Wondering how to travel The Isle of Skye without a car? This stunning and magical place is somewhere I’ve been lucky to visit numerous times and also call home for a year. The first couple times I visited was by tour bus and car, but when I moved there in 2016 it was without a car and I had to discover new ways to get around.
I revisited Skye in June/July 2019 for one glorious month, and again found myself travelling with no car. You may think it’s impossible to travel the Isle of Skye without a car (as I did), but I’m here to tell you it really isn’t! Here are my tips and tricks to help you explore Skye without a car.
How to Travel the Isle of Skye Without a Car
Buses
We will start with the most logical option – buses. The main public transport system on the Isle of Skye is run by Stagecoach and for £9.20 you can get a DayRider, allowing you to travel on any Stagecoach bus for a full day.
Buses don’t run as frequently as they would in a big city, but if you plan out your day to fit around the bus times it’s absolutely do-able to get around.
I mainly used buses to get around the island and it’s much easier than I initially thought it would be. Even if you aren’t near a bus stop as long as you’re on a road where the bus passes, in a safe place for stopping, you will be able to wave down the driver and they will be happy pick you up. If you are going somewhere the bus doesn’t usually stop just be sure to let the bus driver know as you get on the bus and they can drop off along the way.
The bus drivers on Skye are incredibly friendly so if you are lost, or don’t know how to get somewhere just ask and they will often be able to help.
There are also buses run by Citylink. You can use these buses anywhere on the island, but they are also great for getting you to Skye. Citylink have routes all around Scotland, the buses are comfortable enough for long journeys and quite well priced.
You can purchase a 3 day explorer pass for £49 pounds which allows you unlimited travel around the country for three out of five travel days. The explorer pass means you won’t have seats reserved on any bus, if it’s high season I would recommend giving Citylink a call once you have you tickets and reserving a seat in advance to ensure there is space on the particular buses you need to catch.
Hitchhiking
Now this one your parents probably don’t want me suggesting, but if you are sensible and trust your instincts hitchhiking isn’t as dangerous as everyone thinks! The locals on Skye are very friendly and generally more than happy to help out travellers hitching – other tourists with cars are usually pretty quick to stop for you as well. The longest I’ve had to wait for a ride is 10 minutes – don’t be too disheartened if it’s raining, this will mean drivers feel sorry for you, and hopefully pick you up faster!
If you are staying in a hostel you could also try making friends with guests, and hope someone has a car that you could hitch a ride in. This way you get to have an adventure with a new friend and a ride!
When hitchhiking make sure you always feel comfortable before accepting a ride, if something feels amiss or you just don’t feel totally comfortable with the driver it is completely OK to say no.
Your Own Two Feet
The Isle of Skye is THE place for outdoor lovers! With Scotland’s free to roam laws you can pretty much walk anywhere and everywhere, meaning getting around on foot is easier. Make sure you plan out your route in advance, ensure you have the correct maps and some good walking shoes (and wet weather gear!) and you will be good to go.
Check out WalkHighlands for information on different routes you can take. They have very detailed instructions for each walk, but it’s a good idea to still take a map on the chance you get lost.
There is no better way to see the Isle of Skye than by foot so be prepared to stop every few minutes to soak up the beauty all around, and of course take a few photos.
If you are interested in walking on Skye, make sure you read my post on my top 5 easy day hikes on the Isle of Skye.
Taxi
While limited, there are a few taxis available on the Isle of Skye. I would advise booking in advance if you do require one – unlike the millions of Ubers in major cities there are only about four taxi drivers on the island so if you don’t get in early you could miss out!
The staff at your hostel or hotel will be able to help with specific phone numbers (and they probably know the drivers personally).
Tour Company
On my very first visit to Skye in December 2014 I didn’t know much about the island at all, other than a recommendation from a friend who had visited the year before. I had nine days off work over the Christmas/New Year break and she suggested I take a tour with Macbackpackers through the Scottish Highlands, and to a place called the Isle of Skye!
