5 Ways How To Get From Edinburgh To Loch Ness (Scotland) – 2023

Are you looking for ways how to get from Edinburgh to Loch Ness in Scotland? Travelling from Edinburgh to Loch Ness offers a captivating journey through Scotland’s picturesque landscapes.

You can reach Loch Ness from Edinburgh by train and bus, coach, car, flight, and tour. The road distance between Edinburgh and Loch Ness is 272.3 kilometers or 169.2 miles while the direct distance is 170.34 kilometres or 105.84 miles. It takes about 3 hours and 16 minutes to travel this distance by car.

Hoping to reach Loch Ness more quickly? Let’s begin by exploring the various transportation options available for your journey from Edinburgh!

How to get from Edinburgh to Loch Ness

OPTION 1: How to get from Edinburgh to Loch Ness by Train and Bus

• Travel Duration: about 3 hours and 58 minutes
• Travel Fare: from £25

There is no direct train from Edinburgh to Loch Ness. However, you can still take a train from Edinburgh to Inverness, which is the nearest major city to Loch Ness. The train journey takes around 3.5 to 4.5 hours. From Inverness, you can catch a bus to various points along Loch Ness, such as Drumnadrochit or Fort Augustus.

Below is a few train schedules of trains from Edinburgh to Inverness:

Train from Edinburgh to Inverness

Booking train tickets for your journey from Edinburgh to Inverness can be conveniently done online through Omio. Upon arriving, a bus to stations along Loch Ness such as Drumnadrochit or Fort Augustus from Inverness will cost around £6-9 and take around 40 minutes.

The train ride offers scenic views of the countryside, including glimpses of lochs, rivers, and the Highland terrain. It is a comfortable and relaxing way to travel.

BEST TRAIN DEALS!

If you are looking to travel by train for your upcoming trip to the UK, I recommend checking Omio. They are a one-stop shop for trains and other transportation that suit your budget and schedule.

OPTION 2: How to get from Edinburgh to Loch Ness by Coach

• Travel Duration: about 4 hours and 58 minutes
• Travel Fare: from £18

You can also take a long-distance coach or bus from Edinburgh to Inverness, and from there, transfer to local buses that travel along the Loch Ness route. This option can be time-consuming but is often more economical.

Please review this example schedule to gain a clearer insight into the coach journey from Edinburgh to Loch Ness:

Coach from Edinburgh to Inverness

Getting to Achnahannet Farm in Drumnadrochit, Loch Ness from Inverness will take roughly 40 minutes and cost £6 – 9 depending on the bus line. Flixbus, Megabus UK, and Scottish Citylink are all reliable options.

Overall, taking a coach from Inverness to Loch Ness is a convenient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly way to explore this beautiful part of Scotland. It allows you to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty and history of the region while leaving the driving to someone else.

BEST COACH / BUS DEALS!

If you are planning to travel via coach or bus for your upcoming UK trip, I recommend searching for the best coach or bus fare deals with Trainline. They have a great network of coach or bus services across the four corners of the United Kingdom.

OPTION 3: How to get from Edinburgh to Loch Ness by Car

• Travel Duration: about 3 hours and 16 minutes
• Travel Fare: from £28.41 rental  + £45 for gasoline = £73.41

The most flexible option is to rent a car in Edinburgh and drive to Loch Ness. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and 16 minutes, depending on the route you choose and any stops along the way. The most common route is to take the A9 north through Inverness and then continue on to Loch Ness.

I recommend checking out Discover Cars’ website for the most competitive offers from well-known rental car providers. Here are sample rental rates from Discover Cars:

Car from Edinburgh to Loch Ness

On the way to Loch Ness, you can visit charming towns like Pitlochry and Blair Atholl, discover historic sites such as the Culloden Battlefield, and savor panoramic views at Queen’s View. Upon reaching Loch Ness, explore its surroundings, including the iconic Urquhart Castle, and even embark on a boat tour to seek the elusive Loch Ness Monster, known as “Nessie.”

Be sure to plan your route and accommodations in advance, check the weather, and relish the breathtaking landscapes along the way. Is this your first time driving in the UK? I recommend that you read up on the article that I wrote in hopes of helping drivers like you in making the most out of your time here.

