One Week in Scotland Without a Car: The Ultimate Itinerary
This post may contain affiliate / compensated links. As an Amazon Associate, I also earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. For full information, please see my disclaimer here. Thank you!
If you’re wondering how to spend one week in Scotland without a car, I’ve created the perfect itinerary to help you plan your trip.
Scotland has an extensive public transport network, so it’s easy to explore major landmarks and scenic areas without driving. As a non-driver, all my itineraries are car-free, and I’ve mapped out the most efficient routes.
This Scotland itinerary for 7 days with no car starts in Edinburgh, with the option to take a day trip to Loch Lomond. From there, you’ll travel by train to Glasgow and explore the Isle of Arran or Glencoe.
Next, you’ll continue to Inverness and visit the Isle of Skye or Loch Ness before looping back to Edinburgh. This route covers some of the best of the Highlands and islands, so you won’t miss out by going car-free.
This itinerary works well for travellers without a car thanks to reliable train and bus connections between each destination, plus easy access to day tours where public transport doesn’t reach.
I’ve also included detailed tips on using public transport in Scotland, such as timetables, routes and how to book, based on my own experience.
Highlights of This 7-Day Scotland Itinerary without a Car
📍Base yourself in Edinburgh and explore Scotland’s capital. Do a day trip to Loch Lomond, visit Stirling Castle and see the iconic Kelpies or explore Outlander’s filming locations.
📍Depart Edinburgh for Glasgow. Take a day trip to the Isle of Arran, described as ‘Scotland in Miniature,’ to find castles, seals, award-winning distilleries and dramatic mountains.
📍Take the train north to Inverness. See the historic Culloden Battlefield, then spend the next day touring the Isle of Skye and Dunvegan Castle or roaming the shores of Loch Ness.
📍Travel back down through the Central Highlands, skimming the vast Cairngorms National Park and forest-covered Highland Perthshire before arriving back in Edinburgh.
One Week Scotland Itinerary Without a Car: Day-by-Day Overview
Here’s a summary of your 7-day trip around Scotland without driving, including a map and the main day trips I recommend:
- Day 1: Edinburgh
- Day 2: Loch Lomond day trip from Edinburgh
- Day 3: Edinburgh to Glasgow
- Day 4: Isle of Arran day trip from Glasgow
- Day 5: Glasgow to Inverness
- Day 6: Isle of Skye day trip from Inverness
- Day 7: Inverness to Edinburgh
Disclaimer: All public transport departures are based on weekday times and are subject to change. Always double-check up-to-date timetables in advance when using public transport in Scotland.
Day 1: Edinburgh
Welcome to the first day of your one week in Scotland without a car. Whether you’ve just arrived or got here a few days ago, it’s time to see the best of Edinburgh.
If you’re staying at Motel One Edinburgh Royal, start in the Old Town as it’s just behind the hotel. This medieval quarter is my favourite part of the city, full of narrow alleys, hidden squares and gothic architecture.
First, head to The Milkman opposite your hotel. It serves excellent coffee, and I’m obsessed with the croissants. It gets busy, so you might prefer to take away.
Walk up the Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle, admiring St Giles’ Cathedral and the Camera Obscura on the way. You can pay to go inside the castle, and I’d book your tickets in advance. The exhibits focus on military history and the Scottish Crown Jewels.
Take a short detour to the Grassmarket for one of the best views of the castle from the Vennel steps. Don’t miss the colourful Victoria Street nearby.
For a dose of nature, head to Holyrood Park. Here’s where you’ll find the iconic Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano that towers over the city. The summit is windy, but the panoramic views are spectacular.
Next, explore New Town. Its neoclassical architecture is a striking contrast to Old Town. See the ‘Edinburgh Acropolis’ and Dugald Monument on Calton Hill, admire Ross Fountain in the Princes Street Gardens and look inside the National Galleries of Scotland.
Depending on where you’ve ended up, Chez Jules on Hanover Street is a great dinner choice. It serves authentic French food with a fantastic wine list to match. Quick tip: the set lunch menu includes three courses for £12.90!