Thank goodness I took that advice as I had the most brilliant time and discovered my love for Scotland, which eventually lead to me living here two and half years later. The tour departed and returned to Edinburgh, making it super convenient for those without a car. The guide/driver (Richard) was fantastic, sharing lots of tips and stories about Scotland along the way – he also didn’t force any set itinerary on us making it feel less like a guided tour and more like an adventure with friends.
While living here I have also travelled with a tour company called Skye Scenic – I have taken their tour around Skye and also one that went over to the Isle of Harris and Lewis, a tour they run one day per week in the summer season. Both of these trips and the tour guide (Donald) were brilliant, I would highly recommend taking a Skye Scenic tour if you travel to Skye and want an easy + quick way to see all the best spots!
Have you ever travelled somewhere remote without a car?
Where was it, and how did you get around!?
Let me know in the comments!
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To read more of my posts about the Isle of Skye see:
5 Easy Day Hikes on the Isle of Skye
The Best Places to Eat on the Isle of Skye
Where to Stay on the Isle of Skye
+ bonus Scotland content
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Ilse says
Im so glad I’ve just found this post, its tremendously helpful! Im in the midst of planning my solo 2.5 week (dreamed of a lifetime) trip to Skye and then on to the Outer Hebrides, and am really hoping to avoid car rental for as much of it as possible though I will likely do so once on Lewis
Emma says
So glad you found this post helpful – 2.5 weeks is a great amount of time to spend exploring Skye and the Outer Hebrides, you are going to have an amazing time!
Alex says
I found this post extremely helpful! I am planning a trip to Skye this summer, and being 24, it makes it difficult to rent a car. I was wondering what you though about biking through Skye as an alternative mode of transportation? I have read a few websites that recommend it if you don’t want to have to rely on buses. I am curious if you have an tips about biking through Skye.
Emma says
Hi Alex!
I am glad you found this post helpful for your trip to Skye! Renting a car can be a little difficult when you are under 25 but I have been here 7 months now without a car and have found the bus system to be pretty excellent!
Biking on Skye can be done, but keep in mind the island is a LOT bigger than most people expect so it might be quite hard to get everywhere you want on solely bike travel – if you are an experienced cyclist it will obviously be much easier.
I hope you have a fantastic trip to Skye this summer!
Emma
Mona says
I would just like to tell you that you are my hero. Thank you so much!! I have been planning my holiday to skye for weeks but got stressed about not having a license or any mode of transport. As i will be travelling alone for a week the cheapest bed i could find is in Uig or the hostel in Portree, any thoughts on which is beter?
Emma says
Hi Mona,
I am so happy this post helped ease your stress of travelling to Skye without a car!
Sure it might not be quite as easy to get around as a big city but with a little planning it’s entirely possible to see everything you want on the island without a car. Especially since you are able to spend a week here.
Both hostels are nice, but I have to say The Cowshed in Uig is wonderful! The Citylink bus from Glasgow goes directly past the hostel, and there are local buses that go right by as well to get you around the rest of the island. The hostel is beautiful and in really a stunning location! Lots of walks around the area and the perfect place to relax as well.
I actually work at The Cowshed so might be slightly bias, but it really is the best hostel I’ve ever been to!
Enjoy your trip to Skye, and let me know if you have any questions about the island!
Noemie says
Hi Emma,
When I found your article, I couldn’t be happier because If was worried about getting around Skye without a car and if the Cowshed hostel was good! Are you still working there? I am coming next week, can’t wait! 🙂
Noemie
Emma says
Hi Noemie,
So glad my post helped you! Skye is amazing, and so is The Cowshed – you will have such a wonderful stay there.
The bus is super easy to get to/from the hostel as it’s right at the end of the driveway (just make sure you ask the driver to drop you at The Cowshed, they will know it is!) and from there you can get yourself easily around the island. Often there are other guests who will happily take you in for a day of exploring too.
Sadly, I don’t work there anymore 🙁 but miss it everyday and hope to return someday soon.
Say hello to Jaki (the manager) from me and enjoy your stay at the best hostel in the world!
Would love to hear how your stay and visit to Skye went!
