Travel

Getting around Scotland

On public transport

Travelling on public transport is a great way to explore Scotland. Choose from buses, trains, ferries and planes to get where you want to go.

Traveline Scotland is a great place to start planning your trip.

Many of our hostels are accessible by public transport. Search our hostel listings for more details of how to get to our hostels without a car.

Don't forget to look out for travel passes offering discounted fares.

By bus

Travel between the major towns and cities by long-distance bus or stop off in between. Most towns and cities will have local bus services too. Scotland's bus network passes through some of Scotland's most iconic destinations.

Check out Scottish Citylink, Stagecoach, Megabus and National Express for services within Scotland and beyond.

Catching a bus is a convenient way to get to many of our hostels.

Make the journey to our hostels as memorable as the stay.

By train

Scotland's rail network joins up Scotland's cities and beyond, taking in amazing landscapes and iconic sights along the way.

Check out Scotrail for trains throughout Scotland and for more about great scenic railway journeys.

Taking the train is a great way to arrive at many of our hostels!

By ferry

If you're planning to visit one of Scotland's islands during your trip, and we recommend you do, the best way to get there is by ferry.

Check out Calmac, North Link Ferries, Pentland Ferries, John O'Groats Ferries, Orkney Ferries for sailings.

We have hostels on some of Scotland's most amazing islands so search our listings and create your own island hopping adventure!

By air

Another option for travel to and within Scotland is by plane. There are fights connecting Scotland's main airport hubs with the rest of the UK and further afield. You can also take internal flights to Scotland's regional and island airports.

By bike

Travelling by bike is a wonderful way to see Scotland and the journey is the holiday!

It's possible to take your bike on public transport too, getting to and from your holiday or moving between destinations.

Check out our cycling inspiration page for great ideas and search our listings for perfect hostels for your cycle trip.

By car

Travelling by car is a flexible way to tour Scotland. Travelling at your own pace, you can visit the most remote areas (and some of our hostels!), stopping where and when you want.

You can plan your route using RAC or the AA route planners and get real time traffic information from Traffic Scotland.

Hire a car

If you don't have a car, or are travelling from overseas, you can hire a car. All the main car hire companies are available in Scotland. Many of the guests staying at our hostels choose this option for their trip.

It's worth checking out VisitScotland's guide to driving in Scotland for practical tips on driving here. There's also a useful list of car hire companies.