17 Best Towns to Visit in Scotland Without a Car

From colourful coastal harbours to Highland mountain settlements, Scotland has thousands of picturesque towns and villages, but you don’t have to rely on a car to reach them. 

I’ve put together a guide to the best towns to visit in Scotland by public transport, giving you the freedom to escape the cities. From island ports to Highland rail hubs and walkable historic centres, these are towns I’ve explored and know work brilliantly without a car.

My favourite car-free bases combine beauty with easy public transport and plenty of things to do. Discover the pastel-coloured Portree on the Isle of Skye, follow woodland trails to hidden waterfalls in Pitlochry or watch a steam train cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct. 

If you don’t drive or just want to avoid the hassle of car hire, this guide is for you. Whether you’re looking for an accessible base for adventure like Fort William or some of the prettiest villages in Scotland like Luss and Culross, these small towns should be on your list. 

1. Pitlochry

Pitlochry is one of the best towns to visit in Scotland, set on the River Tummel just south of the Cairngorms National Park. It’s an ideal car-free base in Highland Perthshire, as it’s on the main train line between Edinburgh and Inverness. 

The station is in the town centre, so you’re on the main street within a couple of minutes of stepping off the train. 

My favourite thing to do in Pitlochry is to get out in nature. From the station, it’s a 30-minute walk to Black Spout Wood, where you can spot a waterfall thundering through the trees. I used the directions from Walkhighlands to get there. 

For something more challenging, tackle the Ben Vrackie path for panoramic views over the town and surrounding hills, or take an easy riverside walk to Faskally Wood.

The town’s biggest attraction is the Pitlochry Dam and hydroelectric power station. You can walk across the top of it for free, for stunning views of the river and Loch Faskally. Look out for salmon leaping up the 310-metre-long fish ladder. 

Whisky drinkers can sample a wee dram at Blair Athol Distillery, which makes up a substantial part of the Bell’s Original blend. The number 82 bus will also take you to Queen’s View, overlooking Loch Tummel and Schiehallion. It’s one of the most famous views in Scotland. 

Editor’s tip: Time your visit for October to see fiery autumn foliage in the woods around Pitlochry. Faskally Wood is the best place to go during the day. Return at night to see the trees lit up by a dazzling sound and light display called the Enchanted Forest!

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2. Oban

Located on Scotland’s west coast, Oban is the best base for island-hopping in the Hebrides. The resort town is at the end of the West Highland Line, and it’s also reachable from Fort William by bus. 

Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) runs a popular ferry route from Oban to Craignure on the Isle of Mull, as well as Barra, Coll and Lismore. You can also do day trips to Iona, Staffa and Fingal’s Cave, plus see seasonal puffins on Lunga. 

Oban is the seafood capital of Scotland, and you can tuck into the fresh catch of the day at Ee-Usk and The Waterfront Fishouse Restaurant. If you prefer a more casual setup, the Oban Fish & Chip Shop does award-winning fish suppers. 

I also recommend checking out the Green Shack by the ferry terminal for seriously good crab sandwiches and seafood platters (heads up, it’s cash only!). 

Towering above the town is McCaig’s Tower, a 19th-century monument perched on top of Battery Hill. Climb up for panoramic views over Oban Bay and the distant islands. For a dose of history, visit the ruins of Dunollie Castle, the ancestral home of Clan MacDougall. 

I visited Oban on a day tour with Rabbie’s, but you can also get there by train from Glasgow or by bus from Fort William.

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3. Fort William 

Fort William is the gateway to the West Highlands. Known as the ‘Outdoor Capital of the UK,’ it sits in the shadow of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain, making it one of the best towns to visit in Scotland for outdoor adventure.

The town is served by the West Highland Line and Caledonian Sleeper, as well as intercity and regional buses, making it easy to reach without a car. 

The best thing to do in Fort William is to grab your walking boots and explore. The town is the finish line for the West Highland Way and the starting point for the Great Glen Way, two iconic long-distance walks. 

Glen Nevis is 20 minutes away by bus. This ancient glacier-carved valley is home to Steall Falls, the second-highest waterfall in Scotland. It’s a beautiful moderate walk through Nevis Gorge. 

