low budget scotland trip

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Scotland Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 1, 2024

Partially conquered by the Romans, Scotland is a land with a turbulent past. It was invaded countless times by the English during the Middle Ages before the Treaty of Union in 1707 united the continent (an unpopular move at the time). Since then, it’s been a part of the United Kingdom (though there is a growing movement for independence).

While Scotland may be a small country (only 5.4 million people call it home), it’s had a huge impact on the direction of the world. Economist Adam Smith, inventor of the telephone Alexander Graham Bell, novelist Robert Louis Stevenson (he wrote Treasure Island ), philosopher David Hume, ecologist John Muir — the list of famous Scots goes on.

I love visiting Scotland. The people, the jovial spirit, the landscape, the booze — Scotland never disappoints (ok, maybe a little with the food). It’s an incredible destination for road trips so make sure you get out of the cities and into the highlands with their rich jagged landscapes. And be sure to head west to the islands of Islay, Jura, and Mull.

This travel guide to Scotland can help you plan where to go, what to see, how to save money, and everything in between!

Things to See and Do
Typical Costs
Suggested Budget
Money-Saving Tips
Where to Stay
How to Get Around
How to Stay Safe
Best Places to Book Your Trip
Related Blogs on Scotland

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in scotland.

The towering Edinburgh Castle overlooking the city on a sunny day in Scotland

1. Explore the Scottish Highlands

Visit the highlands of Scotland for moody mountains, rugged terrain, glaciers, lochs, and kilt-clad Scotsmen. While the land may be harsh and unforgiving, you haven’t really seen Scotland until you’ve been here. Don’t miss Glencoe, Cairngorms National Park, Inverness, and the Isle of Skye.

2. Visit Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a glorious city filled with medieval cobblestone streets, lots of green space, free museums, a huge castle, and maybe even some ghosts. There’s a lot to do here so be sure to spend a few days. It’s an amazing place.

3. Celebrate Hogmanay

Hogmanay is one of the largest New Year’s celebrations in the world, attracting over 100,000 people for the two-day festival. The modern iteration has musical acts, a torchlight procession, multiple fireworks displays, and a large street party.

4. Drink whisky in Islay

Whisky has a long history on Islay . It’s been made there since the 16th–century — first in backyards and then, starting in the 19th-century, in big distilleries. Over the years, whisky from the island came to be considered a specialty and is famous around the world.

5. Visit Inverness

Besides the historic buildings in the Old Town, there is a great selection of places to eat and drink, Inverness Castle, the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, and a Victorian Market. Plus, it is close to Loch Ness (it’s less than a 30-minute drive away), a bunch of distilleries, and a few golf courses.

Other Things to See and Do in Scotland

1. try to find nessie.

Loch Ness is one of the most famous lochs (lakes) in Scotland. It’s the alleged home to Nessie, aka the Loch Ness Monster, a creature said to live in the loch. The first “sightings” date back to the 1870s, though there is no definitive proof that any such creature exists. Nonetheless, the myth perseveres, making Loch Ness a popular destination to visit. While here, you can take a cruise, hike in the nearby hills, and enjoy some of the smaller nearby towns and villages like Dores or the nearby ruins of Urquhart Castle. The best way to get here is to travel to Inverness, from which Loch Ness is close enough to take a day trip to (it’s just a 25-minute drive from Inverness to Lochend, the top of Loch Ness).

2. Wander around Glasgow

Glasgow is a busy and bustling city, home to a youthful population (there is a university here) and a picturesque downtown. With plenty of parks, historical monuments, and museums, there is plenty to do here if you’re on a budget. It’s also a vegan and vegetarian hotspot too! Don’t miss the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, relaxing in Glasgow Green, seeing the cathedral, and day-tripping to the nearby Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

3. See the cathedrals

The cathedrals in Scotland are marvelous with their unique Gothic architecture and imposing heights. A few of the top cathedrals to visit are Dunfermline Abbey and Palace in Fife, St. Magnus Cathedral in the Orkney Islands, St Giles in Edinburgh, and Melrose Abbey in the Borders. Also, don’t miss the Glasgow Cathedral, which was built in 1136 and is the oldest building in Glasgow. Admission is free though donations are encouraged.

4. Puzzle over Rosslyn Chapel

This historic chapel near Edinburgh is ripe with intricate artwork and symbolism that has spawned many conspiracy theories (not to mention books). (Like why is there corn on the wall if corn wasn’t discovered until centuries later?). it was featured heavily in The Da Vinci Code and is located just an hour outside Edinburgh. Admission costs 9.5 GBP.

5. Play golf

The Scottish invented golf in the 15th century. If you’re not lucky enough to play a round at St. Andrews (the most famous course in the country) there are plenty of other immaculate and challenging courses to keep any golf player happy. Try to play during the low season (between November and March) if you want the lowest prices (St. Andrews, for example, costs 220 GBP to play in high season, versus 98 GBP in low season). Castle Stuart (Inverness), Royal Dornoch (Dornoch) , and Muirfield (Gullane) are some other great courses worth playing.

6. See the Cuillin

This dramatic mountain range dominates the Isle of Skye. There are two main ridges (the red and the black), which can be visited as a day trip or a longer two-day hike. Much of the mountain range, which stretches 14 kilometers (8.6 miles), can be hiked, though some peaks require more technical climbing skills. There are campgrounds and a hostel nearby in Glenbrittle as well. Some of the most popular trails are Rubh’ an Dùnain (3-5 hours, easy), Coire Lagan (2 hours, moderate), and Sgùrr Alasdair (6-8 hours, hard).

7. Visit Ruins of Melrose Abbey

Robert I (also known as Robert the Bruce) was the King of Scotland from 1306 until his death in 1329. Legend has it that his heart is buried in the ruins of Melrose Abbey. The abbey, founded in the 12th century and located in Melrose, was repeatedly destroyed by the English in the 14th century. You can still see marks on the surviving walls from cannonballs during the English Civil War. The abbey ruins (which is only a ruin of its former self, composed of several standing walls and arches) are decorated with intricate artwork carved into the remaining stone walls. Admission is 6 GBP.

8. Explore Dundee

Dundee is a lively student city along the coast with a lot of interesting museums. It’s a UNESCO City of Design and is the sunniest spot in the country too. Don’t miss a visit to Discovery Point to learn about the famous Antarctic expedition that launched from here in 1902 on the RSS Discovery (which you can board at the visitor center). Also, be sure to take in the great street art, the Vaults (a series of underground tunnels that date back to the 1750s), and The McManus Art Gallery as well.

9. Visit the Mystical Smoo Cave

The sleepy town of Durness, located 193 kilometers (120 miles) north of Inverness, is the access point for Smoo Cave , a coastline cave complex that can be explored independently or on a tour. Evidence from charcoal samples shows that it may have been inhabited over 4,000 years ago. The cave is free to enter but guided tours, which take you deeper into the cave, are 10 GBP. You get to see a lot more on the tour than you would if you just visit independently. Tours last around 20 minutes.

10. Head to the Isle of Arran

Located 2.5 hours west of Glasgow, this isle is a popular tourist destination for its charming scenery of jagged hills and rugged coasts, walking trails, and historic villages. Visit Brodick Castle, go for a hike, keep a lookout for seals and golden eagles, and enjoy the remote scenery. Don’t miss the Machrie Moor Stone Circles (which are sort of like Stonehenge) — they date back almost 5,000 years!

11. Explore the Cairngorms

Cairngorms National Park is the largest national park in the UK, spanning 4,528 square kilometers (1,748 square miles). Located two hours from Edinburgh by car, it makes for a great getaway for anyone looking to get out and see the highlands. The park is dotted with beautiful B&Bs in historic stone buildings and there are several campgrounds available for anyone traveling in a camper van or with a tent. Wild camping is also permitted, providing you do so responsibly. The park offers lots of hiking trails too. Don’t miss Ryvoan Pass (easy), Dalraddy to Ruthven (moderate), and Ben Macdui (difficult). If you visit in the winter, you can also go skiing on Cairn Gorm Mountain. If you’re lucky, you may spot some of the reindeer that call the park home (it’s the only herd in the British Isles). Admission to the park is free.

12. Attend the Edinburgh Fringe Festival

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the world’s largest arts festival. It usually lasts three weeks and takes over the entire city of Edinburgh. There are tens of thousands of performances including plays, musicals, live music, puppet shows, and much more! There are literally thousands of different shows held and hundreds of venues around the city. It’s a massive festival and brings in upwards of 3 million visitors. It’s a zany, inspiring, and entertaining festival and one that shouldn’t be missed. Just make sure you book your tickets and accommodation in advance as things fill up fast.

13. Tour the Isle of Skye

This popular island off the northwestern tip of the country is a scenic place to take a road trip. The island offers sweeping views over the rugged coastline, hiking trails, castles, waterfalls, and quaint villages and B&Bs. While most people just visit for a day, I suggest spending a few days driving around and getting off the beaten path. You can visit by bus if you don’t have a car, however, having your own vehicle will give you much more freedom. Don’t miss Dunvegan Castle, the Old Man of Storr rock formation, and brother’s point.

For more information on cities in Scotland, check out these guides:

Edinburgh Travel Guide
Glasgow Travel Guide

Scotland Travel Costs

A historic castle in Scotland near the water in the highlands

Accommodation – Most 6-8-bed dorms in Scotland cost 18-22 GBP per night, though prices rise a few pounds in the summer and drop a few in the winter (you can find hostels for as little as 12 GBP in the off-season). Free Wi-Fi and lockers are standard, and most hostels also have self-catering facilities. Private rooms in a hostel cost around 40-65 GBP per night.

Budget hotels cost around 55-75 GBP per night with standard amenities like free Wi-Fi, TV, and coffee/tea makers. Some include free breakfast.

Airbnb is widely available in Scotland and is especially useful in the smaller towns and villages where there are fewer traditional hotels and hostels. A private room generally costs 25-30 GBP per night while entire homes/apartments start at 55 GBP per night, though most options are 70 GBP and above.

If you want to camp, expect to pay around 17 GBP per night for a basic plot (a small flat space for a tent without electricity). Most campgrounds close for the winter so availability is limited come late October/early November. If you’re in a car or campervan, you can use the app “park4night” to find paid overnight parking, free overnight parking, and campgrounds.

Food – Scottish food is hearty, heavy, and filling. Seafood is abundant, and popular traditional dishes include blood pudding, minced beef, fish and chips, smoked herring, neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes), and of course haggis (a dish composed of minced sheep’s organs and spices inside a sheep’s stomach casing). Porridge is a common breakfast choice, though a larger breakfast of sausage, eggs, beans, and bread is not uncommon either. Sticky toffee pudding is a favorite dessert, and of course, you can’t visit Scotland without sampling some scotch.

Expect to pay around 10-12 GBP for a basic meal (like a Scottish breakfast). For pub food like a burger or fish and chips, prices are usually between 12-20 GBP for a meal. For a full three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant, prices begin around 27 GBP.

A pint of beer is around 4 GBP while a glass of wine is around 5.50 GBP. A latte or cappuccino is around 2.70 GBP.

If you’re looking for fast food (think McDonald’s), expect a combo meal to cost around 6 GBP. A classic fish and chips from a no-frills takeaway spot is around 6 GBP, while Chinese takeaway is around 8-10 GBP. Street food (like from a food truck) costs around 6-8 GBP. Eat near the universities for the cheapest food options.

A week’s worth of groceries costs around 40-60 GBP. This covers basic staples like pasta, rice, seasonal produce, and some meat. The cheapest supermarkets to look out for are Aldi, Lidl, Asda, and Tesco.

Backpacking Scotland Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget, you can visit Scotland for around 55 GBP per day. On this budget, you’re staying in a dorm room or camping, cooking all of your meals, using local transportation, sticking to mostly free activities (like hiking, museums, or free walking tours), and limiting your drinking.

On a mid-range budget of about 105 GBP, you can stay in a private Airbnb room, eat out at cheap local restaurants for a few meals, enjoy a few drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like visiting castles or doing a whisky tasting.

On a “luxury” budget of 210 GBP or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for every meal, drink what you want, take the train between cities or rent a car, and visit as many museums and attractions as you’d like. This is just the ground floor for luxury though — you can easily spend more if you want to splash out!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in GBP.

Scotland Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

While Scotland is expensive, there are lots of ways to lower your costs. Here are some tips to help you save money in Scotland:

Get the Edinburgh City Pass – If you’re planning to explore Edinburgh, get the City Pass. For 45 GBP, you get access to 22 attractions as well as free transportation to and from the airport. There is also a two-day pass for 55 GBP and a three-day pass for 65 GBP.
Eat in a pub – The best food is often in the pubs at a fraction of the price compared to a proper restaurant. Also, pubs generally give you a true taste of Scottish culture. Scotland is pub-land – they’re everywhere.
Eat during lunch – Many cafes, bakeries, and chains offer lunch deals for as little as 3-5 GBP.
Visit the free museums – The public museums in Scotland are free so take advantage! Free museums include The National Museum of Scotland, Scottish National Gallery, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art.
Use buses – If you need to go anywhere, buses are by far the cheapest way to reach the widest range of places on a regular schedule. You can even find tickets for just 1 GBP from Megabus if you book far enough in advance.
Avoid eating and shopping in the city centers – Both Glasgow and Edinburgh get significantly more expensive the closer you get to the city center. There are plenty of good restaurants and quirky shops outside of the center, so go for those. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
Use apps to get food deals – On the app Too Good to Go, participating eateries sell severely discounted meals/groceries/baked goods at the end of the day. You just sign up, see what is being offered near you, and pick up your cheap food at the end of the day. It has good coverage all across Scotland, particularly in Edinburgh. For discounts on takeout try the app Secret Takeaways which supports local restaurants in Edinburgh and Glasgow by cutting out the delivery app middleman (and their high fees).
Stay with a local – Couchsurfing is the best way to save on accommodation in Scotland. You’ll not only save some money but get access to a knowledgeable local who can help point you to some of the country’s hidden gems. It may not be fancy, but you’ll get a unique experience and learn far more about the destination than if you stayed in a hotel!
Take a free walking tour – If you want to understand more about the history, architecture, and people of Scotland then be sure to take a free walking tour. They usually last a couple of hours and are a great introduction to the city. New Europe has a great free tour in Edinburgh and Visit Scotland offers one in Glasgow.
Cook your own meals – Eating out in the UK isn’t cheap. Save yourself some money and cook a few meals for yourself. It may not be as fancy as eating out, but your wallet will thank you!
Rent a campervan – If you’re planning to get out of the city, rent a camper van. You can get them for as little as 30 GBP per day. They come with basic self-catering facilities so you can cook your food and have somewhere cheap to stay. There are lots of free places to park around the country. Just use the app park4night to find them.
Use BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing app you can use to travel in between cities. It’s faster than the bus and usually just as cheap. You have to find a ride, which can sometimes be hit or miss, but the profiles are verified and reviewed so it’s quite safe. Plus, it’s a great way to connect with other locals/travelers.
Use discount websites – Groupon, Wowcher and Living Social have good deals on accommodation, attractions, and dining out.
Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Scotland

Accommodation in Scotland isn’t cheap, but there are nevertheless lots of great hostels to stay at to help you meet people and save money. Here are my favorite hostels in Scotland:

Castle Rock (Edinburgh)
Edinburgh Backpackers (Edinburgh)
Kick Ass Grassmarket (Edinburgh)
Glasgow Youth Hostel (Glasgow)
Euro Hostel Glasgow (Glasgow)
Broadford backpackers (Isle of Skye)
Stirling Youth Hostel (Stirling)

How to Get Around Scotland

The famous steam train from Harry Potter crossing an old bridge in Scotland

Public Transportation – Public buses and trams cost around 1.50-2 GBP for one-way ride. For a single-day pass, expect prices to start at 4 GBP per person. In Glasgow, a 7-day public transportation pass costs 17 GBP.

Only Glasgow has a subway system and the tickets for the bus and metro are not interchangeable as they are operated by two different companies (though prices between the two are comparable).

Airport shuttles cost around 6-8 GBP each way.

Flying – Flying around Scotland is both inconvenient and expensive. There are very few direct flights, making it slower to fly than to take the bus. I would avoid flying and just take the bus or train.

Bus – Buses are a popular and affordable way to get around the country as they link most destinations in the country. Scottish Citylink, Stagecoach, Megabus, and National Express are the four main companies that operate here. Tickets can be found for as little as 1 GBP via Megabus, though they’re usually around 10-25 GBP.

Edinburgh to Glasgow, for example, is a one-hour bus ride that costs 8 GBP while the three-hour journey from Glasgow to Inverness costs around 20-30 GBP. The sooner you book your ticket, the lower the price, so always try to book in advance. The coaches here are modern and comfortable with bathrooms and Wi-Fi as well.

Train – Trains connect all the major cities in Scotland (as well as the towns and villages they pass through). When purchased in advance (12 weeks out is the sweet spot), tickets are only a little more expensive than the bus. For example, Inverness to Glasgow takes about as long as the bus and is only 30 GBP while Edinburgh-Glasgow is 30 minutes faster than the bus for just 1-2 GBP more. Just be sure to book early to get the best prices. Last-minute tickets can be expensive!

Car rental – Scotland is a great road trip destination. You can get cars for 20 GBP per day and campers for 30 GBP per day. Just remember that traffic flows on the left. Most vehicles are manual transmissions as well. Renters need to be at least 21 years of age.

Rideshare – Ridesharing apps like Uber are a reliable but expensive way to get around in cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh. Skip them if you can.

For longer distances, use BlaBlaCar. It’s a ridesharing app that pairs you with drivers who are traveling to other cities. They have profiles and reviews (similar to Airbnb) so it’s quite safe. It’s usually not as cheap as the bus, but it’s faster and more comfortable.

When to Go to Scotland

Summer is the most popular time to visit Scotland. In July and August, there’s warm weather and minimal rain, with temperatures reaching highs of around 20°C (68°F). This is also the busiest time of the year, so expect crowds in the cities and lots of people out enjoying the national parks. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival takes place in August, which is a huge multi-week festival. Be sure to book your accommodation in advance if you’re visiting during this time.

September is a rather wet month, though in October there’s incredible fall foliage. Overall, October is a great time to visit — especially if you plan on renting a car or camper and heading into the Cairngorms (Scotland’s biggest national park). Seasonal businesses and accommodations start to close in mid-October so be sure to keep that in mind when planning. Expect October temperatures to hover around 12°C (55°F) during the day.

The spring is a great time to visit, with April and May offering minimal rain and no crowds. There’s still snow and cool temperatures in the highlands, but the cities are lively without being crowded.

Winters in Scotland are cold and dark. December is relatively dry, with temperatures dipping below 0°C (32°F). It’s nevertheless a popular time to visit, with many tourists coming to Edinburgh for the huge Hogmanay New Year’s Eve celebration (one of the biggest New Year’s festivals in the world). Book your accommodation well in advance if you plan to attend.

By February, snow is common so keep that in mind if you plan on renting a vehicle. Unless you’re coming to engage in winter sports, I’d avoid a winter visit unless you don’t mind the grim and grey atmosphere of the country.

How to Stay Safe in Scotland

Scotland is a safe country, even for solo travelers, and even for solo female travelers. Like in all cities, stay vigilant when you’re in crowded tourist areas or on public transportation as that is when pickpockets usually strike. If you keep your valuable secure, however, you shouldn’t have any issues.

Additionally, solo female travelers don’t need to worry in Scotland, however, women should take the standard precautions when traveling alone at night (don’t travel alone intoxicated, keep an eye on your drink, etc.).

Keep in mind that traffic flows on the left here. Most vehicles are manual transmissions and have the gear shift on the left (which is opposite to most other countries). Driving might take some getting used to so drive carefully — especially in cities and when going through roundabouts.

If you are hiking, make sure you have the appropriate equipment and notify your accommodation of your plans just in case as the weather can change quickly in the highlands.

While scams here are rare, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here if you’re concerned.

If you experience an emergency, dial 999 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Avoid isolated areas at night and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

If you don’t do it at home, don’t do it in Scotland!

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Scotland Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Edinburgh Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Scotland and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Edinburgh

The Best Walking Tours in Edinburgh

Where to Stay in Edinburgh: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The Best Ghost Tours in Edinburgh

A Complete Visitor’s Guide to Rosslyn Chapel

Searching for the Perfect Dram on Islay

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Where To Stay
Transportation
Booking Resources
Related Blogs

APRIL SALE Extended: Book now for up to 60% off!

Budget Tours & Trips to Scotland

Discover a varied offer of budget Scotland adventures that will take you through some of the most famous destinations such as Edinburgh and Stirling. Each affordable tour will provide you with great experiences for some of the lowest prices on the market. Discover the best budget tours and budget tour companies around the world with TourRadar!

19 Budget Scotland tour packages with 3,737 reviews

5 Day Skye & Highland Fling

I wanted to explore the Scottish highlands but was a bit worried about public transport timing and accessibility so I decided to book a tour instead. And I was glad that I did! The fact that Branka was there to guide the group, telling us the folklore and history of the sights we were seeing just enriched the whole experience. We were blessed with great weather (your mileage may vary about this but someone in our tour must have a guardian angel looking out for them weather-wise) the majority of our trip and although I am not as fit as most people in the group I still had a lot of fun exploring the places we visited.

Coach / Bus

3 Day Loch Ness & Skye

I had a great trip with MacBackpackers! Tim was a fabulous guide and full of information about Scottish history. Would recommend if you are coming to explore Scotland.

In-depth Cultural

2-day Outlander Tour (Small Group)

Alles in allem, top. TourGuide war sehr nett. Auch wenn ich nicht alles verstanden habe, war die Tour ein voller Erfolg. Auch das B&B Hotel, mitsamt Frühstück, war schön und reichlich. Ich würde gerne nochmal eine Tour in Zukunft machen.

