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11 Useful Apps to Download Before You Travel to Scotland

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From all-important weather and midge forecasts to interactive maps to help you discover secret castles and beaches – these handy apps can ensure you have the very best experiences in our country.

Give your trip to Scotland a head start by checking out some of our favourite apps below, as recommended by the Absolute Escapes team.

Whether you’re exploring transatlantic crossings, safe passage via the Pacific, turbulent hops over the English channel, or the quickest way to get from London to Inverness, Edinburgh-based  Skyscanner  has it all.

As the go-to price-comparison site for flights, there’s a high chance you’re reading this having already booked your flight to the UK through one of its many partners. With nearly 30 international airports in the UK, knowing the most efficient entry point in terms of price and connectivity is a process that Skyscanner makes easy. Who doesn’t use this app these days?

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Skyscanner (@skyscanner) on Mar 1, 2017 at 6:04am PST

XE Currency

Some say that money makes the world go round, and with  XE Currency  you can keep on top of worldwide exchange rates to ensure you’re getting fair value. Even more impressive is the app’s capacity to work offline by saving the last available rate – critical when experiencing low connectivity on a remote Scottish island, or a Speyside distillery located off-the-beaten-track.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by AppHunter (@apphunter) on Jan 29, 2014 at 7:39am PST

A traveller’s best friend when exploring urban settings,  Maps Me  saves incredibly detailed offline maps which allows you to easily find the nearest train station, monument or ATM, as well as a variety of amenities. Maps Me will ensure you get from breakfast to dinner via monuments, castles and cafes along the way, as Fern from Absolute Escapes often discovers on weekend breaks.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by MAPS.ME (@maps.me) on Dec 7, 2015 at 8:12am PST

Historic Environment Scotland

A one-stop shop for information on Scotland’s iconic historic attractions, this  app  offers a bundle of useful information for more than 300 of Historic Scotland’s properties. With details on admission prices, opening times, facilities and travel, this app allow for excellent planning.

The app allows you to make a search based on particular regions and interests, incorporating specific categories for you to choose from, including sites of military, political or artistic importance. Absolute Escapes history buff Megan can’t get enough of this app on her travels.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Historic Environment Scotland (@histenvscot) on Jan 28, 2019 at 7:30am PST

Midges – ferocious little devils that will do all they can to hinder the enjoyment of a beautiful loch view, or your walk home after an enjoyable dram of whisky at the village pub.

As with any potential annoyance, the best thing you can do is prepare.  Smidge  is not only an insect repellent but also an innovative app that will help you prepare when heading out to the Highlands. The app features a 5-day midge forecast across Scotland, rating more than 50 locations on a scale of 1 to 5 depending on the number of biting midges there are (level 5 being the most annoying). The only one of its kind, Smidge is the perfect tool that gives you time to stock up on repellents and keep the insects out, a priority for CJ from the Absolute Escapes team when setting off towards midge infested areas.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Fishers Direct (@fishersdirect) on Jun 5, 2018 at 7:23am PDT

When Caitlin tours the Scottish isles,  Calmac’s official  app  allows her to monitor the latest sailing information on each route. With a friendly user interface, its red, amber, yellow and green system gives a clear indication of the current status on the route you will journey on. Timetables and fares can also be viewed for those looking to plan ahead.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by CalMac Ferries (@calmacferries) on Jan 18, 2018 at 8:49am PST

Outer Hebrides

As one of the last untouched natural environments in Europe, Scotland’s Outer Hebrides boasts some of the world’s most stunning landscapes, home to diverse wildlife, golden beaches and clear blue water. For the best chance to locate red deer, a Hebridean icon, or even seals and dolphins, the  Outer Hebrides app  will point you in the right direction and identify realistic viewpoints to marvel at the surrounding nature. As a premiere spot for bird watching, the app also identifies places to spot Golden Eagles, Corncrakes and the Red Throated Divers, allowing you to explore the intriguing habitat of each island.

The app helped Dawn from Absolute Escapes to also discover delightful places to eat and drink on her recent trip to Barra. The app also gives users the chance to locate hundreds of events, source useful visitor information, and flick through a local shopping guide for award-winning locally produced arts and crafts.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Visit Outer Hebrides (@visitouterhebrides) on Mar 28, 2018 at 4:59am PDT

View Ranger

There’s nothing like exploring some of the UK’s marvellous trails as you take a short break from driving. To help you find the perfect walk wherever you are,  View Ranger  is a digital treasure for the outdoor aficionado, featuring thousands of guides, route maps and powerful GPS features.

This one is a favourite for Charlotte, who is on her way to conquering all of Scotland’s Munros, following the footsteps of James, also from the Absolute Escapes team.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by ViewRanger (@viewranger) on Jan 29, 2018 at 8:29am PST

Traveline Scotland

Giving a more detailed picture of public transport all across Scotland,  Traveline  features handy journey planners as well as live bus/train timetables. Traveline Scotland will reveal the fastest way of getting from Edinburgh to Stirling for an intriguing day trip that’s steeped in history, or from Fort William to Mallaig via the world-famous Glenfinnan Viaduct.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by SUITCASE Magazine (@suitcase) on Mar 27, 2019 at 1:00am PDT

NC500 – The Local Guide

Suggested by Katia, this highly innovative  app  assists you when driving Scotland’s legendary  North Coast 500  route. The app integrates your phone’s GPS and voice software to offer historical facts and fascinating tales, with detailed recordings and insights given at each turn in the road.

The Local Guide will also ensure you don’t miss any key attractions or activities on offer, ensuring you enjoy a highly enriched travel experience. The app’s developers are also in the process of designing a similar experience for the Isle of Skye, so watch this space.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by The Local Guide (Scotland) (@the_local_guide) on Jun 12, 2018 at 2:44pm PDT

As Pippa from Absolute Escapes is always quick to point out, Scotland wouldn’t be Scotland without a splash of rain.

At least with the  Met Office app ,  you will be prepared for all eventualities for the day ahead, whether you’ll be basking in the sunshine on top of a hill, or warming up within a distillery as the hailstones thunder down.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Weather from the Met Office (@metoffice) on Nov 16, 2018 at 8:03am PST

The last bit of advice is from Absolute Escapes’ very own Scott, who reminds us that with thousands of apps out there, it is easy to forget your own intuition. In other words, if a beautiful loch unexpectedly presents itself then don’t shy away from a photo. Or if the mist lifts to reveal a magnificent (yet manageable) peak, find your inner explorer and conquer it to enjoy an unforgettable sunset.

Stuart Dodds

P.S.  Established in Edinburgh in 2004, Absolute Escapes are award-winning specialists in  self-drive holidays  in Scotland and  walking holidays  in the UK & Ireland. We know where to find the best accommodation and food and drink experiences, and how to turn your trip into an unforgettable one!

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Welcome to Scotland

Scotland is a place of epic natural landscapes, engaging cities and rich cultural heritage. Start your adventure and discover our hidden gems to create memories with friends and family. But don't just take our word for it. National Geographic has just included Scotland in their Best of the World 2024 list, and Far North Scotland has been named as one of Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel destinations for 2024! 

Whatever you need right now, let's make it a reality. We can’t wait to share Scotland with you. 

Inspiration for your trip

Things to See & Do in Scotland

Discover a wealth of things to see & do in Scotland.

Scotland's Landscapes, Scenery & Nature Spots

Explore our ancient pine forests, arctic landscapes, coastal meadows and more.

Events & Festivals in Scotland

There's something happening in Scotland right now that the whole family will love.

Unusual Accommodation in Scotland

Fancy staying somewhere a little different? From castles to lighthouses, teepees to brochs, there's lots of unusual choices.

Scottish Culture & Uniquely Scottish Things

Discover the culture and stories that make Scotland special. 

Scottish Food & Drink

Get a taste for Scotland and discover the country's mouth-watering food and drink.

