Self Drive Tours & Trips in Scotland
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10 best Self Drive Scotland tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaScotland travel expert at TourRadar
- Taste of Scotland | 8 Days Self-Drive Tour
- Scotland Adventure: Hidden Highlands & Mystic Roadtrip
- Scotland Bucketlist: Aberdeen Highlands & Mystic Road Trip
- Scotland Culinary | 8 Days Self-Drive Tour
- Islands of the Hebrides
- Scotland NC500 Route Tour in Luxury Car, pre-set sat-nav guided
- England Scotland Ireland – Highlights of UK
- Scotland in the Spotlight incl. North 11 Nights
- Scotland Adventure: Hidden Highlands & Mystic Roadtrip
- A flying visit to Scotland (from Edinburgh to Perth)
The open roads of Scotland await with your rental car. Travel from Glasgow through Loch Lomond, pause at Glenfinnan Viaduct for the Jacobite Steam Train, and find hidden beaches near Mallaig. Includes pre-booked accommodations and activities.
Duration 8 days Destinations Glasgow, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Fort William, Glenfinnan, Fort Augustus, Loch Ness, Inverness, Aviemore, Cairngorms National Park, PitlochrySee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator BTOURS From $2,779
15% Off- NZ$2,362You save $417
Duration 10 days Destinations Edinburgh, Glasgow, Glencoe, Fort William, Loch Ness, Inverness, Aberdeen Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Journaway From $2,968
28% Off- NZ$2,128You save $840
The dramatic landscapes of Glencoe Valley unfold as you travel Loch Lomond's shores and the Speyside whisky region. Self-drive format allows flexible stops at Cawdor Castle, Highland Folk Museum, and spontaneous visits to over 50 distilleries.
Duration 8 days Destinations Glasgow, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Stirling, Fort William, Inverness, Loch Ness, Edinburgh Age Range Ages 12+ Operator BTOURS From
28% Off- NZ$4,869
Scotland's most scenic routes wind from Fort William to Glasgow. Roam the Isle of Skye's dramatic landscapes (250km), cruise Harris's coastal roads, and find Lewis's hidden beaches. Includes pre-arranged ferry crossings and accommodation with breakfast, perfect for independent travelers.
Duration 10 days Destinations Fort William, Oban, Isle of Skye, Isle of Harris, Ullapool, Inverness, Beauly, Nairn, Stornoway, Glasgow Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator DERTOUR From
28% Off- NZ$2,400
Scotland NC500 Route Tour in Luxury Car, pre-set sat-nav guided
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“We had an amazing time in the Highlands. The routes chosen took us through magnificent scenery.”
Tracy, traveled in October
A V8 Jaguar carries you through Scotland's spectacular routes from Edinburgh through NC500. Stop at Balmoral Castle, roam Cairngorms National Park, and visit Isle of Skye. Pre-set GPS ensures smooth sailing through Highland passes and coastal roads.
Duration 7 days Destinations Edinburgh, Forth Bridge, Balmoral Castle, Cairngorms National Park, Inverness, Gairlochy, Ullapool, Loch Ness, Eilean Donan, Ben NevisSee all destinations Age Range Ages 25+ Operator EPIKdrives From
28% Off- NZ$14,316
Scotland's dramatic landscapes stretch from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye on this independent drive. Visit the Trotternish Ridge, stop at Eilean Donan Castle, and find hidden Highland villages at your own pace. Includes GPS navigation and carefully selected accommodation.
Duration 10 days Destinations England, Scotland, Ireland Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Bucket List Group Travel LLC From
28% Off- NZ$7,048
The freedom of Scotland's roads stretches from Edinburgh's historic streets to the remote North Coast 500. Pass through Glencoe Valley, visit Skye's Fairy Glen, and find hidden beaches near Durness. Includes ferry crossings and flexible stops at castles and ancient sites.