10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Christmas & New Year

Skye, The Highlands & Loch Ness - from Glasgow

We were disappointed that when we were picked up in Glasgow the bus was already full and we were not able to sit together. We believe the driver should have ensured there were two seats ready for us.

Sightseeing

Self Guide Cycle Tour - Hebridean Way

Train & Rail

Jacobite Steam Train & The Great Glen

Fantastic scenery , great commentary very knowledgeable , accommodation was good . The only disappointment for me was Mallaig if you don’t do the boat trip not much to see or do weather was not good which clearly didn’t help !

Highland Fling

Excellent tour and guide.

€75 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Self-Guided Cycling

Speyside and Moray Self Guided Cycle tour

Festival & Events

Hogmanay (5 Days)

€100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

A nice tour guy, know everything about Scotland, talk a lot of about history, made fun for us.

The Ultimate Scotland Adventure for Under 35s!

Awesome trip all around!!!!! People in charge were respectful, funny, smart, always on time, never boring, smiling and most of all; awesome teachers! I was in a wonderful, eclectic fun group with Neil as our witty and resourceful tour guide and the beautiful Mary as our team captain! We visited many of the most iconic and renowned spots of Scotland but with a little extra: Neil brought the group to some of the greatest secret, hidden gems of this beautiful country. Places you don't hear about in books or most of places-you-need-to-visit-in-Scotland lists! Wonderful sceneries such as gigantic mountains, beautiful Lochs, challenging hiking trails or lively cities like Edimburgh, Inverness or Aberdeen were our daily activities. Most of all, this trip is focused on discovery. Not only about visiting new places but primarily making new friends along the route. The Scots are beautiful people. Through the Celtica Experience, we learned what they went through as a nation. They wanted more for their people and they fought for it. It was very inspiring. It was an amazingly deep and wildly entertaining ride. You need to try it!

$St Cuthbert\'s Way - 8 Days Tour$

St Cuthbert's Way - 8 Days

John Muir Way

3 Day Isle of Skye

Amazing tour, beautiful views, really fun and Mark was a great guide!

4 Day Skye Spectacular

This tour was exceptional, we made it to all the places listed in the itinerary and was given ample time to take pictures go around, hike. Also loads of lunch and toilet break stops. Our tour leader, Branca an amazing human being and a far great story teller gave us all the history and stories she could possible remember and these stories are all amazing which makes part of Scotland's history and folklore.

What people love about Budget Tours in Scotland

I recently had the pleasure of going on a tour guided by an exceptional guide. From start to finish, the tour was an absolute delight and exceeded all my expectations. One of the things that stood out to me was the variety of places we visited. The tour included a great balance of walking, hiking, and sightseeing, ensuring that we got to experience the best of each location. Additionally, the tour itinerary was well-planned, with sufficient rest time on the bus and well-timed stops that made each travel leg enjoyable and not too long. Speaking of the bus, it was spacious and comfortable, perfectly accommodating our group of 12 people. This allowed us to relax and enjoy the journey between destinations. Our guide, Neil, also took care to ensure our comfort by driving safely and steadily, making us feel secure throughout the trip. The guide's personality truly made the tour memorable. He was incredibly funny, positive, and interactive, always keeping the group engaged and entertained. His energy and outgoing nature were contagious, creating a lively and enjoyable atmosphere throughout the tour. I appreciated his caring nature, as he went above and beyond to make sure each passenger felt taken care of. Not only was the guide entertaining, but he was also knowledgeable about the history of the places we visited. He shared fascinating insights and personal experiences, which added a personal touch to the tour. I was impressed by his ability to provide clear instructions and answer any questions we had along the way. Another highlight of the tour was the guide's musical talents. He played and sang great music, enhancing the overall experience and creating a fantastic ambiance on the bus. Additionally, he introduced us to wonderful local restaurants and sightseeing places, ensuring that we had a well-rounded experience of the area. Overall, I cannot recommend this tour and guide enough. He truly made the experience unforgettable with his humor, knowledge, and dedication to ensuring our enjoyment throughout the journey. I would not hesitate to go on another tour with him in the future and encourage others to do the same.

Had an amazing time and saw some of the most beautiful sights. The hostels we stayed in were decent, most of the time feeling, or actually, having the whole building to ourselves. Our tour guide, Tim, was hilarious, informative and entertaining. He knew the area super well and presented alternatives to the itinerary that made the most of the weather, as well as how busy a location was, which was really special. If you want to see the highlands in a short amount of time, of revolution this tour to anyone.

Loved it. Jamie our guide was great

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Travel scotland on a budget: 50 money-saving tips for your trip.

Experience Scotland without breaking the bank! This list of 50 useful money-saving tips will show you how to travel Scotland on a budget and still get the most out of your adventure.

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

A holiday in Scotland does not have to break the bank!

You just need to know where you can save some money, and when it’s worth to splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Read on for an expansive list of budget travel advice for Scotland, including:

Saving money on transport around Scotland,
Booking budget-friendly accommodation,
eating out and going for drinks,
the best (free) activities, tourist attractions and tours,
how to safe on entrance fees,
tips for shopping and exchanging currency,
and lots of specific tips for Edinburgh and Glasgow on a budget.

Please note, that these tips are all related to budget-friendly choices IN Scotland. If you need help finding cheap airfare TO Scotland, check out this post about finding affordable flights !

For cheaper flights book approx. 9 months in advance with Aer Lingus ( Aer Lingus US or Aer Lingus Canada ).

Table of Contents

Budget-Friendly Transport in Scotland

1. pick up and drop off your rental car at the same destination.

One-way car rentals are always subject to additional fees. I usually find the best deals on Auto Europe , which compares prices from different rental companies and offers separate (and more affordable) insurance.

You might also like: A complete guide to hiring a car in Scotland

2. Compare petrol prices (gas prices)

You can use this website to find current petrol prices all over the UK. If you can, compare local petrol prices before deciding on a station to use

Additionally, petrol stations in larger cities and towns usually have lower prices. Small rural petrol stations where there are no other options nearby tend to be a lot more expensive.

3. Consider travelling by public transport instead of hiring a car

Bus and train tickets can be a lot cheaper than hiring a car and paying for petrol, especially if you are a solo traveller.

4. Always book intercity train and bus tickets in advance

It’s usually cheaper and less stressful to book bus and train tickets in advance.

Train tickets go on sale about 12 weeks in advance and the prices increase as you approach your travel dates. I usually book straight on the ScotRail app.

There are some exceptions, such as the train from Edinburgh to Glasgow – it’s the same price even if you buy your ticket on the day.

If you’re a Scotland first-timer, download my free Scotland Trip Planning Checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything important!

5. Take off-peak trains

ScotRail off-peak time starts after 9.15 am on weekdays and any time on weekends. Exceptions apply for trains leaving Glasgow and Edinburgh’s central stations during after-work hours. Fares on peak time trains are usually more expensive.

Check here for everything you need to know about off-peak train travel.

6. Look into travel passes & RailCards

ScotRail offers travel passes which include trains as well as some bus and ferry routes and are valid for several days. If you plan to use a lot of public transport, a travel pass might be a cheaper option. However, it pays off to double-check whether buying individual tickets might be cheaper.

The bus company Citylink offers Explorer Passes for unlimited bus travel over a set number of days.

ScotRail also offers RailCards for some passengers such as under 30 year olds or senior citizens. You have to pay a one-off annual fee, but it grants you at least ⅓ off regular fares at off-peak times.

You might also like: My Best of Scotland itinerary for public transport

7. Choose buses over trains

Choosing buses over trains can save money on public transport.

You can get really cheap bus fares between Scottish cities in advance, for example with Megabus, Stagecoach, National Express or Citylink.

8. Plan a cycling or walking holiday

Transport in Scotland could not be cheaper than walking or cycling!

I travelled for two weeks around the Outer Hebrides on foot and only spent £600 – and I didn’t even try my hardest to travel on a budget, so it would be possible to get by with even less.

Check out these amazing long-distance hikes in Scotland and read up on the benefits of an organised walking holiday .

Alternatively, hire a bike and go on a cycling trip around Scotland !

Day 2 Girl walking on South Uist - The best trekking backpacks & their must-have features

Finding Budget-Friendly Accommodation

9. book all accommodation in advance.

You should always book your accommodation in advance, whether you travel during the busy summer months, or during quieter off season (when some accommodations are closed).

If you plan to visit popular destinations like Skye, Glencoe or Inverness, it’s particularly important to book places to stay well in advance. The earlier you book, the more options are still available and you are more likely to find something that fits your budget.

I recommend booking accommodation for the summer months (May-September) by January at the latest to have a good range of choices.

Find accommodation on the Isle of Skye here!

10. Don’t rule out hostels

Hostels are one of the cheapest accommodation options. There are many amazing hostels all over Scotland that offer high-quality accommodation – without the party stereotype. On the contrary, rural hostels are usually popular among hikers, families, solo travellers and small groups.

Check Scottish Hostels for a network of independent hostels, and Hostelling Scotland for hostels run by the Youth Hostel Association.

Find hostels on the Isle of Skye , in Edinburgh , in Inverness and in Fort William and Glencoe .

11. Many hostels also have private rooms

Many hostels offer private rooms with shared, private or en-suite bathrooms. And often these are still much cheaper than a bed & breakfast.

Additionally, at hostels you have access to self-catering facilities and sometimes even free breakfast options.

12. Family rooms can be cheaper than multiple double rooms

If you’re staying at hotels and B&Bs and travelling with kids or in groups of 3 or 4, ask if there are family rooms available.

Sometimes these are suite-style rooms with 2 sleeping areas, or large double rooms with space for an additional bed. Some hotels and B&Bs even have triple or quadruple rooms with 3-4 single beds. This is usually cheaper than booking multiple double rooms.

13. Longer stays are often cheaper, especially in self-catering accommodation

Staying longer in one place can easily bring down the cost of accommodation in Scotland.

Some cabins and cottages even only rent out by the week during the summer.

14. Check regional tourism sites for accommodation deals

Many regions (especially islands) have their own tourism websites with extensive accommodation listings. And many of these places to stay cannot be found on big booking platforms like Booking.com or Expedia.

Check out my favourite unique places to stay in Scotland – from hostels to B&Bs!

15. Don’t just rely on the popular booking platforms

Check accommodation availability on the VisitScotland website . Their system has access to the booking tools used by many small hotels and B&Bs. I have found amazing deals and options that I hadn’t spotted on regular online travel agents’ websites.

16. Hunt for special deals on voucher platforms

Browse voucher platforms like Itison and Groupon for special deals for hotel rooms and weekend packages all over Scotland.

17. Bring your tent and go wild camping

It’s legal to pitch your tent wherever you like in Scotland, as long as you obey the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and remember to leave no trace . Note that access rights do not extend to vehicles, so really you should walk to your wild camping spot and park overnight only in places where it’s allowed.

Check out my top tips for wild camping in Scotland.

a green tent pitched in the grass by a white sandy beach.

18. Sleep in a bothy for FREE!

There is a wide network of basic mountain cabins across the Scottish mountains and islands. It is free to stay there, but you will have to bring basic supplies, such as a sleeping bag, a gas stove and food with you. Very few have any toilet facilities, although some have eco toilets.

The Scottish Bothy Bible contains a list of all bothies plus information on how to get there, what supplies you need to bring and what to do in the area.

You might also like: A Weekend at a beautiful self-catering cottage near Glencoe

Saving Money on Food & Drink

19. book self-catering accommodation.

If you stay in a self-catering accommodation, i.e. an apartment or house with a fully equipped kitchen, you can save money by preparing your own meals instead of eating out for every meal.

20. Eat out with restaurant vouchers

Browse Itison and Groupon for special deals at restaurants and bars. They have many restaurant deals, particularly in cities like Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee.

21. Get a takeaway

Eating out at restaurants can be pricey. Takeaway restaurants are usually a cheaper alternative. The most common takeaway restaurants are fish & chips shops, Chinese or Indian restaurants – you’ll find them in pretty much any town and larger village.

22. Get a meal deal for lunch

Many supermarkets sell meal deals. This usually includes a sandwich or wrap, a piece of fruit or a bag of crisps, and a drink. It’s not very eco-friendly as everything is individually wrapped, but a quick solution for a cheap lunch.

You might also like: How to travel Scotland as a Vegan

23. Bring a reusable coffee cup

Many coffee shops will give you a discount for using a reusable coffee cup – and even if not, it’s good for the environment.

24. Drink the tap water

Tap water is safe to drink in Scotland – and it’s delicious!

Not only is it more eco-friendly to fill a reusable water bottle , it’s also cheaper than buying plastic bottles or ordering drinks at restaurants. When you eat out, you can always ask for tap water, which usually comes without ice by default.

25. Choose draft beer at pubs

Local beers are often cheaper than imported beers, wine or spirits. Lager beer, such as Tennents, is usually more affordable than speciality ales or craft beers.

Cheap imported beers on draft include Amstel, Heineken and Fosters.

26. Ask for the malt of the month

Most pubs have a certain whisky on special offer – this is usually called the Malt of the Month. Many pubs advertise which one it is on a blackboard.

Planning a Budget-Friendly Itinerary & Activities

27. visit scotland in the off-season.

The busier summer months (May to August), as well as December around Christmas and Hogmanay, are generally more expensive for accommodation, activities and transport.

It can be much cheaper to travel Scotland during the off and shoulder season.

Read my tips for visiting Scotland in off-season .

28. Avoid tourist hotspots

If you visit during the summer, try to avoid popular areas that struggle with over-tourism – visit those in off-season instead to avoid the crowds and extortionate prices. This includes the Isle of Skye, Fort William and Edinburgh.

If you still want to visit these places, here are two tips: 1) book early and 2) stay longer (4+ nights) to explore more in-depth.

29. Go off the beaten track

Visit less known regions like Fife , Angus , Dumfries & Galloway , Aberdeenshire or the Speyside .

Overall they are usually cheaper than the more sought after destinations, but no less breathtaking.

Browse my ready-made Scotland itineraries for more ideas off the beaten path.

Find out how to choose the best Scotland itinerary for you!

30. Get heritage memberships

There are two large heritage organisations in Scotland and both offer memberships or attraction passes.

Historic Scotland offers an annual membership (£52.20) which includes popular castles such as Edinburgh, Urquhart and Stirling.

31. Get the Historic Scotland Explorer Pass

For a more short-term solution, get the Historic Scotland Explorer Pass from £35.

This pass gives you access to all Historic Environment Scotland sites over 7 consecutive days.

32. Visit free castles and attractions

There are countless historic attractions and castles all over Scotland that are free to visit. Most commonly these are ruined castles and outdoor sites such as standing stones, chambered cairns or brochs.

Stay away from privately owned castles – these are often very expensive to visit, which reflects the huge expense that goes into maintaining and upkeep these historic buildings.

33. A great alternative for the Jacobite Steam Train

If you want to ride a train over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, but the Jacobite Steam Train is fully booked (or the ticket simply too expensive), book the regular ScotRail train between Fort William and Mallaig. It uses the same tracks and you’ll enjoy the same views.

34. Go on a guided tour

There are lots of tour companies that offer guided tours around Scotland. Rabbie’s and Timberbush Tours are great value for money, and Haggis Adventures caters specifically to a budget backpacker audience.

They are great value for money because you get transport and live commentary from an experienced tour guide. Additionally, driver-guides always know alternative things to do if you’re not keen on the additional paid-for attractions en route.

Keep track of your travel memories with my Scotland Travel Journal !

Edinburgh on a Budget

35. visit mid-week.

Try to visit Edinburgh during the week if you can. Accommodation will be cheaper than on weekends.

36. Avoid August and December

Unless you come specifically for the Edinburgh Festivals, such as the Fringe, the Military Tattoo, or the Edinburgh Christmas markets, avoid the city in August and December. Accommodation prices during the festivals can be extortionate!

Alternatively, consider staying outside of Edinburgh during these times. Train & bus connections from Glasgow, Falkirk or Dunfermline are great. Find cheaper accommodation there & take public transport to Edinburgh.

37. Stay at an Edinburgh hostel

There are a number of budget-friendly hostels in Edinburgh. Castle Rock Hostel is a popular and cheap choice. CoDE Pod Hostels are not the cheapest, but a great budget option if you prioritise privacy.

Want more options? Check out my favourite accommodation in Edinburgh for every budget.

38. Join a free walking tour in Edinburgh

Sandemans is one of the most established providers of free walking tours around the world and covers a lot of ground in 2.5 hours. Note that this is a tips-based walking tour.

City Explorers offers 4 different free walking tours – a general Edinburgh tour, a tour around New Town, a ghost tour and a Harry Potter tour.

It is customary to make a donation to your guide at the end of a free tour.

You might also like: The best city tours in Edinburgh

Old Town view from Scott Monument in Edinburgh

39. There are a lot of free things to do in Edinburgh

Visit the National Museum of Scotland or the Royal Botanic Garden (although the glasshouses are not free). Climb Arthur Seat or Calton Hill. Explore the wynds and closes off the Royal Mile or soak up the local life in Leith.

Check out this list of free things to do in Edinburgh .

Extra tip: Don’t miss out on these Edinburgh museums, galleries and monuments off the beaten path!

40. Book advance tickets for attractions

Book tickets for popular attractions, such as Edinburgh Castle or the Palace of Holyroodhouse in advance. It will save you time and is usually cheaper than buying tickets at the door.

Get a skip-the-line ticket for Edinburgh Castle with a guided tour.

41. Budget-friendly restaurants in Edinburgh

My favourite affordable restaurants in Edinburgh are Civerinos (5 Hunter Square, Italian), Hula Juice Bar (103-105 W Bow, healthy food cafe) and I love browsing the “cheap” category on the Vegan Edinburgh website for new ideas.

Glasgow on a Budget

42. book a hostel in glasgow.

Glasgow has a range of budget-friendly hostels. The Tartan Lodge has a very good reputation and is super popular, but also check my favourite Glasgow accommodations for every budget!

43. Try free things to do in Glasgow

Check out my list of 45 free things to do in Glasgow – there is a lot to choose from! Most museums and historic sites are free to visit.

The Gallery of Modern Art and the Duke of Wellington statue in Glasgow.

44. Indulge in street food

Street food is very budget-friendly in Glasgow. Try a fish supper (= a chippy ), get a £3 falafel wrap at Falafel To Go on Hope Street, or pick up a lovely vegan burger at Platform market during the weekends.

You might also like: Vegan-friendly eateries in Glasgow

45. Budget-friendly restaurants in Glasgow

Some of my favourite budget restaurants in Glasgow are Ranjit’s Kitchen (607 Pollokshaws Rd, Panjabi / Indian), Bread Meats Bread (104 St Vincent St + 701 Great Western Rd, burgers), Paesano (94 Miller St + 471 Great Western Rd, pizza) and Yo! Sushi (85 W George St, Japanese).

Haggis or veggie haggis is usually a really cheap option, even at higher-end restaurants like the Ubiquitous Chip (Ashton Lane).

46. Make use of free club passes

During weekends, keep an eye out for promoters in the streets or in pubs, who are handing out free entry tickets for local clubs.

47. How to find cheaper taxis

Black cabs in Glasgow can be quite expensive. There is Uber in Glasgow, but I prefer booking with local companies like Network Private Hire or Hampden Cabs for the cheapest rates.

You might also like: 50 useful travel tips for Glasgow

More Money-saving Tips for Scotland

48. get cash at a cash machine (atm).

Exchanging foreign currency back home or at the airport can result in unnecessarily high fees. It’s better to use your ATM card at a local cash machine or compare the rates at exchange offices and banks in cities with lots of options.

49. Don’t tip unnecessarily high

Tipping is common in Scottish restaurants, but you don’t have to tip as much as you would in North America.

10% is an appropriate amount to tip your waiter in a sit-down restaurant/cafe with table service.

In pubs, when you buy your drinks at the bar, it is not necessary to tip and the same counts for taxi drivers. However, in both cases, tips for good service are very welcome. I’d usually tip £1 in a cab or bar.

50. Shop tax-free

You can buy tax-free goods from shops in Scotland, England and Wales if you have them delivered straight to an address outside the UK. Check with the retailer if they offer this service. Find out more here .

The best thing is, now that you know how to save money and avoid unnecessary expenses, you can start making decisions about which must-have experiences in Scotland you want to spend your money on instead!

Do you have any more tips for travelling Scotland on a budget?

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Learn how to travel Scotland on a budget! Visit Scotland without breaking the bank by following these 50 money-saving tips!

Planning a trip to Scotland?

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15 thoughts on “ Travel Scotland on a Budget: 50 Money-Saving Tips for Your Trip ”

Wo Wo!! I will have to keep this website as a favorite. We are going to Scotland(from New Mexico, USA) toward end of August and planning out trip. So much to think about, especially budget. We have 3 weeks there! Thank You for putting this together.

Hi Inez, thanks for taking the time to comment! I hope you’re having an amazing time planning your trip – that’s one of my favourite parts of travelling *haha* Budget is definitely important – you want to make sure to spend money on the right things, not waste it unnecessarily!

Great tips! I was in Scotland more than a decade ago and I can’t wait to go back. It’s always scared me a bit because of the pound to Canadian dollar conversion (we lose so much!) but these tips are very useful, thanks!

I feel like now is the best possible time to come though – the pound is so weak atm! I hope you get to come back soon 🙂

Love number 23 – I had no idea! These are all such great tips and I could somewhat cyncially add – don’t do a roadtrip with someone who a) does not drive and b) doesn’t pay his share of petrol 🙂

No, but seriously – next year is the year – Scotland, baby!

This is fantastic. I never thought of trying Visit Britain for a Scottish pass, great tip. Can i add that often I find Travelodge rooms can be cheaper than hostels for a family of 4. They don’t have the unique personality but in terms of saving dosh it can be a fantastic option, and you know what to expect.

