How to plan a trip to Scotland: the best itinerary planner

Serving an exhilarating blend of ancient heritage, soul-stirring landscapes that invite outdoor adventuring, and dynamic contemporary culture, it’s little wonder that Scotland features on many travelers’ wish lists. To help you make the most of your time in this fascinating destination, here we share tips on how to plan a trip to Scotland.

Follow our tips for visiting Scotland

Whether you’re in the market for venturing to the Highlands and remote islands, or want a culture-packed vacation in historic cities (or both!), keep reading to find out how to plan a trip to Scotland.

You’ll come away armed with intel on everything from the best time to visit, to how long you need for a trip to Scotland, along with suggested itineraries that are designed to help you maximise your chance of experiencing the best things to do in Scotland.

Editor’s tip: to kick-start your planning experience, discover the most beautiful places in Scotland, as voted by Rough Guides readers. 

Step 1: best time to visit Scotland

As is always the case with the “best time to visit” question, the answer depends on what you want from your vacation. For example, outdoor adventuring on remote islands may well be less appealing during the harsh depths of winter.

Given that Scotland's regions offer unique experiences and conditions around the year, here's an overview of each season in terms of the weather, the best activities to enjoy, and notable events. 

Hopefully it’ll help you decide when to go to Scotland, depending on what you most want to see and do.

Spring: March to May

Spring weather

• Overview: expect some rain and mild temperatures, with average highs ranging from 10°C-15°C (50°F-59°F).
• Highlands: melting snow makes way for lusher landscapes in the Highlands. Expect cooler temperatures, especially in higher altitudes.
• Central Scotland: cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow start to warm up, with blooming flowers in parks and gardens.
• Scottish Islands: expect variable weather and cooler temperatures.

Best spring activities

• Wildlife watching: spring is a prime time for watching wildlife, including puffins and seals.
• Hiking: trails become more accessible as snow melts, which makes spring a top time to explore the Highlands and Scotland's National Parks.
• Visit gardens and castles: spring is also a top time to visit blooming gardens and castles, among them Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle.

Spring events

• Edinburgh International Science Festival: held in April, this family-friendly event features exhibitions and interactive workshops.
• Beltane Fire Festival: celebrated on April 30th in Edinburgh, this pagan-inspired event marks the onset of summer with fire displays and performances.

Editor's tip: spring is a fine season to tour the Scottish Highlands.

Summer: June to August

Summer weather

• Overview: summer in Scotland is pretty warm, with average highs ranging from 15°C-20°C (59°F-68°F), but rain is still possible.
• Highlands: longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures make summer ideal for outdoor activities.
• Central Scotland: summers sees Scotland’s cities bustle with festivals (and tourists). 
• Scottish Islands: summer is the warmest, driest time to visit the glorious Scottish Islands.

Best summer activities

• Outdoor adventures: summer is the ideal time to hike the West Highland Way, climb Ben Nevis, and explore the Isle of Skye.
• Festivals and events: summer sees Scotland host stacks of events (more on them below).
• Island hopping: summer is also the best time to explore the Scottish Islands, where beautiful beaches and wild landscapes await.

Editor's tip: want to walk on the wild side in Scotland? Read up on great places to do exactly that. 

Or how about taking a summer trip to discover Scotland's wildest natural scenery?

Fall: September to November

Fall weather

• Overview: Fall brings cooler temperatures (50°F-59°F) and unpredictable weather, with rain and wind more frequent.
• Highlands: expect cooler temperatures as the landscape is transformed by Fall colors. 
• Central Scotland: offering milder weather and fewer tourists, Fall is a fine time to explore cities and cultural attractions.
• Scottish Islands: Fall is quieter and cooler in the islands.

Fall activities

• Soak up Fall foliage: enjoy scenic drives and forest walks, especially in the Highlands and National Parks.
• Cultural exploration: Fall is a great time to visit museums, galleries and historic sites in crowd-free conditions.
• Whisky tours: Fall is perfect for touring whisky distilleries, particularly in regions like Speyside and Islay.

Fall events

• Blas Festival: usually held in late September, this celebrates Highland music, culture, and language.
• Halloween: enjoy spooky events and haunted tours, especially in Edinburgh.

Editor's tip: into Outlander and epic scenery? Check-out our customisable Outlander-themed itinerary. 

