How to Travel Through the Scottish Highlands Without a Car (2026 Guide)

Driving through the Scottish Highlands makes for one of the best road trips in the UK. That being said, despite the rural nature of the region, you don’t actually need a car to visit many of its most beautiful places.

I’ve just returned from the Highlands after taking the Caledonian Sleeper from London Euston to Inverness. Although I picked up a hire car and drove around during my trip, I realised just how much of the region it would be possible to explore using public transport.

In this guide, I’ll share 10 of the best places to visit in the Scottish Highlands without a car, exactly how to get around and the best places to base yourself.

Is it possible to visit the Scottish Highlands without a car?

Yes, it is possible to visit the Scottish Highlands without a car. There are trains that run through the region, public buses, and plenty of tours available.

Inverness, Aviemore and Fort William make excellent bases, whilst trains and coaches connect visitors with Loch Ness, Glenfinnan, Mallaig, Glencoe, Skye, Plockton and Ullapool. The main limitation is reaching remote trailheads and stopping spontaneously at viewpoints.

The best ways to travel around the Highlands

By train

  • Highland Main Line: A 118-mile (190 km) railway route in Scotland that connects Perth in the south with Inverness in the north. It passes through the Cairngorms National Park
  • West Highland Line: A stunning 180-mile scenic railway starting from Glasgow Queen Street through the Scottish Highlands. The train divides at Crianlarich. One branch heads west to Oban, and the other goes north to Fort William and Mallaig. This line traverses remote areas like Rannoch Moor and Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.
  • Kyle Line: A famous single-track railway in the Scottish Highlands that runs from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh which is the entry point to the Isle of Skye.
  • Far North Line: The northernmost railway in the United Kingdom running from Inverness north to Thurso and Wick.
  • Caledonian Sleeper: One of the UK's most iconic rail experiences, this overnight train services London Euston to Inverness, and over 40 destinations across Scotland. It runs six nights a week from Sunday to Friday, offering a more scenic and sustainable alternative to flying.

By coach and local bus

  • Scottish Citylink: Connects over 200 cities, towns, and rural communities across Scotland. Popular services include Glasgow to Edinburgh (Route 900), Glasgow to Inverness, and Edinburgh to Oban.
  • Stagecoach: They serve deeper regional routes across Inverness, Caithness, Sutherland, Moray, Orkney, and the Isle of Skye

By organised tour

There are some brilliant organised tours and I highly recommend using Rabbie's Small Group Tours for the best experience.

Below I have listed my top recommendations for those without a car:

By ferry

Ferries are primarily useful if you want to combine the Scottish Highlands with one of Scotland’s islands. The principal ferry ports for a car-free trip are Mallaig, Ullapool and Oban, all of which can be reached by public transport.

Mallaig is accessible via the West Highland railway line from Fort William and Glasgow. From here, Caledonian MacBrayne operates ferries to:

  • Armadale on the Isle of Skye
  • Eigg
  • Rum
  • Muck
  • Canna

Taking the train to Mallaig and then the ferry to Armadale is one of the most scenic ways to reach Skye. However, public transport from Armadale to the rest of the island can be limited, so check the connecting bus times before travelling. If your main destination is Portree, taking a direct coach from Inverness, Fort William or Glasgow may be easier.

Ullapool can be reached by coach from Inverness. Ferries sail from Ullapool to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, making this the most convenient mainland departure point for visiting Lewis and Harris without a car.

Oban sits slightly south of the Highlands but is one of the most important ferry hubs on Scotland’s west coast. It has direct train and coach connections from Glasgow, with ferries departing for destinations including:

  • Craignure on the Isle of Mull
  • Castlebay on Barra
  • Coll
  • Tiree
  • Lismore
  • Colonsay
A black steam train crosses the stone arches of Glenfinnan Viaduct, trailing clouds of white steam through the green Scottish Highlands.

The 10 best places to visit in the Highlands without a car

Inverness

Inverness is by far the easiest place in the Highlands to reach without a car. It offers its own airport with flights to various cities across the UK, Ireland, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt. It also offers day and sleeper trains to and from London and various other British cities such as Birmingham, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Why visit?

I was surprised at how much I liked Inverness, not because I assumed anything badm it's just you always hear about the scenery of the Highlands and much less about the town.

Inverness serves as an ideal base for exploring legendary sites like Loch Ness, the Cairngorms National Park, and parts of the North Coast 500.