I live so close and I can’t believe I haven’t explored Scotland more! These tips are great!!

Great article. I never realise Scotland had Bothies. We’ve always wanted to visit Isle of Skye but were put off by the expensive accommodation. Roughing it sounded too much but if there’s shelter at least then it might be a much better option 🙂

Yeah, they’re a great in-between option, but they are also equipped very basic – for most you will still have to bring your own wood or coal for the fire, a stove for cooking and of course a sleeping bag and mat. The Bothy Bible which is linked in the article lists what is there and what isn’t for every bothy in Scotland! Hope you get to try it one day!

I love articles like these – you’ve put to much work into this and all these tips are very practical and helpful. I think BlaBlaCar is a great way to get around, save money, and meet locals. I also would love to visit Scotland again so I am saving this 🙂

I used BlaBlaCar so much when I lived in Berlin and went home to Vienna often, or when my ex-partner lived in Munich – it wasn’t the fastest way, but so cheap! It’s fun to meet people!

Such an exhaustive post with so many great tips for sticking to a budget in Scotland – love the post!

Fantastic post! So many great tips here, will definitely be saving this for the next time I head up north! Thanks for sharing.

SUCH valuable advice! Love wild camping but had no idea about staying in a bothy – such a cool idea and even better it’s free! So many great tips here.

It’s actually still on my bucket list, but it’s such a cheap way of spending a night in the mountains! My friend did it a lot during her hike on the Scottish National Trail and met some really nice people along the way!

How To Travel To Scotland On A Budget (Written By A Scot!)

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Scotland is one of the best countries to travel to if you’re seeking a culture and history filled venture. From its castles to its cobbled streets, Scotland is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the entire world. But how can one travel Scotland on a budget ?

As Scotland is such a popular tourist destination it can also be quite expensive, particularly during certain times and in certain areas. There are, however, a lot of reasonably priced options for you to choose from and things you can do to make it as easy on the bank as possible. You just need a bit of travel advice, and especially if you’re traveling to Scotland for the first time!

Here’s how you can travel Scotland on a budget :

Getting There

Depending on where you’re traveling from it can be really expensive to travel to Scotland, however, a lot of the budget airlines travel there from European countries.

Even if you have to fly into another part of Scotland, Edinburgh and Glasgow tend to be the cheapest options, and getting a bus at the end to your actual destination could be a lot more cost effective than paying extra for a second flight. Megabus is a brilliant method for cheap travel in the UK, so they are worth a look.

Travel Whilst You’re There

Although travelling around Scotland by car is a lot of fun (check out this awesome Scottish road trip here ), if you’re working on a tight budget, stick to public transport.

Taxi costs will add up to a very expensive trip, as mentioned above use Megabus to travel from city to city, but when you’re in those cities use their buses, trams and undergrounds instead of spending a fortune on other travel options, I would even suggest going to a travel center and getting a travel bus pass in the places that provide it (such as Edinburgh) as they also give you discount options for restaurants and attractions.

If you go when there is warm weather you could even rent a bike , it works out much cheaper than any other transport option.

When heading to the islands like Orkney or Shetland you’ll probably find yourself traveling by boat, it’s an amazing experience traveling to these islands and I would 100% recommend it. This can be slightly more expensive than the options listed above, but if you book ahead you’re likely to find a better deal.

Generally, as with most holidays, you’re better to go when the schools are in term (see when the Scottish schools are in term here ). All your travel, accommodation and general price options will be cheaper due to them not expecting as many people traveling during that time.

This rules out the Summer, which could work in your favor if you’re not a fan of crowds, but still enjoy doing the more touristy things. Bear in mind though that if you’re visiting the bigger cities in Scotland you are likely to encounter a lot of tourists, especially in places like Edinburgh , Glasgow and Inverness.

August/September time in Scotland tends to be hectic because of the Edinburgh Fringe. Unless that’s the reason you’re traveling to Scotland, avoid those months because even the cities outside of Edinburgh get a higher level of tourists at that time and all the accommodation options skyrocket.

I’d say the best time to go if you’re looking to save money is from January to April time. If you travel in the Spring you’re likely to get nice weather, avoid the crowds and save your money.

Where To Go

There are many bargain breaks in Scotland. These are usually the lesser-known cities (i.e. not Edinburgh, Glasgow or Inverness) and include Aberdeen , Perth and Stirling (which has actually been shown to be the cheapest city in all of the UK !)

In general, Northern Scotland is cheaper than Southern Scotland since a lot of the tourist attractions there are free. You will also usually find that the food is a bit cheaper too.

Belgium’s Best Kept Secret Is Jaw-Droppingly Pretty

Accommodation.

Avoid hotels. This is something I always recommend when traveling because they cost so much. If you are looking to save look at Bed-And-Breakfasts or Hostels in bigger cities as a cheaper alternative.

Often bed-and-breakfasts are a great way to connect with the local community and they are sometimes run by locals to the place they’re in so they can give you the best advice for things to do around the city/town etc.

Hostels are a brilliant option, and no you don’t have to be a young backpacker to use them, nor do you absolutely HAVE to share a room. They have private rooms available in most hostels, and although you’d have to share your bathroom and kitchen area it could be a viable option if you’re planning on traveling to Scotland for quite some time. You’ll meet a lot of amazing people, share travel stories and save money whilst doing it.

Another option for the more adventurous is to go wild camping , this is possible because, in Scotland, they passed the “ Freedom to Roam ” act in 2003. This will save you a lot of money on accommodation.

Finally, another option would be to do a house sit . This is a great way to save money and you’re also helping other people out! You can check out available house sits here .

Don’t bother with the large chain restaurants if you want to save money. Scotland is really good at pub food at a decent price and you can definitely find a Wetherspoons (£5.99 for a meal and a drink—bargain!) in almost all the bigger places. This also gives you a good feel of Scottish culture.

If you’re visiting a smaller place try and find a small independent restaurant as they don’t need to hike their prices up the same way that chain restaurants do.

If you’re staying somewhere with a kitchen, find a supermarket and get your own food in, not every meal when traveling has to be an outing, although it might be nicer to go out, it will eat into a large part of your travel budget.

However, the food in Scotland is great, so if you REALLY have to spend a bit more on the food here, we’ll let you off!

It might be tempting to visit the zoos, paid castles and museums, but Scotland offers so many free options. Find the free museums, art galleries and visit castle ruins.

If you really want to do one of the touristy things then budget for it and put money aside at the start of the trip so you don’t touch it.

There are so many beaches, waterfalls, and cliff walks in Scotland, seek them out as they are free and the views are absolutely breathtaking. Scotland offers free walking tours in many places, they normally take a couple of hours and will give you a better insight of the history, culture and architecture of Scotland. Once again, these are mostly available in the larger cities.

Look For Vouchers And Book Ahead

When you’re booking your travel, accommodation or thinking about where to eat, turn to the internet. One of the best things the internet can provide you is money off the things you do.

If you find an online voucher but don’t want to use up your data, almost everywhere you go has free WiFi available, however in certain areas you might not have any way of reaching them, so ask locals where you can print it off. This can be especially helpful when booking accommodation and travel options though.

If you do want to do any of the big touristy things I would book ahead, especially if you see a deal. A lot of these places have special deals you can only get by booking online.

Booking ahead also means that all the money you have with you is yours for food, drink, presents and emergencies.

How Much Does It Cost To Go To Scotland For A Week?

We calculate that a trip to Southern Scotland for a week (minus plane tickets) will cost around £250-£400 (which is about $325-$520).

This is assuming that you are visiting the tourist options, going sightseeing, using Airbnb , hostels or Bed-And-Breakfasts, and eating out at a few restaurants and cafés.

Northern Scotland will be a bit cheaper since, as already mentioned above, a lot of the tourist attractions there are free.

You probably could do it even cheaper than this, but this should give you a general guideline to a Scotland trip cost.

Ready to travel Scotland on a budget ? Go for it! Know any more budget travel tips? Comment below! I hope you found this blog useful!

Suggested next reading: 8 Magical Places In Scotland Totally Worth Visiting

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Published by Jodie Paterson

Jodie Paterson is a 22-year-old blogger from Aberdeen, Scotland who is passionate about blogging, writing, social media and photography. She has been blogging for over 4 years and has recently ventured into freelance writing. View all posts by Jodie Paterson

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Thank you! This is amazingly helpful. I can’t wait for my first trip to Scotland this summer! Although, I now realize I probably should have booked for Spring:)

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How to Travel Scotland on a Budget

Categories Scotland

It’s entirely possible to plan a trip to Scotland on a budget.

Table of Contents

I’m often travelling the length of the country for work and for pleasure, and I’ve ticked many Scotland destinations off my bucket list. I’m a budget-conscious traveller; I want to save money whenever I can, and use these savings to pay for amazing experiences.

And here’s the truth: a trip to Scotland can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be.

In this article, I’m spilling my best money-saving secrets; I’m going to show you exactly how you can travel Scotland on a budget. I’ve also asked some other Scotland travel experts for their best advice on budget travel in Scotland.

I’ve even broken down my travel costs around Scotland for you to give you a good idea of how much you’ll spend on a visit to Scotland. I’ve priced everything in GBP and USD, as that is where the vast majority of my audience is from.

Now, let’s get into it!

Travel Scotland on a budget: How to find cheap flights to Scotland

I’ve previously worked as a travel agent, and I can tell you, booking through a travel agency usually isn’t the cheapest way to book flights. Travel agents often add a hidden fee and are encouraged to hide this fee from customers (around 5-15% of the total booking price), but there is a way to get around the system and still get the cheapest price possible.

Most travel agencies have a price match or price beat option. This means that if you are quoted a better price or find cheaper flights online, they’ll either beat or match that price.

One of the perks of booking with a travel agent is they can deal with the airline on your behalf if there are any changes to your flights or if they’re cancelled.

I highly recommend that if you book your flights online- book directly with the airline.

Booking with third-party websites is much more risky now, and if your booking is directly with the airline you only have to adhere to one set of terms and conditions.

So how can you find the cheapest flights? I recommend using Skyscanner . I love this website as it is the most reliable airline comparison site out there. It not only gives you the cheapest flight price, but it gives you the fastest travel options, because let’s face it, time is money.

Search for flights in and out of different airports. In Scotland search for flights to Edinburgh , Glasgow and Inverness . Also, search for flights out of the different airports near you.

Another tip is to look at both one-way and return tickets. The rule of thumb is that return tickets are cheaper, however, sometimes you can break your trip down into several one-way tickets which will save you money.

For example, when I moved to the UK from Canada, I booked two one-way tickets (Kelowna to Toronto with Canada Air, and Toronto to London with West Jet). This cost me less than $200USD, vs $500USD if I had booked it all on one ticket. Just ensure you allow plenty of layover time in between your flights (I allowed myself 8 hours and got lots of work done at the airport) and have travel insurance in case your first flight is delayed and you miss the second.

You’ll also need to be aware that many travel agencies will only beat or match prices departing from the country they are in, so this trick may not work if you decide to book via a travel agent.

As I mentioned before, book directly with the airline if you choose to book your own flights .

Getting Around: Budget Transport in Scotland

Budget car hire to travel Scotland on a budget

Hiring a car in Scotland allows you to get off the beaten path and visit many of the free attractions.

Car Hire in Scotland

It is totally worth hiring a car if you’re visiting Scotland- you’ll get to see so much more! There are over 1500 castles in Scotland, so you won’t need to drive far to discover ancient castle ruins (with many of these being free to visit).

For car hire, I use Auto Europe , a car rental comparison site (similar to Skyscanner ). I used Auto Europe to hire a car on my recent trip to Ireland and they were fantastic. I was able to secure a great rate that included insurance, so all I had to do was pick up my car from the airport when I arrived.

Read More: 50 Travel Tips for Scotland

One thing to always check in the fine print is the excess. In the UK and Ireland, the excess can be expensive- so ensure you have that amount on your credit card, as it will be blocked off when you pick up your rental car.

Something else to consider is the cost of fuel. If you’re visiting Scotland from Canada or the USA, you may be disappointed with the fuel costs here. As I write this in 2023, the cost for petrol/gas is sitting at around £1.39 per litre ($1.79 USD).

Personally I’ve found fuel to be a little cheaper in the bigger cities such as Edinburgh , Glasgow and Inverness . So if you’re going on a day trip from a city, fill up before you leave!

If you’re wanting to explore and save on accommodation, you could even hire a campervan or take a tent with you for some wild camping.

>> Read more: Common questions about visiting Scotland answered

Angela and Graham from Mowgli Adventures recommend making the most of Scotland’s stunning scenery and parking up in one of the many free overnight parking spots available throughout the country.

”There are many places in Scotland where overnight parking/camping is allowed, free of charge. So if you’re travelling in a camper van or motorhome, you can park and have free accommodation. Just make sure you park responsibly!”

Public transport in Scotland

It’s easy to find great deals on transport in Scotland, but you do need to know where to look for deals. Aga from Worldering Around recommends making the most of cheap bus fares using Megabus.

” Megabus often has bus tickets for only £1 to various places in Scotland and below the border.”

I’ve personally paid only £5 for a Megabus from London to Dundee. It did take 12 hours, but I got lots of work done so it flew by.

+ Read more: 50+ places on my Scotland bucket list

Local buses in Edinburgh and Glasgow are also fantastic. To explore Edinburgh by bus you can purchase an all-day ticket with Lothian Buses for only £5. In Glasgow, you can get a day pass with First Buses for £5. Tickets can be purchased on board, but make sure you have the correct change as most buses in Scotland only accept cash and don’t give out change.

Catching the train is another great way to travel in Scotland. Most rail services in Scotland are operated by Scotrail .

It only costs £14.90 for a return ticket with Scotrail from Edinburgh to Glasgow, and vice versa. You can travel anytime during the day, and you can purchase your tickets at the train station (it’s not cheaper to buy this ticket online).

On the Scotrail website, you can check for the next train times too, which is super helpful if you’re booking last minute.

If you’re travelling further afield it may pay to book in advance online. Compare prices with both Scotrail and Trainline . Occasionally Trainline has cheaper prices.

For adventurous souls, hitch-hiking is a common mode of transport, especially in the Highlands, says Aga.

”You’ll get to meet local people and learn more about the country this way. Always keep safety in mind, and don’t get into a car with someone who makes you feel uncomfortable.”

When I hiked the length of Scotland in 2018, I successfully hitchhiked a few times in the north-west Highlands, due to their limited transport options.

Read more: 10 Must-Sees in Scotland You Can’t Miss

Finding accommodation at the best price

Standing in front of Blair Castle in Blair Atholl

Marvelling at the beautiful (and massive) Blair Castle

When it comes to accommodation, there are two types of budget travellers:

The budget-conscious backpacker who will do anything to save a penny. They’re happy with sharing a room with strangers in a hostel and cooking their own meals vs eating out.
The sophisticated budget traveller, who likes having a private hotel room, but wants to get it at the cheapest rate possible.

When I first arrived in Scotland I fell into the first category. I always booked the cheapest hostel I could find, made an effort to go to the cheapest supermarket, and refused to pay more than £10 for a meal.

Then when I turned 30, I started to crave more comfort; I no longer wanted to share a room with strangers, and I just wanted to eat delicious food without feeling guilty about spending too much. However, the budget-conscious part of me still wanted to book a hotel for the cheapest price possible.

Whatever type of budget traveller you are, I’ll cover both options.

How to find the cheapest hotels in Scotland

If you want to book accommodation for the cheapest price, it does require a bit of clicking about on the internet.

I always check the price of hotels on Booking.com and Hotels.com. From experience, these are the two booking sites that are generally the cheapest.

I’ll also go directly to the hotels website to check if it is cheaper there too. Be sure to check if breakfast is included on each booking site. Occasionally the price will be the same on two websites, but one will include breakfast!

If booking through a travel agent, you can also use the same method I mentioned before when booking flights. Find the best price and take the printed copy to your travel agent.

You’ll also want to use an incognito browser when looking for hotels online.

Perth, Scotland

Fortunately, many hostels throughout Scotland offer comfortable, affordable accommodation. I’ve stayed in over 30 hostels across Scotland, and I really rate the Hostelling Scotland properties (Disclosure: I’ve worked on campaigns with them before, however, I was not paid to say this- this is just my honest opinion!).

The reason I like their hostels is because their standard is consistent, and each of the hostels has their own individual charm. They’re also not party hostels, and many make a great base for some hiking.

Some of my favourite hostels in Scotland are:

Castle Rock Hostel in Edinburgh (this is one of Scotland’s top rated hostels and it’s located fabulously right next to Edinburgh Castle)
Loch Ossian Youth Hostel in Rannoch Moor (read about my stay here )
Portree Youth Hostel in the Isle of Skye (read about my stay here )
Achmelvich Beach Youth Hostel (right next to Achmelvich Beach!)
Torridon Youth Hostel in Torridon (a great hiking base)
Gairloch Sands Youth Hostel in Gairloch (only a short walk from the beach)

You can book hostels via Hostelworld or Booking.com .

If you’re into camping, Darren & Lauren from Faramagan suggest making the most of the Freedom to Roam act :

”Although there are many reasons to visit Scotland, one of the best reasons is the ‘Freedom To Roam’ Act because it can save you some serious money during your visit.

The Freedom To Roam act essentially gives everyone the right to access all land throughout Scotland. This doesn’t just mean an abundance of free hikes, walks and beaches but the ability to camp wherever you wish (within reason). This means you can fall asleep on the banks of a beautiful loch, or wake up to the sunrise on one of Scotland’s white sandy beaches. Simply pack a tent and some (very warm) clothing and you’re good to go!”

I love my 2-man tent from Mountain Warehouse which is only $60 USD. There is also a 3-man version for $80 USD. This tent lasted incredibly well when I hiked the Scottish National Trail last year, and it’s still going strong!

If you’re into the outdoors, I recommend spending a night in a Scottish mountain bothy. A bothy is essentially a basic shelter, and to reach them usually requires a short or long hike. Best of all the Mountain Bothies Association’s bothies are completely free to stay in!

You will need to bring your camping essentials such as a sleeping pad, sleeping bag, pillow, food and water, because the facilities are very basic. Many bothies also have a fireplace, just make sure you bring your own firewood and a lighter. For some inspiration, check out my 10 favourite bothies here .

Spending a night in a Scottish bothy is a magical experience that all outdoor lovers should enjoy at least once.

Wild camping in Scotland is free and one of the most amazing experiences you can have!

How to eat on a budget

There is a saying in Scotland- if the sun is shining, get outside. Suzanne from Meandering Wild recommends rather than eating out at an expensive cafe, have a picnic lunch.

”It’s much nicer to find a beautiful landscape and enjoy it while you eat. If you’re in a city, most Scottish cities have fantastic green spaces, so make the most of them. Most villages have a small shop with fresh produce so you can still make it local if you want to avoid supermarkets. Always remember to always take any litter out with you.”

So where should you shop? There are a variety of supermarkets and convenience stores throughout Scotland. Some are cheaper than others, however. Aldi and Lidl are the cheapest supermarkets in Scotland , however, they are smaller and aren’t the best stocked.

Head to these supermarkets first to grab what you can, and if you need anything extra, go to some of the larger brands, such as ASDA or Morrisons. Both ASDA and Morrisons carry everything (ASDA is like the Walmart of Scotland) and sit in the low-medium price range. If you are short on time, head to one of these supermarkets- they’ll have everything you need.

Marks and Spencer (M&S) and Waitrose are the most expensive supermarkets in Scotland. Only shop here if you’re wanting to treat yourself, or any of the previous options aren’t available.

Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Co-op stores are convenience stores in Scotland. You’ll find at least one of these in most small villages, and they’re very common in cities. Of the three, Sainsbury’s is the most expensive, followed by Co-op and then Tesco. All three have good meal deals and are great places to stop to grab some lunch.

If you want to eat out, Kay from The Chaotic Scot says to look out for set lunch menus.

”If you’re a foodie, eating out in Scotland can put a decent dent in your daily budget. Lots of restaurants offer excellent value lunch menus, however, so you can have a high-quality meal for a fraction of the price. Always check the website for a set menu before you jump in and make a dinner reservation. Basically, eat lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper!”

When eating out, allow £8-£20 / $ 10-$25 USD per meal.

Saving money on activities, tours and festivals

I always recommend to anyone visiting Scotland to purchase a Historic Scotland Explorer Pass. With this pass you can get into 70 attractions and 400 daytime events all across Scotland for free.

If you’re planning on visiting attractions around Scotland such as Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle, you can pay this pass off pretty quickly. Plus you get to skip the lines at these castles and receive a 20% discount at their gift shops and 10% off at their cafes.

I have an annual Historic Scotland membership and it’s fantastic! They created the Explorer Pass for visitors to Scotland, and you can purchase a 5 day pass for £35 or a 14 day pass for £45. They also do family passes. All passes are consecutive.

You can also purchase a National Trust of Scotland membership . The idea is the same as the Explorer Pass, however, it doesn’t have as many properties on it. Simply check the NTS website to see what attractions you can visit to see if it’s worth the investment.

One of the most popular times to visit Edinburgh is during the Fringe Festival in August, however this is not a cheap time to visit. Gemma from Two Scots Abroad has this amazing hack:

”Accommodation prices triple, bars are open later so there is more time to party, and tickets in multiples don’t tickle the wallet! However, there is a winning budget tip – arrive early! Attend the Fringe during the first week to enjoy the 2-4-1 cheap seats and support the acts as they warm up the stage. There are also many free shows you can see, however tipping is expected.”

Nikki from Yorkshire Wonders also recommends signing up to discount websites.

”Sign up to Groupon, Wowcher, Living Social sites before you go as they often have great deals on tours and activities, restaurants, and hotels. You can see what is popular and save a great deal of money this way.”

