, the true heart, however cold the world might be, the loch never freezes.”

As for Nessie, sightings are guaranteed with a large statue outside the visitor center. Inside, you can purchase every size of stuffed animal Nessie imaginable!

7. Sink Your Fingers Into Sheep Shearing

I loved this sheep farm near Pitlochry, with its rolling, verdant hills. A shepherd led a demonstration with 18 sheepdogs at his command. Through a series of whistles and words, he called each dog to work or to rest. They were obedient — and fast — as they rounded up sheep!

Only six people (including Kathy and me) on our tour of 38 “helped” the shepherd shear a sheep. Others were more interested in the next activity: feeding lambs from large-sized “baby” bottles.

What I loved most here was the shepherd. A local boy, he said he’d always admired this working farm and wanted, one day, to be a shepherd here. How often do you hear someone say they’ve landed their ideal job? His boyhood dream job, fulfilled. Not unlike Kathy’s childhood dream vacation, being fulfilled. It all made me glad.

Pro Tip: When it’s time to rest your weary head in Pitlochry, feel like a king or queen for a night and stay at the glorious Atholl Palace Hotel .

8. Photo Op With The Blair Castle Bagpiper

Seen one castle, seen ‘em all? The tour of this one, home to the Dukes and Earls of Atholl, was again full of history, beauty, and luxury. But I loved that when we stepped off the bus, we heard the unmistakable skirl of bagpipes, lassie! After the tour, to my delight, we had a photo op with the bagpiper.

Pro Tip: If you travel the Scottish Highlands from July to September, you’ll see fields of heather (August is the peak month for flowering and fragrance). By October, when we traveled, the heather fields had turned a rusty red but were still lovely.

Pro Tip: Looking for a unique souvenir in Pitlochry? Heathergems makes beautiful Scottish jewelry and giftware from natural heather stems. They are the only manufacturers of this one-of-a-kind Scottish product in the world .

9. Get In Good Spirits At Blair Athol Distillery

This distillery makes a Highland single malt Scotch whisky. According to our guide, when whisky is aged in barrels, it releases a gas that blackens tree trunks. Apparently in the Scottish prohibition, stubborn Scots who still wanted their booze set up distilleries in the woods. When searching authorities happened upon some black-as-night tree trunks, they’d know there was a bootlegged distillery somewhere nearby! For us, our tour ended in the tasting room with a shot of whisky all around.

10. A Bird’s-Eye View From The Ramparts Of Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh is a city of contrasts, with wide streets and elegant mansions in the new section and narrow lanes and medieval townhouses along the Royal Mile, the oldest part of the city. On our last castle tour, we ventured inside Edinburgh Castle with its dramatic views of the city and Blackness Bay, leading out to the North Sea.

Pro Tip: If you are traveling in August, don’t miss the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo , an elaborate “pomp and ceremony” military performance that showcases music and cultural acts from around the world. 

11. Try New Foods And Part With A Few Euros

Food and shopping are common reasons to love a trip, and this one was no exception. Enjoy a hearty Scottish breakfast buffet with black pudding, porridge, fried eggs, crispy bacon, baked beans, hash browns, sausages, tattie scones (sort of a potato pancake), mushrooms, and fried tomatoes. You might want to try haggis, but then again, you might not. (Perhaps it’s an acquired taste?)

As for shopping, the rich tartan plaids are irresistible, and you’ll find them in everything from scarves to purses to blazers to berets. Scotland’s national flower, the thistle, can be found on gifts of all kinds. Other treasures I purchased included whisky tea, whisky-flavored coffee, and a bottle of Scotch whisky (hmmm … there’s a theme here).

12. Travel With Someone Special

Kathy and I hadn’t roomed together since we were kids, some 50 years ago. I think sharing my sister’s childhood dream vacation was almost as good as taking one of my own. From a TV that mysteriously turned on by itself one night in a castle lodging (“I ain’t afraid of no ghosts”) to a fascination with the shaggy but adorable hairy coo (Scottish cattle of sorts) to arguing over who “gets the window” on the bus (some things never change), it was a trip that created unforgettable memories. For both of us, this trip truly was a Scottish dream. 

