Getting around Scotland
Scotland's cities are well connected by rail. The Highlands and islands are not, at least not quickly. Most visitors end up combining a car or driver with a ferry or two; it is also possible, with patience, to do a great deal by public transport.
The short answer
- Cities and the central belt: train. Edinburgh to Glasgow takes about 50 minutes on the fastest services, and Stirling, Perth and Dundee are all on the main lines.
- The Highlands and islands: a car (or a driver) gives the most freedom. Many glens, beaches and viewpoints have no bus at all.
- Islands: ferries, mostly run by CalMac on the west coast and NorthLink to Orkney and Shetland. See our ferry guide.
- Without a car: perfectly possible on the main routes. See travelling without a car.
By car
Driving gives you the freedom to stop, which is half the point of the Highlands. It also brings single-track roads, long distances between fuel stations and limited parking at popular spots. A few things to know:
- Drive on the left. Most hire cars are manual; automatics cost more and should be booked early.
- Speed limits are 30 mph or 20 mph in towns, 60 mph on single carriageways, and 70 mph on dual carriageways and motorways, unless signs say otherwise.
- Scotland's drink-drive limit is 50 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood, lower than in England and Wales. In practice: do not drink and drive at all.
- Route planners underestimate Highland journeys. Add at least 20 to 30% for single-track roads, stops and slow traffic in summer.
- Read our guide to single-track roads before you go.
By train
ScotRail runs almost all trains within Scotland. The lines north of the central belt are some of the most scenic in Europe.
| Line | Route | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| Highland Main Line | Edinburgh or Glasgow to Perth, Pitlochry, Aviemore, Inverness | about 3 hr 30 min |
| West Highland Line | Glasgow Queen Street to Fort William | about 3 hr 45 min |
| West Highland Extension | Fort William to Mallaig | about 1 hr 25 min |
| Oban branch | Glasgow Queen Street to Oban | about 3 hr |
| Kyle Line | Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh | about 2 hr 30 min |
| Far North Line | Inverness to Thurso and Wick | about 4 hr |
| Borders Railway | Edinburgh to Tweedbank | about 1 hr |
Rural lines have few trains a day, sometimes only three or four, and fewer on Sundays. Check timetables before building a plan around them. The Caledonian Sleeper runs overnight from London Euston to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness and Fort William. The Jacobite steam train between Fort William and Mallaig is a separate tourist service that runs in season and needs booking well ahead.
By bus
Scottish Citylink runs long-distance coaches between the cities and to Oban, Fort William, Skye, Inverness, Ullapool and Thurso. Local buses run in rural areas, but often only a few times a day and not always on Sundays. Traveline Scotland has timetables for every operator.
By ferry
More than 90 Scottish islands are inhabited, and most are reached by ferry. On the busiest routes, vehicle space in summer sells out weeks or months ahead. Ferries are cancelled in high winds and occasionally for technical problems, so keep a spare day at the end of any island leg. Our ferry guide lists the main routes.
By air
Loganair flies from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Inverness to Orkney, Shetland, the Outer Hebrides, Islay, Tiree and Campbeltown. Flights save a long day of travel to the northern isles but are small aircraft, sensitive to fog and wind.
With a driver
A private driver-guide removes the driving, the parking and the ferry booking from your list, and adjusts the plan to the weather. It costs more than a hire car, but for small groups it is often good value. Our sister services can help; see hiring a private driver-guide.