Summary of the average cost of travelling in Scotland

Hotel (per night): £60-£100 / $100-$125USD

Hostel (per night): £11-£20 / $14-$25USD

Campsites (per night): £5-£10 / $6-$12USD

Bothies (Mountain Bothy Association): Free!

Fuel (per litre): £1.25 / $1.50USD

Eating out (per meal, in Edinburgh & Glasgow): £8-£25 / $10-$31USD

*Please note, these prices are from my personal experience of travelling around Scotland, and prices may vary from place to place, especially during the summer months where prices increase.

Do you have a tip on how to travel Scotland on a budget? Leave a comment below.

PIN FOR LATER

Are you traveling to Scotland? Read my travel Scotland on a budget guide before you go. You'll learn how to book cheap flights to Scotland, how to save on Scotland accommodation, and what the best options for budget transportation in Scotland. Don’t forget to save this to your travel board so you can find it later! #travelingtoscotland #scotlandonabudget #visitingscotland

what to do if the jacobite steam train isn't running

Saturday 10th of February 2024

My friend and I will be visiting Scotland this July after walking Herriot’s Way. Looking forward to reading your tips and travel suggestions to help make this an unforgettable adventure!

Suzanne Rutherford

Saturday 3rd of February 2024

Amazingly excited to have the opportunity to visit Scotland from Australia 🇦🇺 the only place to visit and the only place on my bucket list. I can hardly wait to celebrate a milestone, In our lifetime sharing with my besty we both have some celebrating to do Rozzy will be 80 and I will be 70. So excited, just can't wait to experience the charm and magic the history the amazing sights not to forget mention the many locals who will share their stories with us. So watch out Scotland two bonnie lassy's will be seeking out an amazing time late August Suzanne & Rozzy 🥰💞💫💦💭🌞☔️

Wednesday 4th of November 2020

For flights to and from Scotland. Have you ever tried hopupon.com? Finds stopovers that can save you money on your way to Scotland. Let me know if you try it.

Yvette Webster

Thursday 12th of November 2020

I can't say I've tried that company- I tend to research routes myself and use Skyscanner

Saturday 4th of July 2020

Taking a family trip in June 2021 (hopefully) -husband & 2 teenage boys total of 4 of us. Can't wait! I'm trying to plan myself.....

Michael J Ashburn

Monday 26th of August 2019

Family trip in September. Saw your post on a Scotland travel FB group. Got the family Explorer Pass. Excellent Idea!! Thank you for all your insight.

How to Travel Scotland on a Budget: 35 Money-Saving Tips

The great thing about travelling to Scotland is that there is a way to go anywhere and everywhere on a budget and without breaking the bank. Even the places that are known for being a little more pricey, such as Edinburgh or Skye, can be done in a cheaper way.

However, there are some places that are cheaper than others. For instance, Glasgow as a city tends to be less expensive than Edinburgh, so it might be a good idea to seek accommodation in Glasgow and visit Edinburgh as a day trip, or perhaps spend only one night there. The same logic can be applied to visiting the islands, which can often be pricier than places on the mainland.

Much of this depends on when it is that you travel. Inevitably peak seasons will see a spike in prices of plane fairs, accommodation and even food, drink and tourist attractions. For this reason, if you are looking to save money then the best thing to do is to travel between the months of October and May, as June to September is when you could expect to see those price increases.

Disclaimer: Hi! this post may contain affiliate links which will take you to online retailers that sell products and services. If you click on one and buy something, I may earn a commission, see my Affiliate Disclosure for more details.

Getting Around: Budget Transport in Scotland

Buses instead of trains.

One unfortunate reality of travelling in Scotland is that train travel is rather expensive, and can significantly increase the cost of your trip if you do it regularly enough.

A great alternative to taking trains is to take buses instead. The best option is the budget bus company Megabus , offering tickets at a fraction of the price of a train. For even cheaper fares, book in advance on the Megabus website. This means booking a specific bus at a specific time, but cuts the price even further!

Off-Peak Trains

Booking train tickets in advance will save you a ton of money. There are different types of tickets that you can buy:

Advance (where you can save the most money) – With the advance tickets, you need to travel at the exact time and on the train stated on the ticket. These only go on sale 12 weeks before your intended travel date.
Off Peak – cheaper tickets than any time and allow you to travel any time off-peak. There may be restrictions on routes so double check beforehand.
Anytime – this ticket gives you the ability to travel anytime and will be the most expensive ticket available.
Group tickets – if there is more of you travelling and these can be cheaper than the advance ticket.

ScotRail is the official train provider for most national travel, however, some of the stream trains or trains from other parts of the UK cross into Scotland.

You can use Trainline to find the best ticket for your trip. They also have other information like live train times so you can track if there are any delays or what platform your train is leaving from.

Scotrail Travel Passes

Consider getting the spirit of Scotland travel pass which includes travel on trains, buses, coaches and ferries.

There are two passes to choose from, four days unlimited travel over eight consecutive days or eight days unlimited travel over fifteen consecutive days. Find out more on ScotRail’s website.

Consider getting a railcard if you’re under 30, over 60, travel as a family, travel as a couple, or have a registered disability. Railcards give 1/3 off Anytime, Off-Peak and Advance fares which are perfect if you plan on travelling Scotland by rail!

Even if you don’t live in the UK or not a British citizen you can still buy a railcard if you meet all the criteria. The best way is by buying online and downloading the digital rail app on your phone. When buying you will be provided instructions on how to do this.

If the system has an issue with your non-UK postcode then use EC1A 4HD, it’s the Rail Delivery Group’s postcode that runs the RailCards. At the payment stage, you can select your correct nationality then enter the correct postcode for your billing address.

Any other issues like invalid passport will be on the railcards website FAQ.

Once purchase you will be able to buy discounted tickets through approved suppliers like Trainline.

Subway and Local Buses

Modern-double-deck-bus-operated-by-Lothian-busses-in-the-centre-of-Edinburgh-Scotland

For travelling around local areas, there are budget options available as well. In Glasgow, the underground will take you almost anywhere you need to go in the city, and a day pass is just £4 (5-6 US dollars), which you can use as many times as you like throughout the day. If you need to get somewhere outside of the route of the underground, there are also excellent local train services in Glasgow that are inexpensive.

In Edinburgh, the local buses will take you anywhere in the city, and use a ‘tap in’ contactless system. That means that if you tap your card whenever you get on a bus, you will automatically be capped at the cost of a Day Pass (£4.50) after tapping three times. Similar to Glasgow’s underground, this means you can travel the entire city at this cost, no matter where you are going!

How to Explore Scotland Without a Car has more tips on how you can see Scotland with transport.

Local Taxi Companies

Rather than using the standard Black Cabs that can be found in all the major cities in the country, try using local taxi services instead, as they work out much cheaper.

Glasgow – Network Taxis
Edinburgh – Capital Cars
Aberdeen – Rainbow City Taxis
Dundee – Dundee Taxis

Car Hire in Scotland

Our rental car on the road with the Highlands in the background.

I always use car aggregators like Rental Car or Sky Scanner to find the cheapest cars or check my credit card for any offers for my road trips. Once I have a list of options I’ll either book the best-priced option or call those car companies to see if they can offer any other deals.

Things to watch out when booking a car:

Additional drivers will always drive up the price of car hire so if you are travelling with other people and wish to share the driving you can expect that to add an extra £8 to £10 a day.
Read the small print on whether the car company accepts third party assurance as this can save you. If you can use third party insurance then this can save you additional money if you want more coverage.
Where you rent the car will affect the price, normally renting within the cities like Edinburg or Glasgow can cost you more money than slightly outside of the city.

Visiting for a Month? Save on Long Term Car Rental

When I did my Great British Road Trip over the summer I used Europcar’s long rental option which gave us the car for half the price for 28 days, unlimited drivers and delivered to my door! This is a perfect way to save on the cost of renting a car and you can still get the long term hire if you’re visiting from overseas. Just pick it up at the closest location.

Here are some road trip ideas for your Scottish adventures:

Road Trip From London to Edinburgh: East and West Routes
10 Scenic Places to Visit in Scotland by Car (That You’ll Love)
Best of Scottish Highlands: 7 Day Itinerary

Fill-up at Supermarket Petrol Stations

Asda, Morrisons, Sainsburys, Tesco etc. will all offer cheaper petrol by some margin. If you stop at any of the petrol stations along the motorway you could easily see prices increased by 10 to 20 pence per litre! By searching for these petrol stations you’ll easily find savings.

Pre-Book Parking

Sometimes you can get better deals on parking if you pre-book. Use websites like Your Parking Space or Just Park to find any deals to save you money. I use this for when I park in cities as this is where the money adds up if your accommodation doesn’t offer cheap or free parking.

Download these apps before hitting the road; Just Park, Pay by Phone and Ring Go. They were by far the most frequent ones I encountered.

Save on Scotland Accommodation

Book your Accommodation well in Advance

Affordable accommodation books out well in advance, especially if you’re visiting in the summer months. Once you’ve confirmed your dates look at booking your accommodation shortly after so you get the best deals. Having cancellation options will give you the freedom to cancel if you need to re-arrange your travel.

Stay Outside of the City Centre

The best way to find cheap accommodation is to look outside of the central areas of any given place. Staying where other tourists tend to stay will almost always mean that there is a price increase, which can be easily avoided by researching areas a little outside of the centre of a city or town.

Like many other European countries, Airbnb is extremely popular in Scotland, particularly in the summer months as many Scots prefer to leave the business of the Fringe Festival and other tourist attractions, and instead rent out their home at this time. The great thing about Airbnb is that the properties tend to be cheaper than on other booking sites which can be a huge money saver during busy times like the Edinburgh festival or Hogmanay.

Bothies are a little known hidden gem of Scotland and make the perfect accommodation for those who love the outdoors and are travelling on a budget. Bothies are normally situated in the Scottish mountains and require a hike to get there – some longer than others, and are a simple, basic shelter. The great thing about bothies is that they are entirely free to stay in, making them the perfect budget travel option.

To stay in a bothy, you do need to be slightly more prepared, as they are very basic and do not have amenities. This means bringing sleeping materials, food and water just like one would if they were camping. Some of them even have fireplaces, so be sure to bring wood and a lighter if that is the case. Staying in a bothy is a wonderful experience for any outdoor lover!

Find more about bothies here.

There are many great hostel options all over Scotland which offer highly comfortable and very affordable options for accommodation on your travels. The best thing about hostels is that they can even allow you to stay right in the centre of a popular city or town, at a fraction of the price of a hotel in those given areas.

The standard of hotels across the country also tends to be fairly consistent in terms of standards, meaning that you do not have to sacrifice your comfort in order to save money.

Student Accommodation

Some of the universities will rent out the student accommodation and this can offer a cheap way to stay in the cities. This is mainly during the uni holidays so Christmas (December, January), Easter (March, April) and summer (June, July, August, September).

University Rooms – Broker for handling short-term stays at many colleges and universities in the U.K.
Budgetstayuk – Offers accommodation for five universities in Edinburgh.

Camping offers perhaps one of the most budget-friendly ways to travel all around Scotland. Many official campsites allow for you to stay there for as little as £5 each per night, bringing the cost in at much less than even a hostel could offer.

Even better still, in Scotland, you can make use of the Freedom to Roam act and save a lot of money on your trip. The act means that all land is accessible to anyone in the country, which isn’t just great for walks and hikes but also for camping anywhere you like.

Anyone camping in Scotland can pitch a tent in any non-closed off area and not pay even a penny to do so – this is, without a doubt, the most cost-effective way to see rural Scotland.

Eat in pubs

A great part of Scottish culture is that almost every pub serves food as well as drinks. This does not mean that there are simply bar snacks available, but more often than not that there will be a full menu available, often a similar sized one to an actual restaurant, with a huge selection of different starters, mains and desserts. The great thing about this is that the meals in pubs are normally a fraction of the price of a meal in a restaurant, with main courses usually ranging from £7 to £10 on average.

Make Your Own Food

Supermarkets are a great way to save on food and I frequently create a picnic or cook my own food. The cheapest stores to purchase food at are Aldi and Lidl. Asda, Tesco and Sainsbury being your mid-range store, normally where I shop. Marks and Spencers (M&S) or Waitrose are on the high-end.

Meal deals are available at some supermarkets where you can normally pick up a sandwich, drink and crisp for £3. If you have a kitchen at your accommodation then there are also dinner meal deals options like stirfry deal or ready meals.

Tap Water = Free

Something that is important to remember in terms of saving money is that tap water is entirely free and safe to drink across Scotland, meaning that purchasing any drinking water at all is unnecessary. Cafes, restaurants and bars will be happy to refill personal drinking bottles with tap water, and ordering it in a restaurant is also free.

Drinking local, Scottish beer in bars and pubs while in Scotland is by far the cheapest option when buying alcohol on your trip, and this is no bad thing. There is a whole variety of Scottish beer to choose from and much of it is excellent. While the prices of even local beers vary depending on where you go, you can certainly bring the price down by a couple of pounds just by choosing something local.

Here are some of the more affordable local beers to go for:

Tennents (a local favourite)
Innis and Gunn (a craft favourite)
WEST (for german beer lovers)
Brewdog (technically they are a big brewery now but they started as craft beer and originated in Scotland)

Malt of the Month

If it’s whisky you are looking to try, there is even an affordable way to do that. As with other spirits, drinking whisky regularly can be expensive, especially when you aren’t sure what the affordable options are.

A great way around this is to opt for a Malt of the Month. The majority of Scottish pubs, particularly the smaller ones and ones in the rural highlands, will have offers and specials where a type of whisky is less expensive than usual. This is also a great way to try different types of whisky while you are in the famous drink’s home!

Street Food

Street food is massively popular in larger Scottish towns and cities and is a super affordable way to eat out. Fish and chips is the best example of this, with a ‘fish supper’ coming in at around £5 normally, but there are many other types too; falafel is very popular in Edinburgh and Glasgow, as are kebabs.

It is important to remember to tip when eating out in Scotland, but it is also important not to over-tip, or tip unnecessarily if you are trying to save money.

It is customary when at a restaurant to tip 10% of what the total bill came to; it is not necessary to tip more than this. If you find that there is a service charge added to your bill then that is the tip so don’t add more to this unless you are impressed with the service.

Furthermore, in Scotland, it is not expected that you tip bartenders or delivery people – you can of course do so if you wish, but if you are trying to save money then remember it is not necessary.

Lunch Deals

If you are a foodie, and do want to eat out in restaurants while you are away, then the best way to do this on a budget is to look for lunch deals, which make eating out a far more budget-friendly option.

It is common for restaurants to offer a limited menu of two or three courses for a reduced price during certain hours of the day. Be sure to research this before heading out to a restaurant to eat, to be sure that you are getting the best price.

Save Money On Scotland’s Tourist Attractions

Historic scotland explorer pass.

Historic Scotland Explorer Pass is a great way to save money on attractions. It allows groups and individuals to discover over 70 places in Scotland. For each day that a pass is valid, you can visit as many locations as you like – for no additional cost.

Historic Scotland also offer a yearly membership if you live here.

National Trust Membership

National Trust membership is perfect if you’re planning to visit a lot of the sights included within the trust. From coastlines to castles, art to architecture, wildlife to wilderness, there is something for everyone.

If you’re living in the UK then consider a yearly membership as you will get free or concessionary entry to places owned by National Trust organisations including in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Not only does this save you money at each individual place it includes parking!

Find out more about the National Trust Membership here .

Day’s Out Guide

Days Out Guide is a great way to save money on attractions in Scotland if you’re travelling there by train or hold a train ticket (i.e. London to Edinburgh). It offers 2 for 1 price for various attractions. To be able to use the deal you need to book the vouchers online or visit a rail station for the voucher (it needs to be a physical copy) and have a National Rail ticket for each person.

Walking Tours

A walking tour is a great way to get the feel of any city, from someone who lives there themselves. A tour will normally take you around all of the key areas of the centre of a city or town, and teach you about the place’s history as well.

The great thing about walking tours is that the vast majority of them have no costs upfront and are based on tipping which means you can decide what amount fits in your budget. There are now walking tours available in every city in Scotland!

Similar to the walking tours, bus tours are a great way to explore a city, but taking a bus gives you the opportunity to see so much more!

Bus tours tend to take the structure of a one-off payment for a day ticket, which allows one to get on and off any tour bus in the city at any time based on what they would like to see. This is great value and means that you don’t have to waste any time working out where to go!

The prices of tickets vary, but the best value tour is certainly to be found in Edinburgh, where an adult can buy a 24-hour ticket for just £8

Free Fringe

Of course, the most inexpensive time to visit Edinburgh is in the off-season, but no one could blame you for wanting to visit the city during the Fringe Festival in August. This is an expensive time to visit the city, but there are still ways to bring the cost down significantly.

The best way to do this is to stick to the free fringe shows as much as possible! Every time I have attended fringe these are 90% of the shows I go to! These shows are widely advertised throughout the city and are a great way to discover a huge variety of different shows and talents without paying any money for them! Performing artists will ask for tips at the end, but it is up to you how much you want to pay them!

Do make sure that you bring change so that you can tip the performers!

Also on the first week of fringe lots of performances offer 2-4-1 tickets to warm up so it’s a great way to save some money. If there is a show you really want to see make sure you book this in advance! The biggest shows will book out months in advance, just like the accommodation.

Live music is a huge staple of Scottish culture, and much of it remains unorganised in the sense that it still happens in bars and pubs – meaning that much of it is free.

There are lots of small music venues, especially around Glasgow and Edinburgh, that will advertise live music on different nights of the week; in Edinburgh, Leith Walk and the Old Town are the places to be, in Glasgow it’s Bath Street and Sauchiehall Street.

Even in rural Scotland, however, you can still expect to find pubs with traditional Scottish music, often on weekend evenings – if you find yourself in a small village on your travels, ask around at local pubs to find out more!

For those who love history or architecture or both, Scotland has a whole wealth of cathedrals open to the public and completely free to enter.

The most popular examples are St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh, situated right on the Royal Mile, or St. Mary’s Scottish Episcopal Cathedral in Glasgow, but a cathedral can be found in every city in the country!

Free Museums and Galleries

There are plenty of great free museums and art galleries all over Scotland, but they are especially great for making city breaks much cheaper. Luckily, Edinburgh and Glasgow have a particularly high concentration of free attractions such as these:

Museum of Edinburgh

One of the historic buildings on the Royal Mile, the Museum of Edinburgh houses a collection of pieces relating to the origin of the city, its history, and some of its most well-known legends!

The Museum of Childhood

This museum hosts a collection of children’s toys, books and games and was the first museum in the world to be dedicated specifically to the history of childhood. The pieces date back to the 1800s.

Scottish National Portrait Gallery

The Scottish National Portrait Gallery is an art museum holding the country’s collection of portraits of all Scottish people. Here can also be found the Scottish National Photography Collection.

The People’s Story Museum

This one tells the stories of the working-class people of Edinburgh from the late 18th century to the present day, as told through oral history and written material.

National Museum of Scotland

This museum holds collections representing the culture and histories of Scotland, as well as collections relating to science, technology, natural history and world cultures.

National Gallery of Scotland

This gallery holds Scotland’s national collection of fine art from the early renaissance to the end of the 19th century. It is situated on the Mound in the centre of Edinburgh and is one of the city’s most popular free attractions.

Museum on the Mound

This museum focuses on money and economics, located in the Bank of Scotland Head Office building on the Mound.

Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

This is a part of the National Galleries of Scotland and is home to a collection of stunning pieces of modern and contemporary artwork. It is comprised of two buildings, Modern One and Modern Two.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum

This is one of Scotland’s most popular tourist attractions and features an astounding twenty-two themed galleries and an impressive eight thousand different pieces, including Salvador Dali’s masterpiece ‘Christ of St John of the Cross’ which is the most famous piece in the gallery.

Gallery of Modern Art

This is the main gallery of contemporary art in Glasgow and it also offers temporary exhibitions and workshops too. The gallery displays work by both local and international artists, and works to display social issues through many of its major projects.

Riverside Museum

Riverside Museum is Glasgow’s award-winning transport museum. It hosts an amazing three thousand objects to look at – everything you could imagine, from skateboards to locomotives, to cars, to prams – there is even a Stormtrooper! There are also over ninety touch screen panels which can be used to access more information.

St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life & Art

This museum is dedicated to the subject of religion, one of the only of its kind worldwide, and hosts collections relating to all of the world’s major religions and also has a Zen garden.

The Tall Ship at Riverside

This is a restored Victorian sailing ship which can be explored. It hosts maritime-themes exhibitions, tours, and a miniature cinema.

People’s Palace and Winter Gardens

This is a museum and glasshouse situated in Glasgow Green which has been open since the late 1800s. Its purpose is to tell the story of Glasgow and its people from 1750 to the present day.

Provand’s Lordship

A medieval historic house museum by Glasgow’s Cathedral. It is one of the only surviving medieval buildings in Glasgow and is one of the two oldest buildings in the city.

Scotland Street School Museum

This is a museum of school education, located in a former school that was designed by Glasgow’s own Charles Rennie Mackintosh, one of the country’s most celebrated architects. It now tells the story of education in Scotland over the time period of one hundred years.

The Lighthouse

This is Scotland’s centre for Design and Architecture, due to the fact that Glasgow has been named as the UK’s city of Architecture and Design. It hosts many interesting events and exhibitions and boosts the creative industry of the city.

Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery

This museum and gallery is homed in the old buildings of the University of Glasgow and is the oldest museum in Scotland. Inside can also be found the Mackintosh House, the Zoology Museum and the Anatomy Museum.

