Bus Tours in Ireland and Scotland
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10 best Coach / Bus trips around Ireland and Scotland
Compiled by

SteffIreland and Scotland travel expert at TourRadar
- Leisurely United Kingdom and Ireland
- Highlights of Ireland and Scotland
- Best of Ireland & Scotland (Small Groups) (including Shannon)
- Scotland and Ireland (Classic, Summer)
- Scotland and Ireland (Age 27-35)
- Scotland and Ireland Reunion 35 to 45 (Only Available To Contiki Past Travellers, Reunion)
- Scottish & Irish Dream - 14 Days/13 Nights (30 destinations)
- Best of Ireland & Scotland (Small Groups) (including Dingle)
- Best of Ireland & Scotland (Classic) (19 destinations)
- Scotland and Ireland (Classic, Summer, 13 Days)
Leisurely United Kingdom and Ireland
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We saw so many things and checked off a lot of items from our bucket lists. We had a wonderful overall experience.”
Kristen, traveled in June
A comfortable coach tour winds through Scotland and Ireland's highlights. The route includes Edinburgh Castle, Loch Ness, Cliffs of Moher, and Dublin's Trinity College, with overnight stays at select hotels including Premier Inn Edinburgh Park and Maldron Limerick.
Duration 15 days Destinations England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Europamundo From
- NZ$6,273
Highlights of Ireland and Scotland
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The scenery was beautiful. The tour was interesting and great.”
Madeline, traveled in June
Luxury coaches with Wi-Fi link Ireland and Scotland's must-see destinations. The itinerary features Connemara's Crystal Factory, Giant's Causeway, Edinburgh Castle, and scenic drives through the Scottish Highlands.
Duration 11 days Destinations Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Trafalgar From $6,625
10% Off- NZ$5,963You save $663
Best of Ireland & Scotland (Small Groups) (including Shannon)
54 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Would absolutely travel with both of them again! He knew the area well and shared many interesting facts and lore as we traveled.”
Mary, traveled in May
A 40-seat luxury coach with extra legroom connects Dublin's historic sites to Edinburgh's Royal Mile. The route encompasses Ring of Kerry, Giant's Causeway, and Loch Ness, backed by professional drivers and modern amenities.
Duration 14 days Destinations Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Insight Vacations From
10% Off- NZ$13,050
Scotland and Ireland (Classic, Summer)
21 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This trip was amazing!! So glad I did it!!”
Emily, traveled in July
Scottish dramatic landscapes and Irish historic sites unfold by coach. Highlights include a Loch Ness cruise, visits to St. Andrews, Glenfinnan Viaduct, with seamless transport between Edinburgh, Glasgow, Belfast, and Dublin.
Duration 13 days Destinations Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki From $5,185
15% Off- NZ$4,407You save $778
Duration 13 days Destinations Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland Age Range Ages 27-35 Operator Contiki From
15% Off- NZ$4,319
Luxury transportation from Edinburgh's Royal Mile weaves through Scottish Highlands and across Irish Sea. The itinerary features St. Andrews University town, Loch Ness cruising, and Belfast's historic quarters before reaching Dublin's Temple Bar.
Duration 13 days Destinations Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland Age Range Ages 35-45 Operator Contiki From
15% Off- NZ$4,407
Scottish & Irish Dream - 14 Days/13 Nights (30 destinations)
84 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We were immersed in the history and culture of the two countries by the sights, tours, and information shared.”
Karen, traveled in October
A 5-star rated luxury coach service links Glasgow to Dublin. Professional driver-guides lead visits to Loch Lomond, Isle of Skye, and Ring of Kerry, ensuring comfortable transportation throughout.
