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Booking your Edinburgh to Loch Ness tour saves you the trouble of figuring out transportation facilities. Your tour includes round-trip transfers in an AC bus/coach with set departure points.
Edinburgh To Loch Ness Tours
Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION12 hours 30 mins
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus
START POINT
Green Ensign Ewart Pub
Meet at Green Ensign Ewart Pub at 8am where a comfortable AC coach will be waiting for you.
86 kms
73 mins
1
Callander
Callander is known as the Gateway to the Highlands and offers charming scenery and easy access to the stunning natural beauty of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.
Things to do
Light Refreshments at Callander
Snacks
105 kms
1 hours 38 mins
2
Glencoe
Famous for its dramatic landscapes, Glencoe is a must-see for those who appreciate rugged beauty. The valley's striking views and rich history make it a fantastic spot for hiking and photography.
26 kms
29 mins
Passes by
Fort William
3
Loch Ness
Loch Ness, the second largest loch by surface area in Scotland, is renowned for its stunning waters and the legendary creature, Nessie.
158 kms
2 hours 2 mins
4
Pitlochry
Known for its picturesque setting, Pitlochry is a delightful town that offers charming shops, beautiful gardens, and the famous Pitlochry Festival Theatre.
Things to do
Light Refreshments at Pitlochry
Snacks
114 kms
1 hours 39 mins
6
END POINT
Green Ensign Ewart Pub
- Craving adventure? Set off on a full-day guided trip exploring the majestic mountains and endless moors of Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Highlands.
- Soak up the scenery as you cruise in an AC coach, ticking off 15 amazing sights, including the epic Glencoe, a valley carved out by glaciers.
- Get up close and personal with the Highland coo as you explore the charming town of Callander, and enjoy some light refreshments.
- Be awed by the ethereal beauty of the Scottish Highlands as you pass picturesque places like Rannoch Moor and the Black Mount.
- Unleash your inner explorer as you visit the mysterious Urquhart Castle and then set sail on Loch Ness on a quest to find the elusive Nessie.
- Craving adventure? Set off on a full-day guided trip exploring the majestic mountains and endless moors of Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Highlands.
- Soak up the scenery as you cruise in an AC coach, ticking off 15 amazing sights, including the epic Glencoe, a valley carved out by glaciers.
- Get up close and personal with the Highland coo as you explore the charming town of Callander, and enjoy some light refreshments.
- Be awed by the ethereal beauty of the Scottish Highlands as you pass picturesque places like Rannoch Moor and the Black Mount.
- Unleash your inner explorer as you visit the mysterious Urquhart Castle and then set sail on Loch Ness on a quest to find the elusive Nessie.
Inclusions
- Full-day trip around Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands
- Expert English-speaking driver-guide
- Round-trip luxury AC coach transfers
- Digital translation in French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Russian & Chinese (Mandarin)
- Pick-up from Green Ensign Ewart Pub in Edinburgh
Exclusions
- Tickets to Urquhart Castle/Loch Ness cruise (available for purchase on-site)
- Lunch and drinks
Meeting point
- Green Ensign Ewart Pub at 8am
Callander
- Part of Trossachs National Park, first stop, light refreshments at your own expense, spot Highland Coo
Glencoe
- Famous valley known for waterfalls and breathtaking trails, photo stop
Fort William
- Stop for a lunch at your own expense
Loch Ness
- Scotland’s most famous loch
- Visit Urquhart Castle, tickets can be purchased on-site
- Hop on a Loch Ness cruise, tickets can be purchased on-site
- Simply hang out on the pier and grab a coffee with gorgeous views
Pitlochry
- The Victorian resort town of Pitlochry, stop for refreshments at your own expense
Ending point
- Green Ensign Ewart Pub at 8:30pm
- Tip: You can carry a cold-packed lunch if you wish to make the most of your time at each stop.
- Keep in mind hot food & beverages are not allowed on the coaches.
- Safety is a priority so this experience is restricted to guests under the age of 4 years.
