One Week in Scotland: Your Perfect Scotland Road Trip Itinerary (2023)

Welcome to the world of the wild and poetic, of rugged landscapes and proud traditions. Here’s how to spend one week in Scotland, with the perfect Scotland road trip itinerary. Haggis, Harry Potter and history await.

(I also find it helpful to reduce the overwhelm by using a gorgeous road trip planner, like this.)

One Week in Scotland: Your Perfect Scotland Road Trip Itinerary (1)

Table of Contents

How to Spend One Week in Scotland

Map of Scotland Road Trip Itinerary

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Can you really see Scotland in one week?

Well, of course you can’t see all of Scotland in one week. But you can get a great taste of what she has to offer in one week without feeling too rushed about the place.

This Scotland road trip itinerary gives you a taste of the two big cities, Glasgow and Edinburgh, some of Scotland’s most famous sights and some hidden gems and opportunities for quiet reflection. It includes between 7-10 days drive, depending on how much hiking you want to do in the various parks and landscape spots.

And if you fall in love with Scotland? You can always come back some day. And have another perfect road trip.

One Week in Scotland: Your Scotland Road Trip Itinerary At a Glance

  • Day One – Glasgow
  • Day Two – Loch Lomond, Glen Coe & Fort William
  • Day Three – Isle of Skye
  • Day Four – Isle of Skye
  • Day 5 – Eilean Dunan Castle, Loch Ness & Inverness
  • Day 6 – Blair Castle, Pitlochy & Edinburgh
  • Day 7 – Edinburgh
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When to visit Scotland

Like the rest of Britain, the weather really does influence things. Winters can be cold, wet and harsh but they can also provide opportunities for cosy retreats by open fires and snow-tinged landscape views.

Summer, between May and September, offers the mildest and warmest time to visit Scotland, although it hardly ever really gets hot.

Spring and autumn work well if you want to beat the crowds. And for all the talk about the weather, Scotland never hits the kind of extremes that mean you would need to stay away.

Where to Stay in Scotland

You can find every type of accommodation your heart desires in Scotland, but not necessarily in every single spot.

You will find most of the big chains in the cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh, as well as boutique hotels, budget hostels and kooky design spots.

Away from the cities, accommodation is often plainer but there are some fantastic cosy cottages like these or even renovated stately homes like this.

  • See also: Where to Stay in Edinburgh
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Your Scotland Road Trip Itinerary – One Week in Scotland

When touring Scotland by car for one week, it’s often easier to fly in and out of the same airport for the sake of picking up a rental car. This Scotland road trip itinerary begins in Glasgow and ends on Edinburgh, which works well if you’re driving up from London Heathrow or anywhere else in England.

(Video) 5 DAY SCOTLAND ROAD TRIP ITINERARY | BEST THINGS to DO, EAT & SEE | Travel Guide

It is possible to fly into Glasgow and out of Edinburgh but it will be harder to arrange and likely more expensive to drop off the rental car at a different airport.

However, it’s only an hour’s drive between the two cities, so start wherever it’s easier for you to pick up your wheels and then just pick up the itinerary below.

Enjoy your 7 day Scotland itinerary!

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Glasgow

As Scotland’s biggest city, Glasgow mixes sophistication with grit, art with industry, and fine dining with, well, deep-fried mars bars.

With just one day in the city before you head out on your road trip through Scotland, take in the architecture, museums and good food before moving on to a more rural setting.

Highlights include the Gallery of Modern Art, Kelvingrove, Scotland Street School and the Burrell Collection. Expect to hear a lot about Charles Rennie Mackintosh, a pioneer of Art Nouveau architecture in Britain, and make the most of the live music and vintage shopping scene.

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Loch Lomond & Around

Loch Lomond may not be the really famous loch in Scotland but as Britain’s largest inland lake, it can truly hold its own. Only 20 minutes from Glasgow, it attracts the crowds at Balloch and Luss in the peak season, but the eastern shore is quieter if you want to make the most of the quiet sounds of nature.

