Last Updated on February 25, 2026 by Erin Donahue

Most people think you need to rent a car to see Scotland. Well, I’m here to confirm that you don’t. I spent 72 hours traveling in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and the Scottish Highlands using only public transportation. No rental car stress, no wrong-side-of-the-road panic, and I saw everything I came for.

Scotland is only a 6-hour flight from New York City, making it perfect for a long weekend. Thanks to how efficient public transportation is, not having a car actually felt like an advantage. Here’s how I pulled it off.

Can You Really Visit Scotland Without Renting a Car?

Absolutely. I covered three destinations in one weekend—Glasgow, Edinburgh, and the Scottish Highlands—without touching a steering wheel. Actually, living in New York City, I hardly drive anymore. If you’re a type A anxious planner, honestly, you don’t need an elaborate plan. I figured out most of my routes as I went because the public transportation system made it easy. Skipping the car rental saved me money, stress, and the very real risk of a head-on collision in thick Highland fog.

How to Get Around Scotland Using Public Transport

Scotland makes car-free travel incredibly straightforward. Having traveled to London only a month prior, I already knew that other parts of the UK would probably be just as easy to navigate. Frankly, ease of access is one of the biggest reasons I choose certain destinations because the more I travel, the lazier I get.

The country runs on a mix of Citylink buses, ScotRail trains, local buses, and organized day tours that fill in the gaps for more remote areas. Here’s the quick breakdown:

Citylink Bus

Citylink is the main long-distance bus operator connecting airports, major cities, and smaller towns. They are coaches with comfortable seating, luggage storage, and fast routes between hubs. Additionally, you can pay online or simply tap your credit card or phone when you board.

ScotRail

ScotRail is the easiest way to travel between Scotland’s major cities. Depending on where you’re going, trains run frequently.

Day Tours to the Scottish Highlands

The Scottish Highlands are breathtaking. For most travelers, the simplest no-car option is an organized Highlands tour, which is what I went with. Not only that, I had zero interest in navigating the left side of the road for my first visit, especially after a driving scare in Ireland. They handle the remote roads, long distances, and unpredictable weather for you. These tours often cover Glencoe, Fort William, Glenfinnan, and charming Highland towns in a single day.

What to Pack for Scotland

Fall in Scotland sounds mild on paper (around 60°F); however, it was still pretty chilly when there was no sun. Therefore, be sure to include the following in your suitcase and always assume it’s colder than you think.

• A waterproof jacket
• Warm sweater or fleece
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Scarf / extra layer
• Compact umbrella

The Perfect 3-Day Scotland Itinerary Without a Car

Here’s how I structured the weekend: one day in Glasgow, one day in Edinburgh, and one full day on a Highlands tour. Although it sounds rushed, Scotland’s small size makes it work.

Day 1: Glasgow

To kick off the trip, I landed at Edinburgh Airport and took the Citylink 900 straight to Glasgow. Alternatively, this can be a day trip if you’re based in Edinburgh. It takes about an hour and drops you at Buchanan Bus Station. Super straightforward.

Once in Glasgow, I instantly felt the college-town energy. The University of Glasgow sits on a hill overlooking everything, and the Cloisters genuinely look like a real-life Hogwarts corridor. Supposedly, it’s one of the schools that inspired Hogwarts. After wandering the university, I walked to the Glasgow Botanic Gardens. It has free entry, and the arboretum reminded me of Copenhagen—peaceful, bright, and calming.

Glasgow’s Food Scene

Glasgow surprised me with its massive South Asian community, evident in the abundance of Indian restaurants. I knew chicken tikka masala was England’s national dish; however, I didn’t realize the influence extended this far into Scotland. For breakfast, I enjoyed Chaiiwala‘s £6 special that came with omelet roti, hash brown, and Karak coffee. That coffee was so good that I ordered it a couple of times!

Afterwards, I stopped at Bare Bones Chocolate for hot chocolate. Not too sweet, perfectly rich, and the marshmallow was delicious.

Where to Stay in Glasgow

During my time in Glasgow, I stayed at the Moxy Merchant City, about a 20-minute walk from Buchanan Station. There, the vibe is young and social with lots of groups checking in, and you also get a welcome drink at the bar when you arrive. The rooms are compact and remind me of the CitizenM hotel I stayed at in Washington, D.C.

Day 2: Edinburgh

The next morning, I took ScotRail from Glasgow to Edinburgh. It’s one of the easiest intercity routes. I got off at Haymarket Station since it was only a few minutes’ walk from my hotel. Edinburgh definitely lives up to its reputation of looking like a fantasy novel. Cobblestones, castles on hills, and streets that curve into neighborhoods you didn’t know existed. Unsurprisingly, so much of this city inspired Harry Potter!

What I Explored

• Victoria Street: the inspiration for Diagon Alley
• Princes Street Gardens: basically Scotland’s version of Central Park
• Royal Mile: busy but iconic.
• Deans Village: quieter, more whimsical, slightly Hansel and Gretel-coded.

Also, I ate a lot of Scottish pies. Scotland is called the “land of cakes,” but pies were everywhere and way more accessible. If there was pie on the menu, I ordered it. That became my thing.

Where to Stay in Edinburgh

I stayed at The Hoxton, one of the city’s newer boutique hotels, located in Haymarket. With hotel prices across Edinburgh running unusually high, I booked one of their bunk bed rooms, which was the most affordable option that was still in a nice hotel. Traveling with a friend made the setup an easy choice, and it offered solid value without sacrificing location or comfort.

Read my full Hoxton Edinburgh review.

Day 3: Scottish Highlands Day Trip Without A Car

To reach the Highlands without driving, I booked a 13-hour day tour leaving from Edinburgh, covering Glencoe, Fort William, the Glenfinnan Viaduct, and Pitlochry. This is basically the only real no-car option. Honestly, I was happy to let someone else deal with fog, narrow roads, and questionable passing lanes.

Is the Scottish Highlands Day Trip Worth It Without a Car?

Yes, but you need to know what you’re signing up for. The tour gets you to all the major landmarks in one day. The company handles logistics, timing, and navigation. That being said, you’re on the tour’s schedule. Photo stops feel rushed if you’re trying to shoot content or just soak in the landscape. You can’t linger anywhere, and you’re sharing the bus with 40 other people.

For a first visit, the tour was worth it. I saw everything I wanted, stayed safe, and didn’t have to stress about driving. The trade-off made sense. I definitely want to go back to Scotland, though, and spend a proper amount of time in the Highlands to photograph the landscape. Guess I’ll be renting a car after all.

My Final Thoughts On Traveling in Scotland Without a Car

Scotland is an easy destination to explore without a car. Between Citylink, ScotRail, and day tours, you can cover cities, villages, and even the Highlands without ever touching a steering wheel. Public transportation gave me flexibility and removed the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads.

After that long day in the Highlands, I know what I’ll do differently next time: rent a car and take my time exploring properly. The tour confirmed what I already knew about myself—I’m not built for that kind of structure. But for a first visit, the trade-offs were worth it. If you’re on the fence about whether Scotland is too far for a weekend, stop overthinking it. It’s only a six-hour flight from the East Coast.

---

Protect Your Trip to Scotland With Travel Insurance

Before you book your Scotland trip, protect yourself against flight delays, lost luggage, and medical emergencies. You can purchase it even after your trip has started! I use SafetyWing for all my European travel because it covers:

• flight delays and cancellations
• Lost or delayed luggage
• Medical emergencies abroad
• Adventure activities coverage

---

FAQ: Traveling in Scotland Without a Car

Do I need a car to explore Scotland, and what’s the best way to get around?

No, a car isn’t necessary. Major cities are connected by ScotRail trains and local buses, while Citylink handles longer distances and airport transfers. For the Highlands, a guided day tour is the easiest way to see remote areas without driving.

Is public transportation in Scotland reliable?

Yes. Trains and buses run frequently and efficiently. You can buy tickets online or use tap-to-pay, making travel simple for visitors.

Are the Scottish Highlands accessible without a car, and how much time do I need?

Yes. Day tours cover highlights like Glencoe, Fort William, and Glenfinnan. Three days is enough to visit Glasgow, Edinburgh, and the Highlands; longer trips can include destinations such as St. Andrews, Inverness, or the Isle of Skye via trains and tours.

Is it cheaper to travel in Scotland without a car?

Using public transportation is usually more affordable than renting a car, since car rentals, insurance, and fuel add up.

Can I visit Harry Potter filming locations without a car?

Yes. Popular spots like the Glenfinnan Viaduct are included in many Highlands tours.