- Parts of this experience are not accessible by wheelchair and pram/strollers.
- Your guide dogs are welcome on the coaches.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION48 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus
START POINT
Green Ensign Ewart Pub
Your coach will be waiting outside Green Ensign Ewart Pub in Edinburgh at 9am.
124 kms
88 mins
1
Luss
Nestled on the shores of Loch Lomond, Luss is a charming village known for its picturesque beauty. The village features well-preserved 19th-century architecture.
96 kms
75 mins
2
Glencoe
Renowned for its dramatic landscapes, Glencoe offers breathtaking views and excellent hiking opportunities. The valley is famous for its rugged mountains and waterfalls.
26 kms
25 mins
3
Fort William
Fort William is the gateway to Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak. The town features prominently in the novel “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,” where it stands in for Hogsmeade Station.
Things to do
Lunch at Fort William
Lunch
80 kms
74 mins
4
Loch Ness
Famous for the legendary Loch Ness Monster, this picturesque loch is surrounded by lush landscapes and historic sites.
5
Culloden Battlefield (Optional)
The site of the last battle fought on British soil, Culloden Battlefield is rich in history. The site offers a poignant insight into 18th-century Scottish history.
2.4 kms
5 mins
6
Neolithic Clava Cairns
This prehistoric burial site features well-preserved stone circles and cairns. The cairns date back to around 4000 BC and are older than the Egyptian pyramids.
68 kms
50 mins
7
Ruthven Barracks
Ruthven Barracks offers a glimpse into Scotland’s military history with its impressive ruins and scenic location. The site was used as a military garrison until the 19th century.
25 kms
24 mins
8
Dalwhinnie Distillery (Based on Availability)
Known for its single malt whisky, Dalwhinnie Distillery is a must-visit for whisky enthusiasts.
69 kms
54 mins
9
The Hermitage (Available in Summers Only)
The Hermitage is a lush woodland area known for its walking trails, waterfalls, and impressive trees. The site offers a peaceful escape and a chance to connect with nature.
96 kms
1 hours 35 mins
10
END POINT
Green Ensign Ewart Pub
- Indulge in a 2-day tour through Scotland's captivating sights, including the mysterious Loch Ness, serene Inverness, and the Highlands.
- With an expert guide and transfers, begin your tour in Luss, explore Rannoch Moor, and walk around Glencoe to uncover its haunting history.
- Stop for a quick lunch as you near Fort William, with a backdrop of towering Ben Nevis - the UK's highest peak.
- After a lovely meal, you will be mesmerized by the long shoreline of Loch Ness as you pass the 13th-century Urquhart Castle, and reach Inverness.
- Explore monumental sites like Culloden Battlefield and Ruthven Barracks, and enjoy free time in Inverness on day 2 of your tour.
- Indulge in a 2-day tour through Scotland's captivating sights, including the mysterious Loch Ness, serene Inverness, and the Highlands.
- With an expert guide and transfers, begin your tour in Luss, explore Rannoch Moor, and walk around Glencoe to uncover its haunting history.
- Stop for a quick lunch as you near Fort William, with a backdrop of towering Ben Nevis - the UK's highest peak.
- After a lovely meal, you will be mesmerized by the long shoreline of Loch Ness as you pass the 13th-century Urquhart Castle, and reach Inverness.
- Explore monumental sites like Culloden Battlefield and Ruthven Barracks, and enjoy free time in Inverness on day 2 of your tour.
Inclusions
- 2-day tour of Loch Ness, Inverness & the Highlands
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Round-trip luxury AC transfers from Edinburgh
- Explore Luss, Rannoch Moor, Glencoe, Ben Navis
- Pass Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, Inverness
- Overnight stay at Inverness (based on option selected)
- Free time at Inverness
- Visit Ruthven Barracks
- Visit Culloden Battlefield & Dalwhinnie Distillery (based on availability)
- Tip: Try picking the option to taste some of the finest Scotch at Dalwhinnie Distillery. Remember, you're in the home of whisky!