Interestingly, Loch Lomond lies on the Highland border and the landscape reflects the change. The southern area is surrounded by lowland meadows, forests and small islands. North of Luss, the water narrows into its glacial Ice Age trench, with towering rock formations on either side.

The whole area, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, to give it its full name, is ideal for hiking and cycling, photography and just contemplating nature. The complete opposite to Glasgow, for example.

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Glen Coe

The icy glaciers and volcanic explosions of the past created the charm of the present in the atmospheric village of Glencoe. Situatied in the deep ridges of the Glencoe valley in the Highlands on the bank of Loch Leven, the surrounding area is often known as the outdoor capital of the UK.

Is it Glencoe or Glen Coe?

No, it’s not sloppy spelling. It turns out that it refers to two different things. Glencoe is the area and the valley. Glen Coe is the village.

Obviously ;-)

Here you can hike, of course, but you can also turn the adventure dial up a notch with kayaking, skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking.

Here is the land of legends, or at least Skyfall and Harry Potter movie-making.

Fort William

Fort William adds a bit more of modern life to its outdoor hub status than nearby Glen Coe. If you want to spend more time hiking and less time in the car then perhaps skip Fort William and stay in Glen Coe for the atmosphere.

However, if you’re looking to stock up for your trip, need to replace any equipment or just fancy a wider choice of places to eat, then stop off at Fort William instead.

(Video) How to Travel Scotland in 10 Days

The Jacobite Steam Train

For fun, you can always pause the road trip and hit the rails instead.

The iconic Jacobite Steam Railway carves an 84 mile round trip into the Scottish Highlands between Fort William and Mallaig, passing by Britain’s highest peak, Ben Nevis, as it goes. In other words, it’s the Harry Potter Train.

One Week in Scotland: Your Perfect Scotland Road Trip Itinerary (7)

Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye is one of the best parts of any Scotland road trip itinerary and, happily, the island recommends you travel by car. Many parts are remote and public transport is infrequent: you’ll just have a better time behind the wheel!

Although it is an island, you’ll find yourself arriving by road via the bridge that leaves Kyle of Lochalsh on the mainland to bring you to Kyleakin on Skye. Many a SatNav has opted for the shorter route via Mallaig. However, from there you’ll need to take the ferry which adds on another layer of complication.

On the Isle of Skye itself, the largest in the Inner Hebrides, you’ll find rugged landscapes, great hiking routes, picturesque villages and a sense of wild and remote abandon. Pack your camera, and some waterproofs. You’ll make the most of them both.

Pit Stop: Eilean Donan Castle

A slight detour to Eilean Donan Castle rewards with postcard perfect views of the 13th century stone castle at the meeting of three great sea lochs.

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Loch Ness & Inverness

Ah, Loch Ness. The part of Scotland that every child already knows!

As you might expect, Loch Ness is a touristy area, often bursting with international visitors trying to get a glimpse of Nessie.

Loch Ness itself, astonishingly, holds more freshwater than all the lakes and reservoirs of England and Wales combined, and still makes for a pleasant sight, even if you don’t get to see the monster.

  • Maximise your chances of seeing Nessie and get on the water with a Loch Ness boat tour! Even if you fail, you will have had a wonderful time.

Inverness

Most Scots would recommend you spend the night in nearby Inverness, rather than by Loch Ness but you can’t really go wrong with either decision.

Inverness is a city, but a European one, so forget about the steel and chrome skyscrapers and vast urban sprawl of Asia and the Americas.

Now’s your chance to swap hiking boots for art galleries and haggis for fine dining, so tweak your timing between the city and the Loch according to your own personal taste.

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Blair Castle & Pitlochry

Well, it wouldn’t be a trip to Scotland without a touch of Scotch, would it?

While you’ll find many different distillery routes across Scotland, the uncomfortable truth is that whisky tasting doesn’t fit all that well into a road trip unless someone else is driving.

But we are giving you one here.

Pitlochry

Head to the picturesque village of Pitlochry and visit the Blair Atholl Distillery. Based at the foot of the Grampian mountains, it’s one of the oldest working distilleries in Scotland.

