Bus Tours in Ireland and Scotland
4.6 stars on(8,585 reviews)- Choose from 27 Ireland and Scotland tours
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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
- Celtic Highlights
- Scotland and Ireland (Classic, Winter)
- Highlights of Ireland and Scotland
- Scotland and Ireland (Classic, Summer)
- Best of Ireland & Scotland (Small Groups) (including Shannon)
- Celtic Twist
- Scotland and Ireland (Age 27-35)
- Scotland and Ireland Reunion 35 to 45 (Only Available To Contiki Past Travellers, Reunion)
- Sober Curious: Scotland and Ireland
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$6,148
Celtic Highlights
383 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We had 3 local guides who knew their area very well and were also very nice.”
Professional drivers navigate coastal roads, mountain passes, and historic city centers from Dublin's Georgian squares to Edinburgh Castle. The comprehensive tour includes ferry crossings and comfortable travel across both countries.
Duration 13 days Destinations Scotland, England, Ireland, Northern Ireland Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Globus From $6,359
10% Off- NZ$5,723You save $636
Scotland and Ireland (Classic, Winter)
21 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The add on activities that Contiki has were fabulous!! Would recommend!”
Chelsea, traveled in January
Scottish castles and Irish cliffs await on this coach tour with included ferry crossings. The route takes in St. Andrews, Stirling Castle, while winding through Ireland's scenic routes from Dublin to the Giant's Causeway.
Duration 13 days Destinations Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki From $4,455
20% Off- NZ$3,564You save $891
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
Scotland and Ireland (Classic, Summer)
21 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was very good at making the trip as smooth as possible.”
Lillian, traveled in March
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
10% Off- NZ$4,667You save $518
Best of Ireland & Scotland (Small Groups) (including Shannon)
53 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Well organized, informative, friendly, and fun. We had lots of laughs.”
Bess, 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$14,601
Luxury coaches connect Ireland and Scotland's iconic sites, from Cobh's Titanic Experience to Edinburgh Castle. The journey features Ring of Kerry, Kilbeggan Distillery, and a cruise to the Cliffs of Moher.
Duration 15 days Destinations Dublin, Wexford, Cork, Ring of Kerry, Killarney, Cliffs of Moher, Burren, Glasgow, Loch Ness, InvernessSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Royal Irish Tours From
10% Off- NZ$8,987
Duration 13 days Destinations Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland Age Range Ages 27-35 Operator Contiki From
10% 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
10% Off- NZ$4,407
No departure dates availableDuration 13 days Destinations Scotland, England, 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 & Scotland (Classic) (23 destinations)
My husband and I just returned from our very first coach tour and our first time visiting Ireland and Scotland. The tour name was The Best of Ireland and Scotland with Insight Vacations, August 22 to September 4, 2017. We had the privilege of being guided by Robert Joyce “Robbie”, his knowledge of the area and its history is exceptional, great storyteller, kind-hearted and awesome sense of humour. Robbie went out of his way to make our journey a memorable one by juggling the itinerary slightly around the weather so we could enjoy our tours to the maximum. For example, our ride on-board a local jaunting car (horse drawn carriage) through Killarney National Park in the morning, with blue skies, majestic views of the mountains, placid lakes and stunning views of Ross Castle, followed by a tour of Ring of Kerry where we stopped to take in the views of the Upper Lake and surrounding area, which made for better photos. Definitely one of the highlights for me. Robbie is among the major reasons we will always treasure our journey through Ireland and Scotland and we hope to travel with him again in the future. Ana
- 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!
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."