Scotland is a small country with an efficient road, rail and ferry network, so getting around is pretty straightforward.
Air
There are four international airports with direct flights to overseas hubs such as New York. There are excellent air links to London and many
European hubs such as Paris, Frankfurt and Amsterdam. Please be aware that Scottish Highland Trails does not sell air travel, so please contact your local travel agent or search online for up to date information on routes and fares.
Rail
Rail services in the central area of Scotland and between major cities is good. In remote parts of the Highlands and in southern Scotland the network is patchy at best and at worst non-existent. Scottish Highland Trails can provide you with rail tickets and information on rail journeys and passes throughout Scotland as part of your package. And if you want to see the country entirely by rail we can create a tour to suit.
The railway service between Edinburgh & Glasgow and London is very good with regular trains (approximately every half hour). The journey time is around four and a half hours. If you wish to combine a stay in London with your tour of Scotland this is probably the easiest way to journey between Scotland and the English capital.
Car
We have a good road network and it is easy to get around by car. Scottish Highland Trails can of course arrange car rental to suit your needs. One of our representatives will accompany you when you collect your rental car and be on hand to offer advice and perhaps a bit of practice driving on the left. We will also provide you with driving directions and relevant maps for your tour route. Driving in more remote areas might not exactly be what you are used to – some roads are “single track” with passing places. All part of your Scottish adventure! For those of you still not convinced about driving on the “wrong” side of the road, why not enquire about our chauffeur drive tours?
Bus
Bus services are plentiful and link all major towns and cities, and many smaller towns and villages too. Areas not served by train (southern and northern Scotland) are usually well served by bus. Travelling by bus is usually cheaper than travelling by rail. Again we can advise you on bus routes throughout Scotland.
Ferry
Scotland has over 790 islands, of which only around 95 are inhabited. Ferries are therefore a common mode of transport and you will likely travel on a ferry at some point on your tour of Scotland. Most ferries will take vehicles although some smaller routes are passenger only. Scottish Highland Trails can provide information and tickets for all necessary ferry travel as part of your Scotland tour package.
Travel to Ireland
You can fly to Dublin, Shannon and Cork from various Scottish airports. Airlines operating the routes include Aer Lingus and RyanAir. There is no ferry service to southern Ireland from Scotland however there are ferries from various ports on the west coast of Scotland to Belfast and Larne in Northern Ireland.
So the Commonwealth Games kicked off in Glasgow last night 🏅🏅🏅
The opening ceremony was typically bonkers, and featured a massive Tunnocks teacake 😂🏴
Tunnocks teacakes consist of a thin biscuit layer topped with whipped marshmallow and covered in chocolate 😋 They are wrapped in iconic red and silver foil packaging and sold all over the country, in supermarkets and often in cafes. They are a taste sensation, and the perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea. Be sure to try one if you’re visiting this summer!
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*If you’re travelling in the Highlands just now please be advised to avoid the Glenmore / Loch Morlich area due to wildfire 🥲**UPDATE - 14:15 on 16 July
Emergency services and partners continue to tackle a large-scale fire near Ryvoan Bothy. The emergency response is being coordinated at a national level involving the Scottish Government, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Police Scotland, RSPB Scotland, Forestry and Land Scotland, the Park Authority and multiple other partners.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have shared that the fire is currently affecting an area of approximately six squared kilometres. We are asking the public to follow the following guidance:
- Please do not travel to the area or attempt to access Glenmore Forest Park, Loch Morlich or the surrounding area while firefighting operations are ongoing. A strict cordon remains in place and road closures continue to support the emergency response.
- Those impacted by evacuations will have been contacted and we would ask everyone to cooperate fully with Police Scotland and other relevant authorities for their safety.
- Residents in Aviemore and surrounding areas are asked to close windows and doors to prevent smoke entering.
-Anyone with known respiratory conditions nearby is encouraged to contact 111 if they experience any difficulties. Contact 999 in an emergency.
Thermal drone footage captured by Park Authority staff last night has helped inform fire fighting efforts and highlight the scale of the fire, but the extent of the damage and the cause is not yet known.
Overnight emergency services, gamekeepers, NGO and estate staff were on the scene working tirelessly to control the fire. We are deeply grateful for their efforts, and those of the businesses and local community providing support to those affected.
We will provide further updates when we have them.
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