(Video) How to Travel Scotland in 7 Days

Take an educational tour, sample a wee dram and then burn off the booze with a hike up to the Queen’s View.

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Blair Castle

If, as sadly may often be the case, it is raining, a good place to look for shelter is within the grounds of Blair Castle, the ancestral home of the Clan Murray.

White and looking remarkably well kept, it’s a long way from the crumbling stone ruins you may have run into during, say, a road trip itinerary in Wales.

The Deeside Tourist Route

If you have more than one week in Scotland or want to try a different route, check out the Deeside Tourist Route from Perth to Aberdeen through the magnificent Cairngorms National Park.

The Cairngorms National Park

The Cairngorms are the country’s largest national park, covering more than 4,500 km2 and offering plenty of hiking and cycling roots through wild routes and stunning scenery.

But if you only have one week in Scotland, you may have to settle for driving through this majestic landscape and plan a longer visit whenever you’re next in the country.

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Edinburgh

And so you end your Scotland road trip itinerary in the most famous place in the country: Edinburgh.

You’ll find so many unusual things to do in Edinburgh but if it’s your first time in Scotland, you’re likely to want to see the classics of the capital city.

Edinburgh Castle houses the crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny, Arthur’s Seat looms in Holyrood Park and Harry Potter fans linger in the cafes where J.K. Rowling penned one of the world’s most famous wizards.

The Georgian New Town has elegance, the medieval Old Town has underground stories to tell and the National Museum of Scotland connects the country to its history, from geology to colonial endeavours to the present.

Plus, there’s the experience of walking the Royal Mile, the main thoroughfare that leads from the castle through the old town.

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Image credit: Self Drive Vehicle Hire

Practical Tips for Driving in Scotland

When you’re planning your Scottish road trip, it may help to consider the following points. You can use the plan above as either a 7 or 10 day itinerary, depending on where you prefer to spend time and whether you wish to spend the night in each location or choose two or three bases and run day trips instead. The one week itinerary is the shortest time you can realistically see these sights.

Do people drive on the left in Scotland?

Yes, as part of the United Kingdom, people drive on the left in Scotland.

What currency does Scotland use?

(Video) SCOTLAND TRAVEL (2023) | 10 Beautiful Places To Visit In Scotland (+ Itinerary Suggestions!)

Like the rest of the UK, Scotland uses pound sterling (GBP.) However, Scotland issues its own notes. You should be able to use Scottish bank notes in England and vice versa (except for the one pound Scottish note.)

How long does it take to travel across Scotland?

Pedants can debate the answer to this, depending on islands and other waterways, but a sensible estimate is 5-7 hours.

What places do you recommend for a 1 week trip to Scotland?

Well, the one week itinerary above covers the best of Scotland in a reasonable timeframe. If you’re not keen on cities, you could swap those out and spend more time on the Deeside Tourist Route instead.

There are, of course, as many Scotland itineraries as you can imagine but use this one as a good base and then build your road trip of Scotland from there.

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How to Put Together the Perfect Road Trip

You’re in road trip heaven here, as we have everything from a full list of road trip essentials to the Ultimate Road Trip Planner.

We love road trips!

We even have 101 fun road trip questions for your next drive and a collection of inspiring road trip quotes for your instagram caption ideas.

Happy road trip planning!

One Week in Scotland: Your Perfect Scotland Road Trip Itinerary (14)

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FAQs

One Week in Scotland: Your Perfect Scotland Road Trip Itinerary? ›

One week in Scotland gives you enough time to see the famous places without feeling too rushed. An itinerary for 7 days in Scotland could comfortably include visits to Edinburgh, Culloden, Loch Ness, Skye, Glencoe, and Loch Lomond. You might even fit in a day trip to Iona or a ride on the Jacobite Steam train.

How many days do you need for a road trip to Scotland? ›

We recommend you allow 9 - 10 days in Scotland for a satisfying tour of the country's diverse scenery and history.