Related Articles :

• My 6 Favorite Historic Sites To Experience In Southern Scotland
• Check out 7 Fantastic Walking Tours In Scotland
• 7 Reasons I Love Exploring The Scottish Highlands By Water

Although it’s hard to pick a favorite travel experience, the top of the list includes these extremes: a week-long rafting trip through the Grand Canyon and relaxing in an infinity pool on a cruise ship off the coast of Monaco. Apart from her love for writing and travel, she enjoys cooking, cycling, and photography, and she has a strong faith. She finds joy in the simplest things and is always ready for the next adventure.

THE 10 BEST Scotland Bus Tours

Bus tours in scotland.

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1. Loch Ness and Highlands Day Tour Including Cruise from Edinburgh

2. The Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle from Inverness

3. Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands Day Tour from Edinburgh

4. Cawdor Castle, Inverness, Culloden, Outlander and Loch Ness Tour

5. City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

6. Isle of Skye, Highlands and Loch Ness 3-Day Tour from Edinburgh

7. Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe and Fort William Tour from Edinburgh

8. Oban, Glencoe, Highlands Lochs & Castles Small Group Day Tour from Glasgow

9. Isle of Skye: From Portree to Fairy Pools & Sligachan Old Bridge

10. Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Tour Including Admission

11. St Andrews & the Fishing Villages of Fife Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh

12. 2-Day Tour to Isle of Skye, The Fairy Pools & Highland Castles

13. Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond and Cruise Day Tour from Glasgow

14. Royal Edinburgh Ticket - Hop-On Hop-Off and Attraction Admissions

15. From Kirkwall - Orkney Mainland Private Tour

16. Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness and Glencoe Day Trip from Edinburgh

17. Standing Stones, Inveraray and Kilchurn Castles & Highland Tour starting Glasgow

18. Edinburgh City Private Day Tour in Luxury MPV from Glasgow

19. Loch Ness Cruise, Outlander & Urquhart Castle Tour from Inverness

20. 3-Day Isle of Skye Inverness Highlands and Glenfinnan Viaduct Tour from Edinburgh

21. Outlander Locations Tour Including Admissions from Edinburgh

22. Loch Ness Cruise and Urquhart Castle visit from Inverness

23. Semi Private Tour - Orkney and Kirkwall

24. Rosslyn Chapel, Dunfermline Abbey and Stirling Castle Day Tour

25. City Sightseeing Glasgow Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

26. Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Day Tour from Inverness

27. Loch Ness,cawdor castle,inverness,Culloden battlefield,& more from invergordon

28. Full-Day Trip: Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands from Edinburgh

29. 3-Day Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh

30. Orkney West Mainland Tour

What travellers are saying.

• Joseph N 1 contribution 0 4.0 of 5 bubbles Good overview of the highlands and Loch Ness. The tour operators couldn’t have been more efficient or professional. Our tour guide and driver was knowledgeable and fun and made the experience memorable. The only negative is that the bus was a bit tight and the long day of travel could get uncomfortable. Frequent stops definitely helped ease that however. Overall a very worthwhile adventure. Read more Review of: Loch Ness & Highlands Day Tour Including Cruise from Edinburgh Written April 23, 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Coach Tours of Scotland from Edinburgh

Scottish highlands tours.

With a selection of tours that range from 1-5 days in length, we are confident that there is a Hairy Coo trip ready to fit in perfectly with your travel plans. Timeframes are no obstacle for us and you’re going to leave Scotland with extensive knowledge of its history, culture and beauty, no matter which of our tours you choose…

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Visit Loch Ness, Glencoe & the incredible landscape of the highlands of Scotland.

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Visit the beautiful Isle of Skye. See the Cuillin Mountains, visit Portree, Trotternish and The Quiraing.

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The ultimate Scottish experience – guaranteed satisfaction and memories.

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Follow in the footsteps of ancient kings, vikings and Harry Potter through the spectacular Scottish Borders and Northumberland coast.

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Experience the BEST of the Scottish Highlands on this quintessential 2-day tour.

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Bus tours in Scotland

Welcome to OsaBus bus tours in Scotland. Our designed coach tours in Scotland offer you the key to unlocking this beautiful country’s hidden treasures. Whether you’re seeking a small group family tour, or a group of friends eager to explore, our tours are designed to cater to all your travel desires.

Check out our ready made bus tour packages or request a custom made private small group bus tour.

Special offer and Wholesale deals available for Travel professionals. Contact us for more information.

Bus tours Scotland

Looking for a bus tour for your group? Our large charter bus selection is one of the best in Scotland. We know how important comfort is. That’s why we offer roomy buses on all our bus tours in Scotland.

