How to visit Scotland on a budget (without missing out)

Scotland is famous for its dramatic Highlands, hundreds of historic castles, and fun cities, but it’s also known as an expensive destination.

You might assume that you need a big budget to enjoy Scotland fully. However with my advice you can explore Scotland affordably, without missing out.

Here’s the good news: you can experience Scotland on a budget.

With a mix of hostels, smart transport passes, cheap eats, and free tours, your trip can be both unforgettable and affordable. Here are the best hacks to stretch your pounds while exploring Scotland including:

Cheap and budget accommodation in Scotland
Budget travel in Scotland
Free (or nearly free) tours and attractions
Eating in Scotland on a budget
Frequently asked questions about budget travel in Scotland

Let’s go to Scotland on a budget!

Cheap and budget accommodation in Scotland

Accommodation is one of the biggest costs in Scotland, but if you are looking for cheap accommodation in Scotland, hostels, campsites, wild camping and bothies are a budget traveler’s secret weapon.

Hostels in Scotland

Chains like Hostelling Scotland (formerly SYHA) have reliable facilities and there are also many independent hostels in Scotland – check out Scottish Hostels. Most offer shared kitchens, so you can save by cooking your own meals instead of eating out every night.

Pro tip: Book well in advance if you’re traveling in summer—beds in Edinburgh disappear fast during the Fringe Festival. University dorms also open to travelers in summer, providing an affordable alternative that feels a bit like staying in a mini-hotel.

Hostel prices start around £20 a night.

Here are 10 of my favourite hostels in Scotland

Knoydart Bunkhouse, a remote eco‑hostel in Inverie, only accessible by boat or a very long hike.
Achmelvich Beach Hostel — a lovely hostel located on one of the best beaches on the NC500 route.
Loch Ossian Youth Hostel – only accessible by train to Corrour Station – or a very long walk in.
Ratagan Hostel — lochside hostel with views towards Skye at the foot of the NC500.
Glen Prosen Hostel — converted primary school located for exploring the beautiful Angus glens.
Sail Loft in Portsoy — 25 bed bunkhouse with garden, decking, hot tub and BBQ in coastal Aberdeenshire.
Glen Nevis Youth Hostel — 5-star, set near Fort William with easy access to Ben Nevis.
Glen Affric Youth Hostel – a former bothy, perfect for exploring the gorgeous Glen Affric.
Howmore Hostel – a traditional thatched croft house sitting on the machair as far as the eye can see. The Gearrannan Hostel on Lewis also offers blackhouse accommodation.
Inchnadamph Explorers Lodge, Assynt – perfect for exploring the mountains of Assynt.

Howmore Hostelr — Howmore Blackhouse Hostel

Camping in Scotland

Camping is a great way to see Scotland on a budget – if you have all the gear. Campsites start around £10-£25 per night depending on the campsite’s facilities.

My favourite campsites in Scotland are:

Comrie Croft, Perthshire – with beautiful views, a laid-back friendly vibe, mountain bike trails, a great little cafe and a gold award for green tourism.
Greenhillock, Angus – camping in beautiful wildflower meadows close to the Angus Glens and perfectly located to explore the Dundee to Aberdeen coast.
Sands Campsite at Gairloch – where whales can be spotted off the coast and the beaches stretch as far as the eye can see.
Red Squirrel, Glencoe – located deep in the heart of Glencoe in a gorgeous spot on the banks of the River Coe – and the Clachan Inn is just down the road.
Three Loch’s Forest Drive – camping spots alongside the lochs of the Trossachs, part of the National Park. Remember to book a permit in summer.

Wild camping in Scotland

You’ll have probably heard that ‘wild camping’ is free and legal in Scotland, what you might not know is that ‘wild camping’ is actually very tightly defined by our world leading Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

This means you can can lightweight camp in Scotland – as long as you are away from homes, crops, animals, hike away from your car and you behave responsibly. It is not a ‘free holiday’ but a budget way of enjoying the outdoors.

While we are allowed to wild camp, it does have an impact and popular spots such as Loch Lomond, some areas of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park now require a permit to camp in summer.

You can book a spot through the National park website between 1^st March and 30^th September.

Cheap or free campervan parking

Wild camping in Scotland does not extend to any motorised activities including towing caravans, motor homes, camper vans and rooftop tents.

Instead use formal on-road lay-bys or car parks where it is marked that camper vans are specifically are allowed. If you don’t have a toliet on board, always use a campsite.

Many areas of Scotland now have pass systems, where if you have a toilet on board you can pay £6-£15 per night for an over night stop.

The Highland Council North Coast 500 campervan pass system
Forestry and Land Scotland’s Stay the Night Pass in 50 forests and woodlands.
Loch Lomond and the Trossach’s National Park Motorhome Permits
Campervan spots in the Cairngorm’s National Park
Stopover spots on Scottish Canals

Please take apps like Park for the Night with a good pinch of salt. If you lived near the spot recommended would you like people staying there every night?

Some places including the Outer Hebrides have effectively banned ‘wild camping in a motorhome’ requiring you to have a campsite booking before you travel.

Bothies in Scotland

Found in remote glens, moorlands, and rugged highlands, Mountain Bothies provide basic refuge from the elements but no modern facilities—usually just four walls, a roof, and sometimes a fireplace.

Mountain Bothies are free to use, thanks to the Mountain Bothies Association, which cares for them with volunteer support.