If you have a head for heights but don’t feel like climbing Ben Nevis, the Nevis Range Mountain Gondola is a short bus ride from the town centre. The UK’s only mountain gondola takes you to the summit of Aonach Mòr, the eighth highest peak in Britain. 

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4. Portree

Portree is the largest town on the Isle of Skye. Scottish Citylink and regional buses stop here, so it’s an ideal base for exploring the island without a car. One of the prettiest towns in Scotland, its idyllic harbour front is lined with pastel-coloured houses. 

Portree is only about 200 years old and was designed to be a fishing village in the early 19th century. Buses to places like the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing leave from Somerled Square, just a short walk from most accommodation.

The village is walkable, so let yourself wander, stopping to browse independent shops, like ÒR and Isle of Skye Distillers. There are some excellent places to eat, including Seabreezes and Pizzaway. 

You’ll find a tiny supermarket for supplies, and go to MacKenzie’s Bakery for mouth-watering doughnuts bigger than your head. 

Portree is popular with tourists, so I always recommend booking restaurants in advance to avoid disappointment. Down on the harbourfront, you’ll find local tour operators offering wildlife-spotting boat trips. If you’re lucky, you might see dolphins and sea eagles!

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5. St Andrews 

St Andrews, on the east coast of Fife, is among the best towns to visit in Scotland for history lovers. It’s most famous for being the ‘home of golf.’ The sport was invented in the 15th century, and the Old Course is thought to be the world’s oldest golf course.

Founded in 1413, the University of St Andrews is Scotland’s first university and the third-oldest university in the English-speaking world after Oxford and Cambridge. In St Mary’s Quad, you can find a hazel tree rumoured to have been planted by Mary, Queen of Scots. 

St Andrews has the ruins of a castle on a rocky promontory overlooking the North Sea. A short stroll away is St Andrews Cathedral. 

Built around 1130, it was the largest and most important church in Scotland until it was destroyed in 1559 during the Protestant Reformation. The ruins are free to explore. 

If you’re looking for somewhere to eat in St Andrews, I had a top-notch brunch at the Cottage Kitchen. Fisher & Donaldson also do a fantastic range of homemade cakes to take away. 

Weather permitting, take your delicious treats to West Sands Beach for a picnic. It’s on the North Sea, so it was a bit blustery while I was there, though!

St Andrews is reachable from Edinburgh in about an hour and a half. Take the train to Leuchars, then hop on the 99 bus to the town centre. 

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6. Aviemore 

Aviemore is the largest town in the Cairngorms National Park. About an hour south of Inverness by train, it’s one of the most accessible towns in the Scottish Highlands without a car. The station is right on the main street, so you can walk to cafes, shops and the bus stop within minutes.

From outside the station, catch the number 30 bus to Glenmore Visitor Centre, about 20 minutes up the road. Here is where you’ll find Loch Morlich, home to Scotland’s only freshwater beach and the highest beach in Britain. 

Loch Morlich is a popular spot for kayaking and paddleboarding in the summer. Set within the Glenmore Forest Park, you’ll also find a myriad of walking trails, including an easy two-hour loop around the loch. 

Glenmore is the base for the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, which looks after a herd of 150 free-roaming reindeer. Perfect for families, you can meet them on a summer hill trip or in the winter paddock (book ahead!). 

If you stay on the number 30 bus for another 10 minutes, you’ll come to Cairngorm Mountain Resort. In winter, it’s a popular ski area and in summer, you can go hiking, tubing, mountain biking and carting. 

Ride the Mountain Railway to the summit for panoramic views down towards Loch Morlich. Check in advance in case of weather closures. 

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7. Luss

One of the prettiest villages in Scotland, Luss sits on the edge of Loch Lomond. It’s best known for its string of 19th-century slate-roofed cottages. 

They were built to house people working in the nearby slate quarry and cotton mill (both have long since closed). You can find them on Luss Pier Road, and it only takes a few minutes from the bus stop.  

The pier is where you can take a cruise on Loch Lomond, with optional stops at Inchcailloch and Balmaha at the foot of Conic Hill. This famous walk gives you incredible views of the loch and its islands. 

Conic Hill tends to be busy. A much quieter (and just as scenic) alternative is Beinn Dubh. Looming above Luss, the hill offers jaw-dropping views from the moment you start to climb it. You don’t need to reach the top to appreciate it. I didn’t! I just sat down for a picnic. 