Minibus tours in Scotland

Need a bus tour for a small group? Family trip in Scotland or a smaller shared group traveling around Scotland, we got you covered.

Minivan tours Scotland

Private and Individualy built group tours by bus or a samll van. Luxury or economy chauffeur driven minivan tours in Scotland. Extra small group bus trips in Scotland and in other parts of Europe.

Ready to go Packages

We offer many different bus tour packages: all-inclusive , custom made, private as well as shared group bus tours. Ask for more information.

Hotels included

All our packages include accomodation, which in most cases is a centrally located 4 star Hotel. For private bus tours we can adjust the accommodation per customer requirements.

Everything else

Our tours also include tour guides and group leaders. Additionally on a request basis we can help you with everything else, flight booking, custom itinerary development and much more.

What are the options for bus tours in Scotland?

Family trips (4 people and above).

Our bus tour in Scotland is perfect for families looking to create cherished memories together. With a minimum requirement of just 4 people, families can explore the wonders of Scotland in a comfortable and engaging environment. Guides ensure that both adults and children have an enriching experience, catering to the interests of all family members.

Small group tours (Up to 16 People)

Our small group tours in Scotland, accommodating up to 16 people, can be tailor-made just for you or you can choose from our ready to go coach trip package deals in Scotland. These small group bus tours allow for flexibility, spontaneous stops, and a deeper connection with the destination, making your journey through Scotland truly unique.

Large group tours (Up to 55 People)

Our Scotland bus tours cater to the needs of larger groups as well, accommodating up to 55 people and even bigger if needed per customer requirements. With our spacious coaches, comfortable seating, and knowledgeable guides, large groups can travel together seamlessly. Check out our ready to go bus tour packages in Scotland.

What to expect on a bus tour around Scotland

Prepare for an unforgettable bus journey through the most captivating regions of Scotland.

With our local guides, you’ll unravel the mysteries of iconic landmarks, indulge in gourmet delights throughout the entire coach trip in Scotland. Expect seamless travel, delightful cultural encounters, and memories that will last a lifetime.

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How to travel scotland by public transport.

Travelling by public transport is a fantastic way to experience Scotland. It is a responsible and sustainable way to explore the country at a slower pace. But where in Scotland can you go by train and bus? How do you navigate the public transport system? And can you travel the Islands and Highlands without a car? Find out everything you need to know in this guide to travel Scotland by public transport.

This post contains affiliate links from which I may make a commission. Find out more here . All opinions are my own.

From high costs, especially when you travel solo, to the fear of driving on the wrong side of the road. Hiring a car and driving in Scotland can be challenging.

I usually drive when I travel around Scotland, but I get asked all the time – what to do if you don’t (want to) drive? Is the country accessible by public transport? Can you get there by train and bus?

If you ever thought about visiting Scotland without hiring a car, you will be happy to hear that the short answer is yes. You can travel around Scotland on public transport with ease.

You might just have to edit your itinerary and travel pace accordingly.

I recently went on an adventure to Glencoe and Fort William and was forced to leave my car at home. For five days, I relied on buses and trains to see the Scottish Highlands and quickly realised that I had to adjust my plans to fit everything in.

This post is for you, if you want to see Scotland by public transport and wonder how to make the most of your time. I will cover:

• The Benefits of travelling by public transport.
• Public transport options explained : Buses, trains and ferries, travel passes and where to buy tickets.
• Tips for travelling on public transport to make your trip more enjoyable.

If you have any questions left, leave a comment or post in my Facebook group !

Table of Contents

The Benefits of travelling Scotland by public transport

First let’s talk about the advantages of seeing Scotland by bus, train and ferry.

Spare yourself the driving. If you can’t drive or are worried about driving on the left side of the road, or a manual car, or on tiny mountain roads, travelling by public transport saves you from having to drive. No need to stress about driving, traffic or the roads.

Enjoy the views. Driving down scenic roads in Scotland is great – but the driver rarely gets to enjoy it in the same way as their passengers. They have to concentrate on the actual road after all. Travelling by public transport means that everybody gets to soak up the views and enjoy the scenery.

Be more eco-friendly. Whether you go by bus or train, travelling by public transport is better for the environment than hiring a car. So if your impact on the planet when you travel matters to you, public transport might be the way to go. Read up on my guide for responsible tourism in Scotland !

