EXPLORE SCOTLAND WITHOUT A CAR
Whether you can’t drive, you don’t want to, or you’re just curious about exploring Scotland by public transport, I’m here to share some inspiration and show you how it’s done.
If you’ve been told that you can’t properly explore or experience Scotland without a car, I can tell you right now, that simply isn’t true.
Scotland has an extensive public transport network, and not just within the major cities.
While some rural areas are tricky (or impossible) to reach without a car, you’d be surprised at the number and variety of destinations you can get to by public transport; from idyllic islands to remote peninsulas, tourist hotspots to lesser-known local favourites.
I’m Kay, I don’t drive, and I’ve been exploring Scotland by public transport for almost 15 years. I still haven’t run out of new places to visit and I never tire of returning to my ‘happy places’ around the country.
BENEFITS OF TRAVELLING SCOTLAND BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT
> You don’t have to worry about driving and navigating, especially if you’re not used to driving on the left side of the road or on winding, single track, rural roads.
> You can fully commit to daydreaming and admiring the views from the bus or train window (something you can’t/shouldn’t do when you’re driving and focusing on the road ahead).
> It’s a more sustainable way to travel; less cars on the road meals lower emissions and reduced congestion in areas which don’t have the infrastructure to support mass tourism. You are having a positive impact by playing your part.
> It can offer a more local experience and the chance to meet other travellers. I love chatting to friendly bus drivers and seeing locals go about their day-to-day lives.
> You can use the journey time to your advantage; this is when I like to listen to a podcast, catch up on or writing/editing photos, or checking the details for my next destination.
> It’s a slower way to travel, and yes, I think that’s a good thing! On a road-trip, there’s a temptation to go everywhere, cover too much ground and skim the surface. Public transport forces you to slow down and fully focus on one location at a time.
my favourite places BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT
general TIPS FOR TRAVELLING SCOTLAND BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT
> Choose 2 – 4 ‘base locations’ and stay for a min. 3 nights; this will allow you to settle in, explore the destination, and take tours or day trips by public transport.
> Cities & transport hubs are ideal base locations; I recommend Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Oban. They all have great transport links and a good choice of accommodation, sightseeing and day trips.
> Book group or private tours to reach destinations which are tricky or inaccessible without a car e.g. Glen Coe, Isle of Skye, Glen Affric, Lewis & Harris.
> Consider the weight and size of baggage you bring; ask yourself if you will you be happy to carry this on/off public transport, and walk from train & bus stations to where you’re staying.
TOP TIPS FOR TRAVELLING SCOTLAND BY TRAIN
> Explore route maps on the ScotRail website; the Great Scenic Rail Journeys page is an excellent place to start. From the famous West Highland Line to the lesser-known Borders Railway and Far North Line, each page has information on the route, journey times and suggested places to get off.
> Book in advance to save money on fares; advanced train fares go on sale 12 weeks in advance (these fares are highlighted in yellow in the search results).
> Select the option to reserve a seat on the train; I always request a window seat at a table and forward facing. These requests cannot be guaranteed and sometimes the seat reservations are not honoured at all, just it’s worth a try.
> Purchase a Railcard if you are planning to travel on multiple routes:
- There are railcards for 16 – 30 year olds, couples who are travelling together (‘Two Together’ Railcard) and Seniors (aged 60+).
- You pay £30 for 1 year and save 1/3 on all fares which is definitely worthwhile if you’re doing some of the longer journeys like Glasgow to Oban, Fort William or Mallaig and Edinburgh to Inverness.
- Select the digital option to save the railcard to your phone and when you book your train journeys, be sure to choose your railcard from the drop-down list to guarantee the discount.
> Arrive at the train at least 15 minutes before departure so that you can jump on the train as soon as it’s ready; especially if there aren’t seat reservations. I usually give myself 30 minutes to grab snacks and coffee for the train.
> Bring a reusable water bottle to fill up for the journey; there is a water machine at Edinburgh Waverley at the entrance to the toilets. view the Top Up Tap map for more refill locations.
scenic STOPS ON THE WEST HIGHLAND LINE
TOP TIPS FOR TRAVELLING SCOTLAND BY BUS
> Book in advance to save money on fares; Citylink fares usually go on sale 7 – 8 weeks in advance and are available until 48 hours before travel.
> Take advantage of day tickets if you are exploring one destination or region in a day, e.g:
- Stagecoach Day Rider – Isle of Arran
- West Coast Motors – Oban & Lorne area, Tobermory
> Check out the Citylink Explorer Pass if you are planning to take multiple bus journeys within 3, 5 or 8 consecutive days. Select the pass under ‘Type’ on the Journey Search.
> Always make a reservation for Citylink bus services to guarantee you have a seat; some of the popular routes are full during the summer months and I’ve seen hikers/campers at bus stops on the west coast who have been unable to board the bus.
> Arrive at the bus station at least 15 minutes before departure to allow you plenty time to locate where the bus is leaving from.
> Don’t rely on Edinburgh Bus Station for decent food and coffee; have something before you get there. Glasgow Buchanan Street Station, however, has a trusty Greggs for budget-friendly breakfast rolls, sweet & savoury bakes, and coffee.
DAY TRIPS BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT
USEFUL APPS. FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Download the smartphone apps. for the operators you’re travelling with to search routes, make bookings and store your electronic tickets.
- ScotRail for train journeys (UK wide)
- West Coast Motors for the Argyll region and Isle of Mull.
- Borders Buses for the Scottish Borders.
- Stagecoach for Isle of Arran and East, West & North Scotland
scottish islands BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT
