Cheap 5-Day Scotland Road Trip from Glasgow to Oban and Edinburgh and surrounding area

Your exciting road trip through Scotland starts when you reach the incredible region of Glasgow, where you'll stay for 1 night. You'll pick up your rental car in Glasgow and begin your adventure in Scotland.

Glasgow is a popular cheap holiday destination in Scotland with something to offer every traveler. More than a region in Scotland, Glasgow is also a great place to find top-rated budget accommodations. You'll find many of these accommodations close to bustling markets and cultural attractions.

It's now time to discover the mouthwatering delights of Glasgow, where top-quality dining experiences blend seamlessly with budget-friendly options. Check out the region's best dining options, offering a tantalizing array of flavors to satisfy every palate.

After a long day of exploring, we recommend you try Paesano Pizza, one of the top-rated restaurants in the region. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 5,948 customers and is a great place to relax and enjoy a comforting meal.

Locals also recommend The Willow Tea Rooms, so you'll want to drop by this place. The Willow Tea Rooms serves delicious meals in hearty portions and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,255 customers.

Another must-try in the region of Glasgow is Stereo. This restaurant boasts an exciting menu and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,954 customers.

The Anchor Line offers many snacks and liquors at different price points and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,659 customers.

If you’d like to interact with locals and fellow travelers in Glasgow, check out Mono. This bar is an excellent place to hang out and relax after a busy day, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,446 customers.

To ensure a good time in this cheap holiday destination, visit The Citizen Glasgow. The Citizen Glasgow offers affordable drinks and snacks and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,260 reviews.

Enjoy toasting the start of a terrific road trip vacation and a cheap holiday experience in Scotland!

Day 2 of your road trip across Scotland offers you the chance to visit 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Glasgow and Oban. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Oban.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. This art museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 19,580 visitors. Attracting more than 1,037,594 yearly visitors, it’s a top sight you don’t want to miss.

When you’re finished at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, head to Kelvingrove Park. This one-of-a-kind park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 13,336 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Glasgow Botanic Gardens. This botanical garden is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 12,594 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, then consider a visit to Riverside Museum. This museum is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 16,799 visitors.

To round off your sightseeing experience, make your way to Pollok Country Park. This famous park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 7,112 travelers.

When you’ve had your share of Glasgow, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Oban. Your travel time is around 2 hours 23 min.

You’ll also have your choice of the best budget-friendly accommodations in the region of Oban. So when it's time for a break from your adventures in Oban, relax and restore your energy at any of the following affordable places to stay.

Going on cheap, budget vacations in Scotland shouldn’t stop anyone from dining at top-rated restaurants and bars. More than just an affordable travel destination, Oban is also home to a variety of excellent dining spots. When it’s time for a meal, we recommend you try some of the region's best places to eat and drink.

One musty-try restaurant is Perle Oban Hotel & Spa. This restaurant offers good food at reasonable prices and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 462 customers.

Cheers for an adventure-filled road trip vacation in Scotland! Celebrate this incredible opportunity for an affordable travel experience in the region of Oban!

On day 3 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Scotland, you’ll experience 6 charming destinations — Stirling, Cambuskenneth, Larbert, Falkirk, and Edinburgh. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the region of Edinburgh.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Stirling, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Oban to Stirling may take around 2 hours 7 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Cambuskenneth’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Stirling behind. This drive usually takes around 8 min. Cambuskenneth welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Make Wallace Monument one of your first sightseeing stops in Cambuskenneth. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 10,772 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Cambuskenneth, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Larbert may take around 29 min. Upon your arrival in Larbert, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Falkirk Wheel. This extraordinary boat lift has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 15,951 visitors.

Edinburgh offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Scotland. Whether you're in need of a quick break from your activities or seeking a comfortable place to rest, rest assured you'll find a welcoming and affordable option in the region.

Indulge in the culinary wonders of Edinburgh, where exceptional dining and drinking experiences await at unbeatable prices. Explore the region's diverse venues, ensuring a memorable culinary journey for every visitor.