Wander through the atmospheric Victorian Market or lose yourself in Leakey’s Secondhand Bookshop, housed in an old church.

Because it is the central transport hub for the entire region, you can easily access major landmarks using a mix of public transport and professionally guided day tours.
 
Highly rated companies like Timberbush Tours and Rabbie's Tours depart right from the city centre. They offer 1-day itineraries to the Isle of Skye, Eilean Donan Castle, and the Cairngorms National Park.
 

Exploring the Highlands by train from Inverness

Inverness Train Station sits right in the city centre and operates two of the most beautiful rail journeys in the UK:
  • The Kyle Line: Takes you west from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh. It is a breathtaking route through mountains and lochs. From Kyle, you can easily grab a short bus or taxi to explore the picture-perfect village of Plockton or view Eilean Donan Castle (one of my absolute favourite castles in Scotland!).
  • The Far North Line: Takes you past sweeping coastal views up to Thurso and Wick, the northernmost points of mainland Scotland.
  • The Highland Main Line: Connects you south to Aviemore in just 40 minutes, dropping you right in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park for hiking, wildlife, and outdoor activities.

Aviemore and the Cairngorms

Aviemore is one of the most accessible outdoor destinations in Scotland, boasting direct rail connections and a robust local bus network that drops you right at the edge of lochs, forests, and mountains.

If your priority is an easy, stress-free trip, your choice of base depends entirely on the scope of your holiday:
 

Option 1:

Base Yourself in Inverness.
If you want to visit Aviemore but also want to see Loch Ness, coastal castles (like Dunrobin), or take a day tour to the Isle of Skye, Inverness is the ideal base.
  • The Logistics: You stay in the Highland capital and take a swift 35 to 40-minute train ride down to Aviemore for your day trips. It gives you maximum flexibility to explore the wider Highlands.

Option 2:

Base Yourself in Aviemore Town Centre, especially if your dream holiday consists strictly of hiking, seeing ancient pine forests, visiting lochs, and enjoying cosy pub fires.
  • The Logistics: You step off the train from Edinburgh, Glasgow, or Inverness, drop your bags at a town-centre hotel, and do everything on foot or via short local buses. You won't need to look at a car dashboard all week!

How to Get to Aviemore Car-Free:

Aviemore Station sits right in the centre of town and connects beautifully to Scotland's major transit networks:
  • From Inverness: Frequent ScotRail trains take just 35 to 40 minutes. Direct coaches like Scottish Citylink or Megabus take about 45 to 50 minutes.
  • From Edinburgh / Glasgow: Direct ScotRail or LNER trains run straight up the Highland Main Line, taking roughly 2.5 to 3 hours through stunning mountain passes.
  • From London: The Caledonian Sleeper overnight train stops directly at Aviemore, allowing you to go to sleep in London and wake up surrounded by the Highlands (my favourite way to travel).
Panoramic winter view across the snow-dusted Scottish Highlands at sunset, with exposed brown grass and rocks in the foreground, dark forests and partially frozen lochs throughout the valley, and rolling snow-covered mountains glowing beneath a dramatic dusky pink and purple sky.

Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle

Visiting Loch Ness and the iconic ruins of Urquhart Castle is incredibly straightforward without a car. Because Loch Ness is one of Scotland’s most famous landmarks, excellent transport infrastructure and dedicated tour networks run directly to it daily.

To make your trip to Loch Ness as simple as possible, you have two clear choices for your accommodation base,

Option 1: Base Yourself in Inverness City Centre

Inverness is the definitive best base for a car-free trip to Loch Ness.
    • The Logistics: The loch is located just 13 miles south of the city. Inverness serves as the absolute hub for all direct local buses, regional coaches, and water-based cruise excursions heading down the loch. Staying near Inverness Train or Bus Station lets you wake up and head straight to the water in minutes.

Option 2: Base Yourself in Drumnadrochit

If you prefer a quieter village vibe right on the shores of Loch Ness, stay in Drumnadrochit.
    • The Logistics: You take a 30-minute bus from Inverness to get here initially. Once in the village, you can explore the Loch Ness Centre, walk directly to local boat launches, and take a flat 2-mile scenic walking path along the lochside straight to the gates of Urquhart Castle.

