After countless hours planning our Highland adventure and actually making the journey ourselves, Justin and I are excited to share everything we learned about how to get to the Scottish Highlands from London. We've researched every route, assessed pros and cons of each journey, and are here to share our learnings to make your planning process smoother.
Getting to the Scottish Highlands: Your Transportation Options
Let's dive into the four main ways to reach the Highlands, ranked by our personal preference:
1. By Train - Our Top Pick for Comfort and Views
We found the train journey to be the sweet spot between convenience and experience, whisking you from London King's Cross to Inverness in about 8 hours. The route takes you through Edinburgh or Glasgow, and trust us - the scenery alone is worth choosing this option.
We chose to take the train to Edinburgh and then rent a car to explore the Highlands the following 8 days. We took the 4 hour Lumo Train via Avanti West Coast for roughly £60 per person when purchasing at least 2 months in advance. We had a very pleasant experience! If you want to go all the way to Inverness, you will likely have a transfer in Edinburgh, and can book your tickets on the London North Eastern Railway website.
Pro Tips from Our Experience:
📆 Book your tickets at least two months in advance - we saved nearly 60% on our fare this way: Estimated ticket cost £60-100
🪟Request a seat on the right side of the train heading north for the best coastal views
📕Pack some snacks and a good book - though the dining car has decent options
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2. By Air - Fastest But Less Scenic
Flying is your best bet if time is of the essence. You've got three main airport options:
Inverness Airport (INV) - closest to the central Highlands
Edinburgh (EDI) - a great starting point for to explore the Highlands by car
Glasgow Airport (GLA) - perfect if you want to explore the western Highlands
Tips from our research:
💰 Estimated ticket cost £100-200 (Edinburgh being on the lower end)
⏰ Morning flights will offer the best views over the Scottish landscape
✈️ Consider booking a window seat - the approach to any of these airports is stunning
⌚️Factor in airport transfer times - they can add up!
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3. By Car - Ultimate Freedom for Explorers
Driving gives you the most flexibility, though it's a commitment. The journey takes 10-12 hours via the M6 and A9. We actually settled on a mix of train and car for our journey. We took the train from London to Edinburgh and then rented a car to explore the highlands for the next 8 days. We loved having our own wheels for exploring hidden gems along the way.
What We Learned:
‼️ You'll be driving on the left side of the road in the UK
💰 Estimated cost per day is £45 for automatic (make sure to select automatic otherwise you'll get a manual car) + £85 in gas to Inverness
📸 Break up the journey with strategic stops
⛽️ Fill up whenever you see a petrol station in the Highlands - they're not as frequent as you might expect
🗺️ Download offline maps - cell service can be spotty
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4. By Bus - Budget-Friendly Option
If you're watching your pennies, bus services through FlixBus and Megabus are your friends. Yes, it's the longest option at 12+ hours, but it's significantly cheaper than other modes of transport. The bus makes regular stops at major cities, which can actually be quite convenient for stretching your legs.
Bus Journey Tips:
💰 Estimated ticket cost £20-50
🥱 Pack a neck pillow and blanket - you'll thank us later
🎥 Download plenty of entertainment
🛌 Book overnight journeys to save on accommodation
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What's the cheapest way to get to the to get to Scottish Highlands from London?
A: The bus is your most budget-friendly option, especially if you book in advance and travel during off-peak times. Note, this is the longest option at 12+ hours with transfers.
Q: When's the best time to visit?
A: We loved visiting in late April/early May for the best weather, minimal crowds and longest daylight hours. Winter trips have their own charm with snow-capped mountains, but require more careful planning.
Q: Should I rent a car?
A: If you're planning to explore remote areas and want flexibility, yes. However, if you're sticking to major towns and organized tours, public transport works perfectly fine.
Q: How long should I plan to stay?
A: We recommend at least 5-7 days to really experience the Highlands without rushing. We stayed for 8 days and could have easily stayed longer.
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Ready to Start Your Highland Adventure?
We've shared our tried-and-tested tips for getting to the Scottish Highlands, but there's so much more to explore! For more detailed travel guides, itineraries, and insider tips, check out our travel resources section. And don't forget to follow our ongoing adventures on Instagram @noms.brews.views, where we share daily travel inspiration and behind-the-scenes moments from our journeys.
Remember, the journey to the Highlands is just the beginning of your Scottish adventure. Whether you choose the scenic train ride, a quick flight, a road trip, or a budget-friendly bus journey, the magnificent landscapes and warm Scottish hospitality await you at the end of your journey.
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