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Scotland Budget Tours and Affordable Trip Packages 2024/2025

The best budget tours and trips in Scotland. Choose from 60 affordable tours in Scotland with tour durations from 3 to 16 days and a total of 22 customer reviews. Our group tours in Scotland may also be a good place to start if you are looking for more inexpensive tours that are usually guided as well.

63 budget tours in Scotland

Starts Edinburgh, Scotland
Ends Glasgow, Scotland

Best of Scotland

Best price guaranteed
No booking fees
Tour Type Group Tour
Activities City sightseeing & Natural landmarks sightseeing City sightseeing , Natural landmarks sightseeing , Mountains & Art and architecture 'data-more-tripid='22540'>+2 more
Accommodation Hotel
Transport Ferry & Coach
Age Range 5-95 yrs
Operated in English
Brochure Price: US$ 1,850
Special Deal (10%): - US$ 194
Total Price from: US$ 1,656
May 12 Only 8 seats left
May 30 10+ seats left
View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

Ends Edinburgh, Scotland

Isle of Skye, Loch Ness & Inverness

Activities Chill out & Honeymoon
Accommodation Guest House
Transport Ferry & Train

Starts Inverness, Scotland
Ends Pitlochry, Scotland

Scottish Highlands Cycle

Tour Type Private Tour
Activities Bicycle tours
Accommodation Villa, Guest House, Resort & Hotel
Transport Train
Age Range 18-99 yrs
May 08 10+ seats left
May 11 10+ seats left

Highland Fling

Activities Explorer & Train tours Explorer , Train tours & Honeymoon 'data-more-tripid='30343'>+1 more
Accommodation Hostel
Transport Ferry
Age Range 18-95 yrs
Jun 03 Only 3 seats left
Jun 06 Only 5 seats left

Scotland in a Week

Activities Local culture & Natural landmarks sightseeing Local culture , Natural landmarks sightseeing & Art and architecture 'data-more-tripid='20530'>+1 more
Accommodation Hotel & Lodge
Transport Coach
Age Range 18-35 yrs
Brochure Price: US$ 1,369
Special Deal (15%): - US$ 205
Total Price from: US$ 1,164
May 13 Only 6 seats left
May 20 10+ seats left

Activities City sightseeing & Natural landmarks sightseeing City sightseeing , Natural landmarks sightseeing , Art and architecture & Mountains 'data-more-tripid='23441'>+2 more
Transport Coach & Ferry
Age Range 5-99 yrs
May 12 10+ seats left

Highland Trail inspired by Outlander

Activities Walking tours & Natural landmarks sightseeing Walking tours , Natural landmarks sightseeing & Art and architecture 'data-more-tripid='20936'>+1 more
Brochure Price: US$ 4,595
Special Deal (15%): - US$ 689
Total Price from: US$ 3,906
May 13 Only 7 seats left

Scotlands Highlands Islands and Cities

Activities City sightseeing & Natural landmarks sightseeing City sightseeing , Natural landmarks sightseeing , Art and architecture & War sites 'data-more-tripid='22537'>+2 more
Brochure Price: US$ 4,475
Special Deal (10%): - US$ 447
Total Price from: US$ 4,028
May 13 10+ seats left
Jun 10 10+ seats left

Starts Glasgow, Scotland

Majestic Scotland

Activities Adventure
Brochure Price: US$ 1,650
Special Deal (10%): - US$ 165
Total Price from: US$ 1,485
May 25 10+ seats left
Jun 22 Only 10 seats left

Starts Fort William, Scotland
Ends Inverness, Scotland

The Great Glen Way

Activities Walking tours & Trekking and Hiking
Accommodation Guest House, Hotel & Villa
Transport Boat, Bus & Taxi
May 06 10+ seats left
May 07 10+ seats left

Winter Highlands & The Isle of Skye

Activities Natural landmarks sightseeing
Transport Bus
Oct 26 10+ seats left
Oct 30 10+ seats left

Starts Drymen, Scotland
Ends Fort William, Scotland

West Highland Way

Accommodation Resort, Guest House, Hotel & Sleeper Train
Transport Taxi, Sleeper Train & Train
Jun 01 10+ seats left
Jun 02 10+ seats left

Isle Of Skye And The Highlands

Activities Chill out

Starts Perth, Scotland
Ends Perth, Scotland

Lochs and Bens

Accommodation Guest House & Villa

Scotland Budget Tour Reviews

Tracey Forgue

Budget tours and trips

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The Best Cheap Places to Visit in Scotland

Cheap Things to Do in Scotland for Families

Scotland is a wonderful place for families, especially with amazing tourist attractions like Edinburgh Castle offering a huge number of things to see and do that will interest all ages, from toddlers to mums and dads. Sadly, Scotland can also be an expensive place to visit, with the aforementioned castle costing more than £50 for a small family to enter—and that’s without adding on the extra costs of meals in the cafe and mementoes from the gift shop.

In this article, you’ll find a selection of top-rated Scottish attractions that are either completely free to enter or cost no more than a few pounds per ticket, with attractions ranging from national parks to city museums.

Cheap days out in Scotland for families Edinburgh Castle

Cheap Days Out in Edinburgh for Families

Calton Hill . Address: Edinburgh, EH7 5AA. Calton Hill is a landmark situated at the eastern end of Princes Street that features popular attractions including the Edinburgh Monument, the Dugald Stewart Monument, the Royal Observatory, and Nelson’s Tower.

Dean Village . Address: Dean Path, Edinburgh, EH8 8BH. A small village on the Water of Leith that’s located 5 minutes from Edinburgh’s Princes Street. Once famous for its numerous grain mills and textile factories, the area now attracts tourists to its iconic architecture which includes the historic Wells Court.

Holyrood Park . Address: Queen’s Dr, Edinburgh, EH8 8HG. A remarkable extinct volcano in the heart of the city, Holyrood Park is a 2.6 km area of mountain-like peaks (the famous Arthur’s Seat rises 251 metres above sea level), lochs and walking trails that allow superb 360-degree views across the city and beyond.

The People’s Story Museum . Address: 163 Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8BN. The People’s Story Museum aims to educate and entertain visitors with stories about the past residents of Edinburgh retold through a collection of interactive displays. Learn how Edinburgh’s people lived and worked, what they did for leisure, and how they coped with the terrible living conditions of years gone by.

The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art . Address: 75 Belford Road, Edinburgh, EH4 3DR. Modern Art from the 20th and 21st centuries comes alive across the two impressive Scottish National Gallery buildings located a short distance outside the city centre. Browse hundreds of beautiful artworks in an ever-changing collection that are presented both inside the gallery buildings and outside in the landscaped gardens.

The Scottish National Gallery . Address: The Mound, Edinburgh, EH2 2EL. In a William Henry Playfair-designed building in the heart of Edinburgh, is the Scottish National Gallery. The gallery – which opened to the public in 1859 – houses the national collection of fine art and spans Scottish and international art from the beginning of the Renaissance up to the start of the 20th century.

The Scottish National Portrait Gallery . Address: 1 Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1JD. The neo-Gothic National Portrait Gallery stands proudly on Edinburgh’s Queen Street where the red sandstone façade has impressed visitors since its construction in 1889. Inside, you will find important works depicting the story of Scotland and its people in a regularly changing collection of paintings and restored photographs.

The Scottish Parliament Visitor Centre . Address: Edinburgh, EH99 1SP. A modern architectural wonder, the Scottish Parliament building was designed to represent the history and culture of Scotland through a modern design that takes its cues from nearby Holyrood Palace and Holyrood Park . During a visit, you can tour the debating chambers and see for yourself where the important decisions that affect Scotland are made.

The Water of Leith . A hidden oasis of tranquillity only a few minutes from the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh’s city centre. The Water of Leith stretches from the distant Pentland Hills to the historic port of Leith. Along the walkway, you’ll discover a wide variety of wildlife hidden amongst the green areas that surround the river.

The Writers Museum . Address: Lawnmarket, Lady Stair’s Close, Edinburgh, EH1 2PA. Situated in an alley just off Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile , The Writers Museum celebrates the lives and works of three of Edinburgh’s most revered storytellers and poets. Robert Burns , Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson are brought to life through displays of their personal effects and collections of their literary masterpieces.

Cheap Days Out in Glasgow for Families

Glasgow Cathedral . Address: Castle St, Glasgow, G4 0QZ. Glasgow is home to the most complete medieval cathedral on the Scottish mainland with a building that features stunning stained-glass windows, ornate chapels, and intricate stone carvings. The lower level contains a crypt that is believed to be the final resting place of St. Kentigern who founded the Cathedral.

Kelvingrove Park . Address: Glasgow, G12 8QQ. Surrounding the Kelvingrove Art Gallery is the extremely popular Kelvingrove Park which stretches across 85 acres in the heart of the city. Visitors can enjoy the River Kelvin which runs through the park as well as five bowling greens, four tennis courts, an orienteering course, a skateboard park, cafés, and beautifully landscaped gardens.

Glasgow Green and The People’s Palace . Address: Greendyke Street, Saltmarket, Glasgow, G1 5DB. Glasgow Green is one of the largest green areas in the city, covering 136 acres within walking distance of the city centre. The grounds feature a variety of activities including a play village, an orienteering course, and viewing platforms over the River Clyde. The park is also home to the magnificent People’s Palace which is home to a museum, café, and a glasshouse.

Mugdock Country Park . Address: Milngavie, Mugdock, Glasgow, G62 8EL. Mugdock Country Park is situated north of East Dunbartonshire and southwest of Stirling. A network of paths connects the park’s 270 hectares of woodland, moorland, and heathland. It contains a loch, two castles, a stable complex, and a walled garden. Keen walkers can enjoy several orienteering trails, while children can go wild in a play park and on an adventure trail.

Pollok Country Park . Address: Pollokshaws Rd, Glasgow, G43 1AT. This Green Flag award-winner provides a quiet sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre and has a wide variety of exciting features such as a play park, orienteering course, historic stables, heavy horses and roaming Highland cows .

The Glasgow Botanic Gardens . Address: Great Western Rd., Glasgow, G12 0UE. Glasgow’s famous Botanic Gardens are open all year for visitors to enjoy over 200 years of history with plant species that have been collected from around the world. In addition to the beautifully managed plant specimens, there’s an arboretum and a heritage trail to explore, while guided tours are available for those wishing to learn more about Glasgow’s gardening heritage.

Strathclyde Country Park . Address: Hamilton Road, Motherwell, Lanarkshire, ML1 3ED. Strathclyde Country Park played host to the 2014 Commonwealth Games, and the excitement of that year lives on through several fun activities that are available throughout the 400 hectares of countryside that comprise the park grounds. There are outdoor adventure playgrounds, bike trails, a fitness gym, and a water sports centre with an on-site café.

The Lighthouse Art Gallery . Address: 11 Mitchell Lane, Glasgow, G1 3NU. The renowned Glasgow architect, designer, and artist Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s first public commission was The Lighthouse. The gallery showcases a variety of art exhibitions as well as the Mackintosh Centre which features a variety of art-themed exhibits.

The Tall Ship . Address: 150 Pointhouse Place, Glasgow, G3 8RS. Glasgow was once home to shipbuilders that produced sea-faring craft that spanned the globe. This important era in the city’s history is celebrated with the faithfully restored Glenlee which is one of many hundreds of sailing ships that were built on the banks of the River Clyde.

Visitors can explore the restored sailing ship thanks to the ongoing efforts of the Clyde Maritime Trust which also provides an interesting audio tour so that you can learn about the ship’s history while walking around it.

Cheap Days Out in the Highlands for Families

Culloden Battlefield . Address: Culloden Moor, Inverness, IV2 5EU. The Culloden Visitor Centre is situated next to the battlefield and features artefacts from both sides of the battle. While the main exhibition is paid, some exhibits are free to view. The battlefield site is also home to several monuments as well as a restored traditional Highland cottage.

Ben Nevis . Address: PH33 6PF (visitor centre). Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the British Isles. It’s particularly popular with walkers due to the well-constructed mountain track from Glen Nevis on the south side of the mountain, while climbers can enjoy some of the best rock and ice climbs in the country.

Loch Ness . Address: Loch Ness, Inverness-shire, IV63 6TU. The area around Loch Ness is awash with picturesque towns, untamed wilderness, and breathtaking rolling hills that surround the world-famous loch that is home to the legendary Loch Ness monster . There are several places to see the loch but one of the best is Fort Augustus at the southern end.

Glen Coe . Address: Glencoe, Argyll, PH49 4HX. Glencoe is Scotland’s most famous and scenic glen. Glencoe is not only a holiday centre for hill walking and mountaineering enthusiasts but it’s also the perfect base to explore the Highlands. There are several accessible Munros in the area, including Bidean Nam Bian and Buachaille Etive Mor.

Inverness Museum and Art Gallery . Address: Castle Wynd, Inverness, IV2 3EB. The Inverness Museum and Art Gallery aims to teach visitors about Scottish history while also showing them how the Scottish Highlands are linked with the rest of the world. After browsing the collections you can relax in the café and browse a shop dedicated to Highland products.

Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve . Address: Balmaha, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, G63 0JQ. There are lots of activities for visitors to get involved with at this nature reserve. You can take tranquil walks on a wooded isle or head down to the loch shore to watch osprey on the hunt for fish. There are also geese, wigeon, teal and shelduck to keep a lookout for against a background of dramatic mountain peaks.

Lochaber Geopark . Address: 55A High St, Fort William, PH33 6DH (visitor centre). Lochaber Geopark boasts some of the best geology in the world, along with the UK’s highest mountains and deepest lochs. Outdoor adventure enthusiasts will love the mountain trails and the beautiful landscapes of the area.

Steall Waterfall & Glen Nevis . Address: Old Military Rd, Fort William, PH33 6SY. Steall Falls offers a first-class walk below Ben Nevis and the surrounding mountains as it passes through the stunning Glen Nevis. The lower falls are impressive after a rainfall and the glen is particularly scenic in summer when it blooms with a carpet of wildflowers.

The Commando Memorial . Address: Spean Bridge, PH34 4EG. This monument at Spean Bridge is the site where thousands of Allied troops trained for warfare during World War II. The three-figure bronze statue commemorates the sacrifice given by those soldiers and is fittingly set against the mountain backdrop where they trained.

The West Highland Museum . Address: Cameron Square, Fort William, PH33 6AJ. The West Highland Museum tells the story of the region, its people, and its history with fascinating artefacts from the time of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite uprising.

Cheap Days Out in Aberdeenshire for Families

Aberdeen Art Gallery . Address: Schoolhill, Aberdeen, AB10 1FQ. Aberdeen Art Gallery is a world-class visitor attraction that celebrates the inspiring power of art and music. The collection is one of the largest in Scotland and offers something of interest to art lovers of all ages.

Cairngorms National Park . The Cairngorms National Park is an area of outstanding natural beauty that caters to every interest, from long walks along mountainous trails to relaxing afternoons on loch-side beaches. The area is rich in wildlife and is popular with cyclists and hikers.

Fraserburgh Esplanade . Address: AB43 8TL. The Esplanade can be reached via the A90 turn-off to Harbour Road. Fraserburgh Bay is a 2.5-mile (4.02 km) inlet of the North Sea on the Buchan coast that has golden sand beaches and is a popular location for water sports.

Cruden Bay . Address: AB42 0NN. Head north from Aberdeen by car via the A90. Cruden Bay is a firm favourite with tourists thanks to its white sand beaches, crystal-clear sea, and quaint fishing harbour. There’s a golf club, an ancient castle, and cliffs with nesting puffins nearby.

Duthie Park . Address: Polmuir Road, Aberdeen. Duthie Park (opened 1883) is a beautiful park located close to Aberdeen city centre. It features mature deciduous and evergreen trees, stunning flower beds, wide-open spaces, an ornamental pond and a wetland area.

Logie Estate . Address: Logie, Forres, Moray, IV36 2QN. Logie Estate offers opportunities for salmon fishing on the River Findhorn as well as several walks by the river and through Logie House Gardens. The gardens include a playground, café, and artisan shops.

Muir of Dinnet Nature Reserve . Address: Dinnet, Aboyne, AB34 5NB. The Muir of Dinnet is a forest area that includes woodland, heathland, a loch, and caves. You can wander through dense thickets of birch trees on designated paths, see beautiful damselflies and rare butterflies, and enjoy peace and quiet on the many waymarked trails that thread their way through the reserve.

Nairn Beach . Address: Nairn, The Highlands, IV12 9AE. Nairn Beach is ideal for a family day out, with lots of activities for the whole family to enjoy. The beach is highly regarded for its clean sand and promenade and features a putting green, a leisure park, and a swimming pool.

Cheap days out in Argyll & Bute for families

Argyll Forest Park . Address: Glenbranter, Cairndow, PA27 8DJ. Argyll Forest Park is a particularly scenic region of Argyll & Bute that is known for its craggy peaks. A visit allows families to hike through glens and alongside lochs and rivers, though designated paths are few and far between. The park stretches from the Holy Loch on the Firth of Clyde to the mighty peaks of the Arrochar Alps.

Keil Caves and St Columba’s Footprints . Address: Southend, Mull of Kintyre, Argyll & The Isles, PA28 6RW. Keil Caves at the southern end of Kintyre is a superb place for families to explore. Although long abandoned, the caves were inhabited for centuries and are worth a visit after exploring the nearby St. Columba’s Chapel and St. Columba’s Well.

Ben Cruachan Reservoir . Address: Ben Cruachan, Dalmally, PA33 1AN. Ben Cruachan is regarded as one of the finest Munros in the Southern Highlands. It’s a very popular place with hillwalkers due to the rock outcrops that offer spectacular views and the ridge walk that provides a circular route around the scenic Cruachan dam.

Ganavan Beach . Address: Oban, PA34 5TB. Ganavan Beach features stunning views across the sea to Mull , Lismore and Morven, and is a favourite location for walkers thanks to the adjacent coastal path where seabirds including guillemot, terns and gannets can be viewed at all times of the day.

Machrihanish Seabird Observatory . Address: Lossit Park, Machrihanish, Argyll, PA28 6PZ. Machrihanish offers an unparalleled wildlife experience with superb bird-watching opportunities and spectacular scenery. The purpose-built hide provides shelter for twitchers as they keep watch for the 200+ bird species that are recorded annually.

Oban War and Peace Museum . Address: Old Oban Times Building, Corran Esplanade, Oban, Argyll, PA345P. The Oban War & Peace Museum contains a fascinating collection of artefacts depicting the cultural history of Oban and its people throughout history. The museum also serves to teach visitors about the town’s fishing and maritime industries, railways, road transport, and the iconic McCaig’s Tower .

Pucks Glen . Address: Dunoon, PA23 8QT. Pucks Glen has two superb trails on offer for walkers of all ages. One winds through a jaw-dropping gorge with tumbling waterfalls, while the other provides amazing viewpoints and some of the finest rhododendron displays in the country.

The Falls of Lora . Address: Connel Bridge, Connel, Oban, Argyll, PA37 1PH. The Falls of Lora generate powerful currents when the tide level in the Firth of Lorn drops below the level of the water in Loch Etive. The falls provide white-water rapids for kayakers and an exciting spectacle for tourists and photographers.

Cheap Days Out in the Scottish Borders for Families

Eyemouth Museum . Address: Auld Kirk Manse Road, Eyemouth, Berwickshire, TD14 5JE. Eyemouth Museum documents the fishing and social heritage of Eyemouth, where exhibits bring to life the stories of local people. In addition to the museum, there’s a visitor information centre, an exhibition gallery, and a gift shop.

Borders Textile Towerhouse . Address: 1 Tower Knowe, Hawick, TD9 9BZ. The Borders Textile Towerhouse was built as a defensive tower in the mid-1500s, making it the oldest building in Hawick. The museum celebrates the Borders’ textile industry through exhibits of garments, artefacts, and photographs from over 200 years of Scotland’s knitwear and tweed industries.

Hume Castle . Address: Hume, Berwickshire, TD5 7TR. Hume Castle is situated on a hill 750 feet (0.23 km) above sea level which for centuries was the major defensive site in the eastern section of the Scottish Borders. Today, the ruined castle is famed for the beautiful landscape that surrounds it.

The Jim Clark Room . Address: 44 Newtown Street, Duns, Berwickshire, TD11 3AU. Jim Clark was a leading Scottish motor racing driver of the 1960s who won two world championships in 1963 and 1965. The Jim Clark Room provides a full account of his life in motor racing through a display of trophies, photographs, and other memorabilia.

Locharron of Scotland Visitor Centre . Address: Dunsdale Road, Selkirk, Selkirkshire, TD7 5DZ. Lochcarron of Scotland has been specializing in textiles since being founded in 1947, and it is one of the Border’s leading producers of tartan, tweed, cashmere, and knitwear. The visitor centre stocks a vast range of clothes and accessories made from wool as well as over 700 tartans used in the making of Scottish kilts .

Philiphaugh Salmon Viewing Centre . Address: Philiphaugh Estate Office, Selkirk, TD7 5LX. This salmon viewing centre features informative displays that teach visitors about the life cycle of Scottish salmon as well as explain the dangers that await them in the river. There’s an interactive video screen where you can watch 4 different cameras around the edge of the Ettrick River along with a fish counter that monitors their numbers.

St. Abbs Head Nature Reserve . Address: St Abbs, Eyemouth, Borders, TD14 5QF. St. Abbs Head Nature Reserve is a bird-watchers paradise where thousands of seabirds can be seen nesting high on the monumental cliffs that define this part of Scotland’s coastline. The site features a visitor centre that explores the wildlife, geology, and history of St. Abbs Head.

St. Ronan’s Well Visitor Centre . Address: Wells Brae, Innerleithen, Tweeddale, EH44 6JE. This historic spa has several displays and exhibits that explore the story of Innerleithen and St Ronan’s Well and their connections with the Scottish writers Sir Walter Scott and James Hogg. In addition, there are extensive gardens surrounding the spa that feature several stone sculptures.