Winter: December to February

Winter weather

• Overview: this is the coldest season, with temperatures ranging from 0°C-7°C (32°F -45°F). Snow is possible, especially in the Highlands.
• Highlands: snow-shrouded landscapes offer a winter wonderland.
• Central Scotland: while the weather can be chilly and damp, cities are festive with Christmas markets and lights.
• Scottish Islands: expect harsh weather conditions, which will appeal to hardy souls seeking a quiet, remote escape.

Best winter activities

• Winter sports: go skiing and snowboarding in the Cairngorms and Glencoe.
• Festive celebrations: enjoy Christmas markets, Hogmanay (New Year's Eve), and Burns Night (celebrating poet Robert Burns).
• Cozy Pubs and Cafes: warm up with hearty Scottish fare and a dram of whisky in traditional pubs.

Winter events

•  Hogmanay: Scotland's famous New Year's Eve celebration is especially vibrant in Edinburgh with street partiesand fireworks.
• Burns Night: celebrated on January 25th with traditional Scottish food, poetry, and music.
• Up Helly Aa: held at the end of January, this Viking-inspired festival in Shetland features torchlit processions.

Thinking of visiting Scotland for the festive season and Hogmanay? You could book our customisable Christmas in Scotland itinerary.

Step 2: how long do you need for a trip to Scotland?

Now, there’s a million-dollar question. When it comes to how long you need for a trip to Scotland, our instinct is to say as long as possible. 

That said, it’s also possible to see a host of top attractions in a few days if, for example, you’re thinking of visiting as part of a bigger trip around the UK.

With that in mind, read on to discover ways to enjoy Scotland in different timeframes, whether you’re limited to a few days, or have a week or longer. 

How to spend 3 days in Scotland

If you’re limited to three days in Scotland, we suggest devoting that time to exploring Edinburgh and taking a day trip to the Scottish islands.

Spend your first day in Edinburgh, kicking off with visiting iconic Edinburgh Castle and strolling the historic Royal Mile before exploring St Giles' Cathedral and Holyrood Palace in the afternoon.

Come early evening, hike up Arthur's Seat for stunning views of the city ahead of dining in the Old Town.

On your second day, take a day trip to the Highlands, perhaps to the spectacular Glen Coe valley. Alternatively, visit Loch Lomond for a scenic drive, boat ride, or to hike.

On day three, either spend more time in Edinburgh. You could, for example visit the National Museum of Scotland or the Scottish National Gallery, and hit Princes Street to shop.

Alternatively, take a day trip to Stirling to see the castle and the Wallace Monument, both of which are steeped in Scottish history.

Planning to visit Edinburgh? Discover great places to stay, and read up on ways to explore the city’s quirky side.

How to spend 5 days in Scotland

If you have five days in Scotland, here’s a suggested itinerary that’ll take you from Edinburgh to Inverness (via the Highlands) and onto the Isle of Skye. 

Start your first day with a visit to Edinburgh Castle and walk down the historic Royal Mile that connects the castle and Holyrood Palace.

You’ll also want to visit  St Giles' Cathedral, Holyrood Palace and Arthur's Seat before heading to Inverness — capital of the Scottish Highlands — on day two.

While the drive takes about 3.5 hours without stops, we suggest you plan some scenic detours. 

For example, you could stop at the charming town of Pitlochry to tour the Blair Athol Distillery, visit nearby Blair Castle and drive through Cairngorms National Park, with a view to reaching Inverness that evening. 

On day three, drive to Loch Ness and explore the ruins of Urquhart Castle on the shores of Loch Ness.

That afternoon, continue your exploration of the Highlands with a visit to Glen Affric, which is known for its sweeping vistas and hiking trails.

The Isle of Skye awaits on day four. Leave Inverness early and drive to the Skye Bridge, stopping off at Eilean Donan Castle en route.

Then spend the afternoon exploring Portree, the largest town on Skye, or hike up to the Old Man of Storr, a rock formation that offers spectacular views.

On the morning of day five, you could visit the enchanting Fairy Glen before returning to Edinburgh. 

Keen to explore Skye? Get the Pocket Rough Guide to the Isle of Skye and the Western Isles.

How to spend 7 days in Scotland

If you have a week in Scotland and are looking to experience epic scenery and history at one fell swoop, you might just love our customisable Magical Family Adventure in Scotland itinerary.