Save some money. It can be a lot cheaper to travel by public transport than renting a car and paying for petrol.

Great for solo travellers. All of the above are especially true if you travel by yourself. You’ll save yourself the stress of driving and navigating by yourself, you can focus on the views, you can travel more responsibly and save some money along the way.

But of course, there are also a few downsides – being restricted to timetables, having to adjust your pace accordingly, not being able to follow your nose down random roads. But with the right kind of planning and mindset, you can get just about anywhere on public transport.

Before I give you some tips for exactly how to do that, let me walk you through the different public transport options in Scotland, travel passes and how to buy tickets.

You might also like: How to Plan a Trip to Scotland

Public Transport Explained

There are countless scenic train journeys in Scotland and it is arguably one of the most beautiful and relaxing ways to see the countryside.

Train operators in Scotland

The main train operator in Scotland is called ScotRail . They run services across the country, such as the West Highland Line connecting Glasgow with Oban and Mallaig through the southern and central Highlands, the Kyle Line from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh and the Highland Main Line from Glasgow and Edinburgh through Perthshire to Inverness. Trains stop in most major towns and cities in Scotland, including also Dunfermline, Perth, Dundee, Aviemore, Thurso and Dumfries.

There are also a few other operators that run train services between Scotland and England, such as CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast and others. Many people choose to travel from London to Fort William or Inverness on the Caledonian Sleeper Train , leaving the south in the evening and waking up in the Highlands.

Where to check train times

The most reliable place to check train times is directly on the ScotRail app or website . You can also use Google Maps, but they will not always register cancellations, rail replacement services or delays. Another great app to use is Rome2Rio. You can find more useful travel apps at the bottom of this post.

How to buy train tickets

Train tickets are available at train stations or online from the ScotRail app or website . I highly recommend buying tickets in advance to make sure you get the best price. If you travel from Scotland to England with an operator other than ScotRail, you can still buy tickets via ScotRail.

There are peak-time trains (weekdays before 9.15 am and between 4.42 and 6.11 pm – more info here ) and off-peak trains , which are cheaper and less busy.

If you buy tickets online, you will have to pick up your tickets from a ticket desk or machine at a station. Remember to bring the ticket code you received in the confirmation email and the card you used to pay. You need both to pick up your tickets.

Travel Passes for Trains

There are four different kinds of travel passes offered by ScotRail:

• Spirit of Scotland Pass : Includes travel on trains, buses, coaches and Calmac & Argyll ferries all over Scotland , as well as discounts on Northlink Ferries, city sightseeing buses, loch cruises and more. You can choose between 4 travel days over 8 consecutive days (£149), or 8 travel days over 15 consecutive days (£189).
• Central Scotland Rover : A 3-day travel pass for trains in the Central Belt of Scotland as well as the Glasgow Subway (£55). The major lines included run between Glasgow and Edinburgh, Stirling, Falkirk , North Berwick and Tweedbank.
• Highland Rover : A travel pass that allows you to travel across the Highlands on 4 days over 8 consecutive days (£95). Includes train routes from Glasgow to Oban, Mallaig, Inverness, Ullapool, Thurso and Aberdeen, ferries to Skye and Mull, some bus routes in the west Highlands and discounted tickets for Northlink ferries to Orkney and Shetland.
• Scottish Grand Tour : Includes train travel on the West Highland Line (Glasgow to Mallaig), Kyle Line (Kyle of Lochalsh to Inverness) and Highland Main Line (Inverness to Glasgow or Edinburgh), ferry travel to Skye, bus travel from Armadale to Kyle of Lochalsh. The pass is valid on 4 travel days over 8 consecutive days, but only in one direction (£89).

PlusBus Tickets

If you’re planning a visit to a Scottish town or city, you can book your train ticket and a day pass for local buses in one go by adding PlusBus to your train ticket via the ScotRail webshop. The PlusBus ticket allows you to use local public buses on the day of your train journey.

There are several PlusBus destinations, such as Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen, Stirling, Dunfermline and more .

Bus networks cover the majority of Scotland – you can get almost anywhere by bus. That said, buses are often slower than the train and are, of course, more dependent on road traffic.

They tend to stop more frequently and if you ask nicely, many drivers will also make an unscheduled stop to let you off between stations. It’s best not to rely on that though as they might be on a tight schedule, can’t find a safe spot to stop, or the bus is too busy to fulfil special requests.

