Scotland Road Trip: What It’s Really Like Driving Through the Highlands
What It’s Really Like Driving in Scotland: Our Road Trip from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye
When we started planning our Scotland road trip, I couldn’t find much information about what it’s actually like to drive there — the road conditions, parking, speed cameras, or even how long it really takes to get from place to place.
So in this post, I’m sharing everything we learned from our journey driving from Edinburgh to Inverness to the Isle of Skye and back, with tips, lessons, and real experiences from the road.
Starting the Trip – Getting to Edinburgh
Most travelers begin their Scotland adventure from Edinburgh or Glasgow, the two main airports in the country.
We chose to start in Edinburgh, and the easiest way to get from the airport to the city center is by tram — quick, clean, and budget-friendly.
Once we arrived in the city, we picked up our rental car from Europcar at St. James Quarter, conveniently located near our hotel.
From there, our Scottish road trip officially began!
Driving Out of Edinburgh
Getting out of Edinburgh by car can be a little stressful at first — the streets are narrow, there are lots of roundabouts, and the locals drive confidently.
Once you get outside the city limits, though, everything changes. The roads open up, the scenery becomes breathtaking, and driving becomes part of the adventure.
Before we hit the highway, we made sure to connect Apple CarPlay for navigation. You’ll definitely want to rely on Google Maps or Waze, especially since cell service can drop in rural areas.
Road Signs, Speed Cameras & Passing Spots
One of the biggest differences driving in Scotland is learning about passing places — small pull-off areas on single-track roads that let oncoming cars pass. They’re clearly marked, and it’s important to use them courteously and thank other drivers with a quick wave.
You’ll also see signs for average speed cameras instead of traditional ones. That means they calculate your average speed between two points, so sticking to the limit is key.
Parking in Scotland
Parking is where things can get tricky.
Many small-town car parks still only accept coins or mobile payment apps — not cards. We only had cash, and since the app didn’t work for us, we missed a few opportunities to stop in smaller villages.
However, in Inverness, we found a large parking garage that accepts credit cards, which made things much easier. We left the car there for our entire 24-hour stay in the city.
24 Hours in Inverness
Inverness is the unofficial capital of the Scottish Highlands and makes a great base for exploring the region.
Here are a few highlights from our time there:
Walk along the River Ness and cross the suspension bridges for beautiful views.
Visit the Inverness Castle viewpoint for panoramic city shots.
Take a quick drive to Culloden Battlefield for a fascinating and emotional look at Scottish history.
Explore the Victorian Market, filled with small local shops and cafes.
If you have time, make a detour to Loch Ness — even if you don’t spot Nessie, the scenery is worth it.
We stayed at Blackfriars, a cozy boutique hotel with a great location and an included breakfast at their downstairs pub.
For food, The Mustard Seed was our favorite dinner spot — great local ingredients in a warm, rustic setting. We also loved Black Isle Brewing Co. for craft beer and wood-fired pizza.
From Inverness to the Isle of Skye
The drive from Inverness to the Isle of Skye is one of the most scenic in Scotland.
About halfway there, make sure to stop at Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most photographed castles in the world. It’s perched right where three lochs meet — even if you don’t go inside, the views are spectacular.
From the castle, it’s a short drive to the Skye Bridge, which connects the mainland to the island. The bridge is free to cross, and once you’re on the other side, it takes about an hour to reach Portree, the island’s main town.
Food & Lodging on the Isle of Skye
Here’s something we didn’t expect: food options on Skye are limited.
Many restaurants close early, and there aren’t many convenience stores, so we recommend stopping at one of the island’s few Co-op grocery stores to stock up.
We stayed in a Shepherd’s Hut Airbnb, a cozy, typical accommodation style for the island — compact, comfortable, and surrounded by nature.
It was the perfect home base for exploring.
Things to Do on the Isle of Skye
Even if you only have two days, you can see a lot on the island.
Here are our top recommendations:
Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls – a dramatic cliffside waterfall overlooking the sea.
Old Man of Storr & Needle Rock – a short but steep hike with some of the best views in Scotland.
Fairy Glen – otherworldly landscape straight out of a fantasy movie.
Coral Beach – made of crushed coral and shells, with bright turquoise water.
The Quiraing – a twisting, narrow mountain road that’s an adventure in itself.
Plan for at least 2 hours to drive the island’s loop, even without stops — the roads are narrow and winding, but worth every second.
Driving in the Rain & the Journey Back
On our return from Skye to Edinburgh, we drove through classic Scottish weather — rain, fog, and mist.
While it slowed things down, it also made the landscapes around Glencoe even more dramatic and beautiful.
If you’re driving in the rain, just take it slow and enjoy the view — the journey is part of the magic.
Back in Edinburgh
To wrap up our road trip, we spent a few days exploring Edinburgh, one of Europe’s most walkable cities.
Here are some highlights worth adding to your list:
Victoria Street – colorful, curved, and rumored to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley.
Edinburgh Castle Gardens – great photo spot with castle views.
Free Harry Potter Walking Tour – fun even if you’re not a huge fan.
Dean Village – peaceful neighborhood right along the Water of Leith.
Arthur’s Seat – a short hike with panoramic views.
Leith & the Royal Yacht Britannia – an underrated gem.
We stayed at the W Hotel, which has incredible views and a modern design, and also recommend Virgin Hotels Edinburgh for its historic charm and central location.
For food and drink, try:
The Last Drop (classic pub fare)
Afternoon Tea at Signet Library (elegant and iconic)
Innis & Gunn and Auld Hundred (local beer favorites)
Bon Vivant (amazing Sunday roast)
Final Thoughts
Driving through Scotland was one of the most rewarding trips we’ve ever taken.
Yes, the roads can be narrow, the weather unpredictable, and parking a little tricky — but the freedom to explore at your own pace makes it 100% worth it.
If you’re planning your own Scotland road trip, I hope this guide gives you a better idea of what to expect — and the confidence to hit the road and see the Highlands for yourself.