Mountain Bothies are not places for a holiday, but for those who like remote or long distance hiking and backpacking, these shelters are a free way of exploring the country.

Cheap Travel in Scotland: Trains, Passes & Buses

The cheapest way to travel around Scotland is by public transport. Here are the best ways to travel around Scotland on a budget.

> Check out my guide to the best places to visit in Scotland by train.

Saving money on Scotland’s trains

Buy tickets exactly 12 weeks in advance, this is when the cheapest tickets are release. My favourite way of buying train tickets in Scotland is via the trainline.com*. You can set up an alert via trainline to remind you of your travel dates.
See if you are eligible for a railcard in Scotland. If you’re under 30, traveling as a couple, or with family, consider a 16–25 Railcard, 26–30 Railcard, or Two Together Railcard. They slash ticket costs by a third.
Buy a Spirit of Scotland Travelpass – unlimited train/bus/ferry within set days or a Highland Rover – flexible pass for highland routes.
Check out Split My Fare (for split-ticket train savings)

Saving money on Scotland’s buses

Book the Megabus as soon as you can for the cheapest ticket.
Check all of the networks for the cheapest fare – Citylink, Flixbus and Ember all run between Scottish cities.
In Edinburgh theres is a brilliant bus service much cheaper than using taxis.

Free Things to Do in Scotland: Tours, Museums & Festivals

Take a free walking tours, these are tip-based, so you choose what to pay. In Edinburgh check out Edinburgh Free Tours, City Explorer Tours, Sandeman’s Tours, or this free walking tour of Glasgow.

For cheap tours check out Get your Guide in Scotland.

There are loads of free museums, galleries and tourist attractions. Check out my guide to free things to do in Edinburgh and free things to do in Glasgow.

Getting outdoors is always free – so why not do one of my favourite walks in Scotland.

There are lots of free (or cheap) festivals and events across Scotland all year round, from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival to local Highland Games and agricultural shows.

Eating in Scotland on a budget

Eating out in Scotland can quickly take up most of your daily travel budget, here are the best ways to save money on food in Scotland.

Supermarket Meal Deals – most big supermarkets in Scotland offer meal deals—a main (sandwich, wrap, salad, or pasta pot), a snack (crisps, fruit, or chocolate), and a drink—all bundled together at a set low price (usually £3–£4.50).
Affordable Food Chains – check out Greggs, a bakery chain thats a staple for sausage rolls (including vegan versions), pies, and pastries.
Wetherspoons (aka “Spoons”) – a pub chain known for its extremely low-cost food and drink. Pub classics like fish & chips, burgers, and curries are available at prices well below most restaurants.
Chippies – Traditional fish and chip shops still offer some of the best-value comfort food in Scotland.
Rolls & Bacon/Link/Lorne Sausage – classic Scottish breakfast rolls from corner cafés, often under £3.
Use apps like Too Good To Go to buy surplus food from restaurants, cafés, and bakeries at a fraction of the cost.
Student discounts apply at many chains, even if you’re a visiting student from abroad.
At restaurants look out for set lunch menus, which offer great value for 1-2 or 3 courses. Eating a full meal at lunch is much cheaper than at dinner time.

Frequently Asked Questions: Budget Travel in Scotland

1. Is wild camping legal in Scotland?

Yes. Thanks to Scotland’s Right to Roam law (Land Reform Act 2003), wild camping is legal on most unenclosed land. Camp responsibly: stay away from houses, leave no trace, and use a stove instead of open fires.

2. What’s the cheapest way to travel around Scotland?

The cheapest way is usually by bus (Megabus, Citylink, Flixbus, Ember) for intercity routes. For rail trips consider the Spirit of Scotland Travelpass or a railcard, which can cut train costs by up to one-third.

3. Are hostels in Scotland safe?

Yes. Scotland’s hostels are generally safe, social, and well-run. Many have secure lockers, kitchens, and communal areas. Booking early during busy seasons is recommended.

4. What free things can you do in Scotland?

Lots! Visit free museums and galleries (like the National Museum of Scotland), join free walking tours, hike up Arthur’s Seat, or explore natural wonders such as Glencoe and the Fairy Pools.

5. How much should I budget per day in Scotland?

On a backpacker budget, expect around £50 per day if you stay in hostels, cook your own meals, use buses/railcards, and take advantage of free attractions.This includes:

Hostel or campsite: £20–35 per night
Public transport: £10–25 per journey
Daily food if self-catering: £10–15

6. Can you drink tap water in Scotland?

Yes! Scotland’s tap water is among the cleanest in the world, so carry a reusable bottle and save money on bottled water.

7. What is the best time to visit Scotland on a budget?

Late spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are cheaper than summer. Accommodation is more affordable, crowds are smaller, and you’ll still get long daylight hours.

8. Do you need to book trains in advance in Scotland?

Yes, if you want to save money. Booking in advance through ScotRail or Trainline can be much cheaper than buying tickets on the day. Flexible passes are another good option for longer trips.

9. Are museums in Scotland really free?

Most major museums and galleries in Scotland are completely free, including the National Museum of Scotland, Kelvingrove Art Gallery, and the Scottish National Gallery. Special exhibitions may have a small fee.

10. Can you get around Scotland without a car?

Absolutely. Scotland has an extensive train and bus network, plus walking and cycling routes. With railcards, travel passes, and budget buses, you can see almost all of Scotland without renting a car.

What are you best budget tips for Scotland?

Love from Scotland x