Hello, we'd like to hire an experienced driver to drive us around Scotland for 4 days in August. We have our own itinerary and accommodations already but we do not want to take on the stress of driving ourselves (2 adults, 2 seniors, 1 child). We also do not needing anyone narrating/providing information on any of our stops as we will be doing our own readings/audio tours (also don't want to be charged more price for this). It seems that all the major tour companies charge hundreds per day (500-1000) for something like this with a private tour. We'd rather not do a group tour as we'd like to have a lot of flexibility due to child/elderly family members (and most don't allow children <5y). Does anyone have recommendations for where I can hire a driver (and car) just for transportation? Round trip from Edinburgh. Thank you in advance!
Posted by
Halifax, NS
336 posts
Hi,
You could try Rabbies. They offer private custom trips. As it is custom, you could likely request not to be provided With any commentary or narration. https://www.rabbies.com/en/info/private-tours/private-touring-group
Unfortunately I do think you will find the price you quoted above the going rate for Scotland. I feel your pain. I looked into hiring a driver for a couple of days on Skye and was quoted very high rates.
Posted by
Cornwall
334 posts
You will have to pay for their accommodation, food, fuel, insurance and their time 24 hours a day. This isn’t going to be cheap, if you can find it. Hiring a car and driving yourself maybe your only option.
Posted by
Singapore
554 posts
It's going to be a balance of your desires v your budget, and the prices you were quoted look about right - a private driver is nor a cheap proposition.
Not sure of your exact itinerary, bur we've driven in Scotland several times without stress. Heading out of Edinburgh to the Highlands is fairly straightforward, and after that the roads are not super busy. Its certainly going to be a much cheaper option.
Posted by
Bristol, UK
1401 posts
I agree that I’d expect to pay several hundred pounds a day for this type of service, especially as you will need a larger vehicle than a standard car and the driver will have to be away overnight.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thanks everyone. I expected maybe 300-400 GBP a day but not double that. I guess I'll have to revisit the idea of driving ourselves.
Posted by
Cornwall
334 posts
Food and accommodation is going to be at least £200, fuel another £80-£100. So that’s around £300 and you still haven’t paid them anything.
Posted by
Mountains of S. Oregon
741 posts
We recently ran into a couple on Islay that had a Rabbies driver. We were too polite to ask the cost. The driver ate meals with them, stayed in the same lodging, and provided small talk. He even joined them for whisky tours, although he didn't imbibe. I'm sure there are instances where the chemistry is poor, but just imagine what you would charge if someone were to pay you to be a 24 hour companion. Look as the health industry for examples. Then add car, fuel, insurance, laundry, Rabbies' percentage...
As the king of cheap, I always drive a small manual shift rental car and we price shop for lodging unless there are extenuating circumstances like a nearby bar with music. A trip usually comes in at about $2,500 for two per week plus airfare. We always do three week trips to amortize airfare a little better. Travel isn't cheap anymore :-)