How to Get to Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle Car-Free:

  • By Public Bus: Local buses run directly down the western shore of Loch Ness and stop right outside the visitor centre gates of Urquhart Castle - Board the Scottish Citylink Route 919 (heading toward Fort William) or the Stagecoach Route 17 from Inverness Bus Station.It takes roughly 30 to 35 minutes each way.
  • By Cruise & Bus Combo: If you want to experience the deep, mysterious waters of the loch alongside the castle ruins, you can book a fully integrated transport ticket. I recommend the Loch Ness by Jacobite - Their popular "Freedom" or "Reflection" tours depart right from Inverness city centre. They provide a coach bus that whisks you to the edge of the loch, transfers you directly onto a panoramic cruise boat, and docks seamlessly at Urquhart Castle's private pier so you can step ashore and explore.
Panoramic view of the medieval ruins of Urquhart Castle on the grassy banks of Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands, with crumbling stone walls, the remains of Grant Tower and winding footpaths overlooking the calm loch. Forested hills rise across the water beneath a softly clouded sky illuminated by warm golden-hour sunlight

Fort William

Known as the "Outdoor Capital of the UK," Fort William sits at the southern edge of the Great Glen, right at the foot of Ben Nevis (the UK's highest mountain). Despite its rugged, mountainous location, it is exceptionally easy to visit and explore entirely without a vehicle.

Base Yourself in Fort William Town Centre

If your goal is to ride the famous Jacobite Steam Train (the "Hogwarts Express"), hike parts of the West Highland Way, or tackle Ben Nevis, stay directly in Fort William town centre.
  • The Logistics: The train station, bus station, high street shops, and the local ferry pier are all clustered within a flat, 5-minute walking radius. You can step off your incoming transport and immediately walk to your accommodation.

How to Get to Fort William Car-Free

Fort William is highly accessible from all major Scottish cities via two incredibly scenic transit links:
  • By Train (The West Highland Line): Arguably one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world. Direct ScotRail trains run straight to Fort William from Glasgow Queen Street (taking about 3 hours 45 minutes), twisting through remote moorlands and dramatic mountain passes.
  • By Bus (The Coach Link): Scottish Citylink operates frequent, comfortable coach services directly to Fort William from Inverness (taking about 2 hours down the Great Glen) and from Glasgow (taking about 3 hours via Glencoe). 
  • From London: The Caledonian Sleeper overnight train runs directly from London Euston to Fort William Station.
The rusting Corpach shipwreck rests in shallow water on the shore near Fort William in the Scottish Highlands. Its weathered wooden hull and corroded cabin stand against calm blue water, with steep mountains rising beneath dramatic clouds in the background.

Glenfinnan

Glenfinnan offers one of my favourite viewpoints in the Highlands, and is famous worldwide for the dramatic Glenfinnan Viaduct (the 21-arched railway bridge made famous by the Harry Potter films), the historic Glenfinnan Monument at the head of Loch Shiel, and its deep connection to Jacobite history. Despite its remote mountain setting, it is exceptionally easy to visit without a car, as it sits directly on a major railway line.

Base Yourself in Fort William (The Easiest & Closest Choice)

    • The Logistics: It sits just 17 miles east of Glenfinnan. Staying in Fort William allows you to choose between a quick, direct train ride or a local bus, making it incredibly flexible for a morning or afternoon day trip.

Option 2: Base Yourself in Inverness 

If your main accommodation is in the Highland capital, you can still easily visit Glenfinnan for a day trip.
    • The Logistics: There are plenty of organised excursions from inverness to Glenfinnan. I recommend the Glenfinnan Viaduct, Mallaig & Loch Ness Day Tour which should time you perfectly to watch the Jacobite Steam Train cross the viaduct! alternatively you can take a local coach from Inverness, connecting to a local bus in Fort William and visit at your own leisure.

How to Get to Glenfinnan Car-Free if you don't visit by organised tour:

Glenfinnan features its own dedicated railway station and a direct bus link, both running straight from Fort William:
 
  • By Train (The Most Scenic Route): Board the regular West Highland Line train operated by ScotRail from Fort William Station. This takes just 35 minutes each way.
  • By Public Bus: If the train times don't perfectly line up with when you want to see the steam train pass, the local bus network is an excellent backup. Take the Shiel Buses Route 500 (heading toward Mallaig) from the Fort William Bus Station, taking approximately 30 to 35 minutes.

The Jacobite steam train crosses the sweeping stone arches of Glenfinnan Viaduct in the Scottish Highlands, pulling a line of dark red carriages around the curved railway. Thick white steam billows from the black locomotive and drifts across the green, rocky hillside, surrounded by woodland and scattered trees.