Buses are also the only mode of public transport on islands . Note that there are some islands without any public transport, like Coll or Colonsay. There, walking, cycling and asking for lifts will be your only options.

Bus operators in Scotland

There are a number of bus companies operating local, intercity and regional buses (or coaches) in Scotland. Two of the big operators are Citylink and Stagecoach . Intercity routes are also run by National Express and Megabus . Both are also great to travel between English and Scottish cities on a budget.

You can purchase individual tickets or multi-day passes for their networks. Citylink’s Explorer Pass gives you access to the entire Citylink network for 3 travel days over 5 days, 5 over 10 days or 8 over 16 days (£49/79/97). Stagecoach’s MegaRider pass is valid for 7 or 28 days and includes all routes in specific cities and regions (from £7.50).

You might also like: 50 Ways to travel Scotland on a Budget

Where to check bus schedules

Google Maps and Rome2Rio do a great job with bus routes. But to be 100% sure, I recommend double-checking bus schedules on the operator’s website or on Traveline – especially on the islands.

How to buy bus tickets

On intercity connections and popular routes, you should book tickets in advance. For shorter journeys or on regional buses, you can buy your ticket on the bus. Most accept contactless card payments, but it’s a good idea to have enough cash on you for backup.

If you want to go island hopping – unless you visit the Isle of Skye or the Isle of Seil – you will have to catch a ferry in order to visit the Scottish isles.

Ferry operators in Scotland

There are two large ferry operators in Scotland that operate the majority of ferry routes. Calmac runs most of the ferries to islands on the west coast, from Arran to Lewis. Northlink Ferries runs boats to Orkney and Shetland from Scrabster (Thurso) and Aberdeen.

The majority of these ferries are for passengers and cars , but there are some islands where cars may only be brought across by locals or with a license (such as Rum and Eigg). When travelling with a car, you generally have to book ferries in advance. As a passenger without a vehicle, you usually don’t have to book tickets in advance, but with limited capacity due to Covid, you should book all ferry tickets before you travel.

There are also a number of smaller local ferry operators running short routes, such as Western Ferries, Corran Ferry and John o Groats Ferries.

Where to check ferry schedules and buy tickets

You can check ferry schedules and buy tickets directly on each individual ferry operator’s website. Some ferries must be booked in advance, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:  A Practical Guide to Island Hopping in Scotland

Rail&Sail Tickets

As the name suggests, Rail & Sail tickets allow you to travel on the train and ferry on a single ticket . No need to stand in line for a ticket at the ferry port – just jump on with your Rail & Sail ticket.

This type of ticket can get you to Orkney, Shetland, Mull, Skye, the Outer Hebrides, Bute, Arran and more .

10 Tips for travelling Scotland on public transport

Now that you know why you should travel on public transport and what your options are, let’s make sure you get the most out of your time in Scotland.

Here are ten travel tips for public transport in Scotland.

When you are dependent on train and bus schedules, you might find that you have to slow down your itinerary. You probably won’t manage to fit in quite as many stops in a day as if you were travelling by car.

If you want to hop off and on throughout the day, remember that trains and buses can be quite far apart, so you might have a few hours in each location.

You may want to consider spending multiple nights in the same location to explore an area more in-depth, rather than rushing on each night.

Be flexible

When a bus or train gets cancelled, there is nothing you can do. That’s why it’s important to have a plan B (and maybe even a plan C) to make sure you don’t miss out on a day of exploring.

Prepare to think on your feet. Have a few different options in mind and go with the flow, if timings don’t work out as planned.

Prepare to walk a lot

You will be walking from train or bus stations to your accommodation, to sights, to restaurants etc. Travelling by public transport means that you probably have to walk further than if you were travelling by car.

Comfortable walking shoes are a must!

Alternatively, budget for taxi rides or private transfers. Uber is only available in Glasgow and Edinburgh. In other areas there are local taxi companies. In towns they are usually near the stations, in villages, they might come from further afield and it’s best to book in advance.

Research local taxi numbers and make sure you have a working mobile phone to call.

Double and triple-check scheduled departures

Make sure you check the correct timetable and note any difference between weekday and weekend schedules.

If possible, double-check at the station (preferably) or online to make sure a service hasn’t been cancelled on short notice. Twitter is a good source for the most up-to-date schedule info. If a service gets cancelled, refer to tip 2 (“Be Flexible”).