Covering Edinburgh, Harry Potter highlights, and iconic natural landmarks like Loch Ness, it’s sure to satisfy all ages.

We suggest spending your first couple of days in Edinburgh before boarding a train to the Scottish Highlands on day three. 

You’ll whizz along the enchanting west coast towards Rannoch Moor in Perthshire and Glen Coe, with the chance to visit Loch Etive and Loch Torren, where Hagrid’s hut awaits.

Next, travel to Loch Shiel and the Glenfinnan Viaduct — just like the Hogwarts Express — before stopping off in Fort William.

On day four, you could actually board the legendary Hogwarts’ Express, a Jacobite steam train, to see more of Scotland’s west coast, including Ben Nevis in the Great Glen — the highest summit in Britain.

Loch Ness awaits on day five, where you’ll want to keep an eye out for its legendary monster before continuing to Cairngorms National Park.

Return to Edinburgh on day six to further explore the city before you depart.

How to spend 10 days in Scotland

Wondering how to spend ten days in bonny Scotland? We suggest taking a richly rewarding Highlands tour to discover the beautiful region of Perthshire, the sandy beaches of the Scottish West Coast, and the scenic Isle of Skye.

After arriving in Edinburgh and taking a city tour, drive to Loch Ness on day two, making a stop at the Falls of Bruar.

When you’ve explored the Loch and Urquhart Castle, continue to Inverness before venturing to Scotland’s Far North on day three. 

Here you could visit the Glenmorangie Whiskey Distillery, explore the mountains around Assynt, and stroll secluded beaches before traveling on to Ullapool.

On day four, take time to discover the region of Wester Ross, and spend the night in Plockton — a village that’s been dubbed the Jewel of the Highlands. 

Next, take a trip to the Isle of Skye before spending day six visiting Ben Nevis and Glen Coe, with a view to reaching Oban in the early evening.

Day seven will see you venture to the Isle of Mull and spend the night in charming Tobermory. You could also take a trip to the Isle of Iona and visit Iona Abbey — burial place of the first kings of Scotland.

On day eight, visit Kilchurn Castle and Loch Lomond National Park to enjoy scenic strolls, or more challenging hikes if you’re up for adventure.

Then spend your last couple of days back in Edinburgh, uncovering more culture and soaking up local whisky and cuisine — the city isn’t short of celebrated restaurants. 

Want more ideas? Browse more Scotland itineraries.

Step 3: where to visit on a first trip to Scotland

Still wondering how to plan a trip to Scotland after reading our suggested itineraries? No problem. 

Read on for a run-down of the best cities and regions to visit on your first trip to Scotland, along with an overview of the best historic sites.

Best cities to visit

Edinburgh

• Overview: Scotland’s stunning capital is known for its stunning architecture, rich history and fine food scene.
• Highlights: Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, Arthur's Seat, St Giles' Cathedral, National Museum of Scotland, and the annual Edinburgh Festival.

Glasgow

• Overview: Glasgow, Scotland's largest city, is renowned for its Victorian and art nouveau architecture, lively music scene, and vibrant cultural life.
• Highlights: Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow Cathedral, The Lighthouse, Riverside Museum, and the Glasgow School of Art.

Keen to visit Glasgow? Discover our favourite things to do in the city, and find out why Scotland's City of Cool makes a great weekend- break destination.

Inverness

• Overview: gateway to the Highlands, Inverness is known for its charming riverside setting and proximity to Loch Ness.
• Highlights: Inverness Castle, Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, the Caledonian Canal, and nearby attractions like Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns.

Aberdeen

• Overview: known as the "Granite City" for its grey stone buildings, Aberdeen is a hub for the oil industry and offers beautiful coastal views.
• Highlights: Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Duthie Park, Aberdeen Beach, and Old Aberdeen's historic architecture.

Inspired to visit Aberdeen? Find out how to ace your time in the Granite City. 

Stirling

• Overview: Gateway to the Highlands, Stirling is known for its significant role in Scottish history.
• Highlights: Stirling Castle, The National Wallace Monument, Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre, and the Old Town Jail.

Best regions to visit

The Highlands

• Overview: a region of rugged landscapes, majestic mountains, and deep glens, the Highlands offer outdoor adventures and picturesque scenery.
• Highlights: Loch Ness, Glencoe, Ben Nevis, Isle of Skye, and Cairngorms National Park.

