Getting around Scotland without a car
Trains, buses, ferries and private transport. What works, what does not, and how to plan car-free travel.
Scotland is a big country with a lot of empty space, especially once you leave the central belt. Getting around without a car is possible, but it needs planning. The train network is decent between cities. Beyond that, things thin out quickly.
The cities (Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness) are well connected by rail. The Highlands are a different story. Buses are infrequent, roads are remote, and some of the best places have no public transport at all. That is the honest truth.
That does not mean you should not try. Trains cover some brilliant routes. Ferries to the islands are part of the experience. And private chauffeur makes the remote Highlands completely accessible without driving yourself. Here is an honest breakdown.
See also: Driving in the Highlands – tips and NC500 driving tips.
Transport options
Trains
Scotland’s rail network covers Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen, Fort William, Oban, Kyle of Lochalsh, and Thurso/Wick. The main lines are reliable and scenic. The Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh line and the West Highland Line (Glasgow to Fort William/Mallaig) are among the best train journeys in Britain.
ScotRail runs most services. Advance tickets are cheaper. The Caledonian Sleeper runs overnight from London to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Fort William and Inverness.
Edinburgh to Inverness: 3.5h. Edinburgh to Glasgow: 50min. Glasgow to Fort William: 3.5h. Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh: 2.5h. Glasgow to Oban: 3h.
Trains do not reach many of the best Highland spots. Glencoe, Skye (beyond Kyle), Torridon, Durness, the NC500 – no rail.
Buses
CityLink runs long-distance coaches between major towns. Local buses exist but are infrequent in the Highlands – sometimes one or two per day, sometimes none on Sundays.
Useful for Edinburgh to Glasgow, Inverness to Fort William, and Inverness to Skye (via CityLink). Not useful for remote glens, most of the NC500, or touring at your own pace.
Always check timetables in advance. Highland bus schedules change seasonally.
Ferries
CalMac operates ferries to the west coast islands (Skye from Mallaig, Mull from Oban, Lewis from Ullapool). NorthLink runs ferries to Orkney and Shetland from Aberdeen and Scrabster.
The ferry crossing is part of the experience, not just transport. Book in advance in summer. Foot passengers can usually walk on; vehicle spaces need booking ahead.
Skye has a road bridge, so you do not need a ferry to get there, but the Mallaig to Armadale ferry is a scenic alternative.
Private chauffeur
A driver who knows the roads, the stops and the timing. No car hire, no navigation stress, no single-track road anxiety.
Works for airport transfers, multi-day tours, and specific routes (NC500, Skye, Glencoe). We pick up from hotels, stations, and airports. The vehicle is yours for the day. This is how most of our international guests experience the Highlands.
Taxis and ride-hailing
Taxis are available in cities and larger towns. Limited in rural areas. Uber works in Edinburgh and Glasgow but not in the Highlands.
For short trips in Inverness or between hotels, local taxis are fine.
Cycling
Scotland has good cycling infrastructure in places. The Caledonian Canal towpath, the Deeside Way, NCN Route 1. E-bikes are increasingly available for hire.
Not practical as sole transport for most visitors, but great for day rides.
What works without a car
Edinburgh and Glasgow
Fully walkable with good public transport.
Edinburgh to Inverness
Excellent train service, several times a day.
Glasgow to Fort William/Oban
Scenic rail through some of the best Highland scenery.
Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh
One of the best train journeys in Scotland.
Island hopping
CalMac ferries with foot passenger tickets.
Inverness as a base
Day tours by private chauffeur to Loch Ness, Culloden, and local whisky trails.
What does not work without a car
The NC500
No public transport on most of the route.
Touring Skye properly
The bus reaches Portree but not the peninsula roads where the best scenery is.
Glencoe
You can get a bus to the village but exploring the glen needs wheels.
Remote west coast
Torridon, Applecross, Assynt – no regular public transport.
Flexible touring
Stopping where you want, when you want.
For these routes, a private chauffeur or guided tour is the realistic alternative.
Our recommendation
Cities and connected towns: trains and buses work well. Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and the routes between them are straightforward by rail.
The Highlands: a private chauffeur is the best way for visitors who do not want to drive. You get the flexibility of a car without the stress of unfamiliar roads, left-hand driving, or single-track navigation.
Mix and match: train to Inverness, then private tours from there. Many of our guests do exactly this. Take the scenic rail from Edinburgh or Glasgow, then let us handle the Loch Ness day tour, the NC500, or wherever you want to go.
Flying in? Edinburgh airport transfers get you on your way without the car hire desk.
FAQ
Can I visit the Scottish Highlands without a car?
Yes, but it requires planning. Trains reach Inverness and a few key towns. Beyond that, you need a private tour or very limited bus services. A chauffeur tour is the most comfortable option.
Is there Uber in Scotland?
In Edinburgh and Glasgow, yes. Not in the Highlands. Local taxis are available in Inverness and larger towns.
How do I get from Edinburgh to Inverness without a car?
Train: 3.5 hours, runs several times a day. CityLink bus: about 4 hours. Both are comfortable and scenic.
Can I do the NC500 without a car?
Not by public transport. A private chauffeur tour is the realistic alternative. We run multi-day NC500 tours from Inverness.
Are Scottish trains reliable?
Generally yes. ScotRail runs most services. Occasional delays in bad weather. Book in advance for the best fares.
How do I get to the Isle of Skye without a car?
CityLink bus from Inverness or Glasgow to Portree (about 3.5 hours from Inverness). Or train to Kyle of Lochalsh and bus or taxi across the bridge. A private tour gives you full flexibility.
Is it worth hiring a car in Scotland?
For the Highlands, a car gives freedom. But the roads are unfamiliar (left-hand drive, single-track), and insurance costs add up. Many international visitors prefer a chauffeur for comfort and safety.
How do ferries to the Scottish islands work?
CalMac runs most west coast ferries. Book online, especially in summer. Foot passengers can usually walk on. Vehicle spaces need booking ahead. Timetables vary by season.
See the Highlands without driving
Private chauffeur and touring from Inverness. We handle the roads, you enjoy the views.