Can you drive around Scotland in a week? ›

At least one week in Scotland is enough to get a satisfying feel of the country, even though you won't be able to see everything. Between 7-10 days allows you to explore Scotland's big cities, head out to the distilleries and roam around some of her staggeringly beautiful landscape.

Is 7 days enough in Scotland? ›

Seven days is enough to give you a good experience of what Scotland has to offer, but it will leave you wanting more. If this is a first-time visit to Scotland, you probably have a bucket list of famous places that you want to see…. Edinburgh Castle, Loch Ness, Skye, Eilean Donan, Culloden etc.

What is the best route to drive around Scotland? ›

Scotland's Best Six Driving Routes
  • Aberfoyle to Callander, via the Three Lochs Forest Drive. ...
  • Glasgow to Inveraray, via the Rest and Be Thankful pass. ...
  • Glasgow or Edinburgh to Glencoe. ...
  • Lochcarron to Applecross, via The Bealach Na Bà ...
  • Edinburgh to St Andrews, via the East Neuk of Fife. ...
  • Stornoway to Seilebost, Outer Hebrides.
Jun 28, 2022

What is better Edinburgh or Glasgow? ›

Generally speaking, Edinburgh is a good choice for those interested in historic sites, traditional Scottish culture and Harry Potter fans. On the other hand, Glasgow is a great option for those after a modern, big-city vibe with great nightlife and live music.

Is it easy for Americans to drive in Scotland? ›

Driving in Scotland as an American is pretty straightforward. The roads are all about the same speeds you're used to and, of course, all the signs are in English!

What is the best base for exploring Scotland? ›

Stirling is Scotland's most historic city and offers so much. As a location, it provides a gateway to the Scottish Highlands and gives easy access to Edinburgh, Glasgow and the rest of the lovely lowlands, making it the best and most efficient base for exploring Scotland.

What time of year is best to drive Scotland? ›

The months between April and September are ideal for a driving tour of Scotland as the longer daylight hours give you more time for sightseeing and for using country roads. You may find this is the easiest time for island hopping as well, as some ferry lines are closed or less frequent during the winter.

What is the best way to tour Scotland? ›

The best way to travel around Scotland is by car, whether on an independent road trip or as part of a guided tour.

What is the best week to visit Scotland? ›

The best time to visit Scotland is during spring (late March to May) and fall (September to November). Temperatures are warmer by spring, with averages of 43°F to 59°F, although there will still be snow in the mountains of the Highlands and the Cairngorms.

How much spending money will I need for a week in Scotland? ›

You can expect the average trip to Scotland cost for travellers that want to vacation in Scotland to be £70 to £190 per person per day (approximately $84 – $228 USD). This can, however, be reduced if you plan on spending some nights camping, not doing many paid activities and cooking most of your own meals.

How to get to Isle of Skye from Edinburgh? ›

There is no direct train from Edinburgh to Isle of Skye. However, you can take a train from Edinburgh to Inverness in the Scottish Highlands which takes about four hours. From there you can either hire a car and drive, or take a bus, through Northern Scotland and over the Skye Bridge to the island.

What is the most scenic drive in Scotland? ›

Scotland's Most Scenic Driving Routes
  • Moray Firth route Inverness to Loch Fleet. ...
  • North and west Highland route Ullapool to John o'Groats. ...
  • North Coast 500 North coast. ...
  • Perthshire tourist route Greenloaning to Ballinluig. ...
  • The Snow Roads scenic route Blairgowrie to Grantown-on-Spey. ...
  • The South West Coastal 300 South west.

What is the most scenic part of Scotland? ›

With over 18% of votes, the Isle of Skye is your number one most beautiful place in Scotland, drawing enthusiasm for its “vast wilderness and scenery”, and for being so darn “beautiful and wild”. What's more, our experts selected the Isle of Skye as one of the best places on earth for 2022.

What does an American need to drive in Scotland? ›

Licence requirements

Whether you're visiting Scotland from the US, India or even Australia, you can rest assured that as long as your licence is valid and in date, you can drive in Scotland and the rest of the UK. If you're visiting from the European Union, then you can drive any type of vehicle listed on your license.