Scottish Islands

• Overview: encompassing the Inner and Outer Hebrides in the Western Isles, Orkney, and Shetland, the Scottish Islands offer diverse landscapes, unique cultures, and rich history.
• Highlights: Isle of Skye (Fairy Pools, Old Man of Storr), Isle of Mull, Isle of Arran, and Orkney's Neolithic sites.

The Trossachs and Loch Lomond

• Overview: Gateway to the Highlands, this region delivers stunning lochs, rolling hills, and dense forests.
• Highlights: Loch Lomond, Trossachs National Park, and the charming village of Callander.

The Borders

• Overview: Scotland’s Border region in Southern Scotland is renowned for its rolling hills, historic abbeys and textile heritage.
• Highlights: Melrose Abbey, Jedburgh Abbey, Floors Castle, and the town of Peebles.

Best historic sights

Edinburgh Castle

Perched atop Castle Rock, this iconic fortress offers panoramic views of Edinburgh and houses the Crown Jewels and Stone of Destiny.

The Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace

Stretching from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace — the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland — the Royal Mile is a mist-visit historic street in Edinburgh.

Stirling Castle

A key historical site in Scotland, Stirling Castle played a crucial role in Scottish history, including the Wars of Independence.

Urquhart Castle

Located on the shores of Loch Ness, the picturesque ruins of Urquhart Castle offer a glimpse into Scottish history, along with stunning views of the loch.

Eilean Donan Castle

One of the most photographed castles in Scotland, Eilean Donan Castle is located on a small island where three lochs converge, and has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows.

Rosslyn Chapel

This 15th-century chapel is famous for its intricate carvings and mysterious symbolism, as featured in The Da Vinci Code.

Culloden Battlefield

Site of the last major battle on British soil in 1746, where the Jacobite forces were defeated., the visitor center at Culloden Battlefield offers an in-depth look at the battle's history.

Skara Brae

Skara Brae, a remarkably well-preserved Neolithic village on Orkney, offers insights into the lives of ancient inhabitants.

Doune Castle

The medieval stronghold of Doune Castle has been featured in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Game of Thrones and Outlander.

Melrose Abbey

A magnificent ruin in the Scottish Borders, Melrose Abbey is believed to be the burial place of Robert the Bruce's heart.

Step 4: how to get to Scotland

There are several ways to travel from the United States to Scotland, including direct flights and connecting flights through London and other European hubs. 

Direct Flights from the US to Scotland

Several airlines operate direct flights from major US cities to Scotland. Here are some key routes:

To Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
New York City (JFK/EWR): Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines
Boston (BOS): Delta Air Lines, American Airlines
Chicago (ORD): United Airlines
Washington, D.C. (IAD): United Airlines

To Glasgow Airport (GLA)
New York City (JFK/EWR): United Airlines
Orlando (MCO): Virgin Atlantic (seasonal)
Philadelphia (PHL): American Airlines (seasonal)

Connecting Flights via London

If direct flights to Scotland are unavailable for your dates, you could fly to London and ttransfer to a domestic flight to Scotland. 

Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Connections: frequent flights to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Inverness.
Airlines: British Airways, easyJet, Flybe, and other carriers offer connections.

Gatwick Airport (LGW)
Connections: regular flights to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Inverness.
Airlines: British Airways, easyJet, and others.

London City Airport (LCY)
Connections: primarily business travelers with flights to Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Airlines: British Airways

Stansted Airport (STN) and Luton Airport (LTN)
Connections: mainly budget airlines like Ryanair and easyJet.

European transfers

In addition to London, other major European hubs like Amsterdam (AMS), Paris (CDG), Frankfurt (FRA), and Dublin (DUB) also offer convenient connections to Scotland. These airports are served by various international carriers and low-cost airlines.

Step 5: how to get around Scotland

Self-driving and using public transport both have their merits in Scotland, depending on your preferences, itinerary and budget.

Hiring a car offers the flexibility to explore remote areas and travel at your own pace, while public transport provides a convenient, eco-friendly way to travel between cities, along with opportunities to see Scotland's varied landscapes. 

Here’s a run-down of both options.

How to hire a car

Renting a car can be an excellent way to explore Scotland, offering the flexibility to visit secluded rural locations, and stop off at scenic spots.

Car rental services are available at major airports (Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen), city centers, and some larger towns.

Major rental companies include Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Enterprise, and Budget.

