Cheap 7-Day Scotland Road Trip from Glasgow to Edinburgh and Oban

Your exciting road trip through Scotland starts when you reach the incredible city of Glasgow, where you'll stay for 2 nights. 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 city 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.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to George Square. This square is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Glasgow, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 20,066 visitors.

As this day progresses, satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst at one of the city'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.

Recharge and refresh your energy with a visit to The Piper Whisky Bar, known for its delectable cuisine and inviting ambiance. While immersing yourself in the local culture during your budget-friendly getaway, make sure to stop by Santa Lucia Merchant City Glasgow - a hidden culinary gem loved by locals and travelers alike. For those craving exquisite flavors, Glaschu Restaurant & Bar promises to deliver a feast for the senses.

The Gallery Bar is an excellent example of a great bar in Glasgow offering drinks at reasonable prices. You can also hang out at Bar 91, another of locals’ go-to bars in Glasgow.

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

On day 2 of your budget-friendly road trip adventure in Scotland, you’ll go deep into Glasgow and see some of the destination’s most unforgettable attractions. Enjoy a feast at the end of the day, making the most of the time you have in the city of Glasgow — 1 night.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Glasgow Botanic Gardens. This much-appreciated botanical garden is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 12,594 reviews.

Next up is Kelvingrove Park. This park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 13,336 visitors.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. This art museum has been rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 19,580 reviews. Every year, 1,037,594 travelers include this attraction on their travel itinerary.

Riverside Museum is another attraction you have the opportunity to visit today. This museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 16,799 reviews.

To continue your sightseeing, head over to Pollok Country Park. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 7,112 reviews.

Take the opportunity to embark on a unique experience in Glasgow. You’ll be excited to learn that there are plenty of easy to challenging tour options you can choose from and add to this cheap vacation package.

As this day progresses, satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst at one of the city'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.

Alston Bar & Beef offers delicious bites without straining your wallet. For a taste of local cuisine with a twist, venture to Sherbrooke Castle Hotel Glasgow. Or, try Elia Greek Restaurant, where reasonable prices and warm hospitality create a welcoming atmosphere for diners seeking a memorable dining experience.

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

On day 3 of your cheap holiday travels in Scotland, you’ll tour 3: Glasgow, Cambuskenneth, and Stirling. You'll stay in Edinburgh for 2 nights, giving you enough time to satisfy your wanderlust and craving for new experiences.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Glasgow Cathedral. This extraordinary cathedral has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 6,737 visitors.

Next, make your way to Glasgow Science Centre. This skyscraper is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 6,454 reviews.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Cambuskenneth. This drive usually takes around 48 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Make Wallace Monument your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this monument an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 10,772 reviews.

When you’ve had your share of Cambuskenneth, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Stirling. Your travel time is around 11 min.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Stirling Castle. This much-appreciated castle is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars in 26,632 reviews.

Next up is Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park. This zoo has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 7,922 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 city.

When it's time to eat or savor a refreshing drink, treat yourself to a delightful dining and drinking experience without paying more than necessary. Edinburgh has restaurants and bars for all budgets, perfect for cheap holiday-goers.

After a day of fun adventures, treat yourself to the best dining experience at The Ivy On The Square Edinburgh, where affordable mouthwatering dishes await. Another gem to discover during your memorable getaway is Chaophraya Thai Restaurant, 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 Newsroom Bar & Eatery, an excellent choice to fulfill your cravings for delicious food and great service.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Panda & Sons, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Cafe Royal is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, The Ensign Ewart also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

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

On day 4 of your affordable vacation in Scotland, prepare for another exciting road trip adventure within and immediately outside Edinburgh. You’ll stay in Edinburgh for another 1 night. You’ll visit more of the best attractions in Scotland, discover new cultures, and take in unique experiences.

Make HMY Britannia one of your first sightseeing stops in Edinburgh. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 9,023 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Holyrood Palace is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This official residence is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 17,746 reviews.

Today is also the perfect opportunity to drop by Holyrood Park. This archaeological site has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 12,119 visitors.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Edinburgh and set your GPS to Larbert. 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 56 min. Upon reaching Larbert, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Falkirk Wheel. This boat lift is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 15,951 visitors.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Skinflats, 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 Larbert to Skinflats may take around 15 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Skinflats, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Drop by the renowned The Kelpies. This popular sculpture has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 27,904 visitors.

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

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

Discover the heart of Edinburgh through its culinary scene, starting with Miller & Carter Edinburgh City Centre. Not only will you discover mouthwatering dishes, but you'll also be pleasantly surprised by their budget-friendly offerings. For a taste of tradition, try Cafe Andaluz, where time-honored recipes are served. Or, explore Arcade Bar Haggis & Whisky House, renowned for its delicious offerings and cozy ambiance.

Hoot The Redeemer offers various snacks and drinks at affordable prices. When you're in the mood for a classic drink or something more adventurous, Albanach is the perfect place. For a unique experience, visit The Bow Bar, known for its vibrant atmosphere and offerings that suit every palate.

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

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

Be one of the day’s first visitors at The Real Mary King's Close. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 10,638 visitors.

When you’re finished at The Real Mary King's Close, head to Royal Mile. This one-of-a-kind point of interest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 14,405 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit National Museum of Scotland. This national museum is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 45,476 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, then consider a visit to Dean Village. This village is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 13,727 visitors.

To round off your sightseeing experience, make your way to Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. This famous botanical garden is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 20,765 travelers.

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

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 and drinking spots. When it’s time for a meal, we recommend you try some of the town's best places to eat and enjoy refreshing drinks.

After a day of exploring, unwind at the popular Perle Oban Hotel & Spa, serving up a tempting array of dishes that are well-loved by budget-savvy travelers.

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

On day 6 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Scotland, you’ll experience 1 charming destinations — Edinburgh. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the city of Glasgow, where you'll stay for 1 night.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Oban, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Edinburgh. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 55 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Scottish National Gallery. This art museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 13,079 visitors. Attracting more than 660,741 yearly visitors, it’s a top sight you don’t want to miss.

When you’re finished at Scottish National Gallery, head to Camera Obscura. This one-of-a-kind visitor centre is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 13,536 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre. This museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 8,926 visitors. Visiting Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre means you'll be one of 238,542 people who do so every year.

If you’re keen to explore more, then consider a visit to Edinburgh Castle. This castle is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 90,949 visitors.

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

Savor the culinary delights of Glasgow, 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.

The Willow Tea Rooms 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, Òran Mór offers mouthwatering dishes that are sure to satisfy any palate. Don't miss out on the charming ambiance and diverse menu at Stereo, where every bite promises a delightful dining experience.

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

Your budget road trip vacation in Scotland is about to end. Day 7 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Glasgow.

As your final day in Scotland unfolds, don’t miss the chance for a last-minute shopping spree in Glasgow’s best shopping location. Your accommodation’s convenient location near the city’s shopping area offers the luxury of time, so you don’t have to limit yourself from leisurely strolling its streets amidst a collection of establishments.

Look for the perfect gift for your loved ones back home, or buy yourself a little keepsake to remind you of Scotland. Keep the spirit of your trip to Scotland alive with these special souvenirs.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Glasgow is the remarkable Glasgow Green. This stadium and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 10,762 visitors.

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

As you prepare to bid farewell to Glasgow, why not indulge in one last culinary delight at Max's Bar & Grill, where you can enjoy a satisfying and budget-friendly meal? Alternatively, The Anchor Line features a variety of signature dishes to suit every taste, budget, and occasion. For those seeking a taste of flavorful delights, Paesano Pizza is a highly recommended spot.

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!