Where to stay in Edinburgh: I recommend spending two nights at Motel One Edinburgh Royal. It’s about a five-minute walk from the train station, which is ideal when you have heavy suitcases. It’s a modern hotel with fun décor, located just behind Old Town.
Day 2: Day Trip from Edinburgh
Small group day tours are how I see a lot of Scotland without a car. They’re especially useful when public transport is limited. On day two, I recommend one of the tours below, depending on what interests you most.
Option 1: Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle & the Kelpies
This whistlestop tour covers several major landmarks in Scotland’s Central Belt. Check it out here. You’ll start at The Kelpies, two 30-metre-high steel horse heads in Falkirk.
These iconic statues stand beside a canal extension in Helix Park that connects the Forth & Clyde Canal to the North Sea. From there, you’ll head north to Balloch, the southern gateway to Loch Lomond. You’ll have free time here or the option to take a one-hour cruise on the loch.
The tour continues through the Trossachs National Park with a lunch stop in Aberfoyle. Then it’s on to Stirling Castle, where you can go inside and learn about its royal history, including its time as Mary Queen of Scots’ childhood home.
The final stop is a viewpoint in South Queensferry with views of the Forth Bridge. Completed in 1890, this impressive rail bridge is still in use today.
I did this tour and had a great time. My driver was knowledgeable and funny. We had lots of free time and plenty of breaks. We even had a surprise stop to feed Highland cows!
Option 2: Outlander Filming Locations Explorer Tour
An Outlander fan? Many of the filming locations happen to be just outside Edinburgh, so you could spend the day walking in the footsteps of Claire and Jamie! Check out the tour here.
Stops on this day trip itinerary include:
- Midhope Castle (Lallybroch): Its exterior is intact, but it’s derelict inside. You’ll need to pay a small fee to get close to it.
- Doune Castle (Castle Leoch): A 14th-century fortress you can explore inside. It also appeared in Game of Thrones and Monty Python.
- Culross (Cranesmuir Village): This preserved 16th-century village has striking colourful houses, including the bright yellow Culross Palace.
- Falkland (Inverness): It’s a pretty conservation village in Fife with cobblestone streets and a palace.
- Blackness Castle (Fort William): Jutting out into the Firth of Forth, this dramatic castle looks a bit like a ship from certain angles!
Editor’s Tip: Not a fan of guided tours? I get it, they’re not everyone’s cup of tea. I suggest keeping it simple with a visit to North Berwick today instead, or check out my guide to the best day trips from Edinburgh without a car.
Day 3: Edinburgh to Glasgow
Today, you’re travelling to Glasgow, a key stop on this Scotland itinerary for 7 days with no car from Edinburgh. The train takes less than an hour and runs every 20 minutes, so you can keep your schedule flexible. I recommend spending at least an afternoon in Glasgow.
Glasgow
After dropping your bags at your hotel, explore Scotland’s second city. If you’re feeling peckish, try the trendy Wilson Pantry near The Social Hub. It has brunch down to a T, but gets busy. I found Cranberrys to be a much cheaper and more laid-back venue.
Glasgow is much bigger than Edinburgh, so save time (and your legs) by using buses to get around the city. Top locations include:
- Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
- Glasgow Botanic Gardens
- Glasgow Science Centre
- City Centre Mural Trail
- Glasgow Cathedral
- The Glasgow Necropolis
You could also join a local walking tour for deeper insight into Glasgow’s history and culture. The Glasgow City Centre Walking Tour runs three times daily and takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Tickets cost £14.
The West End is described as Glasgow’s ‘coolest neighbourhood.’ It has some top-notch restaurants and bars along Ashton Lane.
For a nature fix, take a 10-minute train ride to Pollokshaws West, where you’ll find Pollok Country Park. There’s a Highland Cattle Park here, along with the Burrell Collection and the 18th-century Pollok House and Gardens.
Where to stay in Glasgow: I spent two nights at The Social Hub, a trendy hotel just 13 minutes from the station. My room was cosy and had a huge double bed. There’s also a bar and restaurant.
Day 4: Day Trip to Isle of Arran
Today, you’re doing one of my favourite day trips from Glasgow: the Isle of Arran. Called ‘Scotland in Miniature,’ the island has highlands and lowlands, glens, lochs, castles, Neolithic sites and award-winning distilleries. It’s also a UNESCO Global Geopark.
Arran is Scotland’s seventh-largest island, located in the Firth of Clyde, and reachable from Glasgow in about two hours by public transport. You just need to take a train and a ferry.
Catch the 8:34 am train from Glasgow Central to Ardrossan Harbour (under an hour), then walk one minute to the ferry terminal. It’s well signposted, and ferry times match the train schedule. The ferry departs at 09:45 and reaches Brodick 55 minutes later. There’s a café onboard for tea or coffee.
If you prefer to keep it low-key, you could spend the day in Brodick. Brodick Castle & Gardens is a short bus ride, and you can pay to go inside. More adventurous? Use the local bus system (routes 322, 323 or 324) to explore further. On my trip, I went to Lochranza in the north.
Lochranza
This small village sits along the shores of Loch Ranza. It has a tiny 16th-century ruined castle (free to visit), a whisky distillery with a visitor centre, and a seal colony in the loch.
If you’re there between late March and late September, stop by the Sandwich Station for lunch. It’s a tiny kiosk serving gourmet sandwiches. Mine had local goat’s cheese, apple and ginger chutney. Delicious!
After lunch, take a one-hour walk on the easy-to-moderate Fairy Dell Trail, passing a pebble beach said to be the gateway to fairyland, according to local legend.
To reach Lochranza, take the 324 bus from Brodick ferry terminal. The journey takes 40 minutes and passes Goatfell with stunning views of coastlines, mountains and glens. Most buses align with ferry times, but double-check return schedules so you don’t miss your sailing.
Read my full Isle of Arran day trip itinerary, as it goes into more detail about transport logistics and extra sights, like the Machrie Moor Standing Stones.
Editor’s Tip: Prefer to see Glencoe instead? Jump down to the alternative routes section of this post to find out how to do it during your one week in Scotland without a car.
Day 5: Glasgow to Inverness
Today on your no-car Scotland itinerary, head north to Inverness, the gateway to the Scottish Highlands. The direct train takes just under three and a half hours, with a 10:07 am departure that gets you to Inverness at 1:25 pm, leaving you the afternoon to explore.
The journey is scenic, passing through Stirling and Perth before winding through Highland Perthshire to Pitlochry. You’ll pass the edge of the Cairngorms National Park, skirting Aviemore, before finally arriving in Inverness.
Drop your bags off at your hotel (if you can, otherwise use Radical Storage), then grab some lunch. Black Isle Bar is my personal favourite for wood-fired pizza. Alternatively, grab picnic supplies for a visit to Culloden Battlefield.
Culloden Battlefield
Hop on the number 27 bus to Culloden Battlefield, one of Inverness’ most significant sites. This is where the Jacobite army, led by Charles Stuart, was defeated in 1746, marking the end of Highland clan culture. ‘Bonnie Prince Charlie’ spent the rest of his life in exile.
Managed by the National Trust for Scotland, the visitor centre has a museum where you can learn about the Jacobite Rising and the battle. Outside, flags mark each army’s position, and memorial stones honour the clans.
The bus runs every hour, with a 20-minute journey to the battlefield. IMPORTANT: The visitor centre closes at 4 pm, so take the 2:25 pm bus to ensure you have an hour there. The battlefield itself is open 24/7.
Where to stay in Inverness: If you’re looking for somewhere unique, check into Bluebell House for two nights. It’s a cosy bed & breakfast with four-poster beds. For more options, stay at the Glen Mhor Hotel by the river.
Day 6: Day Trip from Inverness
For day six, I recommend joining a small group tour to make the most of your time during your one week in Scotland without a car. You can choose between a trip to the Isle of Skye or Loch Ness, depending on what interests you the most.
