Public Transport in the Scottish Highlands – How to Get Around
- Jeff Salt
- May 14
- 3 min read
Public Transport in the Scottish Highlands – How to Get Around
The Scottish Highlands are a stunning location, renowned for their rugged terrain, historic castles, and peaceful lochs. But driving through this immense and sometimes far-flung area can be problematic without some forward planning. Whatever your means of arrival, be it by Glasgow Airport Taxi or by train and bus, knowledge of your transport links will guarantee a smooth and pleasant journey.
This guide includes the most convenient means of traveling across the Highlands, including trains, buses, ferries, and car hire, so you can maximize your Scottish experience.
1. Arriving in the Highlands: Gateway Airports
The majority of worldwide visitors enter Scotland via the significant airports such as Glasgow, Edinburgh, or Inverness. If you fly into Glasgow, a Glasgow Airport Taxi is a convenient link into the city centre or on-link transport connection into the Highlands. From here, you can access by train, bus, or hire car.
Inverness Airport is yet another major entry point, which has direct routes to Highland destinations. Smaller regional airports like Dundee and Aberdeen also have flights, although with fewer overseas routes.
2. Traveling by Train: Scenic and Comfortable
Scotland's railway network has some of the most scenic rail journeys to be found on earth. They are:
West Highland Line (Glasgow to Mallaig) – Legendary for the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct (featured in Harry Potter).
The Highland Mainline (Inverness to Edinburgh/Glasgow) – Links core cities to the Highlands' heart.
The Far North Line (Inverness to Thurso/Wick) – Extends to the distant northern coast.
For flexibility, opt for a Highland Rover Pass, which gives unrestricted travel for a specified amount of days. If your journey originates in Glasgow, Glasgow Taxis can get you to Central or Queen Street Station for these journeys.
3. Buses and Coaches: Affordable and Extensive
If trains don’t cover your desired route, buses are a reliable alternative. Key operators include:
Citylink – Links large towns such as Fort William, Inverness, and Skye.
Stagecoach – Operates local routes in the islands and Highlands.
Megabus – Affordable long-distance travel from Glasgow/Edinburgh.
Buses are not as fast as trains but extend to more isolated regions. One can book tickets online, and there are multiple-day passes for regular commuters.
4. Ferries: Island Hopping in Style
The Scottish Highlands feature breathtaking islands such as Skye, Orkney, and the Outer Hebrides. Island travel necessitates ferries, which are run by:
Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) – Covers the west coast and Hebrides.
NorthLink Ferries – Links mainland Scotland to Orkney and Shetland.
Book ahead during peak season (May-September) to miss sold-out sailings.
5. Car Rentals: Freedom to Explore
For ultimate flexibility, car rental is best. Major car rental companies have operations at airports and cities. Remember:
Highland roads sometimes are narrow and winding.
Fuel stations are sparse in remote areas—plan ahead.
Winter driving needs care because of ice and snow.
6. Cycling and Walking: Eco-Friendly Options
For the more adventurous, hiking or cycling is a great way to see the Highlands. Some popular routes are:
The North Coast 500 – A 500-mile scenic driving/cycling loop.
Great Glen Way – A hiking/cycling route from Fort William to Inverness.
Many trains and buses accommodate bicycles, making it easy to combine transport methods.
7. Tips for Smooth Travel in the Highlands
Check timetables – Rural areas have less frequent services.
Pack for every condition – Highland weather is unpredictable.
Book in advance – Trains, ferries, and tours often get booked out quickly.
Final Thoughts
Visiting the Scottish Highlands is an experience you will never forget, and the right transport can make it more enjoyable. Whether you land at Glasgow Airport Taxi, travel by train in a scenic route, or board a ferry to the islands, advance planning makes it all seamless fun.
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