How to travel around Scotland

Getting around in Scotland is easy. You can jump on a plane, train or bus to most major towns and cities, or have a ferry take you to most Scottish islands. Our road network is extensive, well-marked and includes a dozen scenic National Tourist Routes (just remember to stay to the left!). Click here for further details on travel across Scotland or check out our top tips on travel around Scotland's main cities, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

EDINBURGH
Getting to Edinburgh from Edinburgh International Airport
Edinburgh International Airport is 12km (8 miles) west of the city centre and regular buses (every 10 minutes during the day) will take you to Waverley Bridge in the city centre. A taxi will cost approximately 26 Euros to the city centre.
(NB. If you buy the Edinburgh Pass, free return transfer from Edinburgh Airport is included along with transport around the city region!)

Getting around Edinburgh by bus
Edinburgh has a network of local bus services allowing frequent travel throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians making this a great - and cost effective - way of getting around the city. Local bus companies offer daily bus tickets, which allow you unlimited travel in and around Edinburgh. You buy these tickets, and single journey tickets, on board the bus from the driver - remember that no change is given, so you'll need the exact fare. For travel in and around Edinburgh including Edinburgh Airport, city bus tours and night buses, visit Lothian Buses and First Group.

GLASGOW
Getting to Glasgow from Glasgow International Airport
Glasgow International Airport is 13 km (8 miles) west of Glasgow city centre and regular buses (every 10 minutes during the day) will take you to the main bus station in the city centre.

Getting around Glasgow by public transport
By bus/train (local)
The region has an integrated network of public transport services for the convenience of both visitors and residents alike. Strathclyde Passenger Transport (SPT) offers Daytripper, Discovery and Roundabout discount tickets for hop-on/hop-off travel around the region. SPT also operates a network of 12 Travel centres for all your public transport enquiries and tickets. Glasgow Tourist Information Centre can advise you on times and tickets.

By underground
Glasgow Underground - also known as the Clockwork Orange - operates a circular route around the city linking the south side and west end with the city centre. Glasgow Tourist Information Centre can advise you on times and tickets for the underground.

Discovery ticket
Allows unlimited travel by underground for one day. Valid after 09:30 Monday-Saturday and all day Sunday. Discovery tickets can be bought from any underground station, vouchers are available from SPT travel centres which should be exchanged for a ticket at an underground station.
(N.B. Travel on SPT services is included when you buy the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Trail Ticket.)

Edinburgh and Glasgow taxis
Often it’s taxis that give a city its particular feel. Like other major cities in the UK, Edinburgh and Glasgow have black hansome cabs which can accommodate up to five passengers (some even have seats for six). They all have a yellow ‘TAXI’ light on the roof which is lit when they are free. You can hail one by raising your hand or take the front cab in line at any number of taxi ranks throughout the city centre. Fares start from around £2 with supplements for pieces of luggage or call out fees to your holiday accommodation. If you are out for the evening and ask the restaurant where you dined for a taxi, they may order a licensed minicab or people carrier instead of a black cab.