Where to Stay in Scotland Without a Car: Best Areas + Hotels

Planning to explore Scotland by public transport? You’re probably thinking about where you can realistically stay. As a car-free traveller, I like to pick places I can use as a base for day trips. 

Cities are the obvious choice, but you don’t have to be limited to them! I’ve stayed in pastel-coloured island villages and small towns on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park. 

I’ve taken scenic train journeys up through the West Highlands and explored Loch Lomond, staying in hospitable guesthouses, historic inns and beautiful hotels. 

In this guide, I cover the best cities, towns, and villages that make good bases, plus a few hotels in each, to help you decide where to stay in Scotland without a car. 

Where to stay in Scotland without a car

Don’t have time to read the whole post? The best way to choose where to stay without a car is to make a town, village or city your base for multiple day trips. They should have decent public transport and accommodation that doesn’t require you to walk long distances. 

That’s why I recommend Inverness as the best place to stay. The city is a jumping-off point to explore the Scottish Highlands without a car. It’s well connected by public transport, and it’s a main departure point for many group tours. 

You don’t need to remain in the cities, though. Pitlochry is perfect for a small town vibe, and Oban gives you access to the Hebridean Islands. 

Place:	Car-free pros:	Hotel:	How to book:
Inverness	✔️ Access to the Highlands by public transport	Glen Mhor Hotel	Check availability
Pitlochry	✔️ Small town with good public transport	Old Mill Inn	Check availability
Oban	✔️ Island gateway with easy ferry access	Perle Oban Hotel	Check availability
Glasgow	✔️ Day trips and scenic trains to the West Highlands	The Social Hub	Check availability

Staying in Scotland without a car: quick guide 

A good base needs a robust public transport system, places to eat, a supermarket and accommodation within easy reach of the main bus or train stations. I also choose places strategically based on nearby attractions I’d like to see. 

Without a car, you might think staying in cities is your only option. It’s not! Plenty of towns, villages and islands make fantastic car-free bases. You just need to familiarise yourself with how to get around Scotland without a car, and you’re in the right place!

Best places to stay in Scotland car-free (map) 

Below is a list of cities, towns and villages that make great car-free bases with a few recommended places to stay in each. I’ve chosen each base for its scenery, ease of access, things to do and journey there.

Inverness

Best for a car-free base in the Scottish Highlands, overall favourite  

Inverness is my favourite car-free base in the Scottish Highlands. It’s well-connected by train from Glasgow, Edinburgh and the Caledonian Sleeper from London. You can also take scenic train journeys to Thurso in the far north, Kyle of Lochalsh on the west coast and Aberdeen on the east coast. 

The city is a hub for long-distance coaches like Scottish Citylink and Ember, as well as tour operators like Rabbie’s. With a range of accommodation available, I like to make it a base for day trips without a car. 

You could go south to the Cairngorms, east to the Moray Coast, north to the Black Isle or west to Loch Ness. Some tours also offer day trips to the Isle of Skye. 

Inverness is walkable, with a train and bus station in the city centre. Regional buses go to the airport and Culloden Battlefield. 

Where to stay in Inverness

These are my top three places to stay in Inverness without a car. If you’d like more recommendations, including a hotel with a spa, read my dedicated guide to where to stay in Inverness. 

Glen Mhor Hotel at Uile-bheist ‘Brewstillery’

Glen Mhor Hotel is in a fabulous location on the banks of the River Ness. It’s a quiet, residential area but only an 11-minute walk from the station. The hotel has a restaurant offering free breakfast and a bar with live music. I stayed in a single room, but there are double and family rooms available, plus apartments. A stay here gives you discounts on tours at Uilebheist Distillery & Brewery. 

✅ Click here to book | Check availability

Black Isle Bar & Rooms 

If you’re looking for budget-friendly city centre accommodation, Black Isle Bar & Rooms has comfortable rooms above a popular craft bar and pizza restaurant. I stayed in a spacious double, but single and three-bed rooms are available. They’re simply furnished and feature ensuite bathrooms. It can be a little noisy on weekends, but it’s two minutes from the station, and the pizza is top-notch.

✅ Click here to book | Check availability

Bazpackers 

Bazpackers Hostel has mixed and female-only dorms, private twin and double rooms and a self-catering apartment. Nine minutes from the station, it’s opposite Inverness Castle in a quieter part of the city close to the river. I was impressed with how clean it was and that each bunk bed had a blackout curtain. The working fireplace and garden were a bonus too. 