The Polish Map of Scotland . Address: Barony Castle Hotel UK, Eddleston, EH45 8QW. Polish soldiers stationed in Scotland during World War II sculpted a sizable physical relief map of Scotland in concrete to create this unusual attraction. The map measures around 40 metres by 50 metres and lies in the grounds of Barony Castle, once the home of the Murrays of Elibank and later the Hotel Black Barony.

Cheap Days Out in Central Scotland for Families

Callendar House . Address: Callendar Rd, Falkirk, FK1 1Y. Callendar House is set in the historic landscape of Callendar Park which also contains a section of the Antonine Wall World Heritage Site. The House features informative displays including The Story of Callendar House, The Antonine Wall, Rome’s Northern Frontier, and Falkirk: Crucible of Revolution 1750-1850.

The River Tay Public Art Trail . Address: River Tay, Perth, PH1. There are various points of entry. The art trail of Perth takes you along Tay Street, over the river, and through a beautiful riverside park. There are many gardens and flower beds to discover as well as fascinating pieces of public art that are on permanent display.

Cambuskenneth Abbey . Address: Ladysneuk Rd, Stirling, FK9 5NG. This Abbey was founded in 1140 by King David I to serve Stirling Castle which stands a short distance to the west. The abbey is unusual in that it has a bell tower that is built unlike any other in Scotland.

Dollar Museum . Address: Castle Campbell Hall, 1 High St, Dollar, FK14 7AY. Dollar Museum is an independent museum dedicated to the history and heritage of the village of Dollar in the county of Clackmannanshire. The Museum includes an archive room as well as an extensive display on the Devon Valley Railway.

Stirling Smith Museum and Gallery. Address. 40 Albert Pl, Stirling FK8 2RQ. The Stirling Smith Museum functions as a gallery and museum for historic and contemporary artefacts and paintings from the Stirling area. The building also houses a lecture theatre, a café, and a biodiversity garden.

Kinneil Museum . Address: Duchess Anne Cottages, Bo’ness, EH51 0PR. Kinneil Museum is located in the 17th-century stable building of Kinneil House. The museum tells the story of Bo’ness town and the Roman remains on which it was built. Kinneil Estate contains part of the Antonine Wall World Heritage Site and also includes the site of a deserted medieval village.

Maid of the Loch . Address: Loch Lomond Marina, Riverside, Balloch, Alexandria, G83 8LF. The Maid of the Loch is a fine example of Clyde-built shipping and features a beautiful art-deco-inspired interior. The vessel is located on the banks of Loch Lomond and has been renovated into a fully operational paddle steamer.

North Queensferry Harbour Light Tower . Address: 60 Main St, North Queensferry, Inverkeithing, KY11 1JG. The Harbour Light Tower in North Queensferry is an interesting example of 19th-century engineering near the UNESCO World Heritage Forth Rail Bridge. It’s famous for holding the title of the world’s smallest working light tower.

St. Cyrus National Nature Reserve . Address: The Old Lifeboat Station, Nether Warburton, Montrose, DD10 0AQ. Natural barriers of inland cliffs and a seaward ridge of sand dunes shield the St. Cyrus grasslands from the effects of the weather. In summer, the reserve is home to countless butterflies and moths, and peregrine falcons can be frequently seen in search of prey.

The Church of the Holy Rude . Address: St John Street, Stirling, FK8 1ED. This fascinating building has been the parish church of Stirling for over 900 years. It’s the only church still in active use – apart from Westminster Abbey in London – that hosted a coronation when King James VI of Scotland was crowned there in 1567.

Cheap days out in Dumfries & Galloway for families

Agnew Park . Address: Agnew Crescent, Stranraer, Wigtownshire, DG9 7JZ. Agnew Park has a wide range of leisure facilities including a boating lake, a miniature railway that takes in a complete tour of the park, a play island, an 18-hole putting green, and a mini car racing circuit. There’s also a café serving a range of hot and cold refreshments.

Dock Park . Address: Dock Park, Dumfries, DG1 2RY. The most prominent feature of Dock Park is the nineteenth-century bandstand that plays host to frequent events throughout the year. The rest of the park borders a riverside that’s extremely popular in summer, while a large children’s play park, a historic maze, and a Peter Pan-themed mini golf course are used by families year-round.

Dalbeattie Museum . Address: Southwick Rd, Dalbeattie, DG5 4BS. Dalbeattie Museum is a fascinating wee museum that was set up with a vision to record the town’s history through a collection of artefacts and photographs that have been chosen for their contribution to the social history of Dalbeattie.

Grey Mares Trail Nature Reserve . Address: Moffat Valley, Moffat, Dumfriesshire, DG10 9DP. This spectacular trail features one of the highest waterfalls in the UK where the tumbling waters of Loch Skeen plunge 60 metres down the Moffat Water Valley. Walkers often catch sight of ospreys, peregrine falcons and wild goats as they traverse the glacier-scarred terrain.

Sanquhar Tolbooth Museum . Address: High Street, Sanquhar, Dumfries & Galloway, DG4 6BN. This museum is dedicated to Sanquhar’s renowned knitting industry as well as the mines and miners of Sanquhar and Kirkconnel. The 18th-century tollbooth is a fascinating backdrop to the audiovisual presentations which include explanations of what prison life was like in Sanquhar jail.

Red Deer Range Trail . Address: Castle Douglas, DG7 2BL. The Red Deer Range offers visitors the chance to see over 60 red deer in their natural environment in a purpose-built viewing area and hide. Numerous paths allow visitors to experience all areas of the forest and guided walks are available in summer.

St. Ninians Cave . Address: St Ninian’s Cave, Nr Whithorn, Dumfries & Galloway, DG8. St. Ninian’s Cave lies in an area of outstanding natural beauty on the beach of Physgill, close to Whithorn. Visitors can explore the dark and gloomy depths of the sea cave where St. Ninian supposedly had a hermitage, while the stony beach is perfect for enjoying a relaxing afternoon stroll.

Station Park . Address: Beattock Road, A701, Moffat, DG10 9HF. This family park and boating pond is set in beautiful surroundings and is a superb place for families to enjoy a wide range of activities. As well as the manicured gardens there’s a boating lake, a putting green, an interactive water feature and a children’s play park.

The Mill on the Fleet . Address: High Street, Gatehouse of Fleet, DG7 2HS. The Mill on the Fleet was built in 1788 as a cotton spinning mill but is used today as an exhibition centre for the heritage of the local area. The main exhibition floor houses displays that provide a glimpse into the life and times of Gatehouse and Fleet Valley as well as a café and a bookshop.

The Mull of Galloway Trail . The Mull of Galloway Trail runs from Mull to Stranraer, and Stranraer to Glenapp, across 35 miles (56.33 km) of stunning south Scotland landscapes that not only provide breathtaking views but are rich in wildlife. Visitors to the trail will frequently see red deer, red squirrels , seals, and a wide variety of Scottish flora and fauna.

Resources for cheap & free days out in Scotland

For more cheap days out in Scotland take a look at this article: The Complete Guide to Free Attractions in Scotland .
If you’d like to see more suggestions for family days out in Central Scotland check out this article: 10 Best Family Attractions in Central Scotland .
Ideas for free family days out in Glasgow are listed in this article: 13 Free Attractions in Glasgow .
The top free attractions in Edinburgh are listed here: 14 Free Attractions in Edinburgh .
A good resource for gift vouchers for family days out in Scotland is this website: Experience Gift Scotland .
The Glasgow Life website features a number of top attractions in Glasgow that are completely free to visit, including the Riverside Museum which is also the home of The Tall Ship .

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i save money on scotland’s trains.

The Trainline offers instant online ticket booking at prices that are up to 43% discounted compared to buying the same ticket directly from the station.

You can also save money with a ScotRail Travel Pass and by buying train tickets up to 12 weeks in advance. Cheap days out in Scotland can also be found with a ScotRail Friends and Family card which usually has discounts on attraction entry tickets.

How can I save money on Scottish accommodation?

Hostels offer same-sex and mixed-sex dorm rooms in city centres like Edinburgh and Glasgow for as little as £20 per night.

An alternative option is to book a budget hotel room out of season when you’ll find city centre rooms for £50 or less, which is 2 to 3 times cheaper than the same room in peak (summer) season.

What is the cheapest way to travel in Scotland?

Buses are the cheapest way to travel between cities in Scotland and you will often find coach companies like Mega Bus and Citylink with special offers of £1 between Edinburgh and Glasgow. At other times a cheap-rate bus ticket between the cities costs around £5.

How can I save money on Scottish tourist attractions?

Many of the best attractions in Scotland are the historic buildings managed by Historic Environment Scotland. The cheapest way to visit these attractions is to buy a HES membership which costs around £5 per month for an adult.

What can you do in Scotland for free?

As a country with literally thousands of outdoor attractions, there are plenty of choices for things to do in Scotland that are completely free. Highlights include visiting Loch Ness in the Highlands, the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, and the Riverside Transport Museum in Glasgow. More suggestions are listed in these articles: Best Free Attractions in Scotland and Best Free Attractions in the Highlands .

A Guide to Scotland’s Winter Weather

How Much Should You Tip in Scotland?

How to Save Money on Train Tickets in Scotland

How to Prevent Tick Bites in Scotland

A Guide to Giant Hogweed in Scotland

Craig Neil is the author, photographer, admin, and pretty much everything else behind Out About Scotland. He lives near Edinburgh and spends his free time exploring Scotland and writing about his experiences. Follow him on Pinterest , Facebook , and YouTube .

Destinations
Travel advice

The ultimate Scotland trip cost guide to plan your trip on a budget

September 11, 2023

Scotland is one of the most beautiful places in the world. If you’re looking to travel to Scotland on a budget, this is the guide for you! In this Scotland trip cost article, we will share with you how much it cost us to travel through Scotland and give you an idea of how much money you will need to budget for your own trip. We’ll break down the costs by category to give detail insights. Scotland is a wonderful place to visit, and with careful planning, you can have an amazing trip without spending too much!

Trip to Scotland cost per day?

Important to know is that Scotland can be expensive to travel to but doesn’t have to be. When you know how to save money the budget that you need for Scotland is comparable to other West European countries.

For budget travelers : the average cost of a trip to Scotland per day is £60-74 / $74-86. This means you need to go camping or stay at cheap hostels or guesthouses. You prepare food mainly yourself or go to local restaurants and pubs, and you use public transport. You need to do everything yourself to keep the cost this low.

Mid-range travelers : should expect to budget of £100-150 / $123-185 per day. This will cover accommodation in better quality hotels, meals at mid-range restaurants and pubs. Big difference is that you do not have to use public transport but that you can hire a car or motorhome.

For luxury travelers : the average cost of a trip to Scotland per day is around £250 / $309. This covers accommodation in high-end hotels, meals at good restaurants, renting a car or motorhome and doing tours to discover the country.

The amounts don’t include airline tickets. Flight costs are very diverse. We always use Skyscanner and recommend it.

The overview below is based on our road trip through Scotland.

Scotland trip cost: Accommodation

When visiting Scotland, it is essential to book accommodations far in advance due to the limited availability of viable lodging options. Accommodation costs are already expensive enough, and if you’re going with a car then reservations should be made at least 6 months ahead of your trip; for travel to Isle of Skye specifically, such arrangements should be reserved up to one year in advance! The reason being that most parts of this enchanting land consist mainly of mountains and nature preserves – leaving fewer places suitable for accommodation.

Budget travelers : the average cost of a room in Scotland per night is £15-20 / $19-25. This means you need to stay in hostels and guesthouses or at campingsites.

Mid-range travelers should expect to pay around £30-60 / $38-74 per night for accommodation. You can stay in better quality hotels and AirBnBs.

Luxury travellers should budget around £100-150 / $123-185 per night for accommodation. You’ll be staying in high-end hotels, castles or luxury AirBnBs.

Scotland is similar to other Western European countries when it comes to how much you pay per accommodation. If you want to save money on your accommodations, it’s best to book ahead of time instead of waiting until closer to your travel date.

If you are looking for good hotels and hostels in Scotland, we can help you! We share our favorite places in Scotland to stay here .

Scotland trip cost: Food

Food costs in Scotland vary depending on where you are eating. Eating at restaurants is more expensive than cooking your own food or getting takeaway. If you want to save money, cooking your own meals is the best option.

For budget travelers : the average cost of a meal in Scotland per day is £15-20 / $19-25. This means you need to prepare food yourself or go to local restaurants and pubs.

Mid-range travelers should expect to budget around £25-35 / $31-43 per day for meals. You can eat at mid-range restaurants and pubs without breaking the bank.

Luxury travellers should budget around £50-60 / $62-74 per day for meals. You can have a truly luxurious culinary experience with fine dining establishments and pubs without breaking the bank.

We travelled with a motorhome through Scotland and therefore we were able to cook almost everything ourself what saved a lot of money.

Scotland trip cost: Transport

When it comes to transport costs in Scotland, the easiest and cheapest way to get around is by public transport. However, if you want more flexibility then hiring a car or motorhome is the best option.

Budget travelers : should expect to budget around £10-20 / $12-25 per day for transportation. This will include buses and trains.

Mid-range travelers should expect to budget around £50-70 / $62-87 per day for transportation. This include car rental and petrol. We always use Rentalcars to find the best deals to rent a car.

Luxury travellers should budget around £100-140 / $124-173 per day for transportation. This include motorhome rental and petrol. We had a wonderful experience with IndieCamper when renting our motorhome due to their exceptional services and competitive prices. Therefore, we highly recommend them!

It is important to know that transport costs can be different for each person. This is because it depends on which area you are visiting and what you do. The table below shows the total costs for two people based on our Scotland itinerary.

Airplane + rental motorhome: plane ticket +/- £150 p.p. | rental motorhome +/- £1800 | 1800 km | petrol +/- £500 | total $2600.

This is per person £1300 / $1608. Keep in mind that for this amount you covered transport and accommodation costs, so only other cost you make are to eat and doing fun things.

Are you looking for an itinerary through Scotland? Check out our 3 week itinerary of Scotland .

Scotland trip cost: Activities

Scotland has a wide range of activities to choose from, ranging from free walking tours and museum visits to adrenaline-filled adventures. Many activities are free because you do a lot of outdoor activities in Scotland.

Budget travelers : should expect to budget around £5-10 / $6-12 per day for activities. This will include free attractions such as museums and galleries, as well as paid attractions such as visiting the Edinburgh Castle.

Mid-range travelers should expect to budget around £15-30 / $19-38 per day for activities. This will include paid attractions such as boat tours, as well as luxury experiences like whisky tasting.

Luxury travellers should budget around £50-100 / $62-124 per day for activities. This will include next to the normal acitivites also guided tours.

To save money on activities in Scotland try to book tickets ahead so that you can find the best deals. Try to visit sights yourself without a guide which saves a lot of money.

Sure! Here’s a similar text to recommend people to read your beginner guide to hiking:

Tip: interested in exploring the stunning world of hiking? Dive into our beginner’s guide to hiking ! Click here to discover essential tips, gear recommendations, and beginner-friendly trails to embark on your hiking adventures with confidence.

Scotland trip cost: Miscellaneous

Souvenirs, snacks, entrance fees, and insurance can cost a lot of money. To save money on these things, it is important to plan ahead.

Budget travelers : should expect to budget around £5-10 / $6-12 per day for miscellaneous costs. This will include souvenirs, snacks and entrance fees.

Mid-range and luxury travelers should expect to budget around £15-30 / $19-38 per day for miscellaneous costs. This will include travel insurance.

Travel insurance

World Nomads travel insurance policies offer coverage for more than 150 activities. Get a quote, make a claim, or buy or extend your policy while on the road.

How much did Scotland cost us

Accommodation: £500 / $619 (hotel in Edinburgh and campingsites)
Food: £800 / $990
Transport: £2600 / $3216 (airplane, motorhome, and petrol)
Activities: £150 / $186

Total: £4050 / $5010 for two persons which is £2025 / $2505 per person (amounts are rounded). These amounts are based on our trip through Scotland for three weeks. Per day we spend per person: £2025 / $2505 ÷ 20 days = £101 / $125 including airplane ticket.

Accommodation : we travelled with a motorhome and therefore our accommodation cost are not high because we allocated these cost to transport cost. In general motorhome and renting a car by staying at hostels and hotels is more or less the same in way of cost. Only difference is that with a motorhome you can cook everything yourself so that you can save a lot of money. Important to find the best deals is to book month in advance for Scotland.
Food : because we traveled with a motorhome we cooked everything ourselve. We only went to restaurants in Edinburgh and did some take out in Isle of Skye. For this reason we saved a lot of money.
Transport : the best way to travel to Scotland is by car or motorhome. Book a car via Rentalcars or a motorhome via Indiecamper month in advance to find the best deals. We booked 8 month in advance and therefore we were able to book a motorhome for £1800 / $2227 for 17 days which is not expensive.
Activities : we only spend in total £150 / $186 for two person which is very low. Most of the money we spend was in Edinburgh, visit some castles and doing a whiskey tour. You can save money on this category only we do not recommoned it because these sights are worth visiting.

Tip: it also makes a difference which period you travel in Scotland. If you travel during the summer period, prices are much higher than we mention in this article. Therefore, if you can, try to travel outside the high season (July and August).

Trip to Scotland cost FAQ

1. how do you visit scotland on a budget.

To visit Scotland on a budget, it is important to plan ahead and book tickets for attractions and transport in advance. Try if you like to travel through Scotland with a motorhome. When you have enough electriciy you can park for free in Scotland. Also you can cook everything yourself, which really saves a lot of money. Many activities are outdour so you do not need to pay anything.

Conclusion cost of travel in Scotland

As guideline for mid-range travlers like we are you can expect to spend between £1900-2400 / $2350-2970 when traveling for 3 weeks in Scotland.

When you rent a car or motorhome, try to cook as much as possible yourself.If you stay at camping sites or budget-friendly accommodations and do a lot of your own outdoor activities, Scotland does not have to cost as much money as people often think.

To explore Scotland’s thrilling culture and captivating scenery, be sure to check out our road trip through Scotland . It includes a plethora of ideas for creating your own unique itinerary. Moreover, if you’d like more general information about Scotland as well, feel free to check our comprehensive Scotland travel guide .

What do you think of our Scotland budget tips? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Disclaimer: the prices mentioned in this article may differ from the current situation. We regularly update our articles. Would you like to help us to provide to best possible insights to help other travelers leave a comment with the latest information. Thanks!

Hello, we are Cynthia & Alexander, the team behind Travel Your Memories! Traveling is our passion. When it comes to exploration, we love sharing our tips and adventures to inspire you. Welcome to Travel Your Memories, where we share our love for travel with you! Read our story .

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How to Travel Scotland on a Budget 2024

If you’re wondering how to travel Scotland on a budget, we’re here to help. Exploring this pretty place doesn’t have to cost a pretty penny. With our top money-saving tips you can learn how to travel Scotland on a budget without sacrificing the good times. Make the most of what this country has to offer without breaking the bank and explore Scotland with a Rabbie’s small-group tour now. Table of Contents:

Is Scotland Affordable?

What is the cheapest city in scotland to visit.

When Is the Cheapest Time to Visit Scotland?

What Is the Cheapest Way to Travel Around Scotland?

Top money-saving tips to help you travel scotland on a budget.

Scotland can be a very affordable destination for travellers on a budget. Compared to some other European countries , Scotland may seem slightly more on the expensive side at first, however there are many ways to bring the price down. If you stay in budget-friendly accommodation such as hostels, make the most of all the free (but no less amazing) attractions and cook your meals or look for deals at local pubs and cafes, Scotland can be an affordable option for your next trip. On average, a budget trip to Scotland is estimated to cost around £55, €62, or $66 per day.

Some of the cheapest cities in Scotland to visit on a budget include Stirling, Perth and Aberdeen.

Stirling has been named one of the cheapest cities in all of the UK. Located in the centre of Scotland, Stirling is home to the National Wallace Monument, Stirling Castle , as well as the picturesque river Forth.
Perth is located on the beautiful banks of the river Tay. Once Scotland’s capital before Edinburgh , Perth is nicknamed the ‘Fair City’ for its elegant architecture and regal spirit.
Aberdeen can be found on the north east coast of Scotland and is the third largest city in Scotland. This affordable city boasts a harbour, a beach, and distinctive architecture. What’s more, Aberdeen is surrounded by countryside, hills, and valleys and it has excellent access to the Cairngorms National Park .

If you’re wondering how to travel Scotland on a budget, these are three of the most affordable cities to stay in.

the iconic city skyline of Aberdeen with green trees under a blue sky filled with fluffy white clouds

When is the Cheapest Time to Visit Scotland?

The cheapest time to visit Scotland is during the off season between November and mid-March. However, try to avoid the inflated prices over the Christmas period to keep costs low. Just because winter is the cheapest time to visit Scotland, doesn’t mean it’s not still a magical time to go. Less crowds means more freedom to explore at your leisure, shorter queues for attractions, and fewer people ruining your photoshoots. Need more convincing? Discover some of the top reasons why travellers love visiting Scotland in winter .

There are many factors which can affect the price of travelling around Scotland, from the time of year to how far in advance you book tickets. However, two of the cheapest ways to explore more than one part of the country are by train and by small group tour.

By train. The country is well connected with many train stations making it quick and easy to travel from one end of Scotland to the other. If you book in advance, trains can be one of the cheapest ways to travel around Scotland.
By small group tour. If you want to see multiple places across Scotland, hopping aboard a small group tour can be another affordable option. Not only do you get to stop off at some of the best sites to see in Scotland, but you also can enjoy amazing views from our comfortable mini-coaches on the way. This option can be more relaxing and affordable than renting a car or the cost of driving yourself. Another benefit of exploring Scotland from a small group tour rather than by train is that our mini-coaches can take you directly to the site, whereas you may have to combine a train with a bus or taxi to reach the best destinations. Lastly, by joining a small group tour you get the additional advantage of being shown the country by our expert driver-guides who can share their knowledge with you.