Duration 14 days Destinations Scotland, England, Northern Ireland, Ireland Age Range Ages 8+ Operator CIE Tours From
15% Off- NZ$8,311
No departure dates availableDuration 16 days Destinations Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Insight Vacations
No departure dates availableDuration 16 days Destinations Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Insight Vacations
No departure dates availableDuration 13 days Destinations Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki
Ireland And Scotland Coach / Bus Tour Reviews
- Leisurely United Kingdom and Ireland
We had a great time on our recent tour! We saw so many things and checked off a lot of items from our bucket lists. While we would have loved to have had a little more free time to just explore on our own, we had a wonderful overall experience. Our tour guide, Esperanza, was just fabulous! Her English translations were excellent and she told many stories and filled us is on
- Best of Ireland and Scotland
This was a fast paced tour but we saw SO much and we never would have been able to do that on our own. Our tour director, Mhairie MacLaren was the best!!! Bus drivers were awesome and accommodations were great. I would take a Trafalgar tour again...but if you want a slower pace, look at the "at leisure" tours. We had a great time!
- Scotland and Ireland (Classic, Winter)
Francesca my trip manager made this tour so incredible. The add on activities that Contiki has were fabulous!! Would recommend!
What our customers ask about Bus Tours in Ireland and Scotland
What is the typical daily schedule like on a coach tour in Ireland and Scotland?
Coach tours generally begin between 8:00-9:00 AM after breakfast at accommodations ranging from the Dunollie Highland Hotel in Broadford to the Clayton Hotel in Dublin. The day unfolds with 2-3 hours of driving through the countryside interrupted by rest stops every 2 hours. You'll spend time at 2-4 major sites such as Edinburgh Castle or the Cliffs of Moher. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "Our guide Glen was lovely and professional timing was great with perfect balance between driving and stops." Most tours wrap up between 5:00-6:00 PM giving travelers free evenings unless there's a scheduled activity like a traditional Scottish ceilidh.
What are the key attractions covered on most bus tours in Ireland and Scotland?
The routes cover essential landmarks including Edinburgh Castle Trinity College Dublin Blarney Castle the Cliffs of Moher Loch Ness and Giant's Causeway. Travelers explore major urban centers like Edinburgh Dublin Glasgow and Belfast while venturing into natural wonders across the Scottish Highlands and Ireland's Ring of Kerry. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "Every major highlight was covered - from kissing the Blarney Stone to searching for Nessie at Loch Ness. We stayed at great locations like the Ballygally Castle Hotel with incredible coastal views." Cultural experiences often include stops at whisky distilleries and traditional music venues.
What unique scenic experiences can travelers enjoy from the comfort of a bus tour in Ireland and Scotland?
The coaches feature large windows and raised seating offering clear views of routes such as the Antrim Coast leading to Giant's Causeway and the paths through the Scottish Highlands near Loch Ness. Experienced drivers navigate rural roads while guides share local knowledge. According to a TourRadar reviewer: "The scenic drives through Glencoe and along the Ring of Kerry were breathtaking - our driver Tony handled those winding roads expertly while our guide shared fascinating stories about the regions." Extended tours showcase varied landscapes from Ireland's western shoreline to Scotland's mountain ranges.
How do bus tours in Ireland and Scotland accommodate stops for sightseeing and relaxation?
The itineraries include regular stops every 2-3 hours at visitor facilities and viewpoints. Major attractions like Blair Castle and the Cliffs of Moher receive 1-2 hour visits while lunch breaks in towns such as Pitlochry or Killarney span 60-90 minutes. Nights at properties like the Dunkeld House Hotel or Camden Court Hotel provide time to unwind. A TourRadar reviewer noted: "The timing of stops was perfect - we never felt rushed and had enough breaks to stay comfortable during the scenic drives between destinations."
How much free time do I have to explore independently on a coach tour in Ireland and Scotland?
Tours typically allow 2-3 hours for independent exploration in cities like Edinburgh Dublin and Galway. After check-in at hotels such as the Metropole Hotel in Cork or the Atholl Palace Hotel in Pitlochry evenings are usually unscheduled. Several itineraries dedicate full days in Dublin or Edinburgh for self-guided visits using provided hop-on-hop-off passes. As one TourRadar traveler shared: "We had the perfect mix of guided touring and free time - enough independence to explore on our own but with the convenience of having transportation and logistics handled."