How to get to the Scottish Highlands

The Scottish Highlands refers to the north-western part of Scotland. It stretches from Fort William all the way up to the coast by the Isle of Skye, and Durness in the far north-west to Inverness in the east. Scotland is well-connected with major cities and towns in the UK, Europe and other international destinations. The capital of the Highlands is Inverness, but there are good transport links with other cities and smaller towns including Fort William, Inverness and Aviemore, Oban and Skye.

If you’re travelling from overseas, the closest airports to fly into are Glasgow International Airport (GLA) or Edinburgh International Airport (EDI). From here you can hire a car, catch a bus or take a train to the Highlands.

If you're travelling from the UK, you can take a train to various destinations in Scotland. You can take a West Coast Mainline train that services major towns and cities between London to Glasgow, and transfer to a local train with ScotRail once you’re in Scotland. You can also take a coach from London to Inverness with National Express.

Getting around the Scottish Highlands

Driving is the easiest 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 Highlands’ main sights are pretty well serviced by public transport.

Getting around by train

ScotRail operates trains between the main cities including Inverness, Aviemore and Fort William, as well as smaller towns in the region. If trains aren’t available for where you want to go, chances are you can take a local bus or coach with Stagecoach, Scottish Citylink or the National Express.

If you’re planning on getting around mostly by train, it might be worth getting the Highland Rover Pass which gives you four days of unlimited travel in the Highlands over eight consecutive days for £95. The pass also includes ferry travel to Skye and other islands in the Hebrides.

Getting around by coach

Travelling by coach is probably the cheapest option. Sure, it’s a little slower than taking a train or driving, but it’s affordable and comfortable. The most popular bus companies in the Highlands 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.

Getting around by ferry

If you’re travelling to the Skye, the Orkney Islands or other islands in the Inner and Outer Hebrides, you can take a ferry. Popular ferry companies include NorthLink Ferries (for travel between mainland Scotland, Orkney Islands and the Shetland Islands) and CalMac (for travel between mainland Scotland and destinations in the Inner and Outer Hebrides).

Click to return to Scottish Highlands FAQs