Budget Tours to Scotland
Imagine hunting for Nessie on Loch Ness, exploring Edinburgh's medieval Royal Mile, or crossing to mystical Orkney's old stones. Scotland brings Glasgow's vibrant culture to the Isle of Skye's dramatic landscapes, Glencoe's haunting beauty to Stirling Castle's royal history. The Highlands want you.
10 best Budget Scotland tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaScotland travel expert at TourRadar
- 2-day Outlander Tour (Small Group)
- 6 Day Edinburgh and Inverness By Train
- Skye High
- 5 Day Inverness including Loch Ness Experience and Skye & Eilean Donan Castle
- Isle of Skye, Loch Ness & the Scottish Highlands - 5 Days
- Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Outlander Trail - 4 Day Small Group Tour
- Skye, The Highlands & Loch Ness - from Glasgow
- Edinburgh for Hogmanay (NYE) (Start Edinburgh)
- Best of the North Coast 500 - 3 days
- Manchester to the Scottish Highlands - 4 days
2-day Outlander Tour (Small Group)
“This tour was everything we needed. Carefree, well planned, great tour guide Cloe.”
Alison, traveled in October
The Scottish countryside beckons at approx. $160 per day with B&B stays in Inverness including breakfast. Midhope Castle entry included, other castle visits optional. Travel in air-conditioned mini-coaches with expert guides.
Duration 2 days Destinations Edinburgh, Doune, Glencoe, Loch Ness, Inverness, Culloden, Falkland, Culross Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $155 Operator Highland Experience Tours From
- US$310
6 Day Edinburgh and Inverness By Train
“TourRadar took care of hotels, transfers, breakfast, and the castle tour. That left us to decide what we wanted to see which was great!”
Lisa, traveled in August
Edinburgh and Inverness open their doors at approx. $230 per day, with 5 nights' accommodation and seamless transfers. Tours include Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, and Inverness Cathedral, plus daily breakfast and 24/7 support.
Duration 6 days Destinations Edinburgh, Inverness Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $198 Operator STM Tours LLC From $1,626
27% Off- US$1,187
Skye High
“This trip was absolutely amazing. We saw the most amazing scenery and breathtaking views.”
Frederika, traveled in May
Scottish magic unfolds at approx. $180 per day with hostel stays at Morag's Lodge, free walking tours in Portree, and highly-rated transport (4.8/5). Optional visits to Dunvegan Castle ($28) and local pub meals in Fort Augustus add flexibility.
Duration 3 days Destinations Edinburgh, Fort Augustus, Ben Nevis, Dunkeld, Callander, Glencoe, Fort William, Portree, Isle of Skye, Loch NessSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-45 Price Per Day $124 Operator Haggis Adventures From $495
25% Off- US$371
Highland majesty unfolds at approx. $240 per day with 4-star Columba Hotel Inverness stays including breakfast. Take in 7-hour Loch Ness tours, 12-hour Skye expeditions in Mercedes mini-coaches, and private airport transfers.
Duration 5 days Destinations Inverness, Loch Ness Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $189 Operator STM Tours LLC From $1,297
27% Off- US$947
Duration 5 days Destinations Inverness, Loch Ness, Dornie, Isle of Skye, Sligachan, Portree, Kilt Rock, Kyleakin, Culloden, BeaulySee all destinations Age Range Ages 6+ Price Per Day $307 Operator Click Tours From $2,400
36% Off- US$1,536
Duration 4 days Destinations Edinburgh, Doune, Glencoe, Glenfinnan, Loch Ness, Inverness, Drumnadrochit, Culloden, Aviemore, PerthSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Price Per Day $284 Operator Click Tours From $1,775
36% Off- US$1,136
Skye, The Highlands & Loch Ness - from Glasgow
“Great 3 day tour of Isle of Skye. We had a few additional stops for pictures and experiences.”
Catherine, traveled in June
The Scottish Highlands beckon at £88 per day with luxury Mercedes coach transport and expert guidance. Rest at accommodations ranging from £25 hostels to £75+ hotels in Portree. Stretch your legs at Lealt Falls and Old Man of Storr.
Duration 3 days Destinations Glasgow, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Glencoe, Fort William, Portree, Isle of Skye, Dunvegan, Loch Ness, Fort Augustus, LagganSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $106 Operator Timberbush Tours From
36% Off- US$320
Hogmanay festivities shine at approx. $200 per day, including 4 nights' hostel stays, daily breakfasts, and festival tickets. Join Edinburgh Castle tours, Winter Wonderland activities, and torch processions with expert guidance.
