Travel Tips
Whether you're traveling from near or far, here's everything you need to know to make your journey to Scotland smooth and memorable
Entering the UK
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If you're travelling internationally to the UK, you'll need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before your trip. You don't need an ETA if you already have a UK visa or are a British or Irish citizen.
Youll need to apply for your ETA at least 3 days before you travel, though we recommend doing it as soon as you can! The application costs £10 per person and can be completed online via the UK Government Website. Most applications are processed within 3 working days, and once approved, your ETA lasts for 2 years and can be used for multiple trips to the UK.
Packing Essentials
Power:
The most important item you'll need is a UK plug adapter - look for "Type G" adapters with three rectangular pins. You can find these at most electronics stores, airports, or order them online before you travel. The UK uses 230V electricity (compared to 110V in the US), so check your devices before plugging them in. Most modern electronics like phone chargers, laptops, and camera chargers are dual voltage (look for "100-240V" on the label) and will work fine with just an adapter. However, hair dryers, straighteners, and other high-heat appliances from the US typically won't work and could be damaged - consider buying these items locally if needed, or look for travel-sized dual voltage versions before you leave.
Other tips
Pack layers and a waterproof jacket regardless of the season - Scottish weather can be unpredictable! Even in summer, temperatures rarely get above 70°F (20°C), and rain is always a possibility. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, especially if you plan to explore Inverness' cobblestone streets or do any sightseeing. Don't forget any prescription medications in their original containers, and consider bringing a small umbrella. If you're planning to use your phone extensively, check with your carrier about international plans, or consider picking up a local SIM card once you arrive.
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You should (hopefully!) see the next weeks weather below to help you pack. If that doesn't work, you can also check the Met Office website for their forecast.
Getting Around
Driving
If you're planning to rent a car during your visit, here's what you need to know! US drivers can drive in the UK for up to 12 months using their valid US driver's license - no international driving permit required for short visits. Most major car rental companies (Hertz, Avis, Enterprise) operate here and will accept your US license, though you'll need to be 21+ and have held your license for at least a year.
The biggest adjustment is driving on the left side of the road with the steering wheel on the right side of the car - it takes a few minutes to get used to, but most people adapt quickly!
Remember that roundabouts go clockwise, and you'll give way to traffic from the right. Here's a quick video to refer to on how to deal with roundabouts.
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Parking can be tricky in city centers and towns, so look for designated car parks rather than street parking.
Most rental cars will be manual transmission unless you specifically request automatic (which costs a bit extra), and petrol is called "fuel" here.
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You might find that drivers occasionally flash their headlights at you while driving. Some drivers try to use this to tell you to merge / make your turn / etc; however, this is not technically allowed and you should always follow standard give way / priority guidance. You should only flash your headlights to let other people know you're there.
A few road signs might catch you off guard: "Give Way" means yield, speed limits are in miles per hour (like the US), but distances are often in both miles and kilometers. Watch for "No Entry" signs which are red circles with white bars, and "National Speed Limit" signs (white circle with black diagonal line) which means 60mph on single roads or 70mph on dual carriageways and motorways. Yellow lines along curbs indicate parking restrictions - double yellow means no parking anytime, single yellow means restrictions during certain hours (check nearby signs for times). Many rental locations offer a brief orientation about UK driving rules, so don't hesitate to ask when you pick up your car. Here's a guidance document covering UK common driving signage that you'll need to know.
Public Transport
Here's the essentials for getting around using public transport - make sure to plan your trip ahead of time and make sure you know how you're going to pay (mostly contactless for busses and pre-booked tickets for trains). Within Inverness, public transport is more limited so may require using taxis. Ride share apps (Uber etc) are not as popular in the highlands so do not expect to rely on them!
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Traveling from Edinburgh Airport:
Car rental: Just follow the "Car Hire Centre" signs for an easy 3-minute covered walk from the terminal
Public transport to city center/train station: The Airlink 100 bus (30 mins) or Edinburgh Tram (35 mins) both go straight to Waverley Station. You can pay with contactless or buy tickets onboard
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Taxi/Uber: Taxi's are readily available outside the main terminal as well as a uber pick up point
Edinburgh to Inverness:
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For train tickets, we'd recommend booking through the ScotRail website (no booking fees) or Trainline for convenience. Trains leave Edinburgh Waverley about 6 times daily and take around 3h 44m - it's a lovely scenic journey! If you're watching your budget, Scottish Citylink buses take a bit longer (4+ hours) but cost significantly less.
Inverness to Achnagairn Estate
From Inverness, you can take Stagecoach bus routes 28, 28A, or 28B to Kirkhill village post office (about 20 minutes). This will bring you roughly 3 minutes to the entrance of the estate. Alternatively, a direct taxi from Inverness city center takes about 15 minutes. Please note there is no Uber in Inverness - only Taxis. The Stagecoach app is handy for checking bus times and stops.
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Achnagairn Estate to Inverness
From Achnagairn, you can take Stagecoach bus routes 28, 28A, or 28B to Inverness (about 20 minutes). Alternatively, a direct taxi from Achnagairn city center takes about 15 minutes. Please note that you may need to give the taxi company a 20-30 minute notice ahead of your drive, as they are likely to be in Inverness. The Stagecoach app is handy for checking bus times.
Culture Shocks
Sunday Shopping Hours Many shops close early on Sundays (often by 4-5pm) and some don't open at all. Restaurants and pubs usually stay open, but it's worth checking ahead if you need to pick up supplies or do any shopping on Sunday. Additionally, as it is peak travel season, it is worth checking for reservations in advance. Supermarkets typically have reduced hours too.
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Alcohol purchase times Shops in Scotland are not permitted to sell sealed alcohol before 10 am or after 10pm. Pubs and restaurants will be able to serve outside these times, but you will not be able to take these away with you.
Handy Scottish Slang:
Wee - Small ("Can I have a wee bit more?")
Bonnie - Pretty, beautiful ("What a bonnie view!")
Ken - Know ("Do you ken where the castle is?")
Aye - Yes (pronounced "eye")
Nae - No
Braw - Good, excellent ("That's braw!")
Dreich - Dull, gloomy weather (you'll probably hear this one!)
Scunnered - Fed up, annoyed
Tattie - Potato