✅ Click here to book | Check availability

Edinburgh

Best for a city break, tours & exploring East Scotland 

I always advise my custom itinerary clients not to drive in Edinburgh, as it has a lot of traffic, high parking fees and low emission zones. 

The good news is it’s easy to get around without a car. There’s a robust bus network and a tram that can take you from the airport, through the city centre to Newhaven. 

Edinburgh makes a nice natural start or finish to a travel itinerary, with its international airport, public transport to the north of Scotland and trains to London. 

There are plenty of car-free day trips you can take from the city, including Stirling, Falkirk, North Berwick, St Andrews, Stonehaven and the Scottish Borders. 

If you’re keen to go further afield, many operators have tours departing from Edinburgh. They’re a great option if you’re short on time or don’t fancy navigating public transport. 

Where to stay in Edinburgh 

For a more detailed breakdown of neighbourhoods and accommodations, read my dedicated guide to where to stay in Edinburgh without a car. 

Motel One Edinburgh Royal 

Just a three-minute walk (and no hills!) from Edinburgh Waverley Station, Motel One Edinburgh Royal is in an unbeatable location on the edge of Old Town. It’s also minutes from the Airlink100 bus to the airport. Rooms are modern and cosy, with singles and doubles available. Relax in the restaurant and bar or stroll up Cockburn Street to the Royal Mile, four minutes away.

✅ Click here to book | Check availability

Ardenlee Guesthouse

I stayed in a single room at the top of Ardenlee Guesthouse and loved the complimentary snacks. This townhouse bed & breakfast has budget and deluxe rooms. Opt for a double or family room if you’d prefer an ensuite bathroom. A delicious cooked breakfast is available to order. Ardenlee is a 24-minute walk downhill from the station, or 20 minutes by bus. 

✅ Click here to book | Check availability

CODE The Court 

I’ve stayed at CODE The Court multiple times during my Edinburgh visits. It’s a budget-friendly option in a convenient location just off the Royal Mile. Set behind St Giles’ Cathedral and six minutes from the station, you’re in the heart of the action. The building was once a jail, and private rooms occupy the former cells. In the dorms, beds are pods which feel like your own personal space. They have lights, USB sockets and assigned lockers. 

✅ Click here to book | Check availability

Glasgow 

Best for the West Highland Line train & tours of West Scotland 

Glasgow’s extensive bus, train and subway network makes it much easier to get around than driving. Like Edinburgh, Glasgow is well connected by national rail services, so it’s one of the best places to stay in Scotland without a car. 

My favourite train journey, the West Highland Line, also links the city with Oban and Mallaig, making it easy to explore the stunning West Coast by public transport.

It’s larger than Edinburgh, so I recommend staying in the city centre, close to Queen Street or Glasgow Central Station. This will save you from wasting precious time travelling across the city if you take any day trips. 

Glasgow is another main departure point for many tour operators. Base yourself here for tours to Loch Lomond, the Falkirk Kelpies, Oban and Glencoe. 

Where to stay in Glasgow 

The three hotels below are reachable from the main train stations within 15 minutes. For a more detailed accommodation guide to Glasgow, read my dedicated post. 

The Social Hub Glasgow 

The Social Hub is modern and edgy, catering to working professionals, digital nomads, students and travellers with a range of accommodation options. It’s a lifestyle hotel, with a games room, a bar, two restaurants and a co-working space. One of the biggest draws is the rooftop Mexican restaurant, SíSí. Just a 10-minute walk from Queen Street Station, it’s a well-located city centre base.

✅ Click here to book | Check availability

YOTEL Glasgow 

If you’d prefer to stay close to Glasgow Central Station, YOTEL is one minute away. It’s perfect if you have an early morning train or you’re arriving late. The rooms are minimalist but clean, with an adjustable SmartBed™ to maximise space. I stayed in a Queen Room, and the shower water pressure was a highlight. The rooftop VEGA bar and restaurant serves everything from breakfast to cocktails. 

✅ Click here to book | Check availability

Point A Glasgow 

Point A is under 10 minutes from Glasgow Central and Queen Street Station, which is ideal if you’re using both. Buchanan Bus Station is also seven minutes away. The 3-star boutique hotel has flexible room types to suit a range of budgets. I booked a windowless double which featured mood lighting. As for breakfast, you’ll find an impressive continental spread, including options for gluten-free and vegan guests. 