Is Edinburgh the prettiest city in the world? ›

Edinburgh has been named among the '25 Most Beautiful Cities in the World' by a renowned US travel magazine. New York-based Travel + Leisure, which has nearly five million monthly readers, included Scotland's capital in its 'by-no-means exhaustive list' of the world's most beautiful cities.

Is it cheaper to stay in Glasgow or Edinburgh? ›

Which is cheaper Glasgow or Edinburgh? Edinburgh is an expensive city, that's for sure! While Glasgow isn't cheap, it's certainly more affordable than Edinburgh, in pretty much every category. From restaurants and bars to hotels and attractions, Glasgow is a more budget-friendly destination.

Why is Glasgow so popular? ›

The city is famous for its contributions to architectural styles, with the Glasgow School of Art being the most notable example. The wealth of the city's merchants in the 18th century saw a shift towards neoclassical architecture with simple lines and grand imposing stately buildings.

Can I rent a car in Scotland with a US driver's license? ›

What kind of license do you need to hire a car in Scotland? If you are visiting Scotland, you only need a valid driver's licence from your home country. You do not need an international driver's license in order to hire a car in Scotland.

Why is car rental so expensive in Scotland? ›

The price rises are mainly caused by car rental companies having sold off much of their stock of vehicles during the pandemic as demand collapsed. Now, with people taking holidays again, they are trying to rebuild their fleets, but a global shortage of semi-conductors means they are paying more for new vehicles.

Is Scotland friendly to American tourists? ›

Scotland is a safe and welcoming nation with a famously warm level of hospitality, yet no matter where you travel there are a few things that visitors may find useful to ensure their trip runs extra smoothly.

What place in America is most like Scotland? ›

Hocking Hills, Ohio

Hocking Hills State Park is like Scotland's famous landscape, complete with its lush greenery and waterfalls as far as the eye can see. It's a beautiful spot to visit for a hiking adventure.

Where is the most beautiful city in Scotland? ›

Some cities that are frequently cited as being particularly beautiful include Edinburgh, with its castle and historic Royal Mile; Inverness, located in the Scottish Highlands and known for its natural beauty; and St Andrews, a coastal city known for its beautiful beaches and historic university.

What is the famous drive in Scotland? ›

The North Coast 500 (NC500), also known as Scotland's 'Route 66', is a scenic, 516-mile (830km) route across the country – starting and ending at Inverness Castle.

How do you avoid midges in Scotland? ›

Locals will often say that it is best to avoid the midges rather than trying to keep them away from you. Prevention is better than treatment! You can avoid damp areas, head for higher ground, wear a midge repellent, cover bare skin and wear a midge head net. Alternatively, relax indoors until they're at bay.

What are the rainiest months in Scotland? ›

Wet seasons

Whilst it rains all year round in Scotland, the wettest periods are autumn and winter.

What is the most walkable city in Scotland? ›

Edinburgh, Scotland

Split into two distinct halves, Edinburgh is one of the most walkable cities around.

Do you tip in Scotland? ›

Tipping. There are no hard and fast rules for tipping in Scotland. If you are happy with the service, a 10-15% tip is customary, particularly in a restaurant or café with table service. A tip is not necessary if a service charge has been added to the bill by the establishment.

What to do if you have a week in Scotland? ›

5 Amazing Ways to Spend a Week in Scotland
  1. Holy Isle from Lamlash, Isle of Arran. ...
  2. Buachaille Etive Mor, Glen Coe.
  3. Loch Lomond, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.
  4. Strathspey Railway, Aviemore. ...
  5. Castle Fraser, Garden & Estate, near Dunecht, Aberdeenshire.
  6. Lagavulin Distillery, Islay.
Jan 7, 2019

Is Isle of Skye worth it? ›

One of the many reasons why everyone should visit the Isle of Skye is because of its historic distilleries. Not only should tourists on the Isle of Skye visit the Old Man of Storr and the quaint old villages, but they should also visit the distilleries of the isle.