Uncover Scotland's regions

Map of Scotland

Where will you explore?

From the rugged coastline to sparkling city lights, the ancient Caledonian forests of the Highlands to the rich history of the Lowlands, there are plenty of places to start your Scottish adventure. 

Browse our travel blog

Not sure where to start? Check out our list of what's new to spark your imagination. 

Walking the Bones of Scotland

Author Christopher Somerville explores the geology of Scotland.

A Beginner's Guide to Scottish Wildlife

Read expert answers to Scottish wildlife questions. Find out what wildlife to see in Scotland and how to do so responsibly.

6 Rebus Filming Locations in Scotland

Explore these Rebus filming locations across Edinburgh, from Grassmarket to the Oxford Bar.

11 Reasons Why You Should Visit Scotland In 2024

Discover reasons why you should visit Scotland in 2024. Including Arbroath Abbey, Caithness and Sutherland, Perth Museum and more!

9 Places To Enjoy An Afternoon Tea In Scotland

Discover places to enjoy a delicious afternoon tea in Scotland. Including Maryculter House, Garvock House Hotel, The Willow Tearooms and more!

10 Stunning Pub Walks In Scotland

Discover these stunning pub walks in Scotland. Including Lerwick Explorer to Douglas Arms, Gullane to Bonnie Badger and more!

Start planning your seasonal break

Whatever time of year you're coming, Scotland's got you covered. Immerse yourself in each unique season.

Summer Holidays & Breaks in Scotland

Find ideas and inspiration, from family days out to top camping spots, walks and outdoor activities.

Autumn Breaks

Christmas & Winter Breaks

Spring Holidays & Breaks in Scotland

Top tips for travelling to scotland.

Driving an Electric Vehicle in Scotland

Everything you need to know about driving, or hiring, an electric vehicle in Scotland.

Scotland's Weather, Climate & Average Temperature

What's the weather in Scotland? Find out about weather across Scotland's different regions.

Passports, visas & customs

Coming from overseas? Check the passport and visa requirements for visiting Scotland.

Travelling to Scotland

Plan your journey to Scotland by train, bus, car, plane or ferry.

Accommodation in Scotland

Find the perfect accommodation for your break to Scotland.

Holiday Carbon Calculator

Discover the impact your holiday in Scotland will have on the environment using our carbon calculator.

Your pictures of Scotland

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Find experiences

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Visit a Place

Download our apps

Our free apps help you plan your adventures in Scotland and explore the sites in a new, interactive way.

• Historic Scotland Visitor App
• Caerlaverock Castle Quest
• Explore Maeshowe
• Holyrood Park Audio Tour
• Rosslyn Chapel
• Climate Change Explorer

1 Historic Scotland Visitor App

If you are looking to plan out your adventures to some of Scotland’s iconic historic attractions, the free Historic Scotland app is packed with everything you need to get inspired for your next holiday or day trip.

Intuitive and easy to use, the app allows you to search 300+ sites in the care of Historic Scotland by region or interest, such as ‘families’, ‘gardens’, ‘picnics’ and ‘military history’. You can also view all sites on an interactive map of Scotland.

Try out our new ‘Medal Hunter’ feature and earn a variety of badges, from Coast Cruiser to Castle Conqueror, and share your medal collection on social media. Plan your days out with our new map filter and see which Historic Scotland sites are open and which sites you have visited at a glance.

Not sure where you want to go? Don’t worry - the app offers you a variety of ideas, including events in your area and itinerary ideas for every region of Scotland, with new content added regularly to provide a source of inspiration.

• create your own Historic Itinerary and share on your social channels
• search ‘what’s near me?’ within a 50km radius of your current location
• ‘Inspire Me’ – find ideas on where to visit with the latest features and itineraries
• Earn badges for with our new ‘Medal Hunter' feature
• search by region or ‘best for’ category
• image galleries
• interactive map view with a filter for open and visited sites
• pricing, opening times and facilities information
• location and travel information
• events search
• Digital membership card

Are you having problems with the app? Do you think there is room for improvement? Let us know your thoughts and suggestions. Email us at [email protected]

Read our app accessibility statement .

2 Caerlaverock Castle Quest

Meet the characters of Caerlaverock Castle and discover what their lives were like here in 1312, as you bring them to life with our Castle Quest augmented reality game.

Explore the castle and grounds as you undertake your quest, hearing tales as you go from the staff as they prepare for the return of Sir Eustace Maxwell to Caerlaverock after the siege of 1300.

• Hear stories from 11 members of the castle household; from our resident cook to a monk from neighbouring Sweetheart Abbey
• Collect a piece of flag from each character you meet
• Piece together your flag to complete your challenge

We will be expanding the quest to include the woodland walk and old castle when essential conservation works are complete. Stay tuned!

Learn about the fascinating history of Caerlaverock Castle  and pre-download the app before your visit:

Read our accessibility statement for this app.

3 Explore Maeshowe

Built over 5,000 years ago, Maeshowe Chambered Cairn is one the finest Neolithic buildings to survive in north-west Europe.

With our updated app ‘Explore Maeshowe’ you can discover the history of this awe-inspiring feat of engineering from the prehistoric people of Orkney – all from the comfort of your home!

With complete 360° views of the interior and exterior of the tomb you can truly appreciate the experience of visiting such a striking monument.

Learn about the fascinating history of Maeshowe Chambered Cairn a nd download the app before your visit:

Read our accessibility statement for Explore Maeshowe.

4 Holyrood Park Audio Tour

Holyrood Park,  a unique place at the heart of Scotland’s capital city,  has been used by people for thousands of years.

Find out about the park’s rich stories, prehistoric tales and abundant wildlife in our audio guide, available for free through the Geotourist app.

Download the app in advance, bring headphones and some sturdy walking shoes.

Please stick to the paths on your visit.

5 Rosslyn Chapel

Download this app to explore the enigmatic Rosslyn Chapel. Located just outside of Edinburgh, the chapel has caught imaginations for decades, all the more so since the chapel’s star appearance in ‘The Da Vinci Code’ book and film.

Learn about the history and construction of Rosslyn Chapel, step inside the unique and richly detailed interior, and get up close to examine the exterior through state-of-the art virtual recreations and interactive digital models.

• Virtual tour: Wander round the virtually recreated chapel and find key points of interest, including stunning stone carvings and the beautiful surrounding landscape.
• 360˚ Photo Panoramas: Explore the grounds and interior of the chapel from different locations through a series of photo panoramas.
• Digitising Rosslyn Chapel: Find out how digital visualisations and 3D models were created by Historic Environment Scotland and The Glasgow School of Art.
• About the chapel: Discover more on some of the more intriguing details of the building and the stone carvings, as well as legends associated with Rosslyn.

Visiting Rosslyn Chapel

Rosslyn Chapel is just seven miles south of Edinburgh’s city centre and close to the Scottish Borders. It is easily accessible, whether travelling by car, bus, train, bicycle or on foot. For more information on opening times, booking tickets and information on events visit: www.rosslynchapel.com

Please note that Rosslyn Chapel is not a property in the care of Historic Environment Scotland and Historic Scotland membership does not give members free or discounted access to the Rosslyn Chapel.

Got a question?

Are you having problems with the app? Do you think there is room for improvement? Let us know your thoughts and suggestions. Email us at  [email protected]

Read our accessibility statement for the Rosslyn Chapel app.

6 Climate Change Explorer

Discover how unique historic places in Edinburgh's World Heritage Site are being impacted by the climate crisis.

Through 3D models of Scotland’s capital city, the app will highlight five key landmarks and the affects our changing climate are having on them.

Changes in our climate, such as the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, bring significant risks to the historic environment, to Scotland's people and even our traditions.

• Explore five key areas and landmarks around the city via our 3D models.
• Delve into points of interest in each area to find out how climate change is having an impact and how we are using science and technology to find out more.
• Learn more about climate impacts, our Climate Action Plan and other key climate change resources.