- This tour does not include your stay at Inverness.
- A visit to the Culloden Battlefield and Dalwhinnie Distillery solely depends on availability.
- Safety is a priority so this experience is restricted to guests under the age of 4 years.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION11 hours 30 mins
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus
START POINT
19 Killermont Street, Glasgow
Meet at 19 Killermont Street in Glasgow where a coach will be waiting to pick you up.
53 kms
48 mins
1
Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond is famous for its stunning views and is the largest lake in Scotland by surface area. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including the rare Scottish wildcat.
Things to do
Refreshments at Loch Lomond
Snacks
97 kms
1 hours 34 mins
2
Glencoe
Glencoe offers some of Scotland’s most dramatic scenery, ideal for hiking and photography. The valley’s historical significance and natural beauty make it a top destination.
26 kms
29 mins
3
Fort William
As Scotland's outdoor adventure capital, Fort William is perfect for exploring Ben Nevis and other nearby mountains.
Things to do
Lunch at Fort William
Lunch
51 kms
51 mins
4
Fort Augustus
Located at the southern end of Loch Ness, Fort Augustus is known for its scenic canal locks and historic abbey. It is home to a series of canal locks known as the "Caledonian Canal."
30 kms
38 mins
5
Loch Ness
Loch Ness is famous for its legendary monster, Nessie, and its stunning, deep waters. It is over 230 meters deep, making it one of the largest lakes in the UK by volume.
158 kms
2 hours 4 mins
6
Pitlochry
Pitlochry is a picturesque town known for its Victorian architecture, beautiful gardens, and the annual Pitlochry Festival Theatre.
Things to do
Refreshments at Pitlochry
Snacks
134 kms
1 hours 38 mins
7
END POINT
19 Killermont Street, Glasgow
- Unearth the allure of the Scottish Highlands on a full-day tour from Glasgow, visiting iconic sites like Loch Lomond and Glencoe Valley.
- Cherish an authentic Scottish experience with our expert guides, as we climb Rannoch Moor and the Black Mount to Scotland's haunting glens, Glencoe.
- Refresh at the beautiful Loch Lomond and indulge in lunch at Fort William and evening refreshments in Pitlochry, adding a touch of Scottish culinary delight.
- Enjoy free exploration time in Fort Augustus and an optional boat cruise across the enigmatic Loch Ness, expanding your adventure.
- Unearth the allure of the Scottish Highlands on a full-day tour from Glasgow, visiting iconic sites like Loch Lomond and Glencoe Valley.
- Cherish an authentic Scottish experience with our expert guides, as we climb Rannoch Moor and the Black Mount to Scotland's haunting glens, Glencoe.
- Refresh at the beautiful Loch Lomond and indulge in lunch at Fort William and evening refreshments in Pitlochry, adding a touch of Scottish culinary delight.
- Enjoy free exploration time in Fort Augustus and an optional boat cruise across the enigmatic Loch Ness, expanding your adventure.
Inclusions
- Full-day tour of Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Highlands
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Round-trip luxury AC transfers from Glasgow
- Visit Loch Lomond, Fort William, Fort Augustus, Pitlochry
- Lunch stop & evening refreshments (based on option selected)
Exclusions
- Loch Ness cruise
- Tip: Use the ride through the Highlands to glimpse Scotland's wildlife - you might spot red deer, golden eagles, or even the elusive Scottish wildcat.
- Safety is a priority so this experience is restricted for guests under the age of 4 years.
- This experience is not accessible by wheelchair and pram/strollers.
- Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION8 hours 45 mins
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus
START POINT
Railway Terrace
Begin your day trip at Railway Terrace where your coach will be waiting for you.
22.5 kms
29 mins
1
Loch Ness
1 activities
Loch Ness, renowned for its legendary monster Nessie, offers breathtaking views and a chance to delve into local folklore.
