Loch Ness

National bus companies include:

• Megabus - with a huge amount of stops throughout the UK linking to Inverness.
• Citylink - Connecting Scotland including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Oban, Skye, Dundee and Perth.
• National Express - Hundreds of stops across the UK and Europe that connect to Inverness.
• Stagecoach - Stagecoach operates across the UK.

They will take you from major UK cities to Farraline Park Bus Station in the centre of Inverness.

The A9 is the main access road to Inverness from the south, Perth, Edinburgh and Glasgow and also from the north. The A82 is an alternative and more scenic route from the south (Glasgow) via Loch Ness through the Great Glen to Inverness.

The B862 on the south side of Loch Ness links the small picturesque villages between Fort Augustus and Inverness, and also links to the A9 south to Perth, Edinburgh and Glasgow and points further south.

Find out more about driving to Inverness

Inverness Airport is located some 7 miles east of Inverness and 21 miles from Loch Ness.

There are many direct flights into Inverness with Easyjet, British Airways, Loganair, KLM and more.

Local transport connections from Inverness Airport into the city are available from outside the airport terminal building. These include bus and taxis services. Local and national car hire is also available.

In the city, if you don’t have your own bike with you, you can easily hire one from Ticket To Ride or use the Hi-Bike service. 

The best way to experience Loch Ness by bike, is on the brand new Loch Ness 360° Trail. This epic route around the whole of Loch Ness starts and finished in Inverness. If you don’t have 6 days to complete the 72-mile trail, you can simply choose any one of the sections. Why not be guided on a cycling tour around the route with 42 Cycling?

You can use the helpful Hi-Travel active travel map | PDF 1.9MB for all the recommended cycle routes.

Local bus and train services are available to provide transport to and around Inverness, Loch Ness and Highland areas.

Check out the Traveline Scotland Journey Planner.

A new Scottish Government / Transport Scotland 12-month initiative to make bus travel more affordable for both visitors and locals is now available. It applies to short and long-distance routes and all main bus operators (Stagecoach, Ember, CityLink), meaning single bus fares are capped at £2 across the Highlands and Islands. The scheme runs until early 2027.

For the popular town of Drumnadrochit head down the north side of Loch Ness on the A82 towards Fort William.

After just a few miles you will catch your first glimpse of the loch on your left-hand side. Stop at Dochgarroch or the Clansman Harbour for Loch Ness cruises, check out the visitor centres and gift shops in Drumnadrochit and don’t miss out Fort Augustus for more cruise options and a look at the locks.

If you prefer to see the “quiet” side of Loch Ness, head down the South Side of Loch Ness on the B852 towards Dores and Foyers, where you will find lovely walks, quiet picnic spots and amazing viewpoints! Not to mention, the South Loch Ness Trail, which is the perfect way to explore the area.

There are a range of Taxi firms available in Inverness including Inverness Taxis and Inverness City Taxis.

There are licensed taxi ranks at Inverness Airport, Inverness Bus Station and Inverness Train Station. You can order local Loch Ness tour cars and taxis in advance. 

You can up your chances of seeing the Loch Ness Monster by hiring your own cruiser to sail where you want to go. There are piers, jetties and mooring places along Loch Ness. Most are free of charge. If you don’t want to sail yourself, there are some excellent well established Loch Ness cruises that last from a couple of hours to all day (and overnight!).

Find a boat tour of Loch Ness