Mallaig

Mallaig is a bustling, picturesque fishing port located at the very end of the famous Road to the Isles on the West Coast of Scotland. It serves as the dramatic terminus for the West Highland Line and the primary maritime gateway to the Isle of Skye and the Small Isles. Because it is a major transit terminal, it is exceptionally easy to visit and navigate entirely without a vehicle.

Base Yourself in Mallaig (The Best for Island Hoppers):

If your goal is to catch an early morning ferry to the Isle of Skye or explore remote wilderness areas like Knoydart, stay directly in Mallaig.
  • The Logistics: The entire village is very compact. The train station, ferry terminal, seafood restaurants, and local guesthouses are all located within a flat, 5-minute walking radius of each other. You can easily manage everything on foot.

Base Yourself in Fort William (The Best for Day-Trippers):

If you want to experience the journey to the coast but prefer a larger town with more evening dining and accommodation choices, stay in Fort William.
  • The Logistics: You treat Mallaig as a spectacular day-trip destination, taking the morning train out to the coast and returning to Fort William in the late afternoon.

How to Get to Mallaig Car-Free:

Mallaig is famously accessible via one of the most celebrated rail journeys on earth!
 
  • By Train: Board the regular ScotRail train from Fort William Station. The train rolls past Loch Eil, crosses the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, and hugs the coastline past the silver sands of Morar before terminating at the sea. It takes roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes from Fort William.
  • By The Jacobite Steam Train: If you have managed to secure a highly sought-after ticket for the vintage Jacobite Steam Train, it departs Fort William in the morning and drops you off in Mallaig for a roughly 1.5 to 2-hour lunchtime stopover before making the return journey. This gives you just enough time for a stroll and a fresh seafood lunch. It's important to note due to health and safety issues, WCR have removed the vintage carriages and are upgrading the doors. This means  right now, some (not all) trains are using more modern carriages from the 70s. This is temporary but there is no date to when the full fleet will be updated. Those who didn't realise have written some... fairly angry reviews on Google Reviews so please be aware of these changes right now. Hopefully the vintage train cars will all be updated soon, right now it's a gradual roll out so some will have them and some will not.
  • By Public Bus: Shiel Buses Route 500 runs regularly between Fort William and Mallaig. It takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes, matching the train path closely and providing excellent scheduling flexibility if you want to hop off at intermediate stops like Glenfinnan or Morar.
Aerial view of Mallaig harbour in the Scottish Highlands, with fishing boats, yachts and small motorboats moored along wooden pontoons in clear blue-green water. White and grey houses, working boatyards and waterfront buildings line the sheltered coastal village, with the open sea beyond.

Glencoe

Glencoe is widely considered Scotland’s most dramatic, hauntingly beautiful valley, and I would have to agree, my heart skipped a beat when I caught my first glimpse when driving along the A82. It is world-famous for its soaring volcanic peaks, deep gorges, and tragic clan history. Because it is a protected, narrow mountain pass, it does not have a train line running through it. However, it sits directly on a major national coach route, making it highly accessible to car-free travellers.

Base Yourself in Fort William 

Fort William is the most practical and flexible base for visiting Glencoe.
    • The Logistics: Glencoe sits just 16 miles south of Fort William. Staying there allows you to hop on a quick local bus or coach down to the valley for a day trip, while giving you access to plenty of supermarkets, restaurants, and accommodation in the evenings.

Option 2: Base Yourself in Glencoe Village or Ballachulish

If you want to wake up completely surrounded by towering mountains and misty glens, stay directly in the area.
    • The Logistics: You take a long-distance coach from Glasgow or Fort William and get off right at Glencoe Village or the nearby village of Ballachulish. From there, you can explore the lower valley on foot or use local buses to reach trailheads.

How to Get to Glencoe Car-Free

  • By National Coach (Direct from Glasgow or Fort William): The main highway through the valley (the A82) is heavily trafficked by long-distance coaches. Board the Scottish Citylink Route 914, 915, or 916 (which runs between Glasgow and Fort William/Skye). Glencoe is just 30 minutes from Fort William, or about 2 hours and 30 minutes if you are coming from Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station.
  • By Local Bus (For Short Trips from Fort William): Shiel Buses Route 44 runs regularly between Fort William, Ballachulish, and Glencoe Village. This is a highly reliable local service ideal for day-trippers who want to head into the lower valley without booking a national coach.

Plockton

Commonly praised as the "Jewel of the Highlands," Plockton is a postcard-perfect seaside village nestled in a sheltered bay on the West Coast.
 
