Sustainability geek, champion of low-impact travel, and part-time DIY mastermind. When she’s not hunting down eco-lodges for her next Scottish getaway, she’s gardening, crafting, or gaming – usually with a cat supervising.
Scotland might be compact, but it packs a punch! With our vibrant cities, wild landscapes, mouthwatering food, and ancient history, there’s something for literally everyone. It’s true that some parts of Scotland are remote, but don’t fret – getting around without a car is entirely doable. Public transport links and guided tours make it easy to explore the highlights without the hassle of driving on winding Highland roads.
Let’s have a look at three practical itineraries for spending 5 days in Scotland without a car.
Cities & Towns: Edinburgh, Pitlochry, Aviemore & Inverness
If you’re drawn to city life, love a bit of history, and prefer your nature with an easy route back to civilisation, this one’s for you. Scotland’s train network connects you to top attractions, lively bars, and jaw-dropping architecture.
Day 1-2: Edinburgh
Start your adventure in Edinburgh, arguably the best spot for sightseeing, shopping, and soaking in old-town charm. Wander along the Royal Mile, visit Edinburgh Castle, and hike up Arthur’s Seat for unreal views over the city and out to the North Sea. Evenings are best spent in cosy pubs (there are loads!) with live music and a dram of whisky to kick-start your trip.
Day 3: Pitlochry & Dunkeld
Hop on a train from Edinburgh Waverley to Pitlochry (about 2 hours). Stroll through this charming town, check out its Victorian vibe, browse little shops, and pop into Blair Athol Distillery for a whisky tasting. Then, a short train ride brings you to Dunkeld – another postcard-perfect town with a striking cathedral and peaceful riverside walks.
Day 4: Aviemore
Catch a train (roughly 1.5 hours) to Aviemore, a prime spot in the Cairngorms National Park. The area is famous for its lochs and mountains, so take time for a scenic walk. If you’re up for an adventure, you could even try kayaking or zip-lining!
Day 5: Inverness
Hop on a train to Inverness (around 40 minutes) for the final leg of your journey. Explore the River Ness and beautiful Ness Islands, browse the Victorian Market, and soak in the city’s laid-back atmosphere. To head home, either take a train back to Edinburgh (3.5 hours) or fly from Inverness Airport with easy connections to major UK cities.
Top Tip: Save cash with a ScotRail pass – it covers multiple journeys and keeps your budget happy. Check ScotRail’s ‘Find the Right Ticket’ page for deals!
Island-Based Journey: Edinburgh, Oban & Isle of Mull
Dreaming of wild coastlines and island life? This itinerary takes you to the Isle of Mull, starting from Edinburgh or Glasgow.
Day 1: Edinburgh or Glasgow
Begin in Edinburgh for its medieval streets and castle views or Glasgow for its street art, music scene, and buzzing nightlife – both make for an epic starting point.
Day 2: Oban
Catch the train to Oban (3 hours from Glasgow, 5 from Edinburgh). Oban is a relaxed coastal town that is often nicknamed the “Seafood Capital of Scotland,” so indulge in fresh fish and take in the sea views while you can!
Day 3-4: Isle of Mull
Board the ferry (45 minutes) from Oban to Mull and spend two days discovering the island’s highlights. Once in Craignure, hop on a bus to Tobermory (about an hour). Explore the colourful harbour, take scenic walks to places like the Tobermory Lighthouse or Aros Waterfall, and venture out to Calgary Beach – one of Scotland’s most stunning shorelines. It’s about a 50-minute bus ride, but trust us, the views make the time fly!
Between April and July, you can also take a boat trip from Tobermory to the epic Fingal’s Cave on Staffa Island, where puffins nest along the rugged cliffs.
Day 5: Return to Glasgow or Edinburgh
Hop on the ferry and train back to the mainland, taking in the epic views along the way.
Top Tip: Want an even easier way to explore Isle of Mull? Check out our 4-Day Puffin Island Hopper Tour – it sorts out your guides, accommodation, ferries, and adds a stop at the Isle of Iona!
The Misty Isle: Inverness & Isle of Skye
For a mix of rugged Highlands and legendary island landscapes, this itinerary has you covered:
Day 1-2: Inverness
Kick off your trip in Inverness, a perfect base for exploring the Highlands. Spend one night here and jump on a day tour to make the most of your time. If you’re keen to visit Loch Ness and some eerie Bronze Age burial sites, check out the Monsters, Lochs & Legends tour. Or, if haunted castles, Highland cows, and ancient pine forests sound more like your thing, the Castles, Coos & Cairngorms tour is a winner.
Day 3-5: Isle of Skye
Take a direct bus to Skye (around 3 hours). Stay in Portree, the island’s main town, and use the local bus network to visit spots like the Old Man of Storr, Fairy Glen, and Dunvegan Castle. If you fancy some outdoor fun, you’ll also find bike rentals and hiking trails ranging from quick 1-hour walks to full-day treks.
All-In-One: The Ultimate 5-Day Guided Tour
Not a planner? That’s ok! The 5-Day Highland Fling tour could be the perfect starting point for you. Starting in Edinburgh, you’ll journey through the Highlands, stopping at epic locations like Glen Coe, Loch Ness, and Inverness, before heading to the Isle of Skye. Plus, you get hostel accommodation, transport, and insider tips from a legendary local guide. We even run a winter edition between November and March!
Final Thoughts
So, what’s the verdict? 5 days in Scotland without a car? Piece of cake! Public transport in Scotland – trains, buses, and ferries – makes exploring the country an absolute breeze. But if you’d rather skip the hassle altogether, locally guided tours make travel stress-free, packed with local knowledge, and full of new mates to share the adventure.
About the author
Io Meinhard