In terms of travelling to Scotland, it is a relatively easy destination to reach. If you are coming from the UK, many train stations in England are connected to major Scottish cities. Alternatively, direct flights to Scotland from the USA and Europe make it easy to reach this destination from further abroad.

one of the cheapest ways to travel around Scotland is aboard a Rabbie's mini coach

The top tip for how to travel Scotland on a budget is to plan in advance. Here are some pointers of the things you should try to do before your trip to keep prices low.

Book your accommodation. The cheapest accommodation can book up quickly so try to book as far in advance as possible. The most budget friendly accommodation can include hostels and B&Bs.
Eat at lunch time. There is so much delicious Scottish food to try but eating out can be expensive. Luckily, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes in Scotland which offer great lunchtime meal deals. For example try Bloc+ in Glasgow where you can get a £4 burger on Tuesdays or a £6 steak on Wednesdays. Planning out your meals in advance can also help keep this cost low.
The Kelpies sculpture in Falkirk
Kilchurn Castle , the impressive ruins of one of the oldest castles in Scotland
Sandyhills beach in Dumfries and Galloway
Climb Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh
See Glenfinnan Viaduct , the railway bridge featured in the Harry Potter movies

Following these tips, you can still have a fantastic time in Scotland whilst on a budget.

Travel Scotland on a Budget with Rabbie’s

Hopefully this guide has shown you how to travel Scotland on a budget. Whether you’re planning to visit for a family staycation or as part of a grand solo travel adventure, Scotland can be an affordable option you won’t want to miss. Discover magical waterfalls , the vibrant culture, the world famous Loch Ness , and much much more. Discover the magic of Scotland aboard a Rabbie’s tour and your trip will be made even more memorable by our driver-guides who share fun facts and captivating stories as you travel. Book now or sign up to our newsletter to be the first to hear about the latest updates and deals.

How to Visit Scotland for Cheap(er)

I don’t know if there’s truly a way to visit Scotland for cheap —particularly if you’re American and converting dollars to pounds, which is never a favorable exchange rate—however, you can definitely make it more affordable. Here’s how we did it:

Travel during off-peak times—and be flexible . I know this sounds obvious, but even waiting until mid-September versus end of August made the difference in several hundreds of dollars. Not only does August boast the month-long Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, but the Olympics being held in London meant airfare to all European cities was sky high for pretty much the whole summer. Originally, we had planned on traveling in July pre-Festival, but quickly decided against it when airfare search showed that flights were $1400 from any major U.S. city into any major European hub. So we altered our travel dates to fit a time when airfare was lower.

Scottish Travel: Road trip from Edinburgh to the Islands

Plan your flights carefully . I had originally accounted for using airline miles to get to Europe (which I didn’t wind up doing) and then fly one of Europe’s many budget airlines (which I did do) between Scotland and Ireland. As it turned out, prices for the long-haul flights were reasonable enough—$882 round-trip for a multi-city ticket from Nashville to Edinburgh and back from Dublin—and better routes than any awards travel ticket I could find, so I decided to save my miles for a rainy day when airfare was higher. Our tickets between Edinburgh and Dublin ran about $25 each (more on that later).

Fly out of gateway cities . Sometimes—but not always—it’s easier to find a great deal if you’re flying in or out of a gateway city. Originally, when we had planned to go to Edinburgh during the Olympics and airfare was sky high, I looked at flying into every gateway city in the surrounding area—from Amsterdam to Paris to Barcelona—to save money and then getting an intercontinental flight with one of the low-cost carriers.

Travel between October and May if you can . In my opinion, April, May, September and October are the best months in Scotland , and May and September flank the high season (so some hotels were priced at high season still, while others were shoulder season prices). Our trip overlapped the two first months of fall, and hotel prices dropped drastically the second Oct. 1 rolled around. To be honest, the weather in Scotland is never reliable—I’ve been there in August before when the high was 40 degrees—and we still had daylight until 8pm even in early October, so fall or spring months are a smart time to plan your Scotland trip to avoid crowds and exorbitant prices.

Leave your little sister at home. Ha! Kidding. Then we wouldn’t have this gem of a souvenir from our girls’ getaway. (Besides, it was actually her trip to celebrate her finishing grad school and acing her CPA—I was the intruder.) But it is really hard to find rooms to accommodate three or four. Which leads me to the next point…

Home rentals . As I previously referenced, we had a really tough time finding accommodation all over Scotland. I’m going to suggest if you’re a family then you look into renting a flat or an apartment. My mom said this was the case when she planned our trip for the four of us to London back in 1998, and as such, we wound up renting a whole flat for a week. This is the more economical—not to mention, spacious—option if you’re traveling in a group of more than two (of course, then you forgo things like continental breakfast, but Scotland is so rife with cafes, you’re never lacking for dining options).

Bargain . A couple times, we couldn’t find hotel or inn rooms that accommodated three and so we tried to make it work (er, without telling the hotel we were bringing an extra body). When booking, many of the hotels wanted £50 (that’s $75!) for an extra person—even though the extra person was going to be sleeping on the couch and none of the places included meals—so I asked if we could book a double and bring three people, without paying for the third since she (my sister) was just going to be sleeping on the couch anyway. Two hotels said yes. I doubt they would have had they been at full capacity, but in reality, £150 is far better than the nothing they would have gotten had we taken our business elsewhere. As I always say, “they can’t say ‘no’ if you don’t ask…” followed by my other favorite: “it’s better to ask forgiveness than permission.”

Rent a car . No, car rentals aren’t cheap—ours ran about $400 for a week—however, train fare in the UK is ridiculously pricey, and while I love me a good scenic train ride, I also like the flexibility of having my own method of transport. $400 for seven days for three of us was far cheaper than had we taken trains around the island. Plus, we would have been pretty stuck once we got out to the Isle of Skye.

Learn how to drive a manual . Automatics were about $300 a week more expensive than manuals. I wish I could say I was one of those people who can drive a stick shift—after all, I’ll need to learn if ever I get cast for The Amazing Race —yet, I missed out on that crucial lesson as a teen. (Adding it to my Life List. SVV happens to be a pro at driving a manual.) So we ponied up the extra funds for an automatic. But you can save some serious cash (particularly in Ireland) if you can drive a manual instead. Also know that many European countries use “car hire” instead of “rental car”—that could cause some confusion if you’re looking for where to pick up your car at the airport and don’t know the terminology.

Also, book through a third party . We found much lower rates using an online rental car agency via a Google search than we did booking directly through that same car company’s website. Always compare before you pull the trigger.

What tips do you have to traveling in the United Kingdom cheaply?

Photo Friday: Monterrico, Guatemala

Why I CouchSurf

Photo friday: crater lake, oregon, angelina jolie was here first.

Lots of good tips. Maybe take a sleeping pad and just sneak in the extra person.

Ha! I thought it would be easier to sneak Kari in than it was. Unfortunately, everywhere we stayed was a small-ish hotel or inn with just one entrance and a desk person, so no “slipping in the back door” =)

Oooh I’m going to add my favorite: eat a big, late lunch out and then either skip dinner or have a picnic with finds from the grocery store. I love going to the store in foreign countries and picking fun things to eat that I could never find the in the US.

Or have a progressive, all-day eating extravaganza! We actually did a tour of all my favorite places, so for example we all shared a bagel at Elephants & Bagels mid-morning, then shared a baked tattie at the Baked Potato Shoppe for lunch, then had hot chocolate mid-afternoon at Greyfriars Bobby. We stayed full, and it was far cheaper than paying for three breakfasts and lunches for all of us!

Thanks for the tips. October seems like a great month to travel to most of Europe. Too bad I don’t have any trips planned this year. My brother gets to go there for work though.

I’m taking a group to Europe next April/May if you want to come! 😉

Wow – the charge different rates for automatic cars? Never heard that one before…. Interesting.

It seems to primarily be a UK/Ireland thing (particularly Ireland), as I’ve rented automatics for affordable prices elsewhere. That said, my first guidebook assignment was in Spain, and they ONLY had manuals to rent at the dealership! Because gas is so pricy in the UK, they stick to manuals as they get better mileage.

Ah, the old “sneak more people in the room” trick. A Van Sandt favorite. When Kyle was a kid his dad refused to pay for a room with more than one bed so he regularly used to make Kyle and his brother sneak around the hotel while telling the hotel that it was just he and his wife. Legend is that one year the family when to Disney World and crashed in sleeping bags on the floor of another family member’s hotel room for the whole week. They had to pack up their sleeping bags every night so that the hotel cleaning staff wouldn’t know they were staying there…

I’ll be revisiting this post when we finally get to make our European trip!

We do the ol’ “sneak the dogs into the hotel” trick more often than we care to admit.

Though I love the mental image of Kyle’s dad creating a diversion, so Kyle and his brother could crawl past the check-in desk unnoticed.

I have to say that being able to drive manual is an incredibly useful skill – especially when it comes to keeping costs down! Great tips – especially about travelling in the shoulder season. It’s sensible, but so few people (comparatively) do it!

And if ever YOU go on The Amazing Race, you’ll have that leg up on the competition! Inevitably, that always gets at least one team and is the difference in winning or losing!

Oh I’d completely forgotten about the old automatic/manual car hire fee, a couple of my American friends have been caught out by that before and it does suck if you have to pay extra. In our defence, there are relatively few automatic cars in the UK so rental companies have to pay more for them. I think the situation is changing nowadays but up until a few years ago, I’d never even seen an automatic car let alone driven one! We are all stick, all the time over here I’m afraid 🙂

A few tips for travelling cheaply when you’re in the UK, if you do decide to use the train check out websites like http://www.thetrainline.com or http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/ which have cheaper fare finders and tips (eg sometimes it’s cheaper to book 2 singles than a return ticket)

Don’t forget there is also a pretty good coach system in the UK too which might save you money on your journey. The website is http://www.nationalexpress.com/home.aspx and although it will take you longer than the train, the coaches are comfy and will often include popular tourists stops in the itinerary.

Speaking of buses, if you’re travelling into central London from one of the main airports (Gatwick, Stanstead & Luton) check out http://www.easybus.co.uk/ . The bus service is run by Stelios (of Easyjet fame!) and runs direct transfers from the airport to London. Tickets are cheaper the farther ahead you book and I’ve found fares for £2 ($4) before so they are worth looking into!

If you are staying in or around London, the chances are you’ll end up taking the tube (subway) at some point. To save buying single tickets/day passes every day, get yourself a Visitor Oyster card instead. It’s a plastic card you add credit to and use as you go in/out of the tube to pay for your fare. It’s cheaper to pay with an Oyster card than to buy a full priced ticket in the machines and the card never runs out so you can just keep topping it up every time you’re in the UK. Plus for families travelling with kids, an adult with a Visitor Oyster card can take up to 4 children under the age of 11 years to travel for free on Tube, DLR and London Overground services- it’s a pretty sweet deal! There is more info here: http://visitorshop.tfl.gov.uk/help-centre/oyster-card-help.html

I think that’s about it for now but if I think of anything else, I’ll come back and comment again 🙂

This is awesome–thanks for all the input, Vicki!

Oh, and I just realized it’s Monaco and not Nice I’ll be visiting in May. Drats!

You’re very welcome, glad to be of service! And actually, if you’re coming to Monaco that’s even better than Nice because I work in Monaco and am there all day, every day 🙂 Are you coming in on the ship? If so, you guys will be docking about 10 minutes away from my office so we can definitely organize something fun!! Plus it will be Grand Prix month so there’ll be lots to do and see!

I think that’s about it for now but if I think of anything else tip-wise, I’ll come back and comment again 🙂

Great advice- especially about the automatic/manual car prices and traveling a couple months off from peak season. I’m planning a trip to Ireland in April, so between now and then I definitely need to learn how to drive a manual!

Being back to a full-time career in the US is good because I will be able to afford trips to places like the UK. BUT I still want to do them as cheap as possible 🙂

Scotland is the best place for vacation. The tips you are mentioned are very useful for people who want to save some money. We can also save money by living in hostels instead of living in hotels. I agree with if we travel in off peak times we can able to save lot of money.

We have done the only two are staying more then a few times. But never thought about the gateways. Great tip. Didn’t realize that knowing how to drive a manual could save me some money in Scotland. Never rented a home on a trip before so I will think about this one for our next trip.

I see you really enjoyed your trip, as you look so happy ! :))))

thumbs up for sister bonding time

Great tips ~ I’d love to get to Scotland some day, so I appreciate you putting together this guide.

Great tips! I love Scotland and everyone loves saving money if they can!

I’ve never been to Scotland and would love to go, thanks for the tips, anything that saves some money is fantastic!

Wow what an extensive list of great tips!!!

The biggest expense of any vacation is almost always going to be the airfare, so if you’re trying to save money on a trip the first place to do is to try to get a better deal on your flight. Visiting major cities helps in this regard, as they often have not just international airports but can also be their country’s primary international gateway. Such is the case with Edinburgh .

FANTASTIC tips. I’m starting to plan an England, Scotland and Ireland trip for next fall. I love traveling in spring and fall. Since the kids aren’t in school yet it’s so easy to do and I plan on taking full advantage as long as I can. You are right about the apt. rentals too. We save a bundle when we travel, plus with kids it’s nice to have a kitchen.

Great tips and some really great photos! Scotland is such a sweet travel destination, but it is hard to make it cheap. We did a post a lot like this one a while ago and talked about getting and using frequent flyer miles to book your flights to Scotland – http://worldwanderlusting.com/2012/01/03/from-wanderlust-to-wandering-edinburgh-scotland/ Thanks for re-inspiring the Scotland bug!

Very informative post ! Thanks for sharing this important information as I am planning to travel Scotland by the end of this year.

If you’re a student & headed to the UK for any extended period of time and need to rely on train travel it’s worth getting a student railcard ( http://www.16-25railcard.co.uk/ ). For 30 pounds (or appx. 60 dollars) you’ll get nearly 2/3 off all regular fares. This was a lifesaver when I lived in Southern England and Scotland!

That’s a great tip! Thanks for chiming in!

I was just wondering what airline you used? I’ll be flying in from the west coast to edinburgh so it’s going to be pricier but the lowest I’m seeing is close to 1300 for one person. Any advice is much appreciated 🙂

We flew AirFrance at the time. However, this was 2.5 years ago, and airfare to Europe has spiked a lot over the last 18 months. I paid $1400 to fly round trip to Italy last summer =/

Hi! Well thanks for at least letting me know I’m not getting ripped off 🙂 .

You’re not! The airline industry is just ridiculous. Average airfare from the US to the Caribbean even has been around $800 for the past year and change.

Hi. I am super new to international travel. In fact, only been out of the country once. To Canada. Which doesnt really count. Especially since im from Washington State. Lol. Anyways, ive never really looked into travelling to scotland before. These are great tips. I was just wondering, did you just do a ton of research, flying out of each airport you could think of? Or is there a best website for comparing all different places to fly out of/in to? I have a couple of favorites, just trying to figure out if theres a better way. Thanks!

My sister and I have been traveling to Scotland for 16 years. It was like I wrote this article myself. All great and true tips.

Ah lucky you! I haven’t been back since 2013, but I’m really hoping to make a North Coast 500 road trip work sometime this fall or next.

I was born in the UK and I would encourage anyone planning a visit to head ‘up north’ rather than staying around London. The hebrides in Scotland are fantastic – head up to Oban then hop across on the ferry to Mull. York and Harrogate are also fantastic, as well as the Peak District including Castleton, Eyam, and Buxton.

Ooooh I’ve never been to the Hebrides. Would love to do that and the Peak District on my next return!

Nice vocational trip and some nice tips to make tour possible with low budget. One of the finest place to visit is Forth bridge, Spanning the Firth of Forth, this rail bridge links Edinburgh and the Lothians with Fife.

I am grateful to you for sharing some tips on how to make the most out of your Scotland vacation tour such as traveling during off-peak times. If you’re a little tight on your budget, it is recommended that you pick a month that doesn’t have too many tourists or passengers coming in. This means that tickets are relatively cheaper and you wouldn’t have to fight against a crowd waiting in line for your turn. This would definitely make your vacation truly worthwhile and hassle-free. If I were to go to Scotland for vacation, I would make sure to keep this in mind. Thanks.

Hey Kristin, I’m planning to visit Scotland this summer holiday. Your article really helps me to explore new things in Scotland. I’d love too if I would get the guide like you.!

THE 10 BEST Cheap Things to Do in Scotland

Best budget-friendly things to do in scotland.

5.0 of 5 bubbles
4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
City Centre
Merchant City
Budget-friendly
Good for Kids
Good for Couples
Good for a Rainy Day
Good for Big Groups
Hidden Gems
Adventurous
Honeymoon spot
Good for Adrenaline Seekers
Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Royal Yacht Britannia

2. Arthur's Seat

Recommended Experiences (11)

3. National Museum of Scotland

4. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

5. Edinburgh Old Town

6. The Chocolatarium

7. Royal Mile

8. Celtic Park

9. Palace of Holyroodhouse

10. Oban Distillery

11. Glenkinchie Distillery

12. Dunnottar Castle

13. Quiraing

14. Edinburgh Gin Distillery

15. Glengoyne Distillery

16. Wellpark Brewery

17. Summerhall Distillery

18. Blair Athol Distillery

19. The Scottish Crannog Centre

20. Skara Brae

21. Stirling Old Town Jail

22. Laphroaig Distillery

23. Steall Waterfall

24. Royal Lochnagar Distillery

25. Surgeons' Hall Museums

26. Glencoe National Nature Reserve

27. Stirling Distillery

28. Dalscone Farm Fun

29. Luskentyre

30. The Glenturret Distillery

What travelers are saying

Cost of a Trip to Scotland & the Cheapest Time to Visit Scotland

The average price of a 7-day trip to Scotland is $1,429 for a solo traveler, $2,566 for a couple, and $4,811 for a family of 4 . Scotland hotels range from $65 to $295 per night with an average of $114, while most vacation rentals will cost $220 to $440 per night for the entire home. Average worldwide flight costs to Mildura Airport ( MQL ) are between $492 and $1,020 per person for economy flights and $1,544 to $3,201 for first class. Depending on activities, we recommend budgeting $42 to $81 per person per day for transportation and enjoying local restaurants.

See below for average , budget , and luxury trip costs. You can also look up flight costs from your airport for more tailored flight pricing.

The Cheapest Times to Visit Scotland

On average, these will be the cheapest dates to fly to MQL and stay in a Scotland hotel:

February 5th to March 11th
April 9th to July 15th (except the weeks of April 23rd, April 30th, May 21st and June 25th)
August 6th to September 9th
October 22nd to December 2nd

The absolute cheapest time to take a vacation in Scotland is usually mid August .

Average Scotland Trip Costs

Average solo traveler.

The average cost for one person to visit Scotland for a week is $1,116-$2,232 ($159-$319 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $42 to $81 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $330 to $867 for economy

Lodging : $82 to $109 per night for one 2 or 3-star hotel room

or $109 to $133 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Average Couple’s Trip

The average cost for a couple to visit Scotland for a week is $2,064-$3,972 ($295-$567 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $84 to $162 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $660 to $1,734 for economy

Average Family Vacation

The average cost for 4 people to visit Scotland for a week is $3,480-$7,044 ($497-$1,006 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $168 to $324 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,320 to $3,468 for economy

Lodging : $164 to $218 per night for two 2 or 3-star hotel rooms

or $164 to $200 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Traveling Cheap to Scotland

How cheap can you make a vacation to Scotland? The cheapest trip to Scotland is about $89 per person per day for travelers willing to take standby flights, deal with inconvenience, and otherwise limit travel expenses. About 1% of rentals are available in the $0 to $100 range for an entire place, and vacation rentals can be booked for as low as $20 per night. These inexpensive rentals must be booked as early as possible and may not be in the most desirable areas. 1-star hotels are more likely to be available, with rooms starting at around $58.

Even cheaper trips are possible depending on where you live and whether you can drive. Check the cheapest times to fly for more saving ideas.

Budget Solo Traveler

The lowest cost for one person to visit Scotland for a week is $625-$1,600 ($89-$229 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $25 to $49 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Lodging : $58 to $65 per night for one 1-star hotel room

or $20 to $40 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Budget Couple’s Trip

The lowest cost for a couple to visit Scotland for a week is $1,130-$2,810 ($161-$401 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $50 to $98 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Budget Family Vacation

The lowest cost for 4 people to visit Scotland for a week is $2,188-$5,620 ($313-$803 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $100 to $196 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Lodging : $116 to $130 per night for two 1-star hotel rooms

or $28 to $64 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Overall it is very difficult to travel to Scotland cheaply.

The Cost of a Luxury Scotland Trip

There is no true ceiling on the cost of a luxury trip, so our estimates are based on what most people do in Scotland.

Luxury Solo Traveler

The high-end price for one person to visit Scotland for a week is $2,246-$8,127 ($321-$1,161 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $92 to $146 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $726 to $2,089 for first class

Lodging : $146 to $295 per night for one 4 or 5-star hotel room

or $440 to $836 per night for a preferred vacation rental

Luxury Couple’s Trip

The high-end price for a couple to visit Scotland for a week is $3,616-$11,238 ($517-$1,605 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $184 to $292 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,452 to $4,178 for first class

Luxury Family Vacation

The high-end price for 4 people to visit Scotland for a week is $7,232-$19,968 ($1,033-$2,853 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $368 to $584 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $2,904 to $8,356 for first class

Lodging : $292 to $590 per night for two 4 or 5-star hotel rooms

or $704 to $1,254 per night for a preferred vacation rental

Scotland Hotel Prices

The cost of staying in Scotland is much higher than the average city. On average hotels are less expensive than vacation rentals. Luxury vacation rentals are more expensive in Scotland due to very high property costs. The graphs below show how much cost can vary depending on the type of experience you’re looking for.

