Cheap 6-Day Scotland Road Trip from Inverness to Elgin and surrounding area

Your exciting road trip through Scotland starts when you reach the incredible city of Inverness, where you'll stay for 2 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Inverness and begin your adventure in Scotland.

Inverness is a popular cheap holiday destination in Scotland with something to offer every traveler. More than a city in Scotland, Inverness 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.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Eden Court Inverness. This extraordinary movie theater has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,725 visitors.

Don't let a tight budget stop you from enjoying delicious meals and refreshing drinks in Inverness. Here are a few top-rated restaurants and bars you may want to check out tonight.

After a day filled with excitement, indulge in a satisfying meal at Kingsmills Hotel, offering a menu full of delicious options at reasonable prices. Featuring an enticing array of mouthwatering delights, MacGregor's is another must-visit dining spot. For an authentic dining experience favored by locals, make your way to The White House, where you can also enjoy great food and warm hospitality.

After dinner, look back into the highlights of today’s adventure and visit one of the best bars in Inverness, The Gunsmiths Bar. Alternatively, visit The Malt Room, a great place for anyone who is into classic bar drinks. You can also drop by Maccallums Bar, where you can have drinks, let loose, and socialize.

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

Day 2 of your exciting road trip across Scotland is proof that there's more to this country than meets the eye. Today's agenda is to explore Inverness and its neighboring areas. Expect amazing attractions, a great dining experience, and a wonderful time discovering the daily lives of locals with 1 night left in Inverness.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Glenfinnan. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 59 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

When you're ready to see some sights, Glenfinnan Viaduct is a great place to start. This stone bridge is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 6,217 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Glenfinnan Viewpoint. This sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 4,393 travelers.

We also recommend a stop at Glenfinnan Monument - National Trust For Scotland. The park has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,167 visitors.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Banavie. This car ride takes around 19 min.

When you're ready to see some sights, Neptune's Staircase is a great place to start. This staircase locks is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,895 visitors.

After soaking in Banavie’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Spean Bridge. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 16 min. When you arrive in Spean Bridge, it's time to take a break from the road.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Commando Memorial. This monument is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,656 visitors.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Inverness.

Savor the culinary delights of Inverness, where affordability meets excellence in dining and drinking. From inviting bars crafting signature cocktails to cozy eateries serving up local favorites, the city offers an unforgettable experience for every taste bud.

Cafe V8 stands out as a haven for budget-conscious travelers seeking exceptional flavors. Indulge in a delightful array of mouthwatering options. For those craving a casual dining experience, Scotch & Rye offers mouthwatering dishes that are sure to satisfy any palate. Don't miss out on the charming ambiance and diverse menu at Johnny Foxes, where every bite promises a delightful dining experience.

After your evening meal, enjoy a drink or two at Hootananny, a must-visit destination for a great night out. Locals also enjoy the cocktails at Gellions Bar, where you can relax and have some fun in a welcoming environment. Another fantastic option is Innes Bar, known for offering a variety of snacks and drinks at affordable prices.

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

Day 3 of your self-drive vacation in Scotland will take you to the town of Elgin, where you'll be staying for 2 nights. On your way to Elgin, you'll explore 2 popular cheap holiday destinations in Scotland, including Inverness, and Fortrose.

Take the opportunity to see Clava Cairns. This attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,316 visitors.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Fortrose, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Upon arrival in Fortrose, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Chanonry Point. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,538 reviews.

Elgin 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 town.

A cheap, budget vacation in Elgin should not stop you from enjoying incredible food and refreshing drinks. When you're ready for the best dining and bar experiences in Elgin, try some of our top recommendations.

Cherish every minute of your road trip vacation across Scotland. Celebrate this opportunity to enjoy a cheap holiday in Scotland!

Ready for day 4 of your road trip vacation in Scotland? Discover more of Elgin and beyond on this leg of your journey. Explore more top attractions, dive into new cultures, and enjoy unique experiences. Today is all about maximizing your 1 night in this vibrant destination!

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Portknockie. This car ride takes around 32 min.

Take the opportunity to see Bow Fiddle Rock. This attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 1,171 visitors.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Portknockie and set your GPS to Dufftown. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 40 min. Upon reaching Dufftown, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Glenfiddich Distillery. This whisky distillery is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 686 visitors.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Craigellachie. This drive usually takes around 6 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Speyside Cooperage Visitor Centre, a remarkable sightseeing destination where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,133 reviews.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Elgin and your accommodation.

Discovering the culinary wonders of Elgin is a must-do on your budget-friendly vacation! When hunger strikes, make your way to one of the city's top dining spots.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through Scotland with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in Scotland!

Day 5 of your road trip across Scotland offers you the chance to visit 3 popular cheap holiday destinations in the country, including Elgin, Forres, and Dyke. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Inverness, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Elgin Cathedral. This cathedral is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,994 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Cooper Park. This park has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 994 reviews.

When you’ve had your share of Elgin, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Forres. Your travel time is around 19 min.

Drop by the renowned Grant Park. This popular park has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 866 visitors.

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

Don't let a tight budget stop you from enjoying delicious meals and refreshing drinks in Inverness. Here are a few top-rated restaurants and bars you may want to check out tonight.

After a day of fun adventures, treat yourself to the best dining experience at Bar One Inverness, where affordable mouthwatering dishes await. Another gem to discover during your memorable getaway is Black Isle Bar & Rooms, highly regarded as one of the area's top dining spots. If you're eager to dine at a local-favorite spot, don't miss The Mustard Seed Restaurant, an excellent choice to fulfill your cravings for delicious food and great service.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Market Bar, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere.

Celebrate another day of your adventure-filled road trip through Scotland with a toast. Cheers to a memorable cheap vacation experience in Scotland!

Your budget road trip vacation in Scotland is about to end. Day 6 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Inverness.

On your last day in Scotland, take time to indulge in shopping at Inverness’s popular marketplace. Look for keepsakes or souvenirs to remind you of your trip.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Inverness is the remarkable Whin Park. This park and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,183 visitors.

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

You’ll then say farewell to Inverness. 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!