A short stroll along the waterfront promenade is Luss Parish Church, which has stones dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries, as well as an 11th-century Viking burial stone.   

To get to Luss without a car, catch the 305 bus from Balloch, the main town and gateway to Loch Lomond. It’s just 15 minutes away, and Balloch is about an hour away from Glasgow, so you can easily do it as a day trip. 

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8. Glenfinnan 

Glenfinnan is one of the best places to visit in Scotland by train if you’re looking for stunning scenery. Nestled among rugged peaks, the village sits at the top of Loch Shiel on the railway joining Fort William with Mallaig. 

The tiny village is best known for its railway viaduct made famous by the ruby-red Jacobite Steam Train that crosses it. You might already know it as Harry Potter’s Hogwarts Express.

You can ride the Jacobite or watch it cross the viaduct from April to September. I’ve done both! The best view of the train is from the viaduct viewpoint. Aim to get there by 10am to see its outbound crossing at about 10:45am. It gets very busy, and people turn up with camping chairs. 

While you’re at the viaduct, stop by the visitor centre, which has a shop, a cafe and a free exhibition about the Jacobite Rebellion. On Loch Shiel’s shores is the Glenfinnan Monument with a statue of a Lone Highlander on top. It was built in 1815 to remember the Highlanders who lost their lives. 

To get to Glenfinnan without a car, take the train or bus from Fort William. The viaduct is a 30-minute walk away from the village station. It’s a well-marked trail with stunning views of Loch Shiel and one of the most scenic railways in Scotland.

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9. Glencoe 

Glencoe sits at the mouth of Glen Coe, one of the most scenic glens in the Scottish Highlands. Among the most picturesque small villages in Scotland, its cottages are scattered along the shores of Loch Leven, with the nobbly Pap of Glencoe rising above them. 

The village is a good base for exploring Glen Coe. You can stop for a browse and a bite to eat at Crafts and Things, a gallery and souvenir shop with a cafe attached. You can also learn about Highland life in the Glencoe Folk Museum (closed until 2026 for redevelopment). 

One of the easiest short walks in the area is the circular Glencoe Lochans Trail, which starts from the village and leads you through an ornamental woodland to the lochans. It has stunning views across the water towards Beinn a’Bheithir and the Pap of Glencoe. 

To access Glen Coe without a car, follow the Glencoe Orbital Path on foot. The loop takes you past the filming location for Hagrid’s Hut in Harry Potter, as well as Clachaig Inn (a top spot for lunch!) and Signal Rock. 

Take a detour to Loch Achtriochtan to find the scenic Achnambeithach Cottage before turning back to stop at the Glencoe Visitor Centre for cake and free exhibits about the area’s history. 

To get to the Three Sisters of Glencoe, Buachaille Etive Mòr, Glencoe Waterfall or Glencoe Mountain Resort, take the Scottish Citylink.

The bus travels right through the glen. I recommend booking ahead and checking the timetable carefully, as they’re infrequent, but the views from the window are worth it! 

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10. Tobermory 

One of the most beautiful towns in Scotland, Tobermory is the main settlement on the Isle of Mull. It’s an ideal car-free base on the island as it has the most shops, restaurants, hotels and buses. 

The town is sprawled along a sheltered harbour on the northeast coast of Mull. It’s famous for its brightly coloured houses that look like they’ve been pinched from a children’s storybook. 

You can’t miss the Mishnish, a hotel, seafood restaurant and bar right on the harbourfront. Its traditional pub has been open since 1869, and once served all manner of sailors. 

If you’re a whisky drinker, be sure to book a tasting at the Tobermory Distillery. It has been crafting small-batch single malt whisky since 1798, making it one of the oldest commercial distilleries in Scotland. 

From Tobermory, you can do wildlife boat tours to Staffa and Iona with Staffa Tours. It’s a brilliant day out, and I was lucky enough to see a feeding minke whale! 

You can get to Tobermory in one of two ways: from Fort William, take the 506 bus to Kilchoan and hop on the ferry to Tobermory. Or from Oban, take the ferry to Craignure, then take a West Coast Motors bus to Tobermory. Buses and ferries usually line up. 