Because it sits on the path of the North Atlantic Drift, it enjoys a surprisingly mild microclimate, meaning you will see palm trees growing right along the waterfront. Plockton is a dream destination for car-free travellers because it sits directly on one of the UK's most celebrated rail lines.
 

Base Yourself in Plockton Village:

If you want a peaceful, deeply relaxing coastal escape, stay directly in Plockton.
    • The Logistics: The village is tiny, quiet, and completely walkable. The train station is just a short stroll from the shore, and once you are in the village, you can reach local seafood pubs, coastal walking trails, and boat departures on foot.

How to Get to Plockton Car-Free

  • By Train (The Kyle Line - Highly Recommended): Board the train from Inverness Station heading toward Kyle of Lochalsh. The Kyle Line is widely considered one of the most beautiful train journeys in Europe. The journey takes roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes from Inverness.
  • By Regional Coach (Alternative from Fort William/Glasgow): If you are coming from the south instead of Inverness, you can take a Scottish Citylink coach (Routes 915 or 916) from Glasgow or Fort William heading toward the Isle of Skye. You will step off the bus at Kyle of Lochalsh, where you can catch a quick 10-minute local train or a short taxi ride back up to Plockton.
Traditional white cottages reflected in calm coastal water beneath a soft dusky-pink sky, with a rocky, seaweed-covered shoreline and layers of dark mountains rising in the background of the Scottish Highlands.

Portree & the Isle of Skye

I adore the Isle of Skye, and whilst most people visit with a car, I couldn't leave it out! The Isle of Skye is world-famous for its dramatic landscapes, volcanic geology, and ancient folklore. While it is a vast island with remote natural features, visiting without a car is entirely possible and highly rewarding, provided you use its central hub as your base.

Base Yourself in Portree Town Centre:

If you do not have a vehicle, you must base yourself in Portree. As Skye's capital, it functions as the island's single transportation artery.
  • The Logistics: Almost every regional coach, local bus, and small-group guided tour starts and ends in Portree’s central hub, Somerled Square. Staying here means you can walk to your accommodation, standard grocery stores, and harbourside seafood pubs without ever needing a taxi.

How to Get to Portree Car-Free

Because there are no train lines on the island itself, reaching Skye involves a long-distance coach or a train-to-ferry connection:
  • By Direct Coach (The Easiest Route): Scottish Citylink operates direct, long-distance coaches straight to Portree. You can catch a coach from Inverness (around 3 hours and 15 minutes) or from Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station (around 5.5 to 7 hours). The route takes you straight over the Skye Bridge.
  • By Train & Ferry: Take the spectacular West Highland Line train from Glasgow to the port town of Mallaig. From there, take a 30-minute CalMac Ferry over the water to Armadale on southern Skye. A connecting Stagecoach local bus meets the ferry to transport passengers up to Portree.
The jagged rock pinnacles of the Old Man of Storr rise above the rugged landscape of the Isle of Skye at golden hour, overlooking winding lochs, rolling moorland and layers of distant mountains beneath a softly clouded sky.

Ullapool

Ullapool is a picturesque, whitewashed fishing village nestled on the shores of Loch Broom in the remote Northwest Highlands. Renowned for its dramatic mountain backdrops, vibrant live music scene, and fresh seafood, it also serves as the main ferry port to the Outer Hebrides.

Base Yourself in Ullapool Village

If you want an authentic, slow-paced coastal experience surrounded by rugged wilderness, stay directly in Ullapool.
    • The Logistics: The village is laid out in a highly compact, flat grid system along the waterfront. The coach stop, ferry terminal, traditional pubs, seafood shacks, and local supermarkets are all within a 5-to-10-minute walk of each other. You will never need a vehicle once you arrive.

Option 2: Base Yourself in Inverness

If you want to experience the dramatic scenery of the Northwest Highlands but prefer to return to a larger city hub at night, treat Ullapool as a day trip.
    • The Logistics: You board a comfortable morning coach in Inverness, travel through stunning mountain passes, spend 4 to 6 hours exploring Ullapool, and take the late afternoon coach back.

