I’m visiting Scotland and don’t intend on renting a car. The way my itinerary worked out is that I’ll be in St Andrews and from there heading to Fort William. It looks like public transportation makes this trip twice as long as driving (over 6hrs with public transit). I was thinking maybe I could do a tour bus from St Andrews to Glencoe (and just not take the return trip back). I was unable to find any tour buses that leave from St Andrews though, they all tend to depart from Edinburgh. Does anyone have any suggestions or advice? Does anyone know any tour companies based in St Andrew that does day trip tours to Fort William /Glencoe?
Posted by
Lake District, England
5755 posts
By definition a tour bus will be making stops so will take it's time.
Even if you found such a tour you would need to pre-arrange this with the company. They will probably prefer someone who wants to use the tour properly. Even if they are willing to accept you then they need to know, otherwise they will be looking for you when you don't turn up, and you will delay everyone else, at best.
At worst, If they exhibit their legal duty of care, you could even end up with police involvement.
Also you would still have to get from Glencoe to Fort William- on the service bus #N44 presumably (or the Citylink every few hours), totally losing any speed gained. Glencoe and Fort William are not contiguous.
Scotland is not all about speed of transit.
The fastest and probably easiest journey seems to be-
St Andrews Bus Station depart 0720 Stagecoach East Scotland #X59
Halbeath Park and Ride (on the north side of the Forth Bridge) a 0838
Halbeath Park and Ride depart 0933 Scottish Citylink #913
Fort William arrive 1326
The X59 is turn up and go, the 913 should be pre-booked.
Posted by
Freedonia
15011 posts
Are you trying to go to Fort William or Glencoe?
If Fort William, you could take the #99 bus from St. Andrews to the Dundee Train Station. From there take a train to Glasgow Queen Street. Then transfer to a train to Fort William.
It might cost a bit more and take a little longer than a string of buses but you may find it more comfortable.
Plus the train ride between Glasgow and Fort William is beautiful.
There are no tour companies between St. Andrews and Fort William/Glencoe because there is little demand for it.