This is our first trip to Scotland and are wondering whether to travel by rail or rent a small car. We know a car will allow us more flexibility, allowing us to avoid waits between stations, etc. Prices seem to be about the same too. We're both healthy.
Is there anything we might not be considering or missing before we make our choice?
Posted by
Chicagoland
1493 posts
You can definitely cover more ground with a car as there are many places in Scotland that can not be reached easily by train or bus.
Do you have a tentative itinerary of what you would like to see and do?
Posted by
2858 posts
Rent a car for the scenic areas so you can stop and take photos.
Posted by
London, UK
567 posts
A car would be a nuisance in the cities because of the lack of and cost of parking, but it makes sense to pick it up as you’re leaving the cities and drop it off as you return.
Posted by
Chicago
1139 posts
A car is definitely going to allow you access to more sights, unless you hire a driver.
But, you need to adjust to driving on the left side of the road, and be comfortable
with narrow roads, some even one-lane with passing areas every few hundred yards
or so. Also don't forget the cost of petrol (most likely a hundred pounds or more).
If you peruse the Scotland subforum, you will find discussions about tour companies
such as Rabbie's that do day/short/long bus trips to various parts of Scotland for a
pretty reasonable price (bus being a ~16-20 person tour bus, not a motorcoach). I
found it a very good way to see places that trying to drive to might have otherwise
caused some stress.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
24029 posts
What is your schedule? Use a car for areas not reachable via train.