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11. Dunkeld

Dunkeld is a tiny town in Perth and Kinross. Located just south of Pitlochry on the same train line, it’s one of the best towns to visit in Scotland without a car. 

The top thing to do here is to visit the Hermitage, an 18th-century forest pleasure ground created by the Duke of Atholl. It’s now managed by the National Trust for Scotland. 

The Hermitage is a protected area within Perthshire Forest. It’s home to a collection of Douglas firs, which are among the tallest trees in Britain.

You can explore for free and see the picturesque Ossian’s Bridge and Ossian’s Hall perched above the thundering Black Linn Waterfall. It’s especially romantic in autumn, when the foliage is at its most fiery, making it a popular spot for couples.

Don’t walk along the A9 to get there. Instead, follow the well-marked pedestrian path to Inver. It’s much quieter and safer. 

In Dunkeld, make sure you stop by Dunkeld Cathedral, which was first established in 1290, but a monastery has been here since the 6th or early 7th century. 

Cross to the south side of the river to look for the Birnam Oak. This ancient tree is thought to be one of the last survivors of Birnam Wood, which was mentioned in William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. 

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12. North Berwick 

Easily one of the best day trips from Edinburgh, North Berwick is a seaside town in East Lothian on the east coast of Scotland. In less than an hour by train from the city, you could be on the beach, breathing in the fresh sea air with views of the Firth of Forth. 

North Berwick is home to the Scottish Seabird Centre, which has a cafe and a gift shop. It also runs seasonal RIB boat trips to the Isle of May to see puffins and seabirds. 

While you’re there, look out for Bass Rock, an offshore volcanic monolith with an old lighthouse and the world’s largest colony of Northern gannets. 

I had so much fun on the boat trip to Bass Rock with the Scottish Seabird Centre. I saw seals, shags, cormorants and gannets. I also got a great view of Tantallon Castle up the coast from the town. 

North Berwick has an array of independent shops, cafes and bakeries to browse. If the weather is in your favour, stroll down to the sandy beach or hike up The Law, a conical hill overlooking the town. 

If you’re interested in witch history, stop by the ruins of St Andrews Church in front of the harbour. In 1590, 200 men and women were accused of dancing with the devil here to conjure a storm to drown King James VI. 

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13. Anstruther 

Anstruther (pronounced AIN-ster by the locals) is the largest fishing village in the East Neuk of Fife. Located just south of St Andrews, it has a string of chocolate box houses and a sheltered harbour with views of the Firth of Forth and the North Sea beyond. 

In the afternoons, Anstruther Pleasure Cruises offers seasonal boat trips to the Isle of May just offshore. The nature reserve is home to seals and seabirds, including puffins from April to July. Book your tickets online as spaces fill up fast. 

If you’re after fish and chips by the sea, you won’t get much better than the award-winning Anstruther Fish Bar. It has queues around the block, but the line is quicker if you order your fish supper to go. Just be careful of opportunistic seagulls! 

Anstruther’s Scottish Fisheries Museum shares the history of these tiny fishing communities in the East Neuk. I recommend seeing them for yourself by following the Fife Coastal Path to neighbouring villages. 

Head south to Pittenweem and see St Fillan’s Cave, named after the 7th-century Irish missionary who is believed to have lived there. A little further along is St Monan’s with its painted houses, windmill and salt pans. 

The X60 and X61 buses from Leven to St Andrews serve Anstruther and the fishing villages of Fife. They run every hour. Leven has direct trains from Edinburgh, which is handy if you’re coming up from London like I did.

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14. Hawick

Hawick lies in the middle of the Scottish Borders and is one of the best towns to visit in Scotland for textiles, thanks to its world-class cashmere and tweed production. The largest of the Border towns, it’s the place to go for premium pieces at outlet prices.

Hawick’s textile trail includes four woollen mills that helped put it on the map, including Hawico, Johnstons of Elgin, William Lockie and Lovat Mill. 

They all have outlets, and Johnstons of Elgin runs mill tours where you can see every stage of production. On my visit, I saw knitwear being made for Chanel. It’s worth booking ahead to secure a spot.

To learn more about Hawick’s textile history, visit the Borders Textile Towerhouse. This museum showcases 200 years of tweed and knitwear manufacturing. 

