Can I use public transport to get around the NC500?

Using public transport around the NC500 is not completely impossible, but it definitely makes it much much harder.

There will be a number of stops listed in this guide that you won't be able to visit due to lack of public transport.

• There is a train that runs from Inverness to Durness (on the east coast) and buses do run fairly regularly along the main roads on the east and west coast between the 'bigger towns'. However there are very few buses along the North coast.

• We would highly advise that if you want to explore the NC500 that you self drive or book a guided tour.

• Most buses don’t run on Sundays or have limited weekend schedules.

• Timetables can vary seasonally, and some routes are school-service only, so double check dates when you're planning.

• If you're determined to explore without a car, consider basing yourself in a few key towns like Ullapool or Thurso and doing guided day trips from there.

• Scottish Citylink and Stagecoach are two of the main long-distance bus operators. You can use their websites to plan and pre-book travel.

  Please note that this information was correct at time of writing, we would advise that you double check public transport routes before you trip to ensure that no changes have been made to any of the public transport routes and links!