Traveling in Scotland

Scotland by coach and bus

All of Scotland’s main towns and cities and connected by long distance bus services, known in the UK as coaches. These are run by a range of operators and are very popular because they tend to be cheap.

If travelling a lot throughout Scotland by coach, it’s worth checking out the Explorer Pass which offers unlimited travel on the Scottish Citylink network. Stagecoach also offers unlimited travel within certain areas with its Megarider tickets.

Scotland by train

All the major towns and cities are connected by First ScotRail who run the majority of the train services.

Like the bus services, Scotland’s rail network is at its most dense in the central belt. In the Highlands and on the west coast, the lines link with the majority of ferry ports to the islands.

There are also a number of discount fares and passes available including the Freedom of Scotland Travelpass and the Highland Rover.

Scotland by Ferry

Scotland is home to 700 diverse islands that are served very well by a number of regular ferries. The majority of ferries carry cars and vans and if possible, should be booked as far in advance as possible.

Scotland by plane

Scotland boasts several airports including Glasgow, Glasgow Prestwick, Edinburgh and Aberdeen. However, there are also a number of minor airports, some are on islands and in the case of the island of Barra, the runway is on the beach!

There are a number of interconnecting flights; however these can seem expensive in comparison with budget carrier prices. On the other hand, the time you will save may make it worthwhile.

The majority of flights are operated by Flybe. If it’s inter-island flights in Shetland you are after, you need to book through Loganair. Other services between the mainland and Stornoway are provided by Eastern Airways.

For an extra treat, the Loch Lomond Seaplanes operate flights from the busy city centre of Glasgow to Oban and Tobermory on Mull.

Driving and car hire in Scotland

Scotland's roads include a well-developed motorway network, with dual carriageways to key places further north such as Aberdeen and Inverness and south. In some areas of Scotland, particularly the Highlands and Islands, there are often single-track roads, which demand extreme caution.

Driving is on the left-hand side of the road, with overtaking only permissible on the right-hand side. Visitors should also remember to give way to the right on roundabouts. Speed limits are 70 mph on motorways and dual carriageways, 60 mph on single carriageways and 30 mph in built up areas, unless otherwise stated. It is also compulsory to wear seatbelts in the front and back of the car in Scotland.

If you want to rent a vehicle, there are a wide range of different car and transport hire companies throughout Scotland.

Accessibility

The Directgov website has a lot of very useful information for those with a disability holidaying in the UK. Scotrail also offer some helpful information.

For more information, the Directgov and Travelline Scotland websites has a lot of very useful advice about travelling around Scotland and the rest of the UK.