The models were created for the Scottish Ten project , which sought to accurately record Scotland’s World Heritage sites in 3D using cutting edge technologies. The project aimed to help support their conservation, management, interpretation and virtual accessibility. Today, these models are progressing our understanding of climate change impacts on our history and heritage, an essential part of our Climate Action Plan . 

Do you think there is room for improvement? Let us know your thoughts and suggestions. Email us at  [email protected]

Read our accessibility statement for the Climate Change Explorer app.

Learn what life was like at Bar Hill fort, one of several Roman forts and fortlets built along the Antonine Wall in Scotland nearly 2,000 years ago.  

• Play this interactive game as either Julius, an elite Roman archer or Verecunda, a new slave girl to find out what life was like at the fort and help them complete their tasks on time. As you play, collect hidden coins to discover the stories of those who lived in or near the fort.   
• T hrough state-of-the art interactive 3D models, explore this digital reconstruction of Bar Hill Fort at your own pace.  
• Examine 3D models of archaeological artefacts excavated at Bar Hill fort or along the Antonine Wall and learn what these items are, where they were likely made, and how they would have been used.  

Learn about the fascinating history of the Antonine Wall  and download the app before your visit:

Read our accessibility statement for the Go Roman app. 

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Scotland Trip Planner

Top destinations in scotland.

Top attractions in Scotland

Other notable attractions

Explore nearby places

• Musselburgh
• Milton Bridge
• Burntisland
• South Queensferry
• Newtongrange
• Dalgety Bay
• North Queensferry
• Prestonpans
• Inverkeithing
• Cowdenbeath

All related maps of Scotland

• Map of Scotland
• Map of Edinburgh
• Map of Loanhead
• Map of Musselburgh
• Map of Lasswade
• Map of Dalkeith
• Map of Bonnyrigg
• Map of Roslin
• Map of Milton Bridge
• Map of Rosewell
• Map of Burntisland
• Map of South Queensferry
• Map of Aberdour
• Map of Newtongrange
• Map of Newbridge
• Map of Kinghorn
• Map of Penicuik
• Map of Dalgety Bay
• Map of North Queensferry
• Map of Mayfield
• Map of Prestonpans
• Map of Inverkeithing
• Map of Kirknewton
• Map of Gorebridge
• Map of Rosyth
• Map of Temple
• Map of Pathhead
• Map of Kirkcaldy
• Map of Cowdenbeath
• Map of Carlops
• Map of Lochgelly

Scotland throughout the year

• Scotland in January
• Scotland in February
• Scotland in March
• Scotland in April
• Scotland in May
• Scotland in June
• Scotland in July
• Scotland in August
• Scotland in September
• Scotland in October
• Scotland in November
• Scotland in December

Q&A about Scotland

Add places from guides with 1 click, collaborate with friends in real time, import flight and hotel reservations, expense tracking and splitting, checklists for anything, get personalized suggestions.

4.9 on App Store, 4.7 on Google Play

• Spring Special
• Autumn Early Bird
• Escapes For Two
• Ghost Tour Breaks
• Best Rate Internet Special
• Gift Vouchers
• Check Rates
• Double Rooms
• Parliament House Suite
• Our Heritage
• Our Suppliers
• Activities Map
• Local Guides
• Attractions
• Castles and Palaces
• Itineraries
• Villages, towns and cities
• Drinks Experiences
• Getting Around
• Getting Here
• Parking information

Travel apps to download before visiting Edinburgh

10 handy travel apps for edinburgh and scotland.

If you’re getting prepared for your stay in Edinburgh and looking for useful Scotland travel apps to download, take a look at our list below. Here, we’ve put together our favourite set of apps to make your visit easier. From planning your journeys to checking the weather forecast, these apps should help you on your way…

1. Skyscanner

For those travelling by air, download the Skycanner app . This travel site based here in Edinburgh will help you find the best flights by comparing over 1000 providers.

2. Packpoint

You won’t forget your toothbrush with a customised packing list on the Packpoint app . Simply enter your journey details and watch as your own checklist is generated.

3. Traveline Scotland

This is your one-stop-shop for journey planning, once you arrive in Scotland. Find out how to get from A to B, by bus, tram, train or ferry with the Traveline Scotland app . Includes live departure times where possible.

4. Met Office

The weather is a hot topic here in Scotland. To help plan your day around our famously changeable climate, download the Met Office app , where you’ll get a handy hour-by-hour and weekly forecast for your location.

5. Historic Scotland Visitor App

Plan your adventures around Scotland with the Historic Scotland Visitor App . This is a guide to all attractions run by Historic Environment Scotland, including Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Park. Here, you can search through over 300 sites and access useful visitor information.

6. NTS Edinburgh

Created by the National Trust for Scotland, the NTS Edinburgh app will take you on a historic walking tour of the city, using GPS to guide you between fascinating NTS sites and other important landmarks.

7. Edinburgh Bus Tours

If you’re planning to go on a sightseeing bus tour during your stay, download the Edinburgh Bus Tours app. Here you can choose the best tour for you, buy and view your tickets, save your favourite stops and track your next bus.

8. TripAdvisor

Check the reviews before you go, with the TripAdvisor app . This is a great way to browse recommendations from other travellers, as you plan your holiday itinerary. You can also post reviews of the places you visit to help others.

9. City Cabs / Central Taxis

City Cabs and Central Taxis offer black cab taxis across Edinburgh. Download at least one of these apps in advance to ensure you can grab a taxi whenever you need one.

10. Map of Scotland

Download this offline Map of Scotland to make sure you don’t get lost, even if your data drops out while roaming around the country.

We hope these travel apps will make your visit Edinburgh and Scotland run more smoothly. Download them in advance and you’re ready to go! What are your favourite travel apps? Let us know on Facebook , Instagram or Twitter .

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Stay at Parliament House Hotel

Enjoy luxurious yet affordable accommodation at Parliament House Hotel in Edinburgh. Located at the foot of Calton Hill, just off Princes Street, in the heart of the city. We offer  double  or  twin rooms , plus we have a charming suite for extra space and fabulous views. To ensure all our guests can rest easy, we have all the latest in-room features and modern comforts.

• Ensuite hotel rooms
• Tea/coffee making facilities
• Breakfast room
• Lounge area and snug
• 24-hour reception

Special offers and packages

Book your room at Parliament House Hotel direct on this website for the best available rate. By booking direct, you also get free cancellation, as long as you let us know by 2 pm on the day of arrival. Plus, we offer a range of exclusive offers and packages , so you can enjoy seasonal and themed breaks with us for less.

Take a look around

Explore our hotel video for a tour of our rooms, reception, lounge, breakfast room and views of the local area.

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Plan your journey

Traffic Scotland and Traveline Scotland use the latest technology to deliver up to date travel information for Scotland.

Traffic Scotland

Through the Traffic Scotland service, Transport Scotland provides a high quality public service delivering traffic information for road users on Scotland's motorway and trunk road network.

Traffic Scotland uses innovative technology to monitor the roads and deliver live updates to drivers.

Find out more on the Traffic Scotland website

24 hour Traffic Customer Care Line

Transport Scotland also provides a 24 hour Traffic Customer Care Line dedicated phone service that can be contacted by calling 0800 028 1414. 

Traveline Scotland

Traveline Scotland provides up to date public transport timetable information to get you to your destination by the quickest route.

• a journey planner showing public transport options between any two locations in Scotland, featuring all bus, coach, rail, Glasgow Subway and ferry routes,
• departure boards for buses and departure times for Scottish ferry terminals and Glasgow Subway stations
• news & Notices affecting public transport services,
• contact details for all Scottish public transport operators.

Essential Travel Apps for Your Next Trip to Scotland

By: zachary burns, december 13, 2023.