Is a week in Scotland too long? ›

One week in Scotland gives you enough time to see the famous places without feeling too rushed. An itinerary for 7 days in Scotland could comfortably include visits to Edinburgh, Culloden, Loch Ness, Skye, Glencoe, and Loch Lomond. You might even fit in a day trip to Iona or a ride on the Jacobite Steam train.

What is the best time to avoid the midges in Scotland? ›

Come between late September and late May. In the Highlands of Scotland, particularly in the Cairngorms, we can have an early frost in September or a late frost in May. Midges can't survive a frost. If you arrive in Scotland, before the weather has warmed up too much you are unlikely to see many midges.

How can I save money on a trip to Scotland? ›

  1. Pick up and drop off your rental car at the same destination.
  2. Compare petrol prices (gas prices)
  3. Consider travelling by public transport instead of hiring a car.
  4. Always book intercity train and bus tickets in advance.
  5. Take off-peak trains.
  6. Look into travel passes & RailCards.
  7. Choose buses over trains.
Aug 29, 2018

Can you do England and Scotland in a week? ›

A week is long enough to experience not only the highlights of London but also the English countryside and the Scottish Highlands. One option is a family tour that will take you and the clan to Buckingham Palace, on Harry Potter tours, and boat rides on Loch Ness.

Where is the cheapest place to visit in Scotland? ›

  1. Arthur's Seat. 21,584. Geologic Formations. ...
  2. Royal Yacht Britannia. 23,082. Speciality Museums • Ships. ...
  3. National Museum of Scotland. 22,117. Speciality Museums • Natural History Museums. ...
  4. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. 15,681. ...
  5. Edinburgh Old Town. 16,271. ...
  6. Royal Mile. 25,730. ...
  7. Palace of Holyroodhouse. 11,885. ...
  8. Celtic Park. 2,771.

Is it easy to drive from Edinburgh to Isle of Skye? ›

If you were to drive from Edinburgh directly to the Isle of Skye, it would take between five and six hours with 235 miles of driving. If you want to turn this drive into a scenic road trip, adding places like Edradour Distillery and Eilean Donan Castle, this drive will take one full day.

How long is the bridge from Scotland to Isle of Skye? ›

The main bridge is a concrete arch, supported by two piers. This connect Skye to the small island called Eilean Bàn, the rest of the bridge is level across to the mainland. The total distance across is 1.5 miles (2.4km). The main arch is about 35m high (30m clearance for boats on high tide).

Is there a shuttle from Edinburgh to Isle of Skye? ›

Getting to the Isle of Skye from Edinburgh By bus

The first is to take Megabus from Edinburgh to Inverness and then transfer to the 917 bus direct to Portree. The second is to take the 900 bus from Edinburgh to Glasgow and then transfer to either the 915 or the 916 direct to Portree.

How long does it take to road trip around Scotland? ›

As well as meandering through the Scottish Highlands, expect to see everything from charming towns and centuries-old castles to long sandy beaches and shimmering lochs. So, how long does it take to drive around Scotland? The short answer is five to seven days, if you stick to the North Coast 500.

What is the most popular road in Scotland? ›

Without a doubt, the most successful tourist route is the North Coast 500, it's considered the ultimate road trip. 500 miles (805 km) from start to finish this route offers some of the finest coastal scenery in Europe.

What is the most expensive road in Scotland? ›

21 December 2022

Bank of Scotland has revealed Scotland's most expensive streets, with prestigious Ann Street in central Edinburgh taking the top spot. The street, known for its stunning aesthetics and classic Georgian architecture, will now set wealthy buyers back an average £1.7 million (£1,685,000).

What is the best road map of Scotland? ›

Philip's Navigator Scotland is the UK's best-selling atlas of Scotland.

What is the most beautiful country in the world Scotland? ›

There are many beautiful places to visit in the world. Over the years, Scotland has been consistently voted the most beautiful country in the world, beating out other beauties like Canada, New Zealand, and Italy, and we can see why.