Option 1: Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Day Trip
This tour takes you west along Loch Ness to Skye. Here’s a look at the highlights:
- Stop for coffee in Invermoriston by Loch Ness, where you’ll spot a charming bridge and summerhouse by the River Moriston, which looks like a fairytale.
- Visit Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most photographed castles in Scotland. You can go inside for an extra fee.
- Cross the iconic Skye Bridge to reach the Isle of Skye.
- Enjoy lunch in Portree, Skye’s main village. Pizzaway offers delicious wood-fired pizza (closed Friday and Saturday, but Pizza in the Skye is a great alternative).
- See the Sligachan Old Bridge, where local legend says washing your face in the river and letting it dry naturally grants eternal youth.
- Explore more of Skye’s landmarks, including the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, Lealt Falls and Loch Carron before returning to Inverness.
This is a very popular tour, so book in advance to secure your spot! Other providers on GetYourGuide offer similar itineraries in case it’s sold out.
Option 2: Loch Ness Guided Day Trip
Loch Ness is just eight miles from Inverness, and this tour takes you to the best spots that are otherwise tricky to get to by public transport. It includes an optional cruise on the loch (for an extra fee).
- Depart from Inverness and stop at Loch Ness Beach near Dores, where Steve Feltham has been searching for Nessie since 1991.
- Visit the Falls of Foyer, a 140ft waterfall that’s stunning after heavy rain.
- Have lunch in Drumnadrochit or Fort Augustus, a quaint town at the southern tip of Loch Ness, with views of the Caledonian Canal.
- Stop at The Bothy for lunch, but leave room for ice cream from Miele’s, which is best enjoyed on a bench overlooking Loch Ness.
- Visit Invermoriston to see a 19th-century stone bridge and summerhouse.
- Cruise on the loch. The boat trip, which lasts about an hour, takes you to Urquhart Castle, famously destroyed by the Jacobites to prevent its capture by the English.
Editor’s Tip: Rather not do guided tours? Read my car-free guide to Inverness to find things to do in and around the city.
Day 7: Inverness to Edinburgh
The last full day of your car-free itinerary is just a simple train journey from Inverness to Edinburgh. Make it easy for yourself and book the direct train instead of routes with multiple changes.
A direct service departs at 12:48 pm and gets into Edinburgh at 4:33 pm, giving you a journey of 3 hours and 45 minutes.
Morning Stroll Around Inverness (Optional)
If you have a few hours to spare, explore Inverness if you haven’t done so already. You can stroll along the river to the Ness Islands and the Royal Botanic Garden (both are free!).
You could swing by the Victorian Arcade for snacks and souvenirs, or pop into Leakey’s for some second-hand finds in one of Scotland’s prettiest bookshops.
As for food, grab breakfast or brunch from the vegetarian Roots Cafe. It’s a short walk from the station. The pesto eggs are highly recommended along with the coffee.
Train to Edinburgh
Relax as the train whisks you across the highlands, skirting the Cairngorms and down through Highland Perthshire. I never get bored with travelling around Scotland by train.
It’s the same route you took from Glasgow, but this time, instead of heading west at Stirling, you’ll turn east for Edinburgh.
Once you’ve arrived, head straight for your hotel. You might want to book Motel One Edinburgh Royal again, as it’s close to the station. Another great option is The Royal Scots Club.
Now, pat yourself on the back. You’ve completed this 7-day Scotland itinerary without driving! For dinner, head to Maki & Ramen for hearty ramen and katsu curry. Pizza Posto is another good choice, as the food is authentic and affordable.
Alternative Routes for Your Itinerary
This 7-day car-free itinerary for Scotland is completely flexible, so you can customise it how you like. Below are two alternative routes and exactly how to do them.
Glencoe Tour Instead of Arran
Keen to see Glencoe? This iconic landmark is reachable from Glasgow, but it’s tricky to do without a car. I did this fantastic small group day tour from Glasgow, which included:
- A drive through Glencoe, stopping at the visitor centre and the Three Sisters
- Brief stop at Loch Lomond for coffee
- A photo stop at Inveraray Castle
- A photo stop at Kilchurn Castle
- Lunch in Oban (I loved the Seafood Shack)
One of my favourite day trips, it was a great way to see a lot of the west coast in a short amount of time and without a car.