Things to do
Loch Ness Cruise
Additional cost (on-site)
44.5 kms
46 mins
2
Urquhart Castle
Tickets not included
Set on the shores of Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle offers panoramic views and a glimpse into Scotland’s medieval history.
27 kms
29 mins
3
Fort Augustus
Our lunch stop is Fort Augustus, a pretty village at the south end of Loch Ness. This village offers stunning views up the loch.
Visitors can also enjoy a visit to the Caledonian Canal Centre or just sit back and watch the boats navigating the locks.
21 kms
27 mins
4
Falls of Foyers
The Falls of Foyers are approximately 50 meters high and surrounded by lush forest, making it a tranquil spot to enjoy nature and take in the sounds of the cascading water.
18.6 kms
24 mins
5
Dores Beach
The village of Dores offers a charming spot to relax with views over Loch Ness. It is known for its beautiful pebble beach.
14.8 kms
21 mins
6
END POINT
Railway Terrace
- Spend an exciting day at Loch Ness, explore the quaint Fort Augustus, admire the Falls of Foyers, and opt for some extra attractions too!
- This full-day tour from Inverness offers smooth transfers in a luxurious coach and insightful narrations from an expert guide for a wholesome time.
- Take part in the time-honored tradition of Nessie-hunting at Loch Ness and explore the charming village of Fort Augustus, a unique experience for this tour.
- Stand in awe at the majestic Falls of Foyer, a perfect relaxation spot before going to Dores to explore its sandy shore.
- Try to include a visit to Urquhart Castle or a Lochness cruise to get more from your day tour to this beautiful town.
- Spend an exciting day at Loch Ness, explore the quaint Fort Augustus, admire the Falls of Foyers, and opt for some extra attractions too!
- This full-day tour from Inverness offers smooth transfers in a luxurious coach and insightful narrations from an expert guide for a wholesome time.
- Take part in the time-honored tradition of Nessie-hunting at Loch Ness and explore the charming village of Fort Augustus, a unique experience for this tour.
- Stand in awe at the majestic Falls of Foyer, a perfect relaxation spot before going to Dores to explore its sandy shore.
- Try to include a visit to Urquhart Castle or a Lochness cruise to get more from your day tour to this beautiful town.
Inclusions
- Full-day tour of Loch Ness & the Highlands
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Round-trip luxury AC transfers from Inverness
- Visit Fort Augustus, Dores, Falls of Foyers
Exclusions
- Extra attractions
- Tip: If time permits, explore the local shops in Fort Augustus for some unique souvenirs, and consider trying traditional Scottish food during your lunch break.
- Keep in mind hot food & beverages are not allowed on this experience. Pack wisely!
- Safety is a priority so this experience is restricted to guests under the age of 4 years.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION12 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus
Timeline
Map
START POINT
Edinburgh Bus Stop
Meet your English-speaking driver-guide on your AC coach bus at the Radical Travel Sales Office.
185.07 kms
2 hours 51 mins
1
Glencoe
Glencoe, located in the Scottish Highlands, is a stunning valley known for its dramatic landscapes, rich history, and outdoor adventures. It’s a paradise for hikers and photographers, offering iconic views like the Three Sisters mountains.
78 kms
75 mins
Passes by
Fort William
2
Loch Ness (Fort Augustus)
1 attractions
1 activities
Tickets included
Loch Ness, Scotland's famous freshwater loch, is renowned for its mysterious Nessie legend. Visitors can explore Urquhart Castle, enjoy scenic boat tours, or hike the surrounding trails for breathtaking views.
Highlights
1. Caledonian Canal
Sightseeing & Photography
2. Picnic Lunch
Lunch
Treat yourself to a delicious picnic lunch with views of Loch Ness and the charming village of Fort Augustus.
3. Boat cruise of Loch Ness
Included (based on selection)
185 kms
2 hours 30 mins
3
Pertshire
Perthshire, known as the "Big Tree Country," offers breathtaking landscapes of forests, rivers, and hills. It's perfect for exploring charming towns, historic castles, and outdoor activities like hiking and cycling.