Emma x
Robert says
Planning coming to Skye in February March time
Both myself and partner planning 2/3 Day break. We will be traveling by bus from Glasgow and be travelling Round the isle on foot. Which is the best town/village to stay that makes it easier to see as much of the main places of Interest.
Many thanks I advance
Emma says
Hi Robert,
Thank you for your comment – how exciting that you will be visiting the Isle of Skye!
Portree is the main village on the island so this would be a good place to base yourself during your stay. It has a good range of accommodation, the best access for public transport and you will also be able to easily walk to supermarkets and cafes/restaurants etc. from here.
Another great option is Uig – which is a great little village located near the Northern Peninsula, where you’ll find many of the main attractions on Skye. The Citylink bus from Glasgow passes directly through Uig so it’s very easy to get there (it’s just a 20 minute bus ride from Portree).
From Uig you will easily be able to get out and explore on foot + it’s located on a main bus route so if you need to jump on a bus you will have that option.
If you have any other questions just let me know.
Emma
Paige Gibson says
Hi, flying to Scotland this Friday, landing on Sunday (layovers and all :). I appreciate your blog and post so much, seriously. I’ve been nervous about traveling around an area that is unfamiliar to me. My son and I will be spending 2 days in Skye and your article put me at ease about getting around. Thank you.
We have only one week to see as much as possible, so we won’t be sleeping much, lol.
Keep up the great and helpful articles. Bless you.
Paige
Emma says
Hi Paige,
Thank you so much for your lovely comment.
I’m so glad this post has helped you with planning your trip to Skye!
I hope you have an amazing time in Scotland, it really is one of the best places in the world (I’m a little jealous 😉 )
Your comment has made my day!
Emma x
Holly says
Hi Emma – this post has been super helpful!
My boyfriend and I are planning to come to Scotland at the end of April / early-May for 10 days. I’m wondering what your thoughts are on taking the CityLink bus from Glasgow vs. taking the West Highland Train combined with the ferry from Mallaig to Armadale. The bus seems to be somewhat more convenient and direct, but I’ve heard that train ride is one not to be missed.
Based on how our itinerary is shaping up, it looks like we will be coming to Skye from Islay (which I know will be a journey!) so I’m just a little overwhelmed with the logistics! Especially since it doesn’t look like all of the ferry / bus / train timetables are published for the spring / summer time frame. Thanks in advance for your guidance 🙂
Emma says
Hi Holly,
Sounds like you’ve got a super exciting trip planned! and I’m glad this post was helpful!
You’re right, the Citylink bus from Glasgow would definitely be the more convenient option.
Plus you will still get stunning views along the way (seriously, everywhere in Scotland is beautiful) and if you plan to make stops you can buy a Explorer Pass which makes it quite affordable.
I sadly haven’t yet had the opportunity to take the West Highland Train, but I’ve heard it’s amazing and I hope to do it one day!
I have taken the train from Skye to Edinburgh and as a train lover I’m really glad I took the trip – but it did require some additional planning to figure out the best route/changes etc.
Do you know where you will be staying on Skye?
There are definitely buses that run from Armadale to Portree, the buses from this spot just run at limited times so you may have to wait around for the next departure or look to book a taxi in advance if you’re arriving late.
I don’t imagine it will be long before the updated timetable for spring/summer is published.
If you think you can fit the train trip into your journey I would say do it!
But if it’s means you’re really going out of the way, I wouldn’t be too worried as you will see plenty of beautiful scenery everywhere else on your Scottish travels!
Let me know if there is anything else I can help with, I might possibly be in Scotland around that time too 🙂
Emma
Holly says
Hi Emma –
Thanks for all of your help and insight! I think we’ll go with the bus option to get to Skye and then we’ll take the train from Skye to Inverness, so we can still get the train experience 🙂
We don’t know where we’ll be staying on Skye yet – let me know if you have any recommendations!
Emma says
Sounds like a great plan!
The train trip from Skye to Inverness is stunning – well worth the trip!