✅ Click here to book | Check availability

Oban 

Best for the gateway to the Hebrides 

Located on the west coast, Oban is the final stop on a branch of the West Highland (Train) Line from Glasgow. Scottish Citylink and West Coast Motors buses connect the town with Fort William and Inverness.

You’ll also find plenty of hotels and guesthouses, plus restaurants, boat tours and a distillery, making it one of the top towns in Scotland for car-free visitors.

As the gateway to the Inner and Outer Hebrides, Oban is a handy base for day trips to the isles of Mull, Lismore and Kerrera. Other islands include Coll, Tiree, Colonsay and Barra. 

The town has a large ferry terminal served by Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) ferries, and they’re much easier without a car. As a foot passenger, you have the luxury of booking more last-minute, and you can arrive about 15 minutes before departure.

Where to stay in Oban 

Oban is small but hilly. I’ve chosen three accommodation options located on flat ground to save you from carrying heavy bags uphill if you don’t have a car!

Perle Oban Hotel & Spa

If you’re looking for a luxury hotel in Oban with easy access without a car, Perle Oban Hotel & Spa is two minutes from the station. Set on the seafront, this grand Victorian hotel has tastefully designed modern rooms, and some have sea views. Its stand-out facilities include the Oban Brasserie and Merla Spa. After a busy day exploring, treat yourself to a sauna or massage. 

✅ Click here to book | Check availability

Oban Youth Hostel 

The best budget-friendly place to stay in Oban is Oban Youth Hostel. It’s a 14-minute walk from the station along flat ground. Set on Corran Esplanade, the Victorian villa overlooks Oban Bay. It has mixed and female-only dorms as well as private rooms and a lodge for larger groups wanting their own space. A wee breakfast is also available to pre-book. 

✅ Click here to book | Check availability

Fort William 

Best for scenic train journeys & exploring the West Highlands by public transport 

As the largest town in the West Highlands, Fort William has the most restaurants and places to stay. Some travellers complain it’s not as nice as other nearby towns, but their mistake is treating it like a destination rather than a base. 

Without a car, Fort William is a convenient base, and I always end up staying or passing through. It’s a useful hub for journeys to Glenfinnan, Skye, Oban, Inverness and Glencoe. 

Fort William is on the West Highland Line linking Glasgow with Mallaig. The same line also serves the Caledonian Sleeper from London and the Jacobite train from Fort William to Mallaig. 

Coaches from Glasgow to the Isle of Skye pass through Fort William, as do coaches from Inverness and Oban. Local buses also go to Glencoe village and Kilchoan on the west coast, where you can catch the ferry to Tobermory on Mull. 

Where to stay in Fort William 

Fort William is popular and can be expensive, so book as early as you can. Here’s where to stay in Fort William without a car. 

The Garrison 

The Garrison is a 4-star boutique hotel housed in a former police station. The small backpacker rooms are about the size of a cell, but the standard rooms are spacious. Whatever your budget, they all come with ensuite bathrooms and soundproofing. The à la carte breakfast is particularly popular. As for location, it’s an 11-minute walk through town to Fort William Station. 

✅ Click here to book | Check availability

Fort William Backpackers 

Popular with people hiking the West Highland Way, Fort William Backpackers is a cheerful hostel in a Victorian building opposite the train station. It’s a seven-minute walk away, but up a steep hill. My favourite feature is the huge lounge where you’ll always find someone scheming up an adventure. There’s one twin room, and the rest are dorms, so it’s not suitable for families with children. 

✅ Click here to book | Check availability

Aviemore 

Best for a car-free gateway to the Cairngorms National Park 

Aviemore is the largest and most accessible town in the Cairngorms National Park. It sits on the railway line between Edinburgh and Inverness. Megabuses, Ember and Scottish Citylink coaches also pass through. 

Similar to Fort William, it’s a base rather than a destination. The best things to do? Take the 30 bus up the road to Glenmore, where you’ll find Loch Morlich. It has a stunning beach and miles of walking trails in Glenmore Forest Park. 

The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd is also based in Glenmore, and you can meet reindeer in a paddock or on a hill trip. You don’t need a car, but hill trips are only accessible from May to December without one. 

Stay on the bus to get to Cairngorm Mountain Resort. It offers snow sports in winter and hiking and mountain biking in summer. The Mountain Railway is open year-round, giving you phenomenal views of the Grampian Mountains.  