How to Get to Ullapool Car-Free

Because there are no railway lines in this remote corner of the Northwest, reaching Ullapool relies entirely on a highly efficient coach connection from Inverness.
  • The Direct Express Coach: The Operator Scottish Citylink (Route 961) runs a highly reliable service directly from Inverness Bus Station to the Ullapool Ferry Terminal. It takes just 1 hour and 15 minutes each way. This coach schedule is specifically synchronised with the arrivals and departures of the CalMac ferry.
A solitary white sailing boat moored in the calm waters of Ullapool Harbour in the Scottish Highlands, surrounded by colourful buoys and reflected in the glassy sea. Layered mountains rise behind the harbour, their slopes illuminated by warm golden-hour light as low clouds drift through the valleys.

My suggested seven-day itinerary

Day 1: Travel to Inverness

Begin your journey by travelling to Inverness, the first base of your Highland adventure.

Direct trains operate from Edinburgh and Glasgow, while visitors travelling from London can take a daytime train or the overnight Caledonian Sleeper from London Euston. The sleeper arrives in Inverness the following morning and saves you from losing an entire day to travelling.

Once you have checked into your accommodation, spend the remainder of the day exploring Inverness on foot. Walk along the River Ness, visit Inverness Cathedral and continue towards the peaceful Ness Islands. You can also visit Leakey’s Bookshop, one of Scotland’s largest second-hand bookshops, which is housed inside a former Gaelic church.

Where to stay in Inverness:

  • The Ambassador Hotel: Housed in two grand 1874 Victorian townhouses along the west bank of the River Ness, the newly transformed 4-star Ambassador Hotel offers an intimate boutique sanctuary featuring fourteen uniquely themed rooms, a snug library-style cocktail bar, and the exceptional Scottish-Indian fusion restaurant.
  • Kingsmills Hotel: Set across four acres of beautiful manicured gardens just outside the city centre, the 4-star Kingsmills Hotel offers a historic, luxurious retreat in Inverness featuring two exceptional on-site restaurants, a dedicated whisky bar, and an indoor swimming pool and spa.

Day 2: Inverness and Loch Ness

Use your second day to visit Loch Ness without a car.

Regular buses travel from Inverness bus station to Drumnadrochit and Urquhart Castle. The journey takes you alongside the northern end of Loch Ness and drops you close to the castle entrance.

Spend some time exploring the ruins of Urquhart Castle, which overlook one of the most scenic stretches of the loch. You could also visit the Loch Ness Centre in Drumnadrochit or join a boat trip before returning to Inverness by bus.

An alternative is to take the local bus to Dores, a small village on the eastern shore of Loch Ness. Dores Beach offers beautiful views along the length of the loch and is considerably quieter than Urquhart Castle.

Return to Inverness for your second night.

Panoramic view of Loch Ness at dusk, with calm water reflecting forested hills and rugged Highland slopes glowing beneath a soft peach-pink sunset sky in Scotland.

Day 3: Take a day trip to Aviemore and the Cairngorms

Take a direct morning train from Inverness to Aviemore. The journey normally takes around 40 minutes, making Aviemore one of the easiest places to visit from Inverness without a car.

From Aviemore railway station, local buses travel towards Rothiemurchus, the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, Loch Morlich and Cairngorm Mountain.

Spend the day walking through Rothiemurchus Forest, visiting the reindeer centre or enjoying the sandy shoreline and mountain views at Loch Morlich. There are also several walking routes beginning in central Aviemore if you would prefer not to rely on another bus.

Return to Inverness by train that evening for your third and final night in the city.

Panoramic golden-hour view across the Cairngorms National Park in the Scottish Highlands, showing a dark mountain loch surrounded by steep rocky cliffs and sweeping green ridges. Warm evening sunlight illuminates the rugged landscape beneath a softly clouded sky, with layers of distant mountains fading towards the horizon.

Day 4: Travel from Inverness to Fort William

Check out of your Inverness accommodation and take a direct coach to Fort William, your second base.

The journey travels along the Great Glen and beside Loch Ness, so it feels like another scenic part of the itinerary rather than simply a transfer day. Depending on the service, the journey generally takes around two hours.

After checking into your Fort William accommodation, explore the town on foot. Visit the West Highland Museum, walk along the shore of Loch Linnhe or follow part of the Great Glen Way. You could also walk to the ruins of Old Inverlochy Castle, approximately 30 minutes from the town centre.

Stay somewhere close to the railway station and bus station, as this will make the following day considerably easier.

Where to stay in Fort William

  • The Highland Woolly Coo: A charming two-bedroom apartment that offers up to four guests a comfortable, homely retreat complete with a full kitchen, a cosy fireplace, and stunning sea, lake, and mountain views.
Panoramic view across the Great Glen in the Scottish Highlands, with a long, deep-blue loch stretching between steep golden-brown mountains and dark evergreen forests. Wisps of low cloud cling to the rugged slopes beneath a pale blue, softly clouded sky.