69 kms
52 mins
5
END POINT
Edinburgh Bus Stop
- Picture this, a 12-hour trip through the Scottish Highlands and the iconic Loch Ness from Edinburgh, sounds like a plan, right?
- Travel in the comfort of a coach, across towering castles and charming villages.
- Listen to tales of Scottish rebellion from the local Scottish guide or immerse in age-old folklore with your digital guide in 6 languages.
- Arrive at Fort Augustus village, where you can take a stroll by the Caledonian Canal and savor a delicious lunch.
- But wait, there's more! Upgrade your trip for a boat cruise across Loch Ness, offering you the chance to hunt for Nessie.
- Picture this, a 12-hour trip through the Scottish Highlands and the iconic Loch Ness from Edinburgh, sounds like a plan, right?
- Travel in the comfort of a coach, across towering castles and charming villages.
- Listen to tales of Scottish rebellion from the local Scottish guide or immerse in age-old folklore with your digital guide in 6 languages.
- Arrive at Fort Augustus village, where you can take a stroll by the Caledonian Canal and savor a delicious lunch.
- But wait, there's more! Upgrade your trip for a boat cruise across Loch Ness, offering you the chance to hunt for Nessie.
Inclusions
- Full-day trip around Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands
- Expert English-speaking driver-guide
- Picnic lunch
- Audio guide in Chinese, Portuguese, Italian, French, German & Spanish
- Pick-up from Radical Travel sales office
- Round-trip coach transfer
- Boat cruise on Loch Ness (optional)
Meeting point
- Radical Travel sales office at 7am
Glencoe
- famous for waterfalls & hiking trails
Fort Augustus/Loch Ness
- southern-most tip of Loch Ness, optional boat cruise across the loch, walk by Caledonian Canal, picnic lunch
Pertshire
- land of mountains, forests & rivers, quick stop in a wee village, continue South to Firth of Forth to view the spectacular Forth Bridges
Ending point
- Radical Travel sales office at 7:45pm
- Tip: Keep your cameras ready and spot the filming locations of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban at the Glencoe Valley.
- Stay ahead of the game; download the audio guide beforehand to dodge any network glitches at the location.
- Don’t forget your trusty earphones for an immersive audio guide experience.
- Safety is a priority so this experience is restricted for guests under the age of 5 years.
- This experience can accommodate collapsible wheelchairs only if accompanied by someone who can assist in boarding and disembarking.
- You are allowed to carry 1 medium case and a small carry-on bag.
- The tour operates on a minimum number policy.
- There is no guarantee that individuals booking together will be seated next to each other, as seats are not allocated.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Discover the magic of Loch Ness with this 50-minute cruise on the historic Caledonian Canal that the British Royal Navy once used.
- Pick the most convenient starting point from 3 locations! Then, kick back and relax with free WiFi and yummy snacks you can purchase on board.
- Board from the Clansman Harbor and start your hunt for the Nessie while taking in views of Urquhart Castle. Learn more with your audio guide.
- Choose the Fort Augustus starting point, start the cruise with your guide, and see the grand Fort Augustus Abbey and Cherry Island, the Loch's only island.
- With a guide, board at Dochgarroch Lock and be dazzled by the epic beauty of Aldourie Castle, the only inhabitable castle in Loch Ness.
- Discover the magic of Loch Ness with this 50-minute cruise on the historic Caledonian Canal that the British Royal Navy once used.
- Pick the most convenient starting point from 3 locations! Then, kick back and relax with free WiFi and yummy snacks you can purchase on board.
- Board from the Clansman Harbor and start your hunt for the Nessie while taking in views of Urquhart Castle. Learn more with your audio guide.
- Choose the Fort Augustus starting point, start the cruise with your guide, and see the grand Fort Augustus Abbey and Cherry Island, the Loch's only island.
- With a guide, board at Dochgarroch Lock and be dazzled by the epic beauty of Aldourie Castle, the only inhabitable castle in Loch Ness.