The fewer bags you have and the lighter they are, the easier you will find it to navigate buses, trains and walking with your luggage.

I suggest one big bag like a backpack or wheelie suitcase, which can go on luggage racks or down below in buses, and a small bag to keep on you at all times.

My Packing List & Packing Tips should help you with that!

Consider getting a Railcard

If you are under 30, over 65 or travelling with a partner or your family, it can pay off to get a Railcard . A Railcard costs £30 for a year and can give you up to 1/3 off regular ticket prices.

Railcards are also available to visitors, but you cannot get a physical Railcard shipped abroad. If you do not have a UK address, you must buy a digital Railcard to use on your mobile device.

Book ahead on busy routes

I recommend booking tickets to popular destinations in advance – for example, the train to Oban or Fort William, the bus to Glencoe or Portree (Skye), or the train to Inverness.

Services that link up with ferry services should also be booked in advance – for example, the bus from Ullapool to Inverness coming off the Stornoway ferry. Especially on weekends and during peak season.

Book accommodation near stations

It makes life so much easier if you book places to stay that are in comfortable walking distance to bus and train stations. That way, you can also request to drop off your bags before checking in without wasting precious time walking back and forth.

Alternatively, budget for taxis or private transfers to manage longer distances.

You might also like: 23 Great Places to Stay in Scotland

Pack a battery pack

You might find that you are spending more time on your phone when you travel by public transport – to take photos, listen to podcasts or audiobooks, take pictures out the window etc. While some buses and trains have plugs or USB plugs to charge your devices, I wouldn’t always rely on it.

Bring a battery pack to keep your phone charged on the go.

Download useful travel apps

Here are some of my favourite apps to navigate public transport in Scotland:

• ScotRail – to check train schedules and buy tickets
• Google Maps – my go-to to research potential routes
• First Bus – to buy tickets and check FirstBus schedules in Glasgow
• Lothian Buses – to buy tickets and check Lothian bus/tram schedules in Edinburgh
• Uber – to book taxis in Glasgow and Edinburgh
• Traveline – to check public transport schedules across Scotland
• Rome2Rio – also to check public transport schedules

With these things in mind, I have successfully travelled on public transport all over Scotland. From visiting Outlander locations in Fife, island hopping to Bute or the Outer Hebrides, to exploring the Scottish Highlands in Glencoe, Fort William and Arisaig.

I hope you find this guide useful for planning your own trip to Scotland on public transport. I’d love to hear from you – whether you need help with your itinerary or would like to share your route with others – leave a comment below!

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11 thoughts on “ How to Travel Scotland by Public Transport ”

So I’m solo travelling in August, have booked my accomodation. Arrive Glasgow 1st. Booked first two nights at arochar to see loch Lomond. Thinking bus there from Glasgow. Then next two nights stay is Skye. Train to morar. Should be able to stop at morar on way and see the beach. Then bus to mallaig and ferry across and more buses to portree. Tour of Skye booked for the Sunday. Monday bus to Glencoe (which of the two stops to get off at?) then another bus to fort William where my accomodation is. Would be nice to see Eileen donan castle but gap between buses seems to long. Then next day train fort William to glasgow. Trains are to be booked 8 weeks in advance so looking at beginning of June to book for beginning of August. Is it similar for buses? Also your explorer passes sound quite expensive, yet to work out how much these 6 days of travel every other day mainly going to cost

Hi Cliff, check out this post also, as it follows a similar route as you’re describing (at least the first part): https://watchmesee.com/blog/scotland-itinerary-by-public-transport/ A few main points: Be very careful when planning the journey from Glasgow to Portee to make sure that you can make the stop in Morar and still catch bus-ferry-bus for the onward journey. Morar train station to Silver Sands of Morar is min. 30 minutes walk one way, so allow plenty of time there. Where to get off in Glencoe, depends on your accommodation – Google Maps will help with that decision. Train tickets usually go on sale about 90 days in advance but can sometimes drop in price a little after 2 weeks or so, then go back up. Buses I think are also available around 90 days in advance. Rail passes can pay off, but they don’t include all bus routes (i.e. Morar-Mallaig, Portree-Fort William), so pay attention to that. If you’d like more hand-on advice, you can book an itinerary review call with me here: https://tidycal.com/wms/scotland-itinerary-review Cheers, Kathi

We rented a road surfer last April and thoroughly enjoyed our time doing our own North Coast 500. The next will be using public transportation and leave the driving to someone else. Your blog is wonderful.

