How To Get Around Scotland Without A Car

Scotland is breathtaking and it is increasingly becoming a top choice among tourists. Along with the beautiful visuals, rugged mountains and islands, Scotland is the hub of cultural exchange and endless opportunities. Over the last few years, Scotland has emerged as a central tourist destination by offering highly productive activities and significantly contributing to the rightful cause of climate change. Today, the country invites all kinds of travellers globally to explore the untouched locations mindfully. 

For mindful tourism, the first step is always transportation. With over 3,987,000 visits in the last few years, it is no wonder Scotland's tourism scene is very welcoming. Not to mention, the country also offers opportunities for corporate travellers and business owners to cater to a wide audience and contribute to the ever-competitive economy.

To accommodate all types of travellers, Scotland features an excellent transport infrastructure to guarantee smooth travel for everyone. Whether you are travelling for a corporate meeting, visiting Scotland for the first time or a weekend escape to a remote area, you can consider various options to hit the road whenever you like in Scotland.

Tourists often struggle to find reliable transport in Scotland to avoid the exorbitant prices and hassle of driving in car rentals. Being an easily accessible transport in the country, car rentals come with a fair share of downsides that can disturb your travel plans. But what if we told you that your journey does not need to depend on a car rental? 

Let’s look at how you can travel around Scotland without a car. 

1. Trains

Trains run like a vein throughout Scotland. Thanks to the well-maintained infrastructure spread across the country, trains are the epitome of smooth travel across the whole of Scotland. While most tourists often overlook this aspect of the country, the state-of-the-art networks of trains are easily accessible, relieving you of the worries of renting a car.

Especially if you are travelling with a group, the cost of renting multiple cars can add up, eventually disturbing the overall budget. However, Scotland’s extensive network of trains connects to all major cities. 

Unfortunately, the trains only feature limited destinations and are not accessible in remote areas. Additionally, another aspect that makes trains unreliable is the uncertain cancellation and delays on routes. 

2. Local Buses

Apart from trains, you can also opt for local buses that reach all the nooks and corners of the expansive Scotland. These local buses run 24/7 in major cities like the capital, Edinburgh and Glasgow. These include the local and independent companies that serve both intercity and long-distance routes around Scotland. 

We recommend planning out your itinerary ahead of time and researching the local bus service and stations for coaches in the city you are staying in. Although the local buses do not feature many amenities, travelling on coaches will qualify you for free Wi-fi, toilet, wheelchair access and USB charging ports. These aspects combined with the comfort of travel make buses and coaches the best choice to travel around Scotland.

3. Trams & Subway

If you are looking for a more instant traverse around Edinburgh and Glasgow, Trams and Subway serve as an alternative. Trams and Subways might not be suitable for city-to-city travel, but these are efficient for local exploration. 

Because the first destination of most tourists is either Edinburgh or Glasgow, Trams are the most recommended option to explore the local areas easily. 

4. Taxi

Scotland also serves the infamous black cab service for smooth travel around the local area. Unlike the local buses and trains, taxi services offer the flexibility to plan out your own routes. From airport transfers to local leisure destinations, taxi services are highly efficient and recommended by experts. 

On the contrary side, taxi service is not ideal for group travellers with multiple members. If you are travelling long distances, accommodating group members requires multiple vehicles. Eventually, booking multiple taxis will accumulate the cost, making it a much more expensive mode of transport. Plus, each city features its own taxi service and there may not be enough fleet to cater for your large group.

Along with taxis, you can also call a private ride-hailing or sharing service around Scotland. Being the most seamless mode of transport, ride-hailing services feature a car metre that helps travellers track their fares as they travel on their choice of routes. 

5. Private Minibus Hire With A Driver

Fancy a private trip? Why not hire our MPV or a minibus with a driver? The flexibility offered by a private minibus is unmatched compared to the rest of the transportation in Scotland. Now with local businesses stepping up to meet the rising demands of tourists, a minibus hire is a new trend to achieve a structured experience in Scotland. 

Whether you are travelling to the small locals, or the sprawling rugged landscape of the Scottish Highlands, a private minibus hire provides an unlocked travel experience anytime anywhere. 

On top of that, all of the minibus hire services come with local drivers, so you do not have to worry about renting a self-drive car anymore. A minibus hire gives travellers complete control to plan their own routes, which is not possible on public transport. These qualities of a private MPV or a minibus hire make it the ideal choice for travellers. 

Scotland Minibus Hire has years of experience in the transport industry and a strong relationship with travellers. Using this experience, we have designed exciting packages that suit your travel needs across Scotland. Even better, you can easily hire a minibus vehicle online by filling out the form and we will send you a quote tailored to your route. 

Best Way To Get Around Scotland Without A Car?

Getting around Scotland is easy when you are aware of the right transport options. It is normal to feel overwhelmed with the different options available. But planning out your journey ahead of time can help you make a mindful decision. 

Scotland also hosts walkable routes that support the green tourism infrastructure of the country. Along with walking tours, you can also find cycling and eBikes to experience the fresh and green air around the diverse cities of Scotland. 

Among all options available, a minibus hire qualifies for offering optimised travel solutions that are both affordable and comfortable. Our diverse fleet of vehicles can accommodate all kinds of group travels to reach all destinations around Scotland.