Planning a trip to Scotland? Look no further! As a travel agency specializing in concierge-planned trips to Scotland, we’ve curated a list of essential travel apps that will make your journey seamless and enjoyable. From staying connected to managing your finances, these apps are your go-to travel companions.

WhatsApp - Stay Connected Anywhere

Download the app

WhatsApp is a global messaging giant, boasting over 2 billion users across 180 countries. It’s a perfect way to keep in touch with friends and family during your travels. Offering free messaging and calling, WhatsApp works on various phone platforms, ensuring you stay connected no matter where you are in Scotland.

XE - Currency Converter - Financial Convenience on the Go

Traveling involves financial transactions, and Xe makes it easy. Whether you’re sending money abroad or checking live mid-market rates, Xe’s Currency Converter is a quick and efficient tool. Its user-friendly interface allows you to track your money transfers effortlessly, making currency conversion a breeze during your Scottish adventure.

Mobile Passport Control - Breeze Through Customs

Returning to the U.S. after your Scottish sojourn? Use Mobile Passport Control to streamline your U.S. Customs and Border Protection process. Fill out your profile, answer a few questions, and head straight to the “Mobile Passport Control” lane at the airport.

AxusTravel App - Collaborative Travel Planning

AXUS Travel App is a game-changer for travel planning. It allows travel professionals and clients to collaborate and innovate travel plans seamlessly. While the app is free for travelers, registration through a participating travel agency is required.

Instagram - Share Your Scottish Tales

Instagram isn’t just a social media platform; it’s a way to share your travel stories. Tag us at @royalbtravel and use our hashtag #royalbtravel to let us be a part of your Scottish journey.

Airline Apps – Your Personal Travel Assistant

Airline apps have revolutionized the way we travel. They provide personalized, instant access to all your flight-related information. For trips to Scotland, consider these airlines and their associated codeshare partners:

Delta (Codeshare: KLM & AirFrance)

United (Codeshare: Lufthansa, AirCanada, Swiss Air, SAS, Turkish Air)

British Airways (Codeshare: American Airlines & AerLingus)

Embark on your Scottish adventure with these apps in your digital toolkit. Whether it’s staying connected, managing finances, or sharing your experiences, these apps ensure your trip is smooth, memorable, and hassle-free.

Your Next Adventure is Calling

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ScotRail app

Scotrail app.jpg.

The ScotRail app is available free to download to help you plan your journey, purchase and store your tickets for travel and keep you up to date with real-time information.

The app cannot be used for travel on other train operators or other modes of transport.

21 best free travel apps for travelling around the UK in 2023

Even for a non-techie, the world of mobile apps can be a genuinely exciting one..

Constantly developing, expanding and responding to a demanding, connected public, apps are good for so much more than just Tinder. So which are the best free travel apps for travelling around the UK? BudgetTraveller reveals the top 20 travel apps.

1. Skyscanner 

The Skyscanner app helps to compare flight, hotel and car hire prices across all your favourite travel booking sites. With the calendar view you can check on the best dates to save on travel and filter search results to find the right flight. Track flights with price alerts options to book at the right time. Alternatively search for travel deals, anywhere, at any time. With the help of the interactive map, compare hotel prices across the grid and find the best value car hire in the city of your choice . Rest assured that you will be booking with travel partners trusted by Skyscanner.  

Not a UK focussed app per se but Airbnb is a nice way to find great value accommodation and also very quirky local experiences across the UK. I’ve use them a few times  recently  and had a great experience every time. If you are new to Airbnb , signup using  this link  to get £25 off your first booking.

Why do you need it?

With over 600,000 listings across 30,000 cities, AirBnB not only offers a great alternative to hotels but also caters to a potentially unique experience at your favorite destinations.

Stand-out feature:

Thanks to the map search, even if you have a vague idea about the area, you could easily search the neighborhood of your choice and check out the rooms that fit your budget.

3.  Kabbee

Visiting London? Need an economic cab? Avoid the expensive Black Cabs and book a minicab. The only problem is that these cabs cannot be hailed from the street. Enter  Kabbee  , a cracking app that gives you an instant quote from 60 competing minicab firms in London, along with user reviews and ratings. You can then pick your choice ( save as a favourite for later) and choose to pay by cash, credit card or via their prepaid account facility.

Why you need it?

It offers surprisingly cheap rides no matter if you need an airport transfer or you’re just travelling around the town. It selects the right cab for you from over 70 London fleets.

Stand out feature:

For airport rides, Kabbee is nearly 25% cheaper than Uber and 35% economical than Addison Lee.

4. Around Me

Want to find the nearest ATM machine or petrol station?  AroundMe   identifies your GPS position and will help you discover the nearest bank, bar, petrol station station, hospital, hotel, movie theatre, restaurant, supermarket, theatre and taxi.

Why need this app?

Fast, easy and accurate, Around me is your day to day companion to quickly find out information about your surroundings.

For every desired information or listing, you could view its location on a Map, route from where you are, and even email the information to a friend in need.

5.UK Bus Checker

With the UK Bus Checker you can travel from A to B in UK with ease. The app brings you smart journey planning, live transit times, and detailed route maps for all of Great Britain.

With the advanced support for train, bus, tram, ferry, underground, and much more, this has got your journey covered. It only requires you to pinpoint your location and unveil the magic: You can locate the nearest bus stop, routes or the scheduled time of the bus.

With the real-time information available for more than 40 towns and cities across the UK, It helps to track a bus near you within a flash of a second.

Live and scheduled departure times for all 300,000+ stops and stations in Britain.

6. Met Office

Need the weather forecast? The Met Office’s forecasts can be a hit and miss affair but nevertheless their  official weather app   is still a handy app for those visiting the UK.

The app gives you updated forecasts, 5 day forecasts plus weather maps and satellite images.  It uses 10 million weather observations to verify its forecast. So, now you can easily decide whether you’ll be visiting the museum or having that picnic in the park.

The Met Office is an indispensible tool that helps you plan your vacation with its world-leading weather forecasts from 1 hour to 7 days ahead.

Check out the real time Weather Warnings with the interactive warnings map for all the locations across the UK.

7. Tripadvisor Offline City Guides

For comprehensive information and practical guides, Tripadvisor’s  city apps  are hard to beat. Each free app contains a wealth of information, including detailed, interactive maps, which you can select to show different things, such as restaurants or tourist attractions. There are also self-guided city tours, which provide practical and cultural information, meaning you can see the sights without forking out for a guided tour. You can search for places or activities within a particular budget, and best of all, you can use the app offline, avoiding hefty roaming charges.

With millions of traveller reviews, photos, and maps, this app helps you know better and get better of the airfare, hotels, restaurants, and fun activities wherever you go. What’s more? Hotels, flights and restaurant bookings are just a tap away.

Optimized to be used offline this app also conserves battery power and only uses GPS where necessary.

8. ViaMichelin GPS navigation and traffic

No matter if you are planning for a weekend trip or a long vacation in the UK, ViaMichelin and its user-friendly app offers you the luxury of optimizing your route based on traffic conditions.

This app is a great option if you want to wander around the streets, free spirited. It helps you keep track of the real time traffic and assists you in reaching your destination at the right time. All you’ve got to do is: Establish your position with the help of Geo-location on the interactive, fluid and clear maps and unveil the all new 3D navigation that guides you home. Even if you are behind the wheel, the app helps you calculate your car and bike routers quickly and accurately from your current position.

Loaded with the goodness of a GPS navigation system, this app guides you through traffic with a voice guidance integrated with 3D Michelin mapping.

Alerts that warn you of the Hazardous zones (over 30,000 in Europe) and real-time information about the traffic jams, slow-downs and much more.

Imagine a ride-sharing app that provides you with the luxury of fast and reliable cabs in the major cities of UK. One of the easiest ways to hail a licensed cab in London, Uber gives you the flexibility to pay with both credit as well as cash, with receipts mailed to your inbox.