Lovely! It’s definitely just as beautiful to see Scotland from the window of a bus or train <3

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As a non-British visitor, you CANNOT buy a digital rail pass online, the problem being you have to input the long British passport number when you apply, not the short number. However it is very easy to buy a physical card once you arrive and you can order all your tickets online with the discount. You only need the pass for travelling, not for booking tickets. I (a Brit living in the USA) was able to buy a digital rail pass, my American travelling companion had to wait until we were in the country. This was confirmed by British Rail.

That’s great to know. Thanks for sharing this!

Very very useful information Kathi. Everything is patiently covered and answered all my questions about the public transportation options for my Scotland trip. Thank you!

Thank you so much for this! I am planning a trip next year with my two adult daughters, we want to visit two of our ancestral cities. Ivermoriston and Tarbert. It’s going to be tricky, but i’d like to use the rail and bus and possibly the ferry system as much as possible. I’m not opposed to renting a car, but if i don’t need to I’d love to save the money and use it to spend in your lovely country!

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Just found this blog and it is very helpful. Thank you!

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Coach / Bus Tours in England and Scotland 2024/2025

Take in the picturesque landscapes and remarkable sights on a guided Coach / Bus adventure of England And Scotland. There are 89 vacation packages to choose from, that range in length from 3 days up to 18 days. The most popular month for these tours is July.

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89 coach / bus trips around england and scotland with 3,014 reviews.

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus

Real Britain (6 Days)

Good experience !!!!

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Best of Britain (11 Days)

Very good but hectic, I feel it needs more two night stops. Some of the hotels need to be upgraded to real showers. I am a 75 yr old and only five feet and could not get into the baths that have the showers in the bathtub. Something you should think about when booking overnight accommodations..

Britain and Ireland Delight (Summer, 8 Days)

We had an awesome experience, made possible by our tour director Damian and driver Dave. Damian’s knowledge was exceptional and Dave was an amazing driver.

Britain & Ireland Explorer (Classic, 13 Days)

We had a great holiday and highly recommend insight tours . We had lovely hotels and a fantastic tour guide who was very knowledgeable with places and the history.

England, Scotland & Wales

My husband and I had a wonderful 13 days with tourradar. Charlie was an excellent guide and Barry a very capable driver. We loved all of the places we stopped at as well as the special excursions. We would travel with them again.

• Sightseeing
• Christmas & New Year

United Kingdom and Ireland ( 10 days )

Essential Britain

The boat tour in Plymouth was not worth the time and neither was the boat trip to Skye. Too little time on The Isle of Skye and at Culloden. I would rather have driven to Skye and spent more time touring there. Accommodations were overall excellent. Good locations and clean. Coach was clean and the driver was excellent however there were some issues with WiFi ports working. Some did and some worked only occasionally. The tour director was average. She was friendly and kind. She wasn’t great. Not as much fun as another tour director I’ve had. One issue I had was that because I didn’t do the Edinburgh tours (I had already seen them previously), I didn’t know what time we were leaving the next morning. I left a voice message for Marge at the hotel and she never got back to me. It wasn’t a huge issue but I was surprised she didn’t get back to me. I got up early and just asked other travelers what time we were leaving when they came down for breakfast. I could have called her cell phone number but thought she would get the message at the hotel. Overall a good trip. Worth the money.

England and Scotland Heritage (8 Days)

great tour, lots to see only bad thing was the coach was to cold then to hot temperatures was not regulated properly not much time in each individual place a bit rush rush.

Grand Tour of Britain & Ireland

Had a great time. Rose Mary our guide was Great!

Highland Experience's Scottish Choice

Exceptional trip. Our tour guide Lestor was was funny and very educational. I learned a lot from this trip nothing else to be said . Very good

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Leisurely United Kingdom ( 13 days )

Britain Sampler

Overall, a very nice tour -- Some suggestions: -- At some places, we spent a significant amount of time getting lunch, so we didn't see much of the town. Maybe you could make some quick lunch arrangements, so that didn't happen. -- Skip Gretna Green. Nothing interesting to see there, felt like a tourist trap, felt like we were herded like sheep through. -- Hotels were very nice. The small towns like Grasmere were gorgeous, and we would have loved to spend some more time in them. -- Tour guides like Tricia, Kenneth, and Derek were remarkably engaging and enthusiastic, even though they had given these tours numerous times. It was remarkable that the guides were able to sound energized and fresh. -- Our tour participants were very mixed in terms of age and ability. Despite the challenge, Tricia did an excellent job keeping everyone together as a group.