Hawick is also known as the whisky town, thanks to the Borders Distillery, which has been crafting single malt whisky since it opened its doors in 1837. Make sure you swing by for a tour and tasting. 

The closest train station to Hawick is Galashiels, which has a direct service from Edinburgh. From there, ride the X95 bus for 35 minutes straight to the town. 

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15. Culross 

With red-tiled terraced cottages and cobblestone streets, Culross looks as if it’s frozen in time. This quiet little village is Scotland’s most well-preserved example of a 17th-century royal burgh (a town with a royal charter). 

Sitting on the northern banks of the River Forth, it was once a busy trading port. Its most striking building is the ochre-painted Culross Palace, a grand merchant’s house in the village centre. 

Now owned by the National Trust for Scotland, you can go inside and see its restored 17th-century interiors, including Renaissance paintwork and a raised vegetable garden at the back. The garden has been featured in the hit TV show Outlander. 

Not many people know that about a mile away from the centre of Culross lies West Kirk Churchyard. It was built in the 12th century for the people of Culross and Kincardine, but was replaced by Culross Abbey after the Reformation. 

People were still buried here up to the 19th century.  You can still make out coats of arms inscribed in the stone of the ruined church. 

Some headstones bear symbols of family trades such as mining and farming. It’s a quiet walk from the centre along country lanes, so wear comfortable shoes and watch your step. 

The best way to reach Culross without a car is with the number 8A bus from Dunfermline. The city has direct train links to Edinburgh. 

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16. Inveraray 

Inveraray is a quiet and picturesque town on the shores of Loch Fyne in Argyll & Bute. It’s accessible from Glasgow with the direct Scottish Citylink bus service, so it’s a top choice if you’re looking for remote small towns in Scotland without a car. 

A 15-minute walk away from the town and hidden among trees is Inveraray Castle. The ancestral home of the Campbell family, it’s still occupied by the Duke and Duchess of Argyll & Bute today. 

Unlike Scotland’s more fortress-style castles, Inveraray Castle is more palatial with decorative architecture, conical towers and lots of windows. It was built in the 1700s and refurbished in 1877 after a fire. 

The castle and gardens are open to the public from Monday to Thursday, and there’s a tearoom inside. You can also explore the surrounding 60,000-acre estate for free. 

Back in town, Inveraray Jail is an old 19th-century prison-turned-museum. There is a courtroom where you can learn about real cases from 150 years ago, and cramped cells demonstrate how the inmates lived. 

Editor’s tip: Don’t want to go inside Inveraray Castle? The best photo angle is from the fence as you approach it. You get a stunning view of the garden and the castle towers behind. 

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17. Falkirk 

Falkirk is a town in the Central Lowlands between Edinburgh and Glasgow. Its biggest attraction is the Falkirk Kelpies, two horse head statues towering 30m over a canal extension linking the Forth & Clyde Canal to the North Sea. 

These statues were inspired by the horses that once pulled barges along Scotland’s waterways. Located in Helix Park, they’re free to visit and look spectacular at night when they light up different colours. 

Follow the Forth & Clyde Canal to the other side of town, and you’ll come to the Falkirk Wheel. This architectural marvel is the world’s only rotating boat lift. 

It connects the Forth & Clyde with the Union Canal 35m above it, replacing the heavy locks that used to take a day to get through. It’s an impressive feat of engineering that helps make Falkirk one of the best towns to visit in Scotland for a day trip by public transport.

You can easily visit Falkirk on a day trip from Glasgow by public transport. Take a 40-minute train to Falkirk Grahamston, then the number 2 bus to Dalgrain Road for the Kelpies. 

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Final thoughts on the best towns to visit in Scotland 

There are so many beautiful towns in Scotland that you can visit without a car. I hope this guide has inspired you to get out and explore by public transport. 

Whether you’re looking for fairytale castles, pretty island villages or stunning waterfall walks, these towns in Scotland have got it all. Visit them as day trips or stay to immerse yourself in Scottish town life. You won’t regret slowing down.

If you’re using public transport, my go-to travel planner is Traveline Scotland. It gives you the most accurate routes to take that others, like Google Maps, don’t pick up. 

Need a hand getting to Scotland’s best towns without a car? Read my complete guide to Scotland’s public transport system to help you explore with confidence. 

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