With Uber on your phone, there’s no need to park or wait for a taxi or a bus anymore. Just request a ride and your driver will be at your doorsteps in just a few minutes. What’s more? You could track the progress of your cab on a live map.

Because cabs are expensive, walking all day long is tiring and figuring out an unfamiliar public transport network could be really difficult.

You can track your ride on the map, watching your driver roll towards you. Moreover, the in-app fare-splitting makes it a value for money.

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1 0. Heathrow airport guide app

Even though you hardly ever fly from Heathrow in your life, the Heathrow Airport Guide app makes an ideal travel-buddy by bringing you everything you need just when you need it.

From live flight updates to reserving a parking slot to keeping you updated on the latest offers in nearby shops and restaurants, this app makes your journey easier with travel notifications and prompts, no matter where in the world you happen to be.

Fast, easy and accurate, the app keeps you updated with every bit of your flight information no matter if you’re on the way to, from or through the airport.

Simply scan your boarding pass and check your flight status even quicker.

11. HitList

The traveling world is so enormous and the options so many that it could be a daunting task to organize your “must visit” list .  Don’t worry! Here’s an app that offers the much needed help.   Hitlist not only helps you manage your ever-expanding to-do-list and destinations but also allows you to share your favourite picks with your family and friends. It constantly scans airfares to give you an idea when ticket prices to your dream destination drops and have you saying in ecstasy, “I can definitely  go at this price.”

A must-have app for the frequent travelers, adventurous people and digital nomads, Hitlist automatically notifies you of cheap flight deals and helps you plan an itinerary to your dream destination.

Stand out features:

The Travel discovery tool helps you unveil new destinations based on your interests.

12. Wiffinity

Today, roaming fee is so expensive that you could expect the CEO’s of telecom companies to buy a new cruiser every time you travel abroad.  How about a freebie Wi-Fi locator? That’s where Wiffinity comes in. An app that enables you to access Wi Fi while traveling worldwide, it helps you forget about the lavish roaming charges. Enriched with the goodness of a WIFI map, this app helps you stay connected to the internet thanks to the 600,000 hotspots across the world.

Easy to use and free of roaming charges, Wiffinity helps you navigate the WIFI hotspots offline using the WIFI map.

The app could be used offline and lets you download maps without an internet connectivity.

13. PackPoint

All you need to do is feed the destination you’re heading towards, and it will build and organize your packing list on its own. What’s more? It also lets you share your packing list with your friends and family in case they also need help with packing.

In the excitement to visit a much-awaited destination, one might forget to pick up a few things. PackPoint will organize a packing list and luggage checklist for your luggage that depending upon the destination you are visiting.

Customized checklist prepared exclusively according to your destination.

14. Prey Anti-Theft

Apparently, the world is not a perfect place, and thefts and burglary could take place even in some of the most picturesque destinations. A crook could just as easily sweep away your goods in Piccadilly Square as in a jam-packed restaurant. So, the question is how do you protect your precious belongings while traveling?

Prey Anti Theft is an app that keeps a close vigil on your digital accessories, helping you find your phone, tablet and laptop even after they’re gone. Your personal watchdog, Prey anti-theft works wonders to retrieve lost data completely and prevents any future loss by instantly locking the devices.

Prey Anti-Theft is a tried and tested phone tracker that helps finding, locating and protecting your lost phone, tablet and laptop.

Enriched with the goodness of GPS Coordinates, this app gives an active pointer to the police to track your phone or other device.

15. Tablepouncer

Tablepouncer  is a relatively new app (pictured above ) which is going live city by city across the UK. Available for both iPhone and Android, it’s perfect for last-minute dining, offering big discounts at restaurants on the same day or following day, allowing you to dine on haute cuisine at budget prices if you are spontaneous enough with your restaurant choices. Having started in Bournemouth, it now also covers London, Bristol, Bath and Southampton. Manchester and Liverpool are next on the cards.

It lets you book last-minute tables at the top-rated restaurants in UK with huge savings of up to 65%.

Easy booking across 500 top restaurants, Refine your search with GPS filters.

16. Vouchercloud

Another personal favourite app I use a lot when I am in the UK is  Vouchercloud.  

You can get some great deals on restaurants, takeaways, pubs and bars cinema, retail, days out, leisure and entertainment venues across the UK . All you have to do is download, register and then the app based on your location, will give you a bunch of local offers. The offers often consist of 2-4-1 lunch deals in popular but decent chain restaurants like La Tasca ( Spanish tapas restaurant) or Slug and Lettuce. Once you’ve clicked on the offer you like, you get a Voucher Cloud offer code which you the show to the waiter and boom, sorted.

 Why you need it?

Avail a number of deals, offers and coupons with the app’s huge selection across hundreds of restaurants, retailers etc.

GPS-optimized search to explore the best offers near you.

17. Hungryhouse | Order takeaway online

UK is THE takeaway nation with the average Brit spending £1320 a year on takeaways. It is an essential UK dining experience plus a great way to save money on eating out.

HungryHouse app  is brilliant for ordering a takeaway. They have a strong presence in all the key UK cities. You can choose from 7000 interactive menus. Menus are saved as you browse, available in offline mode in the event you need to have a look when not connected to the internet.

Hunger could strike anytime and anywhere. With over 7,000 menus to choose from, this app is a one-stop solution to satisfy your taste-buds.

Choose your favorite delivery time as per you convenience with a One-tap order.

18. Foursquare

Often neglected, the much improved Foursquare app which started out as a check-in game where users compete against friends to earn points for their check-ins has now turned into a far more useful, practical moneysaving app. Using the ‘explore nearby’ function and then checking ‘best nearby’ tab, you can find the best restaurants, shops within your current location based on your GPS location.

The ‘Specials’ tab allows you to find discounts and freebies within your vicinity.

So if you check-in at a location you can often get 10% discount on your meal or purchase while if you become the Mayor of that location, in certain locations the Mayor gets some cool freebies like a free drink or coffee.

With the app’s wholesome city guides and positive tips, you could lead to your perfect spot anywhere in the world. What’s more? Keep track of where you you’ve been and where you want to go, all in one place

Stand out feature?

The ‘Join a community’ feature lets you find people who love to explore just like you and seek out hidden gems with them.

19. Travelzoo

Another cool moneysaving app to check is  Travelzoo’s app  where you can find excellent local deals across the UK on restaurants, hotels across the UK. Catering to nearly 5 million global users, Travelzoo has been featured as “app of the week”  in The Guardian, The Sun, Sunday Mirror and The Sunday Times.

Find the best travel, entertainment, restaurant and spa deals.

Frequent alerts on the best deals and Offers in your area.

20.  Expensify + Trail Wallet ( £1.99 )

It’s all too easy to overspend while travelling: estimating exchange rates as you shop, eating out several nights in a row, picking up the tab for friends. There are a range of apps to deal with exactly this problem and which allow you to record your expenses.

I’ve used the Expensify app previously and this handy, especially for business travellers, or for someone that likes to keep close tabs on what they are spending while they travel. With Expensify you can scan receipts, add hours you have worked, add expenses manually, add mileage and create invoices and expense reports. Drawback- If you have a lot of expenses to record, it can be time consuming to use this app and it takes a few seconds to record each item.

One of the best apps for tracking your daily expenditure and sticking to your budget while travelling is Trail Wallet . (Pictured above)

It’s simple and has an intuitive user-friendly interface. The app allows you to set a daily budget and then tracks your spending toward that. Trail Wallet has all has all the practicalities covered: supplies the current exchange rate ( 218 local currencies listed. Dependent on internet connection) , organises your spending by category, expenses tracking plus you can export your expenses via .csv file. The app also creates colorful pie charts to help visualise your spending.

Trail Wallet is one of the best expense tracking apps for the budget, rather than the business traveller. It is the only app here which isn’t free, but at £1.99, it’s well worth it.

To manage your travel budget effectively.