BEST CAR RENTAL DEALS!

If you are planning to book a car rental for your upcoming trip. I recommend searching for the best car rental deals with Discover Cars. They have various options that suit your budget.

OPTION 4: How to get from Edinburgh to Loch Ness by Flight

• Travel Duration: about 4 hours 8 minutes
• Travel Fare: from £310

While not a common option for this route, you can also fly from Edinburgh to Inverness and then continue your journey to Loch Ness by bus or car. I recommend only taking this option if your schedule or itinerary demands it.

Viewing flights on Skyscanner is an easy way to find trips with trustworthy airlines like British Airways and Loganair. See below a sample schedule of flights:

Flight from Edinburgh to Inverness

After landing at Inverness Airport, you can choose from various transportation options to reach Loch Ness, which is located to the southwest of Inverness. The most common modes of transport include rental cars, taxis, and bus services. 

Rental cars offer the most flexibility for exploring the Loch Ness region on your own schedule. A bus towards Loch Ness will cost around £6 to 9 and take around 40 minutes.

BEST FLIGHT DEALS!

I love good flight deals! If you are looking for the best airline fares for your vacation, I recommend searching for the latest deals on Skyscanner. They will show the best comparison flight deals between airlines that will suit your budget and schedule.

OPTION 5: How to get from Edinburgh to Loch Ness by Tour

• Travel Duration: about 12 hours and 30 minutes
• Travel Fare: from £57

Several tour operators offer day trips from Edinburgh to Loch Ness. These guided tours typically include transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and stops at key attractions along the way, such as Glencoe and Urquhart Castle. This option allows you to sit back and enjoy the journey while learning about the region’s history and folklore. 

Get Your Guide has a number of tour options available from Edinburgh to Loch Ness. Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Scottish Highlands on a day trip from Edinburgh. As you relax on the bus, your guide provides entertaining commentary.

Begin your journey by visiting Kilmahog, where you can get acquainted with the famous Highland Cows (seasonal) and enjoy a cup of coffee. Continue on to Glencoe for a 10-minute photo stop, taking in the awe-inspiring Highland vistas.

Afterward, have lunch in the Fort William area, and your guide can recommend dining options. If you’re curious about kilts, you can even receive a ‘wee’ kilt introduction here.

Then, finally venture to Loch Ness. Afterward, explore the majestic Urquhart Castle, embark on a boat excursion in search of the Loch Ness Monster (‘Nessie’ to the locals), or simply relax on the pier with a coffee and stunning views.

On the way back to Edinburgh, you can make a brief snack stop in the charming village of Pitlochry, nestled in the heart of the Scottish countryside.

More About Loch Ness, Scotland:

• Are you heading to the famous Loch Ness Lake in Scotland? Find out more about Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle in this article where I shared my personal experience about visiting Inverness and Drumnadrochit to see the Loch Ness up close.
• Of course – one of the best things to do in Inverness, Scotland is to pay Loch Ness a visit. There is a lot to see and do in the general vicinity of Loch Ness, such as going on a cruise through the lake or exploring an old castle. 
• Undeniably, one of the best scenic drives in the UK is the North Coast 500 (Scotland.) This route includes Loch Ness. I believe that no trip to Scotland would be complete without trying to catch a glimpse of the elusive Nessie!
• Looking for the best day trips from Edinburgh? Loch Ness is definitely one of them! Other equally appealing destinations include Stirling Castle, Kingdom of Fife and St. Andrews, and the Scottish Borders.
• Loch Ness is also one day trip away from Glasgow. Trust me when I say that the long drive and early rise are worth it to see this legendary location.
• The Urquhart Castle is among the most beautiful castles in Scotland. Be sure to stop by the Grand Tower and take in the breathtaking views it offers of Loch Ness.
• Loch Ness is one of the plenty of reasons why I think that Inverness, Scotland, deserved a spot in my list of the best places to visit in the UK.
• Did you know that there are also boat tours from Dochgarroch that explore both Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal in 2 hours. This tour is bookable via Get Your Guide, a place where I find all the best activities to do in whichever part of the world I am in.

FAQs on How to Get from Edinburgh to Loch Ness

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