Straight to Inverness from Edinburgh
If you’d rather spend more time doing activities around Inverness rather than Glasgow and Arran, I’d go straight to Inverness from Edinburgh.
It’s a great option if you’re following this one week in Scotland without a car and want to focus more on the Highlands. This is my suggested itinerary from day three onwards:
- Day 3: Glencoe day trip from Edinburgh (small group tour)
- Day 4: Edinburgh to Inverness (train)
- Day 5: Isle of Skye day trip from Inverness (small group tour)
- Day 6: Loch Ness day trip from Inverness (small group tour)
- Day 7: Inverness to Edinburgh (train)
FAQS About Visiting Scotland Without a Car
Curious about how easy it is to explore Scotland without a car? Here are some of the most common questions I get, based on my own experience and what other travellers are searching for about car-free Scotland travel.
Is it easy to get around Scotland without a car?
Yes, but you’ll need to plan in advance, as public transport usually takes longer than driving, and it will help keep your trip stress-free. Scotland has an extensive train network, and services like Citylink and Megabus connect most towns and cities.
Regional buses help you explore locally, but in rural areas, they’re not always frequent. Something to bear in mind when planning your route.
My biggest tip for using public transport in Scotland is to use Traveline Scotland instead of Google Maps. It’s a little clunky, but far more accurate and efficient for planning routes.
How do you use public transport in Scotland?
Use Traveline Scotland to plan your journey. It gives clear directions on which services to take, how much they cost, and where to book tickets.
Scotland’s main train company is ScotRail. You can book tickets online, through the ScotRail app, or in person at a ticket machine.
You don’t always need to book in advance, but it’s worth doing for longer journeys like Edinburgh to Inverness, as prices are cheaper and you have the option to reserve seats.
For Megabus and Citylink, always book ahead, as they often sell out. For local buses, you can just pay the driver when you board. Most accept contactless cards.
Need more help planning car-free travel in Scotland? I break all this down in my complete guide to visiting Scotland without a car.
Is 7 days enough time in Scotland?
Seven days is enough to see a mix of Scotland’s highlights if you plan efficiently. Day tours are a great way to cover more ground, especially without a car.
You will need to make some sacrifices, though. Scotland’s bigger than it looks, and it’s not possible to see everything in a week without feeling rushed.
How many days do I need in Scotland?
If you prefer a slower pace and want to see more, I’d recommend 10 to 14 days for a Scotland public transport itinerary. That gives you time to do a few more day tours, stay longer in some places, and maybe add a stop like the Isle of Mull or Skye.
You’ll also have time to unwind rather than spending most of the trip in transit. You’re on holiday, after all!
Can you go to the Scottish Highlands without a car?
Yes, you can. Scotland has a good train network, and more remote areas are accessible by bus. Top places you can reach in the Highlands without a car include Pitlochry, Fort William, and Aviemore.
This itinerary includes Highland stops that are all accessible by public transport or guided tour. I also have a full Scottish Highlands itinerary, which features more of the west coast.
One Week in Scotland Without a Car: Final Thoughts
Getting around Scotland without a car is easier than you might think, thanks to the country’s extensive public transport network.
So, what is the best way to travel Scotland without a car? Combining trains, buses, ferries, and organised small group tours is the answer. This itinerary uses all four to help you reach more places and make the most of your time.
This itinerary for one week in Scotland without a car takes you to three cities, with chances to explore iconic spots like Loch Lomond, the Kelpies and Outlander filming locations near Edinburgh; Glencoe or the Isle of Arran from Glasgow; and Loch Ness or Skye from Inverness.
If you have more time, consider adding a few nights and doing more optional tours. You could head to Orkney from Inverness, stop in Aviemore for the Cairngorms, or visit the Scottish Borders from Edinburgh.
Looking for a longer trip? Check out my 10-day Scotland itinerary by train, which includes the West Highlands, Fort William and a stay on Skye.