It features report management, receipt tracking in addition to mileage and time tracking. Moreover, you can snap a photo through SmartScan and it would be redirected to Expensify itself.

21. The National Trust

Last but not least, I definitely recommend downloading the  National Trust App . It allows you to discover the beauty of Britain’s countryside from the comfort of your phone highlighting 585 of the must-see places in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, fom coastlines to countryside and everything in-between. You can search by postcode or location and browse the interactive “favourites” list with hi-res images.

Why do we need it?

Your guide to the amazing day outs at historic houses and buildings protected by the National Trust throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Regular alerts about the range of events hosted by the National trust throughout the year.

Agree or disagree with my top 20 travel apps for visiting the UK? Please leave your feedback and tips below for your favourite apps when travelling across Britain. Thank you.

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13 comments.

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Thanks ever so much for this great post! The apps listed seem very helpful. I cannot wait to check out the last two. I am traveling to the UK for the first time in March, so the National Trust app will be super helpful for planning! Great job!

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I would also add a decent navigational app Spyglass. It works great when offline, assuming that you pre-download the maps that you need in advance. It shows your accurate coordinates and your current position on a map, allows to mark locations and waypoints, share your locations with friends and much more. https://itunes.apple.com/app/spyglass/id332639548?mt=8&at=11lLc7&ct=c

• Pingback: 20 best, free travel apps for travelling around the UK budgettraveller.o...... #travel #lifehack - Urban Angels

Nice presentation, looks great! You should also check out the app Digitourist.You can find all tourist activities and spots in the UK on it and it’s for free. I use it a lot when traveling, i love it, it’s so easy!

I Was interested in JourneyPro until I read the poor reviews? Seems it has fallen from grace & is now outdated…… back to searching ?

Why is Digitourist not in this list? They have all tourist activities in Europe in one simple to use concept and you can save them for later use, also you can plan and save your routes in case you go by car.

Loved the post. There really are so many apps you did a great job. Just curious why there was National Trust but not English Heritage Days Out here? They both do the same thing but with different sites. I have both and use them depending on which area of the country I’m in. I don’t use AirBnB because I’ve planned prior to my trips and just don’t normally need it.

Another app I use is the Heathrow Airport Guide. Of course, GateGuru and other apps help with that as well. Some other apps I use are currency converter, tip calculator, and TripIt.

You opened my eyes to some new apps. Thank you very much!

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Lovely Post Highly Informative Thanks a lot

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Scotland's Best: Travel Guide 4+

Highlights & trip itineraries, designed for ipad.

• 4.7 • 23 Ratings

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Description.

SCOTLAND’S BEST is an ideal trip planner and travel guide to this engaging country. Written by a pro-author it introduces DESTINATIONS, suggests ITINERARIES, explores various INTERESTS & ACTIVITIES and details FOOD & DRINK highlights. All content (250 entries/500 pics) is original and independent; no tips are ads! — --- *** This app is ad-free and subscription-free: the single-one-off purchase also includes free updates in the future. Published by TouchScreenTravels.com: independent digital travel guides. Our Touch, Your Travels. *** --- SCOTLAND’S BEST starts with essential TRIP-PLANNING information and an overview of key REGIONS and DESTINATIONS to help you decide where to go. A hand-crafted ITINERARIES section then offers first-timers a good way to start exploring key cities and many of its regions. The app also groups Scotland’s finest sights and attractions by INTEREST and ACTIVITY so no-one misses a highlight they'll love. So if it’s HISTORY or WHISKY you’re after; or you want to travel in LUXURY or with KIDS, you can be sure you'll get a good heads-up. Other categories here include ART, CASTLES, GOLF, HIKING, NATURE, OUTLANDER SCOTLAND, STATELY HOMES & GARDENS, MOUNTAIN BIKING and SIKING. Some come with extensive background info designed to help you appreciate Scotland that little bit more as you travel around. Finally, a FOOD & DRINK section provides a run-down of Scottish food and suggests some places you wouldn't want to miss. -- APP FEATURE: TRIP ESSENTIALS • Accommodation • Costs • Seasons, Festivals & Events • Transport APP FEATURE: DESTINATIONS: • Central Scotland • Edinburgh & Around • Glasgow & Around • The Highlands • The Islands • North-East Scotland • Southern Uplands APP FEATURE: ITINERARIES: • Scotland in a week (6/7 days) • Classic Highland Tour (3/4 days) • The North Coast 500 (NC500) In-A-Week • Skye (3 days) • Edinburgh (1 day) • Glasgow (1 day) • Cairngorms & Moray (1 day) • Glencoe & Argyll (1 day) • Moray & The Great Glen (1 day) • Perthshire & Cairngorms (1 day) • Trossachs & Stirling (1 day) APP FEATURE: INTERESTS: • Art • Castles • Film & TV Locations • Fine Dining • Historical Sights (extensive background info) • Kids • Luxury Accommodation • Outlander Scotland • Star Attractions • Whisky (extensive background info) APP FEATURE: OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES: • Golf (extensive background info) • Hiking • Cycling • Skiing & Snowboarding APP FEATURE: TECHNICAL: • One-click website LINKS. • One-click PHONE CALLS (on phones). • NAVIGATE quickly using the app's global search; internal hyperlinks, and its many images. • LOCATION info (using your device's GPS). • Detailed OFFLINE MAPS and the ability to ADD YOUR OWN markers. • Save and share FAVOURITES. • Easily CONTACT the author. -- CREDITS: Author: Christian Williams has been a freelance travel writer since 1998. He's covered destinations all over the world, but mostly specialises in Germany and Canada. He's lived in Scotland for 20 years and is pleased to have finally written about somewhere on his doorstep. Icon: Christian Williams -- REVIEWS & RATINGS Reviews and ratings are like gold dust to small developers like us. If you like the app please go back into the app store, find this app again then leave a review or even just a rating. It really helps us. Thanks.

Version 2.0

Now with OFFLINE maps. Updated all hours and prices throughout app and added one-click links for latest hours and admission prices. Added new section on Film and TV locations across Scotland. Also added Scottish National Portrait Gallery entry. Fixed broken URLs.

Ratings and Reviews

At last a handy independent app without all the hype..

Found "Edinburgh's best" app useful, so went for the all-Scotland guide, too. So much tourist info around is unrelentingly positive, or sponsored, so it's good to have a guide that gives a realistic overview for the independent traveller. Gives a good idea about what's best to include in a time-limited itinerary. Good value, too, and worth getting online functionality and offline content.

All there - in the palm of your hand

Excellent guide that shows the best the country of Scotland has to offer. Enough info to spike an interest that then makes me go away and research more

Lack Of Detail And Missed Opportunities

App is poor on content, lacks true detail on any visit you may wish to make to a City , take Aberdeen for example, no mention of the Castlegate , Footdee , St Machars, Old Aberdeen etc, to name a few. You can find better info on places you wish to visit on Google without downloading this app that is advert funded and prompts for further payment to remove the adds, I've already deleted this , what a complete waste of time .

App Privacy

The developer, Agorite , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Not Collected

The developer does not collect any data from this app.

Privacy practices may vary based on, for example, the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

• Developer Website
• App Support
• Privacy Policy

Family Sharing

Up to six family members can use this app with family sharing enabled., more by this developer.

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How to travel scotland by public transport.

Travelling by public transport is a fantastic way to experience Scotland. It is a responsible and sustainable way to explore the country at a slower pace. But where in Scotland can you go by train and bus? How do you navigate the public transport system? And can you travel the Islands and Highlands without a car? Find out everything you need to know in this guide to travel Scotland by public transport.

This post contains affiliate links from which I may make a commission. Find out more here . All opinions are my own.

From high costs, especially when you travel solo, to the fear of driving on the wrong side of the road. Hiring a car and driving in Scotland can be challenging.