6-Day Outer Hebrides & Skye Adventure Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh

Don &amp;Dom are great guides ,narrators and excellent drivers to boot. Impressive tour!!

5-Day Highland Explorer: Skye & Far North Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh

Exciting 5-day Scotland tour with Highlands and Isle of Skye. I was very happy with the itinerary, the visit to points of interest, the numerous stops on the way for photos & coffee, the excellent choice of accommodation, the perfect condition of the van. Of course, the most important factor was our driver and guide, Andrew, who is very professional, knowledgeable, and at the same time very friendly, pleasant and funny. I would definitely recommend this tour and Rabbie's.

Hebrides, Skye & The Far West

We shall always remember the 8 day tour of the far north, Skye and outer Hebridies. The first part of the tour was with driver/guide Tommy. A most excellent guide and person. He has a big personality and knows his history and it shows his devotion and passion for Scotland. Our whole group enjoyed the banter back and forth it made for a great time. The stories and wonderful Scottish music added pure joy to this memorable trip. Anyone going on his tours is in for a treat. 5 stars all the way!!! Norm & Lasha MacLeod (Canadians) The second part of the tour was with Rory, a fine driver and guide; very knowledgeable, great personality and did us a great favor at Stornoway. We would have no hesitation in recommending him as a great choice of guide and driver. 5 stars all the way!!! Norm & Lasha MacLeod (Canadians)

England And Scotland Coach / Bus Tour Reviews

天氣差，形响旅程，停留時間短，4間酒店地點不錯，可惜街道路燈暗，不方便外出又觀光，利物浦的酒店服務太差，蘇格蘭皇家酒店環境服務一流，

Because my original trip was cancelled by Trafalgar to rearrange a new tour was difficult I am giving a little more tolerance as the tourist industry was smashed my amended timetable cost me a lot of money The trip if your a new first trip bus tour user it’s ok far to rushed for us experienced lots 1 hour walk around s. Then bed. ie Liverpool Glasgow I won’t do another bus tour in the UK

I really enjoyed the trip

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Coach service offers journeys across the UK for knockdown price of £2 each way

Hundreds of cut-price, sustainable intercity journeys are on special offer this week for trips across England, Scotland and Wales

A transport company is offering £2 tickets for coach trips across the UK to be taken up to May 12. With a £1 service fee, that means travellers planning journeys can book long-distance tickets from £3 on the FlixBus website or app.

In England there is a government-backed scheme capping local bus tickets at £2 until December 2024, but this offer opens up longer routes and also applies to journeys into and around Wales and Scotland, where the £2 cap doesn’t exist. So, if you fancy a trip through the blossoming valleys from Bristol to Swansea, or from Glasgow to Inverness via the Cairngorms, now is the time to book. The deal is available until Sunday 21 April.

The international travel tech company is celebrating three years of business in the UK. It runs in partnership with local coach companies using green, branded vehicles. Earlier this year FlixBus launched the first direct electric coach service between London Victoria station and Newport in south Wales two of around 75 UK destinations currently covered by the network.

FlixBus began as a German startup in 2013 and has grown exponentially since then to cover thousands of routes in more than 40 countries, entering the UK market in 2020. Last summer it launched the first ever regular routes from several UK cities, including Leeds and Cambridge, direct to Amsterdam. The buses aim to be cheap, sustainable, easy to book and comfortable, with free wifi and charging points on board.

The lowest-priced journeys include direct routes such as Manchester to Edinburgh, London to Bridgend, Bristol to Newcastle and hundreds more intercity connections. The whole FlixBus Scottish network is part of the £2 scheme with Inverness added as a new destination this month. In Scotland, National Entitlement Card and Young Scot cardholders can get free travel.

Andreas Schörling, managing director of FlixBus UK, said the network offers affordable tickets and “comfortable, modern vehicles” and is celebrating its third anniversary with “£2 travel around the vibrant cities and towns of the UK”. The company aims to “become the best-loved coach brand in the country”, he added, offering “reliable services to as many passengers as possible”.

• Coach travel
• Green travel

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