Is it difficult for Americans to drive in Scotland? ›

Driving in Scotland as an American is pretty straightforward. The roads are all about the same speeds you're used to and, of course, all the signs are in English!

Is it worth it to rent a car in Scotland? ›

If you're planning to spend some time in Scotland, renting a car is a great option. A car rental in Scotland gives you the freedom and flexibility to travel how and when you want, but it also allows you to visit parts of this wonderful country that are difficult to reach any other way.

How long can American tourist stay in Scotland? ›

A Scottish tourist visa allows you to stay in the country for up to 90 days if you're coming from outside of the EU. Long-term or permanent living in Scotland requires obtaining one of several long-term visas.

Is 3 days enough for Scotland? ›

Is 3 days enough for Scotland? 3 days is not to see the best of Scotland. You'd need at least 5 days to experience the highlights: Edinburgh, Scottish highlands and Isle of Skye.

What are the best months to travel to Scotland? ›

Scotland is a year-round destination, but the summer months, from June until August, attract the most visitors. This high season coincides with summer's better weather, more daylight hours, and plenty of activities and festivals happening around the country.

Is it cheaper to drive or train to Scotland? ›

Rising rail fares mean it is now cheaper to drive to Scotland's major cities and park than take the train, a price comparison has revealed.

How many days is enough for UK and Scotland? ›

And finally, two or three weeks allow you to begin to combine England, Wales, Scotland, and even Northern Ireland. And a month would allow you to do a complete circuit of the UK. Travelers with specific interests may want to plan their itineraries to include relevant sites, festivals, or events.

Is Scotland expensive as a tourist? ›

You can expect the average trip to Scotland cost for travellers that want to vacation in Scotland to be £70 to £190 per person per day (approximately $84 – $228 USD). This can, however, be reduced if you plan on spending some nights camping, not doing many paid activities and cooking most of your own meals.

What time of year to visit Scotland to avoid midges? ›

Come between late September and late May. In the Highlands of Scotland, particularly in the Cairngorms, we can have an early frost in September or a late frost in May. Midges can't survive a frost. If you arrive in Scotland, before the weather has warmed up too much you are unlikely to see many midges.

What is the most scenic train ride in Scotland? ›

West Highland Line

The West Highlands have their own unique feel, famed for their fresh seafood, Highland hospitality and beloved Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK. Fittingly, the West Highland Line is considered by many to be the most scenic rail journey in the world.

Is it better to rent a car or take train in Scotland? ›

The best way to reach the Scottish Highlands is to fly into either Glasgow (GLA) or Edinburgh (EDI) international airports and then rent a car or take the train or bus to get into the Highlands. Renting a car is the best way to get around the Scottish Highlands.

Is the train ride from London to Edinburgh Scenic? ›

The train journey between Edinburgh and London is a scenic one, with views of the English countryside, beautiful cities like York and Durham, and even the Northumberland and Scottish coasts. Book yourself a window seat to take it all in.

Can you do Ireland and Scotland in one trip? ›

The Perfect Scotland and Ireland Itinerary

Getting Between Scotland and Ireland A trip of a lifetime to Ireland and Scotland can be done affordably and getting between the two countries is very easy. I would not recommend renting a car and taking a ferry as flights between the two countries can go as low as €25 euros.

How long does it take to drive the full length of Scotland? ›

As well as meandering through the Scottish Highlands, expect to see everything from charming towns and centuries-old castles to long sandy beaches and shimmering lochs. So, how long does it take to drive around Scotland? The short answer is five to seven days, if you stick to the North Coast 500.

How much does it cost to go to Scotland for 1 weeks? ›

The average price of a 7-day trip to Scotland is $1,429 for a solo traveler, $2,566 for a couple, and $4,811 for a family of 4. Scotland hotels range from $65 to $295 per night with an average of $114, while most vacation rentals will cost $220 to $440 per night for the entire home.

Videos

1. Scotland road trip in 12 days - pt. 1
(Giorgia Wessels)
2. A Guide To Road Trips in Scotland
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