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
- 6 Day Edinburgh and Inverness By Train
- Orkney and Scotland's Northern Coast Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh - 5 Days
- 9 Day Scotland - Edinburgh, Glasgow And Inverness
- Loch Ness, Inverness & The Scottish Highlands - Small Group - 2 Days
- Best of the North Coast 500 - 3 days
- Highland Fling
- Skye High
- Edinburgh for Hogmanay (NYE) (Start Edinburgh)
- Manchester to the Scottish Highlands - 4 days
- 5 Day Glasgow And Inverness Including Loch Ness
6 Day Edinburgh and Inverness By Train
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“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 $219 Operator STM Tours LLC From $1,644
20% Off- US$1,315You save $329
At around $130 per day, you'll see Scotland's landscapes from Edinburgh to the Orkney Islands. Cozy en-suite B&Bs across Inverness, Kirkwall, and Ullapool include breakfast each morning. The tour covers UNESCO-listed Skara Brae and the Heart of Neolithic Orkney with admission fees included, plus free access to Culloden Battlefield Museum and Maeshowe chambered tomb.
Duration 5 days Destinations Edinburgh, Glencoe, Loch Ness, Inverness, Dunrobin, John O'Groats, Orkney Islands, Kirkwall, Skara Brae, StromnessSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $310 Operator Click Tours From $2,420
36% Off- US$1,549You save $871
At $347 per day, includes 3-star accommodations at Old Waverley Hotel Edinburgh and Royal Highland Hotel Inverness. Features complimentary hop-on-hop-off tours, daily Scottish breakfasts, and included train travel between cities.
Duration 9 days Destinations Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $314 Operator STM Tours LLC From $3,538
20% Off- US$2,830You save $708
At approx. $200 per day, this budget-friendly tour includes en-suite B&B accommodation with breakfast, a Jacobite cruise on Loch Ness, and entry to Urquhart Castle. You'll travel in a 16-seat mini-coach with an English-speaking driver-guide through Cairngorms National Park and Pitlochry. A free evening in Inverness lets you sample local cuisine at affordable Highland pubs, with flexible stops at lochs and historic battlefields along the route.
Duration 2 days Destinations Edinburgh, Forth Bridge, Pitlochry, Cairngorms National Park, Aviemore, Inverness, Loch Ness Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $246 Operator Click Tours From $770
36% Off- US$493You save $277
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, Thurso, Dunrobin Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $207 Operator On The Go Tours From $775
20% Off- US$620You save $155
Highland Fling
651 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We visited so many beautiful places. The pace of the Highland fling tour was just right.”
Susan, traveled in May
Scottish wonders unfold at approx. $180 per day, with hostel stays and all transport included. Take in 12 locations over 5 days, enjoying free walks and optional adventures like Loch Ness cruises ($32) and Jacobite Steam Train rides ($72).
Duration 5 days Destinations Edinburgh, Stirling, Doune, Glencoe, Oban, Isle of Skye, Eilean Donan, Loch Ness, Inverness, BeaulySee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-45 Price Per Day $137 Operator Haggis Adventures From
20% Off- US$685
Skye High
673 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was interesting and informative, providing a great overview of Scotland's history.”
Minjia, traveled in March
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, Stirling, Callander, Glencoe, Fort William, Isle of Skye, Portree, Eilean Donan, Loch Ness, Fort AugustusSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-45 Price Per Day $123 Operator Haggis Adventures From
20% Off- US$369
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 $169 Operator Contiki From
20% Off- US$845
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, Loch Ness, Glenfinnan, Glencoe, KillinSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $247 Operator On The Go Tours From $1,235
20% Off- US$988You save $247
At $361 per day, including daily breakfast and comfortable stays at Radisson Blu Glasgow and Royal Highland Hotel Inverness. Price covers train travel between cities, private transfers, and a full-day Highlands expedition with monster-hunting at Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle visits.
Duration 5 days Destinations Glasgow, Inverness, Loch Ness Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $327 Operator STM Tours LLC From $2,042
20% Off- US$1,633You save $408
What people love about Budget Tours in Scotland
- Highland Fling
This was a well organized overview of the Scottish Highlands, capturing the highlights and offering a nice variety of activities. Our guide played a pivotal role in our enjoyment of the experience. Dusty deftly managed a few of our group that were a bit challenging in their demeanour. He is a pleasant man who kept us safe, informed and entertained. He gave bites of historical informstion
- Skye High
Cara our driver was amazing with her knowledge of the area. I would give her a raise, she was very good to us all, so we gave her a sizeable tip. The scenery on the way back to Edinburgh was amazing The trip out was nice as well, just different. The roads on the Isle of Skye were a bit rough but Cara managed them wonderfully. Overall I would recommend this tour to anyone.
Take this tour! The ideal length of time. I had as much fun on the bus as I did walking the sites. Accommodations were clean, well-organized and spacious. Highlights for me were hiking up to the Old Man of Storr, the Gorge, the ferry ride and our night in Oban where we joined in a Ceilidh dance night (might not be an option for all travelers depending on tour schedule). We had Mark (newest MaccyB team member) as our guide for the first 3.5 days and Branka for the remaining 1.5 days. They both oozed passion for, and knowledge of, Scotland as well as connection with travelers. Their energy is infectious and their music sensibility is off the charts! :D Their presence amplified the tour experience. The reason this specific tour was appealing was because of it's focus on being in the outdoors. The schedule was well-timed with balanced intervals on the bus and exploring. The staff truly embody their commitment to building a community between the travelers on the tour. The stories were endless, the vistas were breathtaking and the memories everlasting!
5 Day Skye & Highland Fling
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.