Scotland may be relatively small, but its diverse landscape with the craggy mountains and the remote islands has motivated people throughout the ages to find creative ways to travel cross-country. Nowadays Scotland hosts a wide, developed and efficient transport network including buses, coaches, trains, ferries, etc. Regardless of where you have decided to settle, travelling will definitely be part of your everyday life so it's good to consider your options.Â
According to estimations, 95% of the Scottish population live within a 5-minute walk from a bus stop. There are four main companies operating Scotland's buses, as well as some smaller independent ones. Buses are affordable, but above all else they're quick: by using the dedicated bus lanes, they can practically get you where you want to go faster than any other means of transportation. There are frequent itineraries in cities and towns, but villages and rural areas have a reduced service that usually runs around the time the kids have to go to and return from school.
To check when is your next bus or what is the best itinerary for you, visit Traveline Scotland.
Apart from buses, most big Scottish cities and villages are served by coast services provided by several companies. You can thus travel by coach bus to cover both long and short distances. Tickets can be purchased on the Internet, by phone, at bus stations, or even on board. Nevertheless, you are advised to reach the station early to secure a more comfortable seat. If you are likely to travel often, you can also benefit from attractive packages.
Wondering if you should take a taxi in Scotland? Each Scottish city has its own taxi network, so you'll have to compare and contrast prices between companies ' taxi search engines like Your Taximeter can help you on that regard. In all cases, you may want to share your taxi with several people so as to reduce your travel fare.
The subway is not widely spread in Scotland: Glasgow is the only Scottish city to host a subway network. Called 'the Clockwork Orange' by locals because of its bright colour, the subway is cheap and efficient. A single, cyclical line is available, circling the River Clyde and providing 15 stops along the way. You can buy tickets from Subway ticket offices, automatic machines, as well as online. Find out more about subway tickets here.
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Travelling by train
Travelling by train is perhaps the best way to discover the beautiful Scottish landscape. The Scottish rail network is extensive, well-developed and has connections both cross-country and to the rest of the United Kingdom. Most trains have wi-fi, which makes them a popular choice both with people who commute to work and with those who love posting their journey on social media. The latter are uniquely blessed by the fact that Scotland has indeed some of the most scenic train routes in the whole world.
Train tickets can be purchased at train stations, in big travel agencies, by phone or on the Internet, as well as on automatic vending machines requiring debit or credit cards.
You can also travel from one city to another, or even to the surrounding islands, by air: Scotland hosts 6 international airports as well as 12 domestic airports. Before choosing your airline company, take the time to compare flight rates on the Internet.
Last but not least: the sea route. Because of its substantial island population, Scotland has quite a few ferry services, both for passengers and cars ' although if you wish to travel along with your car, advance booking is highly recommended. You are also advised to check your baggage allowance, boarding time, and even weather forecasts in case of cancellation. Note that combined train and ferry packages are also available.
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A journalist, holder of the DALF C1 and C2 and a diploma from the University of Mauritius, I have nearly twenty years of writing experience. After six years in the Mauritian press, I joined Expat.com, where I have been working for over a decade, including five years as editorial assistant, and now as editorial manager.