Duration 12 days Destinations Edinburgh, Inverness, Thurso, Stromness, Skara Brae, Stenness, Gairloch, Ullapool, Durness, Isle of SkyeSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator DERTOUR From
28% Off- NZ$2,306
Scottish roads stretch from Edinburgh's Royal Mile to Perth on this independent journey. Follow the North Coast 500, visit Isle of Skye's Fairy Pools, and stop at Culloden Moor. Includes 8 nights' accommodation and breakfast, perfect for flexible Scottish exploration.
Duration 9 days Destinations Edinburgh, Oban, Inveraray, Argyll, Kilmartin, Isle of Mull, Tobermory, Staffa, Isle of Skye, GlenfinnanSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator DERTOUR From
28% Off- NZ$1,700
What people love about Self Drive Tours in Scotland
The essence of the tour is great, wonderful scenery, plenty of time to reach destinations. The accommodation enroute was variable, 3 were outstanding, one dreadful, the others okay.
NC500 Road Trip - Self Drive Tour
What our customers ask about Self Drive Tours & Trips in Scotland
When is the best time to do a Self Drive tour in Scotland?
Scotland's Self Drive tours are most popular from April through September with warm temperatures between 15-20°C and extended daylight hours. Spring brings wildflowers to the Isle of Skye and Highlands particularly in May and June. Those looking to avoid crowds might consider March-April or October although weather can change quickly especially in highland regions like Fort William and Inverness. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "We went in June and had perfect weather for driving through the Highlands with long days to explore places like Glencoe Valley and Eilean Donan Castle."
What kind of accommodations can I expect on a Scotland Self Drive tour?
Scotland offers diverse lodging options across its regions. Visitors can stay in grand properties like Inverlochy Castle Hotel near Fort William or local B&Bs such as The Torridon in the Highlands. City destinations feature upscale hotels including The Balmoral in Edinburgh and distinctive properties like Hotel du Vin in Glasgow. One TourRadar traveler commented: "The mix of accommodations was perfect - from the Cameron House on Loch Lomond to cozy guesthouses on Skye each offering unique Scottish hospitality."
What's the best route for a first-time Scotland Self Drive tour?
First-time visitors often follow a route beginning in Edinburgh moving through the Trossachs to Glencoe then continuing to the Isle of Skye via Fort William. The journey typically extends to Inverness and Loch Ness before returning through the Cairngorms. Notable overnight stops include The Torridon Hotel and Portavadie Marina. A TourRadar traveler recommended: "Following the Edinburgh to Highlands route gave us a perfect mix of history landscapes and Scottish culture with the flexibility to explore at our own pace."
How challenging is driving in Scotland for international visitors?
Scotland's road system is modern and well-marked though left-side driving requires some adjustment. Visitors should prepare for single-track roads in the Highlands and Isle of Skye and city roundabouts in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Many travelers choose hotels like The Caledonian in Edinburgh to reduce city driving. A TourRadar traveler noted: "After the first day driving on the left became natural. The rural roads require attention but offer stunning views that make it worthwhile."
What are the must-see highlights on a Scotland Self Drive tour?
Scotland's premier attractions include Glencoe Valley Eilean Donan Castle the Isle of Skye and Loch Ness. The North Coast 500 provides scenic coastal drives and access to sites like Dunrobin Castle. Urban exploration covers Edinburgh's Royal Mile and Castle plus Glasgow's Kelvingrove Art Gallery. As noted by a TourRadar traveler: "The drive through the Highlands was breathtaking - don't miss the Fairy Pools on Skye and a stop at The Highland Folk Museum in Newtonmore to experience traditional Scottish life."
How far in advance should I book a Scotland Self Drive tour?
Peak season bookings (June-September) require 6-8 months advance planning to secure preferred hotels like The Balmoral in Edinburgh or Ness Walk Hotel in Inverness. The North Coast 500 route draws significant summer traffic. A TourRadar traveler shared: "We booked our August tour in January and were glad we did - many of the best hotels and B&Bs in popular areas like Skye and the Highlands were already filling up."