scotland travel

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Best Road Trips in Scotland

Scotland has all the essential ingredients for the perfect road trip. Beautiful ever-changing scenery, incredible attractions and welcoming towns and villages. All you need is a vehicle, an amazing playlist and some great company!

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Road Trip Ideas

Plan a road trip around Scotland to see some of our most awesome sights. Explore the dramatic mountains of Glen Coe, skirt the eastern coastline to Dunnottar Castle or wind your way along the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond!

Scotland's Best Driving Routes

Driving routes in Scotland are some of the world's most breathtaking with scenic drives through Edinburgh and Glencoe.

Scotland’s most scenic driving routes

Experience some of Scotland’s most epic road trips, including stunning National Tourist Routes and the breath-taking North Coast 500.

The Queensferry Crossing

Epic Adventures

When touring Scotland by car (or camper or bike), your route can vary in length. Check out these epic route ideas.

Short Road Trips

Whether you've got a couple of days or a whole week, get inspired and head out on the road.

Self-Drive Tours

Book an organised self-drive tour of Scotland and let the professionals organise your transport, accommodation, route and more.

Touring in a classic car

Scotland’s Low Emission Zones (LEZ)

Vehicles in Scotland must comply with minimum emission standards which has now been enforced in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee. You may be fined if you drive through an LEZ zone. This mostly impacts diesel vehicles registered before September 2015 and petrol vehicles registered before 2006.

Driving in Scotland FAQs

There are many ways to get around Scotland. If you are planning on driving in Scotland, read on for information on the Scottish driving laws and regulations, FAQs on driving in Scotland and essential driving in Scotland tips.

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Image: Driving the Bealach na Ba

#DriveOnTheLeft Campaign

Make sure to always drive on the left hand side of the road in Scotland. Before you embark on your journey, watch this handy video guide from the Scottish Government for more information about Scotland’s roads, including how to navigate single-track roads and passing places.

Read the campaign overview on the Road Safety Scotland website

Princes Street seen from the Scott Monument in Edinburgh

WHAT SIDE OF THE ROAD DO I DRIVE ON IN SCOTLAND?

Always drive on the left hand side of the road.

WHAT IS THE SPEED LIMIT IN SCOTLAND?

Speed limits are regularly signposted - look out for a circular sign, with a red border and number (in miles per hour).

If there's no signpost, national speed limits apply. These are:

70 mph (112 km/h) for cars.
60 mph (96 km/h) for cars towing caravans or trailers.

Dual carrriageways

60 mph (96 km/h) for cars towing caravans or trailers.

Single carriageways

60 mph (96 km/h) for cars.
50 mph (80 km/h) for cars towing caravans or trailers.

Built-up areas

30 mph (48 km/h) or 20 mph (32 km/h), which is now quite common in city and town centres.

Find out more on speed limits for all types of vehicles

What licence do I need to drive in Scotland?

If you're coming from a European Union country - as long as you have a valid licence, you can drive any type of vehicle listed on your license in Scotland.
If you're coming from outside the EU - as long as you have a valid licence from your own country, you can drive any small vehicle (e.g. car or motorcycle) in the UK for up to 12 months.

Check you are eligible to drive in Scotland

What is the drink drive limit in Scotland?

Driving under the influence of alcohol is taken very seriously in Scotland and the UK and there can be heavy penalties for those found to be above the legal blood/alcohol limit.

The legal limit is 50 mg of alcohol in 100 ml of blood.

Read more about the drink-drive limit in Scotland

What insurance and registration do I need?

If you're bringing your own car, you'll need:

Vehicle registration or ownership documents with you at all times.
Insurance - every driver on the road in Scotland must have at least third-party insurance cover.
If you're going to be here for more than six months (during a 12 month period), you'll need to be aware of rules on number plates that have symbols not used in the UK.

Planning your road trip

How do i plan my driving route around scotland.

Find things to do along Scotland’s 12 national tourist routes and the North Coast 500 in our road trips guide .

Plan your own road trip using:

RAC Route Planner
AA Route Planner

You can also plan using the Traffic Scotland website. The Route Checker has all the latest information about traffic jams, accidents, road works, and more. You can also stay up to date by tuning into Traffic Scotland Radio:

Traffic Scotland Route Checker
Traffic Scotland Radio

Remember to plan parking in advance. There is often a shortage of parking spaces in popular areas such as national parks during the high season. Park responsibly by not blocking access for farm machinery and emergency vehicles.

You should also plan your accommodation ahead of time. This will prevent tiredness while driving around trying to find somewhere to stay. If you plan on camping, check which campsites are open and pre-book. You should also check if your chosen site is in an area which requires a permit. Always obey the Scottish Outdoor Access Code .

What are the most scenic driving routes in Scotland?

There’s beautiful scenery to explore wherever you visit in Scotland.

Pass farmland, woodland and rolling hills in the south and east, see towering mountains stretching above you in the rugged west and north and stop to wander along paradise beaches on Scotland’s islands.

How long does it take to drive around Scotland?

You could spend as long as you like exploring Scotland. Scotland is a relatively small country so it shouldn’t take you too long to travel between destinations, and there will be lots of great places to stop and visit enroute.

Where can I hire a car or campervan?