Duration 5 days Destinations Edinburgh Age Range Ages 18-35 Price Per Day $161 Operator Contiki From
36% Off- US$803
The North Coast 500 awaits at approx. $290 per day, with breakfast and comfortable stays at The Arch Inn and Pentland Lodge. Marvel at Smoo Cave, Ardvreck Castle ruins, and Dunrobin Castle while following Scotland's most spectacular road trip with expert guides.
Duration 3 days Destinations Inverness, Applecross, Ullapool, Durness, Thurso, John O'Groats, Wick Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $197 Operator On The Go Tours From $740
20% Off- US$592
A Scottish odyssey at approx. $330 per day includes Loch Ness cruise and Stirling Castle entry. Rest in simple guesthouses with breakfast, travel in Mercedes mini-coaches, and roam freely in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Duration 4 days Destinations Manchester, Pooley Bridge, Glasgow, Luss, Oban, Fort Augustus, Glencoe, Killin, Stirling, Edinburgh Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $257 Operator On The Go Tours From $1,285
20% Off- US$1,028
What people love about Budget Tours in Scotland
- 2-day Outlander Tour (Small Group)
This tour was everything we needed. Carefree, well planned, great tour guide Cloe. The only thing i would have asked is a longer trip. Next time.
- Skye High
Absolutely loved the tour and my tour guide Tom, really made the experience that much more enjoyable.
- Skye, The Highlands & Loch Ness - from Glasgow
Trip to Dunrobin castle and North Excellent day out driver Chris Allan very knowledgeable and helpful. Highly recommended this tour
What our customers ask about Budget Tours to Scotland
What's the average daily cost for a budget tour in Scotland?
Budget tours in Scotland cost between USD 88-242 per day with Isle of Skye tours at around USD 101 per day. MacBackpackers tours stand out for their value. A TourRadar traveler shared "This tour was incredible and such good value for money getting to experience all the stunning landscapes and history while staying at comfortable accommodations like Skye Backpackers in Kyleakin." The price covers basics like transport guide services and simple lodging that work well for travelers watching their spending.
When is the most affordable time to visit Scotland on a budget tour?
The lowest prices for Scotland tours run from November to March with the best deals in January and February. A TourRadar traveler noted: "We went in February and while the weather was chilly we got amazing deals on our tour and accommodation at Lochbuie Guesthouse." City tours in Edinburgh and Glasgow offer especially good value these months though some Highland sites may have restricted hours. For a balance of decent weather and prices look at March-April or October-November.
What are the best budget-friendly areas to explore in Scotland?
The Scottish Highlands and Isle of Skye give travelers good value for their money. Budget travelers often base themselves in Fort Augustus Portree and Glencoe. One TourRadar traveler said: "Portree was perfect for budget travelers - plenty of affordable food options and the Skye Backpackers hostel nearby made it ideal as a base." Inverness also works well for saving money. From there you can visit Loch Ness and historical sites while staying at places like the Lochbuie Guesthouse.
How much should I budget for optional activities and entrance fees?
Set aside USD 15-30 for each activity on budget tours. Entry fees run USD 10-20 for popular spots like Eilean Donan Castle Dunrobin Castle and Highland Folk Museum. A helpful tip from a TourRadar traveler: "I spent around USD 100 total on attractions during my 3-day Isle of Skye tour including entry to Dunvegan Castle and some local museums." Many scenic stops like Glencoe and Loch Ness come at no extra cost.
How much spending money should I bring for a 3-day budget tour in Scotland?
Bring USD 200-300 extra for a 3-day tour. This covers about USD 30-40 daily for food USD 15-30 per activity plus some shopping money. A practical note from a TourRadar traveler: "I brought USD 250 for my 3-day Highland tour staying at Skye Backpackers which covered all my meals a few castle entries and some small souvenirs from Portree." Remember this doesn't include lodging if it's separate from your tour price.
What type of accommodation is typically provided on budget Scotland tours?
Budget tours use hostels B&Bs and guesthouses across Scotland. You might stay at Skye Backpackers hostel in Kyleakin or Oak Villa B&B in Inverness. A TourRadar traveler commented "The B&B accommodation in Inverness was fantastic - best hosts and the breakfast was amazing." Most places include breakfast and basic amenities. Nightly rates run USD 30-75 depending on location and time of year.