I usually drive when I travel around Scotland, but I get asked all the time – what to do if you don’t (want to) drive? Is the country accessible by public transport? Can you get there by train and bus?

If you ever thought about visiting Scotland without hiring a car, you will be happy to hear that the short answer is yes. You can travel around Scotland on public transport with ease.

You might just have to edit your itinerary and travel pace accordingly.

I recently went on an adventure to Glencoe and Fort William and was forced to leave my car at home. For five days, I relied on buses and trains to see the Scottish Highlands and quickly realised that I had to adjust my plans to fit everything in.

This post is for you, if you want to see Scotland by public transport and wonder how to make the most of your time. I will cover:

• The Benefits of travelling by public transport.
• Public transport options explained : Buses, trains and ferries, travel passes and where to buy tickets.
• Tips for travelling on public transport to make your trip more enjoyable.

If you have any questions left, leave a comment or post in my Facebook group !

Table of Contents

The Benefits of travelling Scotland by public transport

First let’s talk about the advantages of seeing Scotland by bus, train and ferry.

Spare yourself the driving. If you can’t drive or are worried about driving on the left side of the road, or a manual car, or on tiny mountain roads, travelling by public transport saves you from having to drive. No need to stress about driving, traffic or the roads.

Enjoy the views. Driving down scenic roads in Scotland is great – but the driver rarely gets to enjoy it in the same way as their passengers. They have to concentrate on the actual road after all. Travelling by public transport means that everybody gets to soak up the views and enjoy the scenery.

Be more eco-friendly. Whether you go by bus or train, travelling by public transport is better for the environment than hiring a car. So if your impact on the planet when you travel matters to you, public transport might be the way to go. Read up on my guide for responsible tourism in Scotland !

Save some money. It can be a lot cheaper to travel by public transport than renting a car and paying for petrol.

Great for solo travellers. All of the above are especially true if you travel by yourself. You’ll save yourself the stress of driving and navigating by yourself, you can focus on the views, you can travel more responsibly and save some money along the way.

But of course, there are also a few downsides – being restricted to timetables, having to adjust your pace accordingly, not being able to follow your nose down random roads. But with the right kind of planning and mindset, you can get just about anywhere on public transport.

Before I give you some tips for exactly how to do that, let me walk you through the different public transport options in Scotland, travel passes and how to buy tickets.

You might also like: How to Plan a Trip to Scotland

Public Transport Explained

There are countless scenic train journeys in Scotland and it is arguably one of the most beautiful and relaxing ways to see the countryside.

Train operators in Scotland

The main train operator in Scotland is called ScotRail . They run services across the country, such as the West Highland Line connecting Glasgow with Oban and Mallaig through the southern and central Highlands, the Kyle Line from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh and the Highland Main Line from Glasgow and Edinburgh through Perthshire to Inverness. Trains stop in most major towns and cities in Scotland, including also Dunfermline, Perth, Dundee, Aviemore, Thurso and Dumfries.

There are also a few other operators that run train services between Scotland and England, such as CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast and others. Many people choose to travel from London to Fort William or Inverness on the Caledonian Sleeper Train , leaving the south in the evening and waking up in the Highlands.

Where to check train times

The most reliable place to check train times is directly on the ScotRail app or website . You can also use Google Maps, but they will not always register cancellations, rail replacement services or delays. Another great app to use is Rome2Rio. You can find more useful travel apps at the bottom of this post.

How to buy train tickets

Train tickets are available at train stations or online from the ScotRail app or website . I highly recommend buying tickets in advance to make sure you get the best price. If you travel from Scotland to England with an operator other than ScotRail, you can still buy tickets via ScotRail.

There are peak-time trains (weekdays before 9.15 am and between 4.42 and 6.11 pm – more info here ) and off-peak trains , which are cheaper and less busy.

If you buy tickets online, you will have to pick up your tickets from a ticket desk or machine at a station. Remember to bring the ticket code you received in the confirmation email and the card you used to pay. You need both to pick up your tickets.

Travel Passes for Trains

There are four different kinds of travel passes offered by ScotRail:

• Spirit of Scotland Pass : Includes travel on trains, buses, coaches and Calmac & Argyll ferries all over Scotland , as well as discounts on Northlink Ferries, city sightseeing buses, loch cruises and more. You can choose between 4 travel days over 8 consecutive days (£149), or 8 travel days over 15 consecutive days (£189).
• Central Scotland Rover : A 3-day travel pass for trains in the Central Belt of Scotland as well as the Glasgow Subway (£55). The major lines included run between Glasgow and Edinburgh, Stirling, Falkirk , North Berwick and Tweedbank.
• Highland Rover : A travel pass that allows you to travel across the Highlands on 4 days over 8 consecutive days (£95). Includes train routes from Glasgow to Oban, Mallaig, Inverness, Ullapool, Thurso and Aberdeen, ferries to Skye and Mull, some bus routes in the west Highlands and discounted tickets for Northlink ferries to Orkney and Shetland.
• Scottish Grand Tour : Includes train travel on the West Highland Line (Glasgow to Mallaig), Kyle Line (Kyle of Lochalsh to Inverness) and Highland Main Line (Inverness to Glasgow or Edinburgh), ferry travel to Skye, bus travel from Armadale to Kyle of Lochalsh. The pass is valid on 4 travel days over 8 consecutive days, but only in one direction (£89).

PlusBus Tickets

If you’re planning a visit to a Scottish town or city, you can book your train ticket and a day pass for local buses in one go by adding PlusBus to your train ticket via the ScotRail webshop. The PlusBus ticket allows you to use local public buses on the day of your train journey.

There are several PlusBus destinations, such as Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen, Stirling, Dunfermline and more .

Bus networks cover the majority of Scotland – you can get almost anywhere by bus. That said, buses are often slower than the train and are, of course, more dependent on road traffic.

They tend to stop more frequently and if you ask nicely, many drivers will also make an unscheduled stop to let you off between stations. It’s best not to rely on that though as they might be on a tight schedule, can’t find a safe spot to stop, or the bus is too busy to fulfil special requests.

Buses are also the only mode of public transport on islands . Note that there are some islands without any public transport, like Coll or Colonsay. There, walking, cycling and asking for lifts will be your only options.

Bus operators in Scotland

There are a number of bus companies operating local, intercity and regional buses (or coaches) in Scotland. Two of the big operators are Citylink and Stagecoach . Intercity routes are also run by National Express and Megabus . Both are also great to travel between English and Scottish cities on a budget.

You can purchase individual tickets or multi-day passes for their networks. Citylink’s Explorer Pass gives you access to the entire Citylink network for 3 travel days over 5 days, 5 over 10 days or 8 over 16 days (£49/79/97). Stagecoach’s MegaRider pass is valid for 7 or 28 days and includes all routes in specific cities and regions (from £7.50).

You might also like: 50 Ways to travel Scotland on a Budget

Where to check bus schedules

Google Maps and Rome2Rio do a great job with bus routes. But to be 100% sure, I recommend double-checking bus schedules on the operator’s website or on Traveline – especially on the islands.

How to buy bus tickets

On intercity connections and popular routes, you should book tickets in advance. For shorter journeys or on regional buses, you can buy your ticket on the bus. Most accept contactless card payments, but it’s a good idea to have enough cash on you for backup.

If you want to go island hopping – unless you visit the Isle of Skye or the Isle of Seil – you will have to catch a ferry in order to visit the Scottish isles.

Ferry operators in Scotland

There are two large ferry operators in Scotland that operate the majority of ferry routes. Calmac runs most of the ferries to islands on the west coast, from Arran to Lewis. Northlink Ferries runs boats to Orkney and Shetland from Scrabster (Thurso) and Aberdeen.

The majority of these ferries are for passengers and cars , but there are some islands where cars may only be brought across by locals or with a license (such as Rum and Eigg). When travelling with a car, you generally have to book ferries in advance. As a passenger without a vehicle, you usually don’t have to book tickets in advance, but with limited capacity due to Covid, you should book all ferry tickets before you travel.