There are a number of companies to hire a car from in Scotland - or you can hire a campervan, motorhome or caravan.

Find out more about vehicle hire in Scotland

A electric car passing over the Clatterin' Brig near Fettercairn

Practicalities

Where can I find a petrol station on my route?

In the cities, you'll often find 24-hour access at fuel stations. In the countryside, there are fewer fuel stations, so it's best to keep your vehicle topped up if travelling in remote areas.

Petrol stations provide unleaded petrol and diesel. Fuel is priced by the litre.

Find a petrol station

Where can I find an electric car charge point or LPG filling station?

Find a charge point for electric vehicles on ChargePlace Scotland and Zap Map
Find an LPG station
Check out AutoTrader's handy map to find your closest EV charging point.

Where can I find public or customer toilets?

If you need a bathroom break during your journey, you can find toilets which are open near you throughout the year using the interactive map .

Where can I find information on parking?

Find out more information on:

Parking in Aberdeen
Parking in Dundee
Parking in Edinburgh
Parking in Glasgow
Parking in Inverness
Parking in Perth
Parking in Stirling

What is it like driving in winter in Scotland?

Scotland’s coldest months tend to be December, January and February, when the average maximum temperature reaches around 5°C (41°F). Freezing temperatures are common during the winter and snow falls during 15 to 20 days on average.

If you’re planning on driving in the winter months it’s best to be prepared:

Find information on winter driving .
Check the weather forecast before setting off.
Find public transport options using Traveline Scotland

Tips when driving in Scotland

Driving along the Solway Firth

Driving Rules

Seatbelts are compulsory for all drivers and passengers in the vehicle.
It is illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving. You must also have proper control while using hands-free.
Children under 12 who are under 135 cm (4 ft 5 in) tall should use a child seat appropriate for their weight. You can order one through the hire company.

Changes to the Highway Code

The Highway Code is the UK's guide to the rules of the road. It was updated recently to introduce a hierarchy of road users, and this means some changes to when drivers should prioritise pedestrians or cyclists.

Check out this handy guide for drivers on the Highway Code changes

Find out more information on driver responsibilities and the law

Driving Hazards to look out for

Some main arterial roads can be long and winding. This can make overtaking dangerous and lengthen journey times.
Campervans, caravans and other large RVs are frequently found on routes to and around popular visitor destinations, especially in the summer - even on narrow country roads.
Cyclists and motorcyclists are also common driving hazards during the summer period.
Passing places on single-lane country roads which allow vehicles to pull over and let the oncoming vehicles have right of way. These are sometimes referred to as 'pockets' on the islands.
You might encounter some farm animals or wildlife on rural roads so always take care. Look out for deer crossing signs.
You should always look and listen out for ambulances, fire engines, police, doctors or other emergency vehicles using flashing blue, red or green lights and sirens or flashing headlights.

Roundabouts, roads and bridges

Roundabouts are common in Scotland. Give way to vehicles from your right, and turn left on entering the roundabout.
There are no toll roads or toll bridges in Scotland.
As mentioned, some rural roads are single lane, but have passing places so traffic in opposite directions can pass safely or the driver behind can overtake. Check the UK Highway Code for more information.

Driving in towns and cities

Generally, roads tend to be busier around towns and cities during morning and evening rush hours - generally from 7.30 - 9.30am and 4 - 6.30pm.
Bus lanes are used in some cities - they can only be used by buses and taxis when in operation at certain times of the day.

Charging point outside Poolewe House

Advice on Driving in Scotland

You can find all the practical information and advice you need for driving in Scotland here, with details of speed limits, license and insurance, hire companies and how to plan your route.

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Plan Your Holiday to Scotland

Planning a trip to Scotland? Not quite sure where to start? Well, you're in the right place!

We'll take you through how to holiday responsibly, when to visit, where to find offers and much more.

Eilean Donan Castle on Loch Duich at Dornie

Top tips for your holiday

River Garry

How to be responsible

Your choice to travel responsibly can help protect the landscape, boost the local economy and provide funding for new and innovative projects.

Find out what you can do from visiting off-season to staying longer and visiting local community experiences.

Tips for first-time visitors

The Three Sisters, Glencoe

Where to go

Enjoy a range of things to see and do and some of the best and most unique holiday destinations in Scotland. Our cities offer the perfect setting for a fast-paced break or head to our countryside spots for a glorious sunrise over some of incredible scenery.

Loch Sunart

Everything you need to know

Find all the advice and tips on Scotland from weather and what to wear, to seasonal experiences and travel planning info.

Where to go with the kids

Children surfing at Shandwick Bay

Family breaks

Family holidays are truly special trips where you create memories that will last you all a lifetime.

If you're wondering where to go in Scotland with the kids to make the most of your trip, we've got family-friendly cycle routes and attractions, activities in the Highlands and adventures in south Scotland, and much more.

National Museum of Scotland

Budget breaks

Trying to figure out the cost of your trip to Scotland will be different for everyone and depends on how and when you travel, where you stay, how long you're staying for and the types of activities you want to experience.

There are lots of way to enjoy a cheap trip to Scotland without breaking the bank, but still have a memorable and unique holiday from free attractions, budget accommodation and more.

Find experiences

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Join our newsletter clan.

Get Scotland inspiration direct to your inbox. Don't miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals.