How Do I Get From Edinburgh To The Scottish Highlands?

The hilly capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is the ideal starting point for most tourists. The city is a whopper of attractions that every first–time or veteran traveller desires. From jaw-dropping architecture like century-old castles, sun-soaked green spaces and a vibrant food scene, Edinburgh is a mosaic of Scottish culture. 

Thanks to the well-maintained transport infrastructure, Edinburgh also has a variety of transport options, allowing tourists to access all Scottish destinations. One of the famous destinations among travellers is the expanse of the Scottish Highlands, which demands reliable transport for a multi-day tour. That is because the Highlands are best explored in a multi-day tour to fully immerse in the mystical and wild landscapes that span your sight. 

Despite the wide access to transport in Edinburgh, it is easy to make a mistake and disturb the desired outcome of your itinerary. Reliable transport is a crucial part of the overall itinerary and has a greater contribution to the tour experience. If you are also feeling torn between the multiple choices of transport in Edinburgh, then you are at just the right place. 

Let’s have a look at all the best options to travel from Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands. 

1. Public Transport

Bus: Edinburgh - Inverness - Scottish Highlands

Train: Edinburgh - Inverness - Achnasheen - Scottish Highlands

Being one of the most convenient and affordable options, public transport is highly recommended if you are travelling solo or as a couple. You can opt for a bus to reach Inverness which is 156 miles away. From there you can take another bus to arrive at the Scottish Highlands. A public bus is both the fastest and a cheap mode of transport to arrive at the Scottish Highlands on time and pursue the ideal itinerary. 

Another best option is trains that pump the tourists across Scotland like veins. Unlike the road buses, trains offer a more in-depth experience by running on a century-old infrastructure and outdoor exposure. You can catch a train from Waverley, Edinburgh to arrive at Inverness. From Inverness station, you can catch a train four times a day to Achnasheen.

Public transport from Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands might offer greater flexibility and dive into the culture, but it is not optimal for the tourism experience. Multiple hop-ins and hop-offs are prone to disturb the experience, especially, since you will be walking for most of the exploration in Scotland Highlands. 

2. Rent A Car

One of the major complaints coming from the tourists is the designated limited routes of public transport. While we also believe that public transport is a convenient and cost-friendly journey, if you are travelling with a large group, the cost and hassle can be much higher in public transport. 

To avoid this, you have the choice to rent a car and plan a journey on your route. Since you will be driving the vehicle yourself, you will not have to feel restricted to the different routes. The car rentals are flexible and provide ease of access to notable destinations at any time or multi-day itinerary.

There are a variety of car rental services available in Edinburgh on a per-day basis. The self-drive cars encourage travellers to craft their own routes which are limited by public transport. The simplicity of renting a car of your choice makes it a highly convenient option to travel from Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands. 

One of the major downsides of a car rental service is that it does not come with a driver. It means you will have to drive the vehicle yourself with a proper licence. Plus, the car rental also adds a concern of safety to travel on unfamiliar roads and vehicle breakdown, leading to a dreaded experience. 

3. Guided Tours

When it comes to the tailored tourism experience from Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands, the famous Guided tours are never an exception. These tours allow a smooth travel with full immersion to some of the major attractions across the whole trip. 

Whether you are seeking a single-day tour or a multi-day custom itinerary, guided tours are highly preferred to soak up the adventurous spirit of the Scotland Highlands. The options available to customise the experience are one of the major aspects that makes Guided Tours a top contender. All you need to do is book a tour on your choice of route and get a chance to travel with expert guides who will provide insights on every attraction. 

4. Minibus Hire or Tour bus

Apart from the busy public transport and curated Guided tours, a minibus hire stands out as a reliable transport solution for group travels. With a professional driver at the helm and amenities-focused travel, a minibus hire is the perfect choice for travelling all across Scotland. You can also book a coach to Scottish Highlands if you've got a bigger group. 

You can opt for our high-quality branded fleet of Scotland minibus hire services to travel on your choice of routes from Edinburgh to Scotland Highlands. On top of that, a minibus hire is comparatively cheaper than a car rental or public transport. This is because a minibus can accommodate all of the members of your group and promote a shared communal experience. 

A minibus hire is a complete package including a licenced driver who will guide you on the routes and trailblazing amenities. Not to mention, minibus hire will not only aid in accessing the nooks and crannies of the Scottish Highlands but it also enables cost splitting.

Our specialised vehicles are designed to accommodate all kinds of group travellers. Be it a corporate travel, or a family journey with kids and the elderly, our branded fleet of minibuses features essential amenities to cater to every member's needs. From a powerful climate control system, and safety seating to Wi-fi/Charging port accessibility and boot space, we provide tailored services, so you do not have to look out for other options.

What Is The Best Way To Reach Scottish Highlands From Edinburgh?

Travelling from Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands is dependent on your choice of routes, travel requirements and members. As said earlier, a variety of transport options will make your long-distance journey hassle-free. But knowing all the important aspects ahead is crucial to make the right call.

In terms of affordability and convenience, minibus hire is the most optimal choice to go for. Our private minibus hire ensures a stress-free and flexible travel experience with prior route planning and upfront quotes. From a small-group 8 seater MPV to 20 seater minibus, our fleet of minibuses relieves you of the worries of accommodating all of your group. Simply reach out to us with all the travel details and we will send an instant quote tailored to your itinerary.