Where to stay in Aviemore 

Glamping, guesthouses and hotels are all available in Aviemore, making it a no-brainer when choosing where to stay in Scotland without a car!

Cairngorm Hotel 

Cairngorm Hotel is opposite Aviemore Station, so it’s the best option for easy access to public transport. The independent hotel is housed in a grand Victorian building and features traditional Scottish decor. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are available at the restaurant, while you can toast a day well spent exploring the Cairngorms at the bar. 

✅ Click here to book | Check availability

Eriskay Guesthouse and Aviemore Glamping

Glamping sites usually require a car, but Eriskay Guesthouse offers pods reachable by public transport. Located in a quiet residential area about 10 minutes from the station (eight minutes by bus), these pods are modern, comfortable and cosy. They each have a wetroom bathroom and a communal bothy with a kitchen. If you prefer more space, rooms with ensuites and an optional cooked breakfast are available. 

✅ Click here to book | Check availability

Pitlochry 

Best for a small town with good public transport links 

Pitlochry is a picturesque Victorian town in Perthshire on the main train line between Edinburgh and Inverness. It’s also well-connected by long-distance coaches and regional buses. 

One of the best places to visit in Scotland without a car, I always recommend Pitlochry to visitors, as you get the best of both worlds if you want a small-town feel with great public transport. It’s ideal if you’d rather not stay in a city. 

On one of my train itineraries, I made Pitlochry my base for a few nights so I could see the Hermitage in Dunkeld one stop south and Blair Castle one stop north. 

Set on the River Tummel, Pitlochry is walkable. The bus station outside the train station can also take you to the Queen’s View, Killiecrankie and Blair Atholl. 

Where to stay in Pitlochry 

There are accommodation options to suit a range of budgets in Pitlochry. 

Old Mill Inn

The Old Mill Inn is a 4 Star Gold B&B, bar and restaurant in a former mill. Choose from a Standard Room or upgrade to a Deluxe Room for more space. Just five minutes from Pitlochry Station, its bar and restaurant are popular. There’s live music every Friday and Saturday night, a restaurant serving a fantastic Sunday roast and a beer tent in summer. 

✅ Click here to book | Check availability

Pitlochry Backpackers 

Set on the high street, Pitlochry Backpackers is a cheerful hostel with accommodation for all budgets. Choose from shared dorms for four to eight people or book a private room. I stayed in a private double room with an ensuite bathroom. There’s a kitchen, a comfy lounge and a games room. Three minutes from the station, it’s an easy car-free base in Pitlochry. 

✅ Click here to book | Check availability

Portree 

Best for exploring the Isle of Skye without a car 

Portree is the largest village and a public transport hub on the Isle of Skye. Without a car, it’s your best base as it’s connected by Scottish Citylink coaches from Inverness and Glasgow. 

Regional buses also depart from here, taking you to Uig, the Old Man of Storr, Armadale, Sligachan, Dunvegan and around the Trotternish Peninsula. 

Skye is tricky to get around by public transport as services are limited. I recommend booking a small group tour like Tour Skye if you’d like to see more of the island. Most operators depart from Somerled Square in the village centre, alongside buses and coaches. 

It’s not just the transport making Portree the best choice. It has the largest selection of places to eat, drink, shop and stay on the island, plus a pastel-coloured harbourfront. 

Where to stay in Portree 

If you plan to base yourself in Portree, book your accommodation as soon as possible. Places book up fast, and prices are high. For more recommendations, read my dedicated guide to where to stay on Skye. 

Viewfield House 

If you want to feel like a lord or lady, Viewfield House is the perfect place. This country house hotel retains much of its Victorian decor. Think dark wood furniture, a lounge with a working fireplace and beautiful, homely rooms. It’s a 16-minute walk from Somerled Square, but it’s worth it. You’re hidden away in a quiet patch of woodland. My top-floor double had an ensuite with a bathtub. 

✅ Click here to book | Check availability

The Portree Hotel 

Prefer to be closer to the action? The Portree Hotel is on Somerled Square. The family-owned 3-star hotel has traditional Scottish charm. Your stay includes a full Scottish breakfast. Rooms are spread across three floors, and there’s no lift. Downstairs is the popular Antlers Bar & Grill, which is open for lunch and dinner. It gets busy, so I recommend booking a table in advance. 