I can highly recommend The Cowshed Bunkhouse. You can stay in either private rooms or shared dorm rooms (so great if you’re travelling on a budget too). I worked there for a year in 2016/17 – and loved it! It’s also in a super handy location for getting the bus etc. so great if you’re travelling without a car.
Otherwise, there are heaps of great Airbnb options to choose from all around the island.
oscar says
Hi Great Site and very informative – I’ve got a problem with Stagecoach – I just can’t work out how to see the best bus service to get from Armadale ( off the ferry ) to Kyla of Lochalsh ( or Kyleakin whichever is easier ).
Domnt know if you can help.
Thanks
Oscar
Emma says
Hi Oscar!
Getting the bus from Armadale can be a little tricky – but not impossible!
You will need to get the bus from Armadale to Broadford first, and then from Broadford you can transfer to a Citylink bus to Kyleakin and Kyle of Lochalsh (the Citylink bus will stop in both of these places).
Their are only a few of buses running per day from Armadale, so you’ll need to ensure you plan your day out accordingly.
I would advise you give the ferry terminal in Armadale a call to confirm bus times:
0800 066 5000 and 01475 650 397 (International customers or customers using a mobile phone)
Alternatively you could arrange a taxi in advance (again there are only a few on the island, so make sure you book a day or two prior) – this would be much more expensive than the bus.
Hope this helps!
Thanks,
Emma
anne happel says
Do you know if you can put bikes on the buses? We are hoping to use Bikes and public transport to explore Skye. Thank you!!
Emma says
Hi Anne! This reply might be a little late, but yes many of the buses will allow bikes! It does depend on the driver and how busy the bus is.
Liloo says
Emma, it is fantastic to read! And quite reassuring! I have been living in the UK (London) for 8 years and I have never driven here so for me hiring a car in unfamiliar places is worrying. I am glad to hear that visiting without a car the Isle of Skye is indeed possible and I cannot wait to go there! I have privately messaged you. Thanks. Regards. L.
Emma says
Hi Liloo! I’m so glad this was reassuring for you, I absolutely recommend escaping the big city and exploring Skye! I was very much like yourself at first, but found it super easy to get around Skye/Scotland in general without a car (you just need a little patience). I hope you had enjoy your travels!
Jesper Juel Rasmussen says
Hi Emma,
Thanks for these tips concerning car-free travel on the Isle of Skye. I am planning to go there with my daughter next summer, without a car. I just wanted to share that I visited the Orkney Islands some years ago and here you don’t need a car to get around either. If you find a lodging in the maintown Kirkwall, then it is possible to use this as your hub to visit almost all corners and islands on day-tours by public bus or ferries (or by air). Departure times are available online.
All the best, Jesper, Copenhagen, Denmark
Emma says
Hi Jesper, thanks for you comment and tips on Orkney – I’m yet to make it there myself but it’s on the travel list and I hope to travel there myself one-day soon. It looks like a stunning and remote area of Scotland. I hope you enjoy your adventures on Skye!
Ulrike says
Hi Emma, thank you so much for this blog! I’ve been wanting to go to Skye for ages but never thought it was possible without a car but your tips are so helpful.
Do you know if the buses to Portnalong from Portree are reliable? I was thinking of maybe doing a few days there and a few days up in Uig (I’ve already spotted the Cowshed as a good place to stay, so I’ll look that up) and maybe a one day tour from Portree to get the lay of the land first (and to get to places I might not get to by bus).
Thank you!
Ulrike
Emma says
Hi Ulrike, I’m so sorry if this reply is too late! The buses on Skye are generally very reliable, sometimes there are just long waiting times between buses – as long as you know the timetable you will be fine. There are a number of bunkhouses/hostels in Portnalong, so there will be a good bus service. Doing a one day tour is a great way to get a lay of the land, there are some fantastic options for tour groups that run on the island and your accommodation should be able to help you book this.
I’m so glad you’ve spotted the Cowshed (I previously worked here!). I can highly recommend staying here, it’s a beautiful location and great for access to public transport. I hope you enjoy your amazing adventure on Skye.