While it is not as quaint as other Highland towns, Fort William was definitely the most workable in terms of being in the Highlands without a car. The Jacobite Steam Train goes directly out of the station twice daily. Fort William is also big enough that we were also able to get a private day tour to the Isle of Skye.

Yes, you can absolutely get around the Scottish Highlands without a car, as the region is served by a surprisingly robust network of trains, buses, and ferries. The primary rail lines—such as the West Highland Line (Glasgow to Mallaig) and the Far North Line (Inverness to Wick)—offer some of the most spectacular scenery in the world and drop you directly into the heart of remote towns. For areas not reached by rail, Scottish Citylink and local bus operators like West Coast Motors provide reliable connections between major hubs like Inverness, Fort William, and Portree on the Isle of Skye. In 2026, many travelers also utilize "Small Group Tours" (like Rabbie's) for day trips to more "off-the-beaten-path" glens and castles. While public transport requires more planning and "slower" travel compared to a car, it allows you to fully enjoy the rugged landscapes without the stress of navigating narrow "single-track" roads. With a "Spirit of Scotland" travel pass, you can seamlessly combine rail and ferry travel to explore both the mainland and the islands with ease.