✅ Click here to book | Check availability

Portree Youth Hostel 

Skye accommodation tends to be expensive, but Portree Youth Hostel is budget-friendly. It’s been a favourite for a few of my custom-itinerary clients. The hostel has male-only and female-only dorms, but private double, twin, quadruple and family rooms are also available. Some options have private bathrooms. Three minutes from Somerled Square, it’s within easy reach of buses and tours to the rest of the island. 

✅ Click here to book | Check availability

Tobermory 

Best for an island base with good public transport 

Tobermory is the main village on the Isle of Mull. Located in the north of the island, I’ve included it to highlight how far you can go without a car. You don’t just have to stay in well-connected towns and cities!

You can get to Tobermory by ferry from Kilchoan on the mainland. An easier way is by ferry from Oban to Craignure, then the Tobermory Topper bus up the island. 

You aren’t stranded when you get there, though. The village has a colourful harbourfront with cafes, pubs and restaurants. My favourite is the Glass Barn at Isle of Mull Cheese, about 20 minutes away. 

Staffa Tours runs boat trips to Staffa, Fingal’s Cave and the Treshnish Isles. Plus, you have scenic walks along the headland to Aros Park and the Rubha nan Gall Lighthouse. 

Where to stay in Tobermory 

Tobermory has a great choice of places to stay without a car. I have a detailed guide to Mull accommodation if you’d like to see more. 

Harbour View B&B

Harbour View B&B is up the hill from Tobermory Harbour, about eight minutes from the ferry terminal. The renovated Victorian fisherman’s cottage has stunning sea views from most rooms. My ground floor double had an ensuite bathroom and underfloor heating. When I had an early morning ferry to catch, they made me a packed breakfast, so I didn’t miss out!

✅ Click here to book | Check availability

Mishnish Hotel 

The Mishnish Hotel is on the harbourfront just three minutes from the ferry terminal. It’s part of the iconic Mishnish Bar, which opened as a sailor’s pub in 1869. The venue has expanded to include a seafood restaurant and 15 comfortable rooms. Each one is individually styled, and most have a sea view. Family rooms and dog-friendly rooms are available, and breakfast is included. 

✅ Click here to book | Check availability

Balloch 

Best for exploring Loch Lomond without a car 

Located on the south-west shores of Loch Lomond, Balloch is less than an hour by train from Glasgow. It’s an easy base to explore the loch without a car. 

From Balloch, you can catch the bus to the village of Luss at the foot of Beinn Dubh with its jaw-dropping views of Loch Lomond. You can also take a bus to Balmaha and climb Conic Hill, one of the most popular short walks in Scotland. 

The village is small and walkable. Sweeney’s Cruise Co departs from the River Leven, and there are scenic walking trails through Balloch Country Park and along the loch’s shores. 

Where to stay in Balloch

Balloch is all about cosy inns that are easy to reach from Glasgow, making this village a beginner-friendly choice if you’re new to deciding where to stay in Scotland without a car. 

The Balloch House by Innkeeper’s Collection 

The Balloch House is a cosy inn three minutes from Balloch Station. Set beside the River Leven, it offers a selection of comfortable rooms at an affordable rate. I stayed in a single room, which was small but clean and modern. Double, twin and family rooms are also available. Downstairs, the bar has a vintage style, retaining its original wooden beams and a fireplace.

✅ Click here to book | Check availability

Tullie Inn 

The award-winning Tullie Inn is a minute from the train station. It has a Tudor-style building, although it was built in the 19th century. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, with ensuite bathrooms and a Nespresso machine. The popular bar and lounge serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. If the weather is nice, you can sit outside in the beer garden; otherwise, relax in the glass verandah. 

✅ Click here to book | Check availability

Final thoughts 

If you’re deciding where to stay in Scotland without a car, I’d start with cities like Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness. They have the best public transport and accommodation options. 

Then, look at stops on train lines. Pitlochry and Aviemore are both on the Highland Line connecting Edinburgh with Inverness, giving you a natural route up into the Highlands. It’s that easy!

Don’t worry if you’re not sure which bases to pick; I’ve handpicked the best ones from the places I’ve stayed based on their hotels, public transport connections and things to see. 

Need a hand? I create personalised itineraries based on your interests, with curated places to stay and the exact public transport to get there. Find out more here.

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Looking for more car-free travel tips? Check out these posts!

• One Week in Scotland Without a Car: The Perfect Itinerary
• Best 10-day Scottish Highlands itinerary (No Car Needed!)
• What to Do in Inverness Without a Car: 13 Fun Activities
• Scotland by Public Transport vs Car: Which Is Better for Your Trip?