Inclusions
- 50-min Loch Ness cruise
- Boarding from Fort Augustus/Dochgarroch Lock/Clansman Harbour (as per option selected)
- Audio guide (as per option selected)
- Live guide (as per option selected)
- Sonar equipment
Exclusions
- Food & drinks (available for purchase)
- Tip: For photography enthusiasts, there's no better place than the top deck for capturing the panoramic views of Loch Ness.
- Choose safety and comfort: This experience is not the best fit for people prone to seasickness.
- Facilities: Free WiFi
- Your pets and guide dogs are welcome at the venue.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Soak up the stunning scenery of Loch Ness on this relaxing cruise, and choose to hop ashore to explore the ruins of the historic Urquhart Castle.
- Start your adventure at Dochgarroch Lock or Fort Augustus, and listen to thrilling tales of Nessie and a WWII plane crash from the optional audio guide.
- Cruise past Aldourie Castle, a 300-year-old Baronial Castle, spot Bona Lighthouse, a sentinel guarding the loch, and gaze at the mountains and fields of the Green Glen.
- After your cruise, give your inner history buff a treat by selecting to explore Urquhart Castle which appeared in the famous Netflix show Outlander.
- Soak up the stunning scenery of Loch Ness on this relaxing cruise, and choose to hop ashore to explore the ruins of the historic Urquhart Castle.
- Start your adventure at Dochgarroch Lock or Fort Augustus, and listen to thrilling tales of Nessie and a WWII plane crash from the optional audio guide.
- Cruise past Aldourie Castle, a 300-year-old Baronial Castle, spot Bona Lighthouse, a sentinel guarding the loch, and gaze at the mountains and fields of the Green Glen.
- After your cruise, give your inner history buff a treat by selecting to explore Urquhart Castle which appeared in the famous Netflix show Outlander.
Inclusions
- 1/2-hour Loch Ness cruise (as per option selected)
- 1-hour tour of Urquhart Castle (as per option selected)
- Boarding from Dochgarroch Lock or Clansman Harbour (as per option selected)
- Audio commentary (as per option selected)
- Sonar equipment
- Tip: Try the traditional Scottish snacks onboard to get a real taste of Scotland.
- Choose safety and comfort: This experience is not the best fit for people prone to seasickness.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
EdinburghEdinburgh To Loch Ness Tours
Top things to do in Edinburgh
Why Edinburgh to Loch Ness tours are a must-do
Hassle-free transportation
Find your ideal Edinburgh to Loch Ness tours
Experience name
Duration
Return transfers
Inclusions
Recommended tickets
From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands Day Trip
12.5 hours;
8am to 8:30pm
Departure & end point: Green Ensign Ewart Pub
Round-trip transfers in AC coach;
English-speaking guide;
Audio guide in French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Russian & Chinese (Mandarin)
From Edinburgh: 2-Day Guided Tour of Loch Ness, Inverness & The Highlands
48 hours;
Starts at 9am
Departure & end point: Green Ensign Ewart Pub
Round-trip transfers in AC coach;
English-speaking guide;
Upgrade tickets to include stay options in Inverness
How to get from Edinburgh to Loch Ness
The tickets include round-trip transfers in an AC coach/bus. Loch Ness is 175 miles from Edinburgh. The time taken on your day trip depends on the day trip you choose - you can choose between the one-day From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands Day Trip or the 2-day From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Inverness & The Highlands. This is your best bet for having the least amount of worries when finding your way to and around Loch Ness. Here is why we think booking round-trip transfers is best:
Round-trip transfers
- Comfortable transfers: The round-trip day trips are in AC coaches, saving you the hassle of figuring out your own transportation to and from Loch Ness.
- Pre-planned: Since these tours have a fixed itinerary, you can just sit back and relax on your day trip.
- Expert guide: Your English-speaking guide will enrich your trip with stories, anecdotes, and cultural insights of the places you visit on your trip.