Day 5: Take a day trip to Glencoe

Glencoe is one of the most famous landscapes in the Scottish Highlands and can be reached by coach from Fort William.

Take a morning coach towards Glencoe village or the Glencoe Visitor Centre. From the visitor centre, you can learn more about the landscape, wildlife and history of the glen before following one of the surrounding walking trails.

You can also spend some time exploring Glencoe village, visit the Glencoe Folk Museum or enjoy views across Loch Leven.

The main limitation of visiting Glencoe without a car is that the most famous viewpoints are spread along the main road. Public transport will get you into the glen, but it does not offer the freedom to stop at every viewpoint.

If seeing locations such as the Three Sisters is particularly important to you, consider joining an organised day tour from Fort William. This remains completely car-free while making it possible to see several different parts of Glencoe in one day.

Check the return coach times before setting off and return to Fort William for your second night

Panoramic winter view across Glencoe in the Scottish Highlands, with a winding river flowing through brown moorland lightly dusted with snow. Steep, snow-streaked mountains rise on both sides of the remote valley as mist clings to their summits and sunlight breaks through dramatic grey clouds.

Day 6: Take a day trip to Glenfinnan or Mallaig

Use your final full day to explore the western Highlands by train.

Both Glenfinnan and Mallaig sit on the West Highland Line from Fort William, but services are limited enough that it is usually more practical to choose one rather than trying to visit both.

Option one: Glenfinnan

Take the train from Fort William to Glenfinnan station. The journey crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct before arriving at the small village station.

From the station, follow the walking route towards the viaduct viewpoints, Glenfinnan Monument and the shores of Loch Shiel. There is also a small railway museum at Glenfinnan station.

Glenfinnan is the better option if you want a shorter excursion with time to explore Fort William before or after your journey.

Option two: Mallaig

Alternatively, remain on the train and continue all the way to Mallaig.

The railway passes across Glenfinnan Viaduct before travelling through mountains and alongside Scotland’s rugged western coastline. The journey is one of the main reasons to visit, offering views that would be difficult to experience from the road.

Once in Mallaig, explore the harbour, visit the Mallaig Heritage Centre, enjoy fresh seafood or follow one of the nearby coastal walks before returning to Fort William.

Mallaig is the better choice if you want to experience the complete West Highland Line and do not mind spending a significant portion of the day on the train.

Whichever option you choose, check the return timetable carefully before travelling.

Return to Fort William for your final night.

The Jacobite steam train crosses the curved stone arches of Glenfinnan Viaduct in the Scottish Highlands, pulling dark red carriages and trailing white steam above a lush green valley. Loch Shiel stretches between rugged mountains in the background, with low clouds drifting across the slopes in warm summer light

Day 7: Leave Fort William

After breakfast, begin your journey home.

Direct trains and coaches connect Fort William with Glasgow. From Glasgow, you can continue to Edinburgh or London by train.

If you are not leaving until later in the day, spend the morning walking beside Loch Linnhe, visiting any of Fort William’s town-centre attractions you missed or enjoying a relaxed breakfast before departing.

Alternatively you can take the Caledonian Sleeper Train back to London Euston.

Frequently asked questions about visiting the Scottish Highlands without a car

1. Can you explore the Scottish Highlands without a car?

Yes, you can explore many of the Scottish Highlands’ most famous destinations without driving. Trains and buses connect Inverness, Aviemore, Fort William, Glencoe, Glenfinnan, Mallaig, Plockton and parts of Loch Ness.

The main limitation is that public transport cannot take you to every remote viewpoint, walking trail or rural accommodation. Choosing well-connected bases and planning around the available timetables is therefore essential.

2. What is the best way to get around the Scottish Highlands without a car?

The best approach is to combine trains, long-distance coaches, local buses and occasional organised tours.

ScotRail operates several particularly scenic Highland routes, including the West Highland Line, the Kyle Line and the Far North Line. Scottish Citylink connects places including Inverness, Fort William, Glencoe, Ullapool and the Isle of Skye, while local buses provide access to destinations such as Loch Ness and the Cairngorms.

Organised tours are useful for places where the attractions are spread out, particularly Glencoe and Skye.