You could check out Makars Gourmet Mash Bar (Edinburgh), one of locals’ top restaurant options in the area. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,814 customers, and is a great place to enjoy a satisfying meal after a busy day of exploring.

The Edinburgh Larder is another excellent choice for cheap holiday-goers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and comforting foods and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,804 diners.

If you feel like having something different, check out the menu at Bramble Bar & Lounge. This restaurant is known to offer good food at reasonable prices. Bramble Bar & Lounge has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 743 customer reviews.

After dinner, visit Panda & Sons and experience the nightlife in the region of Edinburgh. This bar is one of the best places to cap off the night and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,617 customers.

You can also hang out at The Dome. This bar serves a variety of snacks and drinks and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,433 customers.

Locals recommend Whiski Bar & Restaurant, so definitely check it out too. Whiski Bar & Restaurant is a place to enjoy friendly chats with locals and fellow travelers and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,669 bar-goers.

Toast to another unforgettable road trip adventure during your cheap holiday in Scotland!

Day 4 of your road trip across Scotland is another proof that cheap holidays in Scotland can indeed provide you an extraordinary travel experience. Today's agenda includes exploring 2 wonderful destinations — Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Make Royal Mile your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this point of interest an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 14,405 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at National Museum of Scotland. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 45,476 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this national museum every year.

Edinburgh Castle is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This castle has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 90,949 visitors.

When you’re finished at Edinburgh Castle, the perfect next stop is Holyrood Palace. This official residence is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 17,746 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. This botanical garden is a top place to visit, with a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 20,765 reviews.

Glasgow’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Edinburgh behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 7 min. Glasgow welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

While exploring Scotland is a refreshing experience, don’t forget to rest to regain your energy. Glasgow has plenty of top-rated accommodation options in all price ranges. Travelers visiting Glasgow on an affordable vacation can easily find a comfortable place to stay in the region.

As this day progresses, satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst at one of the region's best restaurants and bars. Many restaurants in Glasgow offer good food and drink options at even better prices; the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Scotland.

For the best dining experience in this affordable destination, eat at the highly recommended The Piper Whisky Bar. This restaurant is sure to satisfy your hunger as it has an impressive average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,323 customers.

Elia Greek Restaurant is another local-favorite restaurant in Glasgow. Elia Greek Restaurant serves delicious and affordable meals, and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,187 reviews.

Known for its good food and service, The Ivy Buchanan Street, Glasgow is also popular among locals and cheap holiday goers in Edinburgh. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 of 5 stars from around 1,179 customers.

If you feel like having a drink or two after your meal, a popular bar you can go to is Santa Lucia Merchant City Glasgow. This place has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,038 customers.

To enjoy a great atmosphere, continue your evening at Alston Bar & Beef. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 785 customers.

Max's Bar & Grill is another great place where you can celebrate after a long, fun day in the region. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 831 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure and cheap holiday experience in Scotland!

Your budget road trip vacation in Scotland is about to end. Day 5 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Glasgow.

On your last day in Scotland, take time to indulge in shopping at Glasgow’s popular marketplace. Thanks to your accommodation’s strategic location, region’s bustling commercial district is only a stone’s throw away, giving you ample time to leisurely explore the area, filled with local shops.

Take time to find the perfect present, reminding you of the charms of Scotland. Each store here is brimming with unique finds.

Before you conclude your road trip in Scotland, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Glasgow.

For example, La Lanterna has a menu of appetizing food and refreshing beverages and is rated at an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,068 customers.

If you feel like eating something else, Chaophraya is another restaurant worth trying out. This restaurant serves a variety of value-for-money savory dishes and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,386 customers.

Another restaurant popular among cheap holiday-goers is Ardnamurchan Scottish Restaurant & Bar. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 868 customers, this restaurant is a great place to enjoy unique flavors that will remind you of Scotland and your fun memories in Glasgow.

You’ll then say farewell to Glasgow. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Scotland!