What is the best way to get around the Scottish Highlands?
Driving is the best way to get around the Highlands and explore at your own pace. Don't worry if you don't have a car or aren't keen on driving, as the main sights are also well-serviced by public transport.
People Also Ask
The train is an easy option for travel between major towns and cities. Scotland's extensive train network covers all major cities and towns, but the railway map has large, blank areas in the Highlands and the Southern Uplands where you'll need to switch to road transport – in many cases, traveling by local bus.
Travel in & Around ScotlandPublic transport provides trains and bus services to Scottish towns and cities as well as many villages and ferry ports. Access to very remote areas and islands is straightforward by car, ferry and aeroplane.
Traveling by coach is probably the cheapest option. The most popular bus companies are Stagecoach and Scottish Citylink. Stagecoach services more remote destinations, while Scottish Citylink services the main tourist hubs including Fort William, Inverness, Skye and Oban.
To have the most sunlight and best weather, many people head to the Scottish Highlands in the summer, between May and September. Starting in October, the weather can be unpredictable — freezing temperatures, gale-force winds, and snowfall are all possible.
It's possible to see a lot of Scotland by train and bus (I spent 26 days there without a car last year), but you will be limited in where you can go and how much ground you can cover if you also want to avoid tours.
Nothing is perfect, but the stunning scenery that makes up the Scottish Highlands comes pretty close. The more than 11,000-square-mile region north of Glasgow, Scotland, is a living exhibit of Mother Nature's greatest magic, featuring a diverse array of geographical offerings that leave travelers with unbridled awe.
Plus a Scottish railway journey is one of the best ways to take in the stunning landscapes. From scenic train routes through the Scottish Highlands to short steam train rides, Scotland's train tours can offer unforgettable journeys with great service and amazing views.
Scotland by Public Transport. Public transport in Scotland offers an extensive network of buses, trains and ferries, which is reliable and safe to use. Combining trains, buses and ferries you can travel the entire country – you might just need a bit more time and flexibility to reach every destination on my itineraries ...
Scottish ITSO SmartcardsDepending on the operator, tickets can be loaded onto your chosen ITSO smartcard at ticket offices, ticket vending machines, on board or in advance online and can be paid for with cash, card or contactless. There are many ITSO smartcard options available to you.