There are also a number of smaller local ferry operators running short routes, such as Western Ferries, Corran Ferry and John o Groats Ferries.

Where to check ferry schedules and buy tickets

You can check ferry schedules and buy tickets directly on each individual ferry operator’s website. Some ferries must be booked in advance, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

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Rail&Sail Tickets

As the name suggests, Rail & Sail tickets allow you to travel on the train and ferry on a single ticket . No need to stand in line for a ticket at the ferry port – just jump on with your Rail & Sail ticket.

This type of ticket can get you to Orkney, Shetland, Mull, Skye, the Outer Hebrides, Bute, Arran and more .

10 Tips for travelling Scotland on public transport

Now that you know why you should travel on public transport and what your options are, let’s make sure you get the most out of your time in Scotland.

Here are ten travel tips for public transport in Scotland.

When you are dependent on train and bus schedules, you might find that you have to slow down your itinerary. You probably won’t manage to fit in quite as many stops in a day as if you were travelling by car.

If you want to hop off and on throughout the day, remember that trains and buses can be quite far apart, so you might have a few hours in each location.

You may want to consider spending multiple nights in the same location to explore an area more in-depth, rather than rushing on each night.

Be flexible

When a bus or train gets cancelled, there is nothing you can do. That’s why it’s important to have a plan B (and maybe even a plan C) to make sure you don’t miss out on a day of exploring.

Prepare to think on your feet. Have a few different options in mind and go with the flow, if timings don’t work out as planned.

Prepare to walk a lot

You will be walking from train or bus stations to your accommodation, to sights, to restaurants etc. Travelling by public transport means that you probably have to walk further than if you were travelling by car.

Comfortable walking shoes are a must!

Alternatively, budget for taxi rides or private transfers. Uber is only available in Glasgow and Edinburgh. In other areas there are local taxi companies. In towns they are usually near the stations, in villages, they might come from further afield and it’s best to book in advance.

Research local taxi numbers and make sure you have a working mobile phone to call.

Double and triple-check scheduled departures

Make sure you check the correct timetable and note any difference between weekday and weekend schedules.

If possible, double-check at the station (preferably) or online to make sure a service hasn’t been cancelled on short notice. Twitter is a good source for the most up-to-date schedule info. If a service gets cancelled, refer to tip 2 (“Be Flexible”).

The fewer bags you have and the lighter they are, the easier you will find it to navigate buses, trains and walking with your luggage.

I suggest one big bag like a backpack or wheelie suitcase, which can go on luggage racks or down below in buses, and a small bag to keep on you at all times.

My Packing List & Packing Tips should help you with that!

Consider getting a Railcard

If you are under 30, over 65 or travelling with a partner or your family, it can pay off to get a Railcard . A Railcard costs £30 for a year and can give you up to 1/3 off regular ticket prices.

Railcards are also available to visitors, but you cannot get a physical Railcard shipped abroad. If you do not have a UK address, you must buy a digital Railcard to use on your mobile device.

Book ahead on busy routes

I recommend booking tickets to popular destinations in advance – for example, the train to Oban or Fort William, the bus to Glencoe or Portree (Skye), or the train to Inverness.

Services that link up with ferry services should also be booked in advance – for example, the bus from Ullapool to Inverness coming off the Stornoway ferry. Especially on weekends and during peak season.

Book accommodation near stations

It makes life so much easier if you book places to stay that are in comfortable walking distance to bus and train stations. That way, you can also request to drop off your bags before checking in without wasting precious time walking back and forth.

Alternatively, budget for taxis or private transfers to manage longer distances.

You might also like: 23 Great Places to Stay in Scotland

Pack a battery pack

You might find that you are spending more time on your phone when you travel by public transport – to take photos, listen to podcasts or audiobooks, take pictures out the window etc. While some buses and trains have plugs or USB plugs to charge your devices, I wouldn’t always rely on it.

Bring a battery pack to keep your phone charged on the go.

Download useful travel apps

Here are some of my favourite apps to navigate public transport in Scotland:

• ScotRail – to check train schedules and buy tickets
• Google Maps – my go-to to research potential routes
• First Bus – to buy tickets and check FirstBus schedules in Glasgow
• Lothian Buses – to buy tickets and check Lothian bus/tram schedules in Edinburgh
• Uber – to book taxis in Glasgow and Edinburgh
• Traveline – to check public transport schedules across Scotland
• Rome2Rio – also to check public transport schedules

With these things in mind, I have successfully travelled on public transport all over Scotland. From visiting Outlander locations in Fife, island hopping to Bute or the Outer Hebrides, to exploring the Scottish Highlands in Glencoe, Fort William and Arisaig.

I hope you find this guide useful for planning your own trip to Scotland on public transport. I’d love to hear from you – whether you need help with your itinerary or would like to share your route with others – leave a comment below!

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11 thoughts on “ How to Travel Scotland by Public Transport ”

So I’m solo travelling in August, have booked my accomodation. Arrive Glasgow 1st. Booked first two nights at arochar to see loch Lomond. Thinking bus there from Glasgow. Then next two nights stay is Skye. Train to morar. Should be able to stop at morar on way and see the beach. Then bus to mallaig and ferry across and more buses to portree. Tour of Skye booked for the Sunday. Monday bus to Glencoe (which of the two stops to get off at?) then another bus to fort William where my accomodation is. Would be nice to see Eileen donan castle but gap between buses seems to long. Then next day train fort William to glasgow. Trains are to be booked 8 weeks in advance so looking at beginning of June to book for beginning of August. Is it similar for buses? Also your explorer passes sound quite expensive, yet to work out how much these 6 days of travel every other day mainly going to cost

Hi Cliff, check out this post also, as it follows a similar route as you’re describing (at least the first part): https://watchmesee.com/blog/scotland-itinerary-by-public-transport/ A few main points: Be very careful when planning the journey from Glasgow to Portee to make sure that you can make the stop in Morar and still catch bus-ferry-bus for the onward journey. Morar train station to Silver Sands of Morar is min. 30 minutes walk one way, so allow plenty of time there. Where to get off in Glencoe, depends on your accommodation – Google Maps will help with that decision. Train tickets usually go on sale about 90 days in advance but can sometimes drop in price a little after 2 weeks or so, then go back up. Buses I think are also available around 90 days in advance. Rail passes can pay off, but they don’t include all bus routes (i.e. Morar-Mallaig, Portree-Fort William), so pay attention to that. If you’d like more hand-on advice, you can book an itinerary review call with me here: https://tidycal.com/wms/scotland-itinerary-review Cheers, Kathi

We rented a road surfer last April and thoroughly enjoyed our time doing our own North Coast 500. The next will be using public transportation and leave the driving to someone else. Your blog is wonderful.

Lovely! It’s definitely just as beautiful to see Scotland from the window of a bus or train <3

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As a non-British visitor, you CANNOT buy a digital rail pass online, the problem being you have to input the long British passport number when you apply, not the short number. However it is very easy to buy a physical card once you arrive and you can order all your tickets online with the discount. You only need the pass for travelling, not for booking tickets. I (a Brit living in the USA) was able to buy a digital rail pass, my American travelling companion had to wait until we were in the country. This was confirmed by British Rail.

That’s great to know. Thanks for sharing this!

Very very useful information Kathi. Everything is patiently covered and answered all my questions about the public transportation options for my Scotland trip. Thank you!

Thank you so much for this! I am planning a trip next year with my two adult daughters, we want to visit two of our ancestral cities. Ivermoriston and Tarbert. It’s going to be tricky, but i’d like to use the rail and bus and possibly the ferry system as much as possible. I’m not opposed to renting a car, but if i don’t need to I’d love to save the money and use it to spend in your lovely country!

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Just found this blog and it is very helpful. Thank you!

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