As for driving requirements, US travelers need a valid US driver’s license. While the minimum age to rent a car is usually 21, some companies require drivers to be at least 25.

Vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road in Scotland, and speed limits are posted in miles per hour (mph). Common limits are 30 mph in urban areas, 60 mph on single carriageway roads, and 70 mph on dual carriageways and motorways.

Note that roundabouts are common — yield to traffic coming from the right and signal when exiting.

Editor’s tip: thinking of renting a car? Read up on the best Scotland road trip itineraries. 

You might also want to consider following the North Coast 500, a 516-mile route around the awe-inspiring northern coast.

How to travel by public transport

Scotland has a comprehensive public transport network, making it easy to travel between cities and explore the countryside.

Using public transport can be more economical than renting a car, with many train and bus routes serving scenic views without the stress of driving.

Traveling by train
Scotland's rail network connects major cities and towns, with scenic routes like the West Highland Line offering breath-taking views.

ScotRail is the primary train operator. Other services include the Caledonian Sleeper (a handy overnight train from London) and regional operators.

Tickets can be purchased online, at stations, or via apps. Note that advance booking often results in lower fares, and consider buying a ScotRail Travelpass for unlimited travel on certain routes.

Traveling by bus or coach
Buses are a convenient option for shorter journeys and rural areas not served by trains.

Major cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow have extensive bus networks, with Lothian Buses and First Bus being prominent operators.

In addition, companies like Citylink and Megabus offer long-distance services between cities and towns. 

Using ferries
Ferries connect the mainland to the Scottish Islands, including the Hebrides, Orkney, and Shetland.

Operators include Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) operates most ferry services. NorthLink Ferries and Pentland Ferries serve routes to Orkney and Shetland.

Reservations are recommended, especially in summer — we suggest checking schedules and pre-booking tickets online.

Step 6: book accommodation and attractions

When it comes to planning a trip to Scotland, we suggest researching — and booking — your accommodation as you map out your itinerary.

That way, you’ll stand a better chance of securing your preferred places to stay for a better price. 

Pre-booking is especially important if you’re traveling in Scotland during the peak tourist season, such as visiting Edinburgh during the festival. 

The same is advised when it comes to booking tours and entry tickets to attractions. Why waste time waiting in line when you can pre-book a skip-the line ticket that fits with your schedule? 

Pre-booking also enables you to keep an eye on your budget. Talking of which…

Step 7: how much does a trip to Scotland cost?

The cost of a trip to Scotland can vary widely depending on your travel style, and the time of year. 

Read on for ballpark overviews of costs covering budget, mid-range, and luxury travel

Budget travel

If you’re on a budget, you could look to book accommodation in hostel dorms for around $20-$40 per night, rising to $60-$100 in budget hotels and B&Bs.

When it comes to eating for less, you can expect to pay round $5-$10 per meal for street food or takeaway, and work to a budget of $10-$20 per meal in cheaper restaurants.

Another way to save cash is to use local buses and trains, and to check-out all those free museums and galleries, mixed with a few visits to attractions (e.g. castles) that have an entry free.

Mid-range travel

Expect to pay around $100-$200 a night to stay in 3-Star Hotels and B&Bs, while eating out in mid-range restaurants will set you back around $20-$30 per person for dinner.

Getting around with public transport and the occasional taxi will cost around $10-$20 per day, plus $40-$80 for any standard class Intercity train tickets.

As for the cost of activities and attractions, entrances fees to popular attractions cost $15-$30 per site, while guided tours and experience s (e.g. whiskey tastings) will cost $30-$100.

Luxury travel

If you’re not curtailed by costs, expect to pay $200-$500+ per night to stay in 4 to 5-star luxury hotels and high-class B&Bs.

Dining in upscale restaurants will set you back around $20-$40 per meal, and $50+ for fine dining.

When it comes to getting around, expect to pay $50-$150 per day to rent a standard vehicle, and $50 - $150+ for private transfers, depending on distance and level of service.

Meanwhile, first-class train tickets for intercity travel will cost $80-$200+.

If you’re looking for premium experience, private tours and the likes of helicopter rides to view spectacular scenery will cost  $100-$500+.

Want more help planning your trip? Get The Rough Guide to Scotland, or our guide to the Scottish Highlands and Islands.

Alternatively, if you’d prefer to leave the planning to someone else, browse our Scotland itineraries — they’re curated by experts, and fully customisable.