Are you thinking about planning a road trip around Scotland? One of the first things people usually wonder is: How long does it take to drive around the whole country? Scotland may not look huge on the map, but once you start winding through the Highlands, pausing for castle views, or detouring to chase waterfalls, you’ll realise it’s not about how fast you can drive, it’s about how deeply you want to explore it.
Keep reading to learn what to expect when driving around Scotland and how long we would recommend you need to enjoy your vacation properly.
Driving Around Scotland
If you were to drive around Scotland without stopping, it would take roughly:
- Mainland Scotland only – Around 20 to 25 hours of driving (~1,400 km / 870 miles)
- Including popular islands like Skye and Mull – Around 30 to 35 hours of driving, depending on ferry routes and connections.
Realistically, you won’t drive nonstop without stopping for sleep, food, and the occasional sheep crossing! People tend to spend 7 to 14 days driving around Scotland to get a proper feel for it, and even longer if you’re planning to visit the islands or do some walking, hiking, or whisky tasting.
What Affects Your Driving Time?
1. Road Types & Terrain
Scotland’s got a bit of everything from modern motorways to single-track roads. Driving through the Highlands or the North Coast 500 isn’t fast, but it is spectacular. Expect winding mountain roads, hairpin bends, and frequent photo stops.
Even short drives on the map can take longer in real life, especially when you’re navigating scenic but slow-moving roads in places like Skye, Applecross, or Glencoe.
2. Traffic, Weather & Wildcards
If you’re driving around cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow during rush hour or festival season, it could take longer than anticipated. Similarly, tourist traffic in places like Loch Ness, the Isle of Skye, and Glencoe gets heavier in summer (July–August).
Winter driving means shorter daylight hours, icy roads, and potential weather delays—worth keeping in mind if you’re visiting between November and March.
When driving in the Highlands, it isn’t uncommon to be stopped by sheep & highland cows in the middle of the road. Unfortunately, you just have to wait for them to decide when they’re ready to move out of the way!
3. Stops, Detours & Must-Sees
You can stick to a set driving route, but there are so many fantastic detours around Scotland that are worth exploring. Whether it’s an unanticipated hike to a waterfall, a lunch stop in a fishing village, or a stroll around a castle, these impromptu stops can make your Scottish road trip unforgettable. However, bear in mind they will add time to your journey.
How Long Should You Drive Each Day?
We usually recommend 3 to 5 hours of driving per day. That gives you a good balance between getting to places and actually enjoying them. Some days might only be 1–2 hours of driving, while others might be longer if you’re connecting regions. Trying to cram in too much means you’ll spend more time behind the wheel than actually experiencing Scotland’s magic.
How Many Days Should You Spend?
There’s no right or wrong answer, as it depends on what is right for you and how many days you have available. Here’s a rough breakdown to give you an idea:
- 1 week – A highlight reel covering key attractions like Edinburgh, Loch Ness, and Glencoe.
- 2 weeks – A proper loop, with time for Skye, Inverness, the Cairngorms, and the North Coast 500.
- 3-4 weeks – The deep dive. Explore Orkney, Mull, and the hidden corners of the Highlands, and take your time soaking it all in.
If your time is limited, you’re better off picking a region or two (like the Highlands and Skye, or the east coast and Cairngorms) and doing them well, rather than trying to squeeze the whole map into one go.
Thinking About a Self-Drive Tour?
If the idea of winding through the Highlands, castle-spotting from the driver’s seat, or ferry-hopping between islands sounds like your kind of adventure, a self-drive tour might be the way to go.
We can help with a custom itinerary that includes pre-booked accommodations, local tips, the best scenic routes, and just enough flexibility to make it your own.
Take a look at our sample self-drive itineraries, or get in touch and we’ll help you plan your Scottish road trip.