Scotland Lodging Cost by Star Status

The average price for the class of hotel is on the (y) axis. The hotel class (out of 5 stars) is on the (x) axis.

Prices are based on Scotland hotel averages and may not reflect current prices. In some cases, we extrapolate prices to estimate costs, and hotels with your desired star rating may not be available.

Vacation Rental Prices

The percent of vacation rentals in the price range is on the left (y) axis. Price range is on the bottom (x) axis.

There are a healthy amount of vacation rentals serving all budgets in Scotland.

Flight Costs to Scotland

Averaging flights around the world, prices go from a high of $1,020 average in late December to a low of $492 in mid August. Median flight price is $293. These prices are based on millions of flights. For Scotland our data includes 4 originating airports, and 11 airlines. The area has more variance in price compared with other locations. Flying to Scotland from an airport like San Francisco International ( SFO ) in San Francisco, CA (the United States) for an average $1,681 trip fare will obviously cost a lot more than from an airport like Melbourne International ( MEL ) in Melbourne (Australia) at an average of just $167.

Average Flight Cost by Season

Average flight cost by day of week.

The cheapest day to fly in is typically Tuesday, and the cheapest day to fly back is usually Tuesday. Click here to see data for the cost of flights from your airport. In Scotland, the difference between the cheapest and the most expensive week is about $528, so you can easily save about 107% simply by using our free flight guides and booking in advance.

Daily Expenses Budget

Daily vacation expenses vary more based on what you’re interested in doing. A fine dining restaurant with drinks around Scotland can easily cost $370 per person or more, while a standard nice meal might be about $25 per person. Private tours can cost $736 per day, but self-guided tours to see the outdoor sights can be free. Costs vary wildly, so recommendations are made based on the cost of living and averages we see for this type of vacation.

Other Scotland Guides

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Edinburgh on a budget: how to make your money go further

Feb 6, 2022 • 11 min read

May 17, 2018: Girls sitting on the hill of Arthur's seat overlooking Edinburgh.

In less than an hour, you can climb to the top of Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano in the middle of the city – just one of many free things to do in and around Edinburgh's capital © Jaroslav Moravcik / Shutterstock

Edinburgh is famously one of the UK's most expensive cities, but that doesn’t mean it has to cost you a pretty penny – there are myriad affordable things to do on a visit here.

Whether it’s eating out, walking up an extinct volcano or jumping on a bus or a train to a nearby seaside town, it’s possible to do a lot with very little in Scotland’s capital.

Fly on a weekday with a budget airline – though it may be cheaper to take the train

Flying via budget airline is the least expensive way to get to Edinburgh, though weekend fares are more expensive, so consider making the journey on a weekday if you can. If you’re visiting from London, plan ahead and book the Lumo train from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh Waverley – it's less than £30 (US$41) return.

Take the Airlink 100 bus to the city center

From Edinburgh Airport you can travel directly to the city center via bus or tram. For most of the day, the Airlink 100 bus runs every 15 minutes, with an open return costing £7.50 ($10.20). Get a physical ticket when you get on the bus, or download the Lothian Buses M-Tickets app to pay your fare in advance and store it safely on your phone. The tram runs every seven minutes, but it doesn’t operate 24/7 like the airport bus, and it's more expensive and not as quick.

Explore the city under your own steam, or else take the bus

Once in the city you’ll find Edinburgh is incredibly walkable , and like most cities, you’ll get a better feel for it on foot. If you do plan to use the bus, a single ticket is £1.80 ($2.45) no matter the distance you’re traveling, but a day ticket is just £4.50 ($6.10), meaning for a few quid more, you can get on and off as many times as you like. If you’re planning a longer stay, the 5 x Adult DAYtickets option, available on the app, will save you even more money for just £20 ($27).

Stay at a budget hotel or a decent hostel

Depending on your budget, there's a plethora of places to rest your head. A slew of budget hotels like Premier Inn, Travelodge and easyHotel can be found in every nook and cranny of Edinburgh’s city center, and there are youth hostel options available too, several within a stone’s throw of Edinburgh Castle , the city’s most famous landmark.

If you want to pretend you’re living in the moat, try Castle Rock Hostel . For a unique stay, there's affordable living at the Court , part of the Code hostel group and an A-listed Victorian that once housed a courthouse and jail, located just off the Royal Mile.

There’s also no shortage of self-catering apartments in Edinburgh, with prices at the Holyrood Aparthotel starting at £49 ($67) per night for a double studio apartment with a full kitchen. Shop at discount supermarkets, such as Lidl and Aldi, to prep and eat at home before heading out to explore the city.

Avoid the Festival and Hogmanay if you want cheap accommodation

If you'd like to avoid spending a small fortune on accommodation, steer clear while the Edinburgh Festivals are on in August, and during the Hogmanay celebrations at New Year, when prices quadruple at most hotels.

People relaxing near Ross Fountain in Princes Street Gardens on a sunny day, with Edinburgh Castle above

Stick to Edinburgh’s budget attractions

There's plenty in the city to see for free , including the iconic Edinburgh Castle – it sits right in the middle of the city center and is generally hard to miss. You have to pay to go inside, but you can walk right up onto the Castle Esplanade via the Royal Mile for some exceptional views across the city, especially around sunset. On or around St Andrew’s Day (November 30), there's usually a free-entry day, courtesy of Historic Environment Scotland ; it still tends to be ticketed, though, so plan ahead.

On the Royal Mile, check out the Gothic architecture of St Giles Cathedral , where entry is free seven days a week. You’ll find loads of walking tours starting on the Royal Mile too, including the Edinburgh Free Tour , which departs daily just a few doors down. At the bottom of the Royal Mile, take in the modern architecture of the once-controversial Scottish Parliament building.

Stay in the Old Town for a wander through Greyfriars Kirkyard , where you’ll find the gravestone of Scotland’s most famous dog, Greyfriars Bobby; look for a bronze statue of the pup just outside on George IV Bridge.

The gorgeous 70-acre Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is also free to visit and ideal for a leisurely stroll with the family. In the West End kids will want to visit LOVE Gorgie Farm , a free-entry urban operation with chickens, alpaca, guinea pigs, goats and more. If you’re visiting Edinburgh in September, be sure to check out the annual Doors Open Days event, when several spaces, some not usually open to the public, become free entry too.

Look for cheap (or free!) things to do at night

Finding something to do on an evening in Edinburgh isn’t hard. For live music, head to the Jazz Bar on Chambers Street or the award-winning Sneaky Pete’s in the Cowgate, where gig tickets are usually priced between £5 and £15 ($7–20). There’s free music in abundance a few doors down at Stramash , and up at Whistle Binkies on South Bridge. For live folk music, head to Captain’s Bar or to the 200-year-old pub Royal Oak , which both put on shows for free.

For discounted theater, plan ahead with the Lyceum , where preview nights are often cheaper or pay-what-you-can. Similarly, restricted-view tickets will help save a few pounds. For a night at the opera, Scottish Opera offers discounted tickets for those under age 26.

If you’re after a night at the movies, head to Scotland’s leading independent cinema, Filmhouse in the West End. Tickets for most Sunday screenings are just £5 ($7), which is the price for students every day of the week.

For laughs, head straight for Monkey Barrel Comedy , where the Sunday-night variety show costs £8 ($11), or £6 ($8) for students, and the Wednesday Top Banana Comedy night is just £3 ($4), or £1 ($1.35) for students. Similarly, Red Raw, the Monday night beginners showcase at the Stand Comedy Club , is £5 ($7). Across the road, head to the Rabbit Hole drag night at CC Blooms (£5/$7).

If you're visiting during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August, check both PBH Free Fringe and Heroes of Fringe for a host of free and pay-what-you-can LOLs. Be sure to seek out the Half Price Hut on the Mound every day too.

An aerial view of people walking through the Grand Gallery of the National Museum of Scotland.

Most of Edinburgh’s art galleries are free

There’s no shortage of art to be found in the capital, and most of the city's galleries offer free entry for their permanent collections, if not touring exhibitions. In the Old Town you’ll find the Scottish National Gallery on the Mound, and nearby, smaller galleries like Collective (in a former observatory on Calton Hill) and Fruitmarket Gallery (above Waverley train station) are a must. On the west side, visit the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art , housed in two neoclassical buildings surrounded by a sculpture park, the latter of which is worth the visit alone.

Back in the Old Town, the National Museum of Scotland should be high up your agenda. It’s perfect for a drizzly afternoon and great for entertaining the kids; as well as a T-rex skeleton and Dolly the Sheep, cloned from an adult somatic cell, you’ll find plenty of interactive exhibits to get your imagination going. There's no entrance charge during the day, but check to see if the Museum Late series is on while you’re in town – its £15 ($20) entry will let you see the museum in a whole new light, with entertainment and free access to the paid exhibition space.

Get outdoors

There’s a lot of beautiful green space in Edinburgh, with seven hills free to anyone feeling adventurous enough to take them on. In less than an hour, you can climb to the top of Arthur’s Seat , an extinct volcano in the middle of the city, before descending and exploring the surrounding Holyrood Park with its lochs and ruins. Or try the more easily accessible Calton Hill .

But the best-view-in-the-city award goes to Blackford Hill , where you can see the entire expanse in one mind-blowing panoramic. Pack a picnic and make a day of it, exploring the surrounding Hermitage of Braid nature reserve. Check out Colinton Dell in the west of the city too, with its impressive 140m (459ft) mural in an old Victorian railway tunnel.

People browsing among the tents at the Stockbridge Sunday market in Edinburgh

A leisurely stroll along the Water of Leith is also a great way to spend an afternoon, being sure to stop off in the picturesque Dean Village and Stockbridge on the way. Plan your walk on a Sunday and you’ll find the free-entry outdoor Stockbridge Market on Saunders Street, perfect for an affordable breakfast, lunch or souvenir – or just for browsing.

There are some great parks in Edinburgh too. Stockbridge’s glorious Inverleith Park boasts excellent views of Edinburgh Castle and has a superb pond for feeding swans and ducks with the kids. Meanwhile the Meadows , a vast green expanse south of the city center, hosts one of the best kids' play parks in the capital and is stunning in the spring, when the blossoming trees are in full bloom.

Heading to the coast is another affordable way to spend your time while in Edinburgh. A bus to the idyllic seaside town of Portobello will set you back just £1.80 ($2.45). While there, spend some time on the prom; enjoy video games at Nobles Amusements before grabbing a delicious shrimp bun from Shrimp Wreck (£7.50/$10) or a slice of pizza bigger than your face from Prom Slice (£4/$5).

A 20-minute train journey to North Queensferry (£5.90/$8 return from Waverley or Haymarket train stations) takes you across one of Scotland’s most iconic structures, the Forth Rail Bridge. Walk back across the old Forth Road Bridge, and spend the afternoon in the quaint town of South Queensferry, enjoying lunch from Down the Hatch at the Port Edgar Marina before heading back to the city center.

Eat and drink like a local to save some pennies

There’s no two ways about it – you have to eat. But dining out in the capital doesn’t have to be expensive. For those keen to try haggis, you’ll delight in the £6 ($8) haggis burrito from Bonnie Burrito in the Southside. A few doors down, Sister Bao offer up an extensive selection of steamed buns for £1.50 ($2), while around the back of Edinburgh Central Mosque at Mosque Kitchen , you’ll find loaded plates of comforting dal, chana masala and lamb bhuna with rice or naan for around £5 ($7).

In Leith head to the Pitt , a weekend street food market with a £2 ($3) entry fee, which grants you access to the best chicken burgers (£6/$8) in town, courtesy of the award-winning Buffalo Truck.

For a true Scottish experience, a chippy is a must, and Portobello's St Andrews Takeaway is probably the best in town. A fish supper (ie fish and chips) will set you back £6 ($8); for the full Edinburgh experience, say yes to "salt and sauce." If your budget can stretch a little further, you might consider booking in for a four-course lunch at Leith’s Aurora (£30/$41) or a three-course lunch at West End’s Palmerston (£19/$26).

For drinks, avoid the upmarket George Street. Instead, head for New Town’s Starbar, a perfectly formed dive tucked away in the basement of a tenement block, where you’ll find pints of Tennent’s, Scotland’s National lager, for just £4 ($5). In the Old Town, dive-bar fans should head to the Banshee Labyrinth . A subterranean network of underground vaults, it is famously Edinburgh’s most haunted pub. But don’t let that put you off: it’s open until 3am most nights, and entry is always free.

For a real taste of old Scotland, the Royal Mile is littered with classic pubs, but those often come with a high price tag; venture out of the city center to reap the ultimate rewards. Lovingly referred to by regulars as Diggers, as it sits between two graveyards, Athletic Arms in the West End offers a rotating selection of local cask ales that mostly come with a sub-£4 ($5) price tag. There's an exceptional whiskey selection too, meaning you don’t have to pay through the nose to get a taste of Scotland’s most prized nectar, with a whole host of 35ml measured pours priced at £2.50 ($3.40). While there, treat yourself to an award-winning pie – the macaroni version is only £2 ($3).

Or head for the bright interior of Paradise Palms for affordable vegan plates, local beers and free DJ sets. Check the board behind the bar for regular offers, such as a boilermaker, a beer and a shot of bourbon or whiskey for £5 to £6 ($7–8). Cocktail fans should visit the Scottish capital during the annual Edinburgh Cocktail Week in October, when a £7 ($10) wristband gains you access to £5 ($7) cocktails across the city.

Daily costs in Edinburgh

Hostel room: from £13 ($18) for a dorm bed Basic hotel room for two: from £30 ($41) Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): from £49 ($67) Lothian buses ticket: £1.80 ($2.45) single; £4.50 ($6.10) day ticket Coffee: £2.50–3 ($3.40–4) Sandwich: £5–9 ($7–12) Dinner for two: £40–50 ($54–68) Beer/pint at the bar: £3.80–6.50 ($5.15–8.80)

You might also like: How to explore Edinburgh on two wheels (and the best bike routes in town) The best beaches near Edinburgh for hiking, birding and wild camping Everything you need to know before visiting Edinburgh: Why does it smell? Can I use English money? And more

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BEST TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN SCOTLAND (Low Budget Road Trip)
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Travel Scotland on a Budget: 50 Money-Saving Tips for Your Trip

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Cheap Scotland Trips
Cheap Scotland Trips. Compare Flight + Hotel Deals from 100s of Travel Sites at Once. Everything You Need to Know to Travel Smart and Stay Safe! Book Now.
Holidays In Scotland
Tripadvisor Always Has Low Prices on Hotels in Scotland. Spend Less Here. Find Discounts on the Best Holidays In Scotland. Tripadvisor Helps You Spend Less.
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Cheap Hotels & Budget Stays in Scotland. B&Bs & Guest Houses. Bunkhouses and Hostels in Scotland. Holiday Parks, Caravan Parks & Campsites in Scotland. Enjoy Scotland on a budget with inspiration for the perfect wallet-friendly getaway. Includes cheap accommodation, bargain holiday deals and free attractions.
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A comprehensive budget travel guide to Scotland with tips on things to do, costs, ways to save, transportation, accommodation, and more! Nomadic Matt's Travel Site. Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer. ... Try to play during the low season (between November and March) if you want the lowest prices (St. Andrews, for example, costs 220 GBP to play in ...
9 ways to see Scotland on a budget
Bottle of Irn Bru: £2. Dram of whisky: £5-7. Haggis, neeps and tatties in a pub: £12. Wild camping: Free. Whale and dolphin watching from land: Free. As a rough guide, a total average daily cost, covering three meals a day, plus accommodation and a small budget for activities, should cost in the range of £120-170.
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Best 7 Day Scotland Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews) Find the right budget tour in Scotland with TourRadar. Choose from 19 trips with 3737 customer reviews. Book now and save with TourRadar.com!
Travel Scotland on a Budget: 50 Money-Saving Tips for Your Trip
Budget-Friendly Transport in Scotland. 1. Pick up and drop off your rental car at the same destination. One-way car rentals are always subject to additional fees. I usually find the best deals on Auto Europe, which compares prices from different rental companies and offers separate (and more affordable) insurance.
How I traveled around Scotland on an extremely tight budget
With a few hundred pounds in her bank account, Rachel Horne decided to leave her job in palliative and dementia care in 2019 and travel full-time. She started in Scotland and, from Glasgow , covered the full North Coast 500 route as well as the Outer Hebrides and several lesser-known islands on a budget of just £3 a day.
How To Travel Scotland On A Budget
We calculate that a trip to Southern Scotland for a week (minus plane tickets) will cost around £250-£400 (which is about $325-$520). This is assuming that you are visiting the tourist options, going sightseeing, using Airbnb, hostels or Bed-And-Breakfasts, and eating out at a few restaurants and cafés.
How to Travel Scotland on a Budget
Public transport in Scotland. It's easy to find great deals on transport in Scotland, but you do need to know where to look for deals. Aga from Worldering Around recommends making the most of cheap bus fares using Megabus. " Megabus often has bus tickets for only £1 to various places in Scotland and below the border.".
How to Travel Scotland on a Budget: 35 Money-Saving Tips
Off-Peak Trains. Booking train tickets in advance will save you a ton of money. There are different types of tickets that you can buy: Advance (where you can save the most money) - With the advance tickets, you need to travel at the exact time and on the train stated on the ticket. These only go on sale 12 weeks before your intended travel ...
THE BEST Budget Tours & Trip Packages in Scotland 2024/2025
The best budget tours and trips in Scotland. Choose from 57 affordable tours in Scotland with tour durations from 3 to 38 days and a total of 22 customer reviews. Our group tours in Scotland may also be a good place to start if you are looking for more inexpensive tours that are usually guided as well. 59 budget tours in Scotland. 10% OFF TODAY.
The Best Cheap Places to Visit in Scotland
Holyrood Park. Address: Queen's Dr, Edinburgh, EH8 8HG. A remarkable extinct volcano in the heart of the city, Holyrood Park is a 2.6 km area of mountain-like peaks (the famous Arthur's Seat rises 251 metres above sea level), lochs and walking trails that allow superb 360-degree views across the city and beyond.
The ultimate Scotland trip cost guide to plan your trip on a budget
For budget travelers: the average cost of a meal in Scotland per day is £15-20 / $19-25. This means you need to prepare food yourself or go to local restaurants and pubs. Mid-range travelers should expect to budget around £25-35 / $31-43 per day for meals. You can eat at mid-range restaurants and pubs without breaking the bank.
How to Travel Scotland on a Budget 2024
If you stay in budget-friendly accommodation such as hostels, make the most of all the free (but no less amazing) attractions and cook your meals or look for deals at local pubs and cafes, Scotland can be an affordable option for your next trip. On average, a budget trip to Scotland is estimated to cost around £55, €62, or $66 per day.
How to Visit Scotland for Cheap(er)
Travel between October and May if you can. In my opinion, April, May, September and October are the best months in Scotland, and May and September flank the high season (so some hotels were priced at high season still, while others were shoulder season prices). Our trip overlapped the two first months of fall, and hotel prices dropped ...
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Highly rated budget-friendly activities in Scotland: The top cheap things to do. See Tripadvisor's 6,100,324 traveler reviews and photos of Scotland attractions for thrifty travelers ... The cocktails were delightful and designed to highlight the Love Gin. I noticed trip advisor says they arent open, but they very much are and worth the ...
Cost of a Trip to Scotland & the Cheapest Time to Visit Scotland
The high-end price for one person to visit Scotland for a week is $2,246-$8,127 ($321-$1,161 per day) Food, Travel, and Sightseeing: $92 to $146 per day for one person's daily expenses. Flights: $726 to $2,089 for first class. Lodging: $146 to $295 per night for one 4 or 5-star hotel room. or $440 to $836 per night for a preferred vacation ...
Planning A Trip To Scotland
From Paris to Glasgow or Edinburgh, return flights in low season (October to April) average between £100 and £200. In high season (May to September), a return flight can cost up to £400. ... Whether it's a budget trip or a luxury break, Scotland offers a range of options to suit all budgets. Plan ahead, set your priorities and make the ...
Travel Budget for Scotland Visit Scotland on a Budget or Travel in Style
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Scotland cost? A one week trip to Scotland usually costs around $1,290 (£1,036) for one person and $2,581 (£2,072) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing. A two week trip to Scotland on average costs around $2,581 (£2,072) for one ...
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Enjoy a range of things to see and do and some of the best and most unique holiday destinations in Scotland. Our cities offer the perfect setting for a fast-paced break or head to our countryside spots for a glorious sunrise over some of incredible scenery. The Ultimate Scotland Itinerary. 5 Days of Iconic Attractions and Hidden Gems in Scotland.
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Travel to Scotland to experience ancient castles, wind-blown moors and the captivating sounds of bagpipes. Fierce battles of long ago are easily imagined in staggering stone fortresses. Scenic lakes (you decide if the Loch Ness monster exists), forests and coastlines, world-class cities and picture-book villages, and the legendary Highland ...
Edinburgh on a budget
A fish supper (ie fish and chips) will set you back £6 ($8); for the full Edinburgh experience, say yes to "salt and sauce." If your budget can stretch a little further, you might consider booking in for a four-course lunch at Leith's Aurora (£30/$41) or a three-course lunch at West End's Palmerston (£19/$26).
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Edinburgh & Glasgow. Get the most out of your time in Scotland's biggest cities with these suggestions. We'll show you the most popular attractions, hidden gems and more. A weekend in Edinburgh. Edinburgh in 3 Days - 72-Hour Itinerary. Edinburgh 7 Day Itinerary. 48 Hours in Glasgow.