ScotRail train on the West Highland Line crossing a scenic viaduct

Getting Here

Flights, trains, and the world's most scenic rail line. How to actually reach the Highlands from wherever you are.

The Highlands feel remote — and parts of them genuinely are — but getting here is straightforward. The best approach depends on where you\'re coming from and whether you\'re renting a car. If you are renting a car (recommended for most itineraries), fly into Inverness, Edinburgh, or Glasgow and pick up at the airport. If you\'re not driving, the West Highland Line train from Glasgow is an experience in itself.

Your Options, Ranked

Fly to Inverness

Best for: Northern Highlands, NC500, Speyside

Inverness Airport (INV) has direct flights from London (Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton), Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, and Amsterdam. About 25 minutes from Inverness city centre by bus or taxi (£15-20). Car rental desks are in the terminal — book ahead. This is the best airport for the northern Highlands, NC500, Speyside whisky trail, and Loch Ness.

Flights from London are 1.5 hours and can be cheaper than the train if booked early. EasyJet and British Airways both serve Inverness.

Fly to Edinburgh or Glasgow

Best for: Southern Highlands, Glencoe, Trossachs

Edinburgh (EDI) and Glasgow (GLA) have far more flight options — direct from most UK cities, major European hubs, and North America. Edinburgh airport is 30 minutes by tram from the city centre (£7.50). Glasgow airport is 15 minutes by bus. Both have extensive car rental options. From either city, you're 2 hours from Loch Lomond and 3 hours from Glencoe.

Edinburgh is the better airport for international arrivals — more flights, better connections, tram to city centre. Glasgow often has cheaper flights from within the UK.

Train: West Highland Line

Best for: Scenic rail fans, car-free travel

The Glasgow to Fort William/Mallaig line is routinely named one of the world's most scenic train journeys. It crosses Rannoch Moor, passes through Glenfinnan (Harry Potter viaduct), and ends at Mallaig on the coast. The journey from Glasgow to Fort William takes about 4 hours. The Caledonian Sleeper runs overnight from London Euston to Fort William (sit on the left for sunrise over the Highlands).

Book ScotRail tickets at scotrail.co.uk. The Caledonian Sleeper sells out weeks ahead for summer — book early. Sit on the left side heading north for the best views.

Train: East Coast Main Line

Best for: Edinburgh to Inverness route

Direct trains from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh take 4.5 hours (LNER). From Edinburgh to Inverness is another 3.5 hours via the Highland Main Line through the Cairngorms. This route is less spectacular than the West Highland Line but faster and more practical if Inverness is your destination.

Book LNER tickets at lner.co.uk. Advance tickets (booked 8-12 weeks ahead) are significantly cheaper than walk-up fares.

Drive from London

Best for: Flexibility, stopping en route

London to Edinburgh is about 8 hours on the M1/A1. More sensible: break the drive at the Lake District or Northumberland. London to Fort William is about 10 hours. The drive from Edinburgh to Inverness takes about 3.5 hours on the A9. From Glasgow to Fort William is about 2.5 hours on the A82.

Don't underestimate the time. Google Maps drive times in the Highlands are optimistic — single-track roads and photo stops add 30-50% to journey times.

Bus / Coach

Best for: Budget travel, no car

Citylink and Megabus run regular services from Glasgow and Edinburgh to Fort William, Inverness, Portree (Skye), and Oban. Glasgow to Fort William takes about 3 hours (£15-20). Edinburgh to Inverness about 4 hours (£15-25). Citylink coaches are comfortable with wifi and toilets. The bus is genuinely a good option if you're not driving — you see the scenery without watching the road.

Book Citylink at citylink.co.uk. Glasgow to Skye (Portree) is about 6.5 hours with one change at Fort William. Megabus is cheaper but less comfortable — fine for short trips.