- Quick online booking: No queues and no stress, simply choose between the ticket options available based on your preferences for hassle-free travel.
- Multiple stops: In addition to other things you can see on your trip, the tour also includes multiple rest stops for light refreshments and lunch, ensuring you have a comfortable journey.
- Boarding points: Both tours start and end at Green Ensign Ewart Pub, which is centrally located, and just 2 minutes away from Edinburgh Castle by foot.
Other options
By train
By bus
Take the ScotRail from Waverly Station to Inverness, which is the closest railway station to Loch Ness.
Best for: Convenience
Time taken: 5 hours
Approx. price: from £40.80
Take megabus M90 or megabus M91 to Farraline Park in Inverness. From here, you will need to take another (16) to get to Loch Ness.
Best for: Scenic route
Time taken: 5.5 hours
Approx. price: from £13.30
Best time to go on Edinburgh to Loch Ness tours
Love the great outdoors? Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are your best bets. The weather is mild, the crowds are smaller, and the scenery is stunning. Vibrant wildflowers are in full bloom in the spring or the fiery colors of autumn leaves are gorgeous.
If you don’t mind the crowds, you can visit in the summer, when the weather is the most pleasant. There’s hardly a chance of rain during this time and since the daylight hours are longer, you can explore for longer periods of time.
Want to escape the crowds? Winter (November-March) might be for you. It's quieter but be prepared for colder and wetter weather. You might even save money on your food and accommodation during this period since it is the low season.
Frequently Asked Questions about Edinburgh to Loch Ness tours
How early should I arrive at the departure point?
It’s recommended to arrive at least 15-30 minutes before the scheduled departure time to ensure a smooth check-in process and avoid any last-minute rush.
Will I have free time at Loch Ness?
Yes, most tours allow some free time at Loch Ness, giving you the chance to explore the area, take photos, visit local shops, or enjoy a meal with a view of the loch.
Are there restroom facilities available during the tour?
Restroom facilities are available at various stops along the route, including visitor centers and rest areas. Your guide will inform you about the scheduled stops for restroom breaks.
Do I need to bring food and drinks, or are they provided?
It’s recommended to bring your own snacks and drinks, especially if you have specific dietary requirements. However, hot food is not allowed on the AC coaches. There will also be opportunities to purchase food during rest stops at Callander and Fort William.
Can I find vegetarian/vegan food options?
Yes, there are several vegetarian and vegan food options available on Loch Ness day trips. Most restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan dishes, and there are also a few dedicated vegetarian and vegan restaurants in the area.
Is the tour suitable for children and families?
Absolutely! The Edinburgh to Loch Ness tours are family-friendly and offer a great way for children to learn about Scotland’s history and legends. The long journey is broken up with plenty of stops, making it manageable for younger travelers. However, do note that these day trips are restricted to children under the age of 4.
Is there a chance to go on a boat cruise on Loch Ness?
You can go on a Loch Ness cruise. However, this is not included in the ticket and has to be purchased separately.
Can I buy souvenirs during the tour?
Souvenirs can be purchased at various stops along the tour, including visitor centers and gift shops at attractions like Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness. Don’t forget to pick up a memento of your trip!
Are the tours accessible for travelers with mobility issues?
Parts of the Edinburgh to Loch Ness day trip are not suitable for wheelchair users and for prams/strollers.
Are pets allowed on the tour?
Pets are generally not allowed on these tours, except for service animals. If you need to bring a service animal, it’s best to inform the tour operator in advance.
Can I take photos at Loch Ness and other stops?
Yes, photography is encouraged throughout the tour! The breathtaking landscapes and historic sites provide plenty of photo opportunities. Don’t forget your camera or smartphone to capture the memories.
Is Loch Ness really home to a monster?
The legend of the Loch Ness Monster, or Nessie, has captivated the world for decades. While there’s no scientific evidence to prove its existence, the mystery adds to the allure of Loch Ness, making it a fun and intriguing part of the visit.