3. Where is the best base for visiting the Scottish Highlands without a car?

Inverness is the best single base for a car-free Highland trip. It has direct rail connections with Edinburgh, Glasgow and London, as well as trains and buses to Loch Ness, Aviemore, Plockton, Kyle of Lochalsh, Ullapool and Skye.

For a trip lasting one week, I recommend dividing your stay between Inverness and Fort William. Fort William provides much easier access to Glencoe, Glenfinnan and Mallaig, while only requiring one accommodation change during the trip.

4. Is it better to stay in Inverness or near Loch Ness?

If you are travelling without a car, it is generally better to stay in Inverness. The city has a much wider choice of accommodation, restaurants and public transport connections, and you can visit Loch Ness as a day trip by bus or boat.

Staying beside Loch Ness may feel more atmospheric, but many rural hotels and self-catering properties are difficult to reach without private transport. Check the precise location and nearest bus stop before booking.

5. How do I get from Inverness to Loch Ness without a car?

You can take a bus from Inverness bus station to Drumnadrochit and Urquhart Castle. The journey generally takes around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the service and destination.

Local buses also travel from Inverness to Dores and Foyers on the eastern side of Loch Ness, although these services are less frequent. Another option is to book a Loch Ness cruise that includes transport from Inverness.

Always check the final return bus before setting off, particularly on Sundays and outside the summer season.

6. Can you get around Inverness without a car?

Yes. Central Inverness is compact and easy to explore on foot. Inverness Castle, the River Ness, Inverness Cathedral, Leakey’s Bookshop, the Victorian Market and Ness Islands are all within walking distance of the city centre.

The railway station and bus station are also centrally located, making Inverness particularly convenient for travellers relying on public transport.

7. How many days do you need in the Scottish Highlands?

Three days is enough for a brief introduction, but five to seven days will give you a much better experience.

With three days, you could base yourself in Inverness and visit the city, Loch Ness and Aviemore. With seven days, you can divide your trip between Inverness and Fort William and add Glencoe, Glenfinnan and the West Highland Line without rushing.

8. What is a good three-day Scottish Highlands itinerary without a car?

Spend all three nights in Inverness to avoid wasting time changing accommodation.

On your first day, explore Inverness and walk along the River Ness. Use your second day to visit Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle by bus. On your third day, take the train to Aviemore and use the local bus to explore Rothiemurchus, Loch Morlich or the Cairngorms.

This itinerary provides a mixture of Highland history, lochs, woodland and mountain scenery while remaining easy to complete using public transport.

9. What is the best day trip from Inverness without a car?

Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle make the easiest first-time day trip from Inverness. Both are accessible by bus, and the journey is short enough to leave plenty of time for sightseeing.

Aviemore is a better choice if you are most interested in walking, forests and mountain scenery. Plockton, Dunrobin Castle and the Kyle Line are also possible, but they involve longer train journeys and require more careful planning.

10. What is the prettiest village in the Scottish Highlands?

Plockton is frequently considered one of the prettiest villages in the Highlands. It has a sheltered waterfront, whitewashed cottages, small fishing boats and palm trees created by the area’s mild coastal climate.

It is also accessible without a car using the Kyle Line from Inverness, although the railway station is approximately a 15-minute walk from the village centre.

11. What is the best month to visit the Scottish Highlands?

May is arguably the best overall month to visit the Scottish Highlands. The days are long, visitor numbers are generally lower than during the summer holidays and midges are often less troublesome than they are later in the season.

September is another excellent option, particularly if you want early autumn colour and fewer summer crowds. However, Highland weather is unpredictable throughout the year, so pack waterproof clothing and check transport timetables regardless of when you visit.

12. Can you travel the NC500 by public transport?

You can reach some places along the North Coast 500 route using trains and buses, but completing the entire circular route by public transport is difficult.

The Far North Line provides access to places such as Dingwall, Tain, Golspie, Helmsdale, Thurso and Wick, while buses serve Ullapool and some west-coast communities. However, services in the north-west Highlands can be infrequent, and many beaches, viewpoints and rural accommodation options are not close to a bus stop.

Instead of trying to recreate the complete driving route, choose several accessible destinations and build an itinerary around the available train and bus connections.

13. Do people over 60 receive free bus travel in Scotland?

People aged 60 and over who live in Scotland can apply for a National Entitlement Card providing free bus travel. The scheme is based on residency, so visitors aged over 60 do not automatically qualify for free travel simply because they are travelling in Scotland.

Visitors should expect to pay the normal fare unless they hold another concessionary pass that is specifically accepted by the operator.

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