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

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

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

Gidi Grill Restaurant is an excellent example. Here, you can enjoy good food and service at affordable prices. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 614 customers.

Taza Restaurant is another great restaurant option for budget travelers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and savory meals at low prices and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,747 customers.

Locals enjoy dining at The Bach, and you might want to check it out too. This restaurant has an exciting menu and an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 985 reviews.

Trades House is a great spot where you can enjoy a refreshing drink after an active day. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,466 customers.

Tickety Boo's is another excellent place to relax and have a drink or two after a busy day. Tickety Boo's has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 990 bar-goers, proving it's one of the most popular bars in Dundee.

You might also want to cap the night off at Bird & Bear, a fascinating bar that 898 customers have rated 4.3 out of 5 stars in their 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 is another proof that cheap holidays in Scotland can indeed provide you an extraordinary travel experience. Today's agenda includes exploring 2 wonderful destinations — Dundee and Glasgow.

Take the opportunity to see The McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery & Museum. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,551 visitors.

RRS Discovery is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This barque has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,529 travelers.

Dundee is also the home of Magdalen Green railway station. Around 855 people have rated this former railway station an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Another place you’ll want to visit is Baxter Park. With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from a total of 1,306 reviews, a visit to this park is a great idea.

This day of your vacation in Dundee is also your chance to admire Dundee Law. This must-visit mountain enjoys an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 1,396 reviews.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Glasgow. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 32 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Glasgow 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.

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.

For the best dining experience in this affordable destination, eat at the highly recommended Paesano Pizza. This restaurant is sure to satisfy your hunger as it has an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 5,948 customers.

The Willow Tea Rooms is another local-favorite restaurant in Glasgow. The Willow Tea Rooms serves delicious and affordable meals, and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 2,255 reviews.

Known for its good food and service, Stereo is also popular among locals and cheap holiday goers in Dundee. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 of 5 stars from around 1,954 customers.

After dinner, visit The Anchor Line, which is considered one of the best bars in the region of Glasgow. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,659 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Mono. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,446 customers.

Alternatively, locals recommend The Citizen Glasgow. This bar, rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,260 customers, is one of the best bars in the region of Glasgow.

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

Day 3 of your self-drive vacation in Scotland will take you to the region of Inverness, where you'll be staying for 1 night. On your way to Inverness, you'll explore 3 popular cheap holiday destinations in Scotland, including Glasgow, Stirling, and Inverness.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Riverside Museum. This extraordinary museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 16,799 visitors.

Next, make your way to George Square. This square is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 20,066 reviews.

While in Glasgow, we also recommend a visit to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Hosting around 1,037,594 visitors every year, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is one of the best places to visit. This art museum has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 19,580 reviews.

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 Glasgow to Stirling may take around 39 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Inverness’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Stirling behind. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 39 min. Inverness 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.

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

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

Rocpool is an excellent example. Here, you can enjoy good food and service at affordable prices. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 934 customers.

River House is another great restaurant option for budget travelers. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious and savory meals at low prices and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 691 customers.

Locals enjoy dining at The Mustard Seed Restaurant, and you might want to check it out too. This restaurant has an exciting menu and an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 2,671 reviews.

Johnny Foxes is a must-visit. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,918 customers.

You can also enjoy having some snacks and drinks at Black Isle Bar & Rooms. This bar is a popular hangout spot among locals and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,982 customers.

Hootananny is another top-rated city bar we recommend in Inverness. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,802 customers, this bar is a great place to cap off the night.

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

On day 4 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Scotland, you’ll experience 4 charming destinations — Inverness, Spean Bridge, Inverness, and Elgin. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you. You’ll end your day in the region of Elgin.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Eden Court Inverness. This movie theater is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,725 visitors.

Clava cairns is another popular attraction you could visit today. This group has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,316 visitors.

When you’ve had your share of Inverness, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Elgin. Your travel time is around 54 min.

While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

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

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, Elgin 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.

Cherish every minute of your road trip vacation across Scotland. Celebrate this opportunity to enjoy a cheap holiday 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 Stonehaven, Aberdeen, and Dundee. You'll conclude your sightseeing and exploration in Dundee.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Elgin and set your GPS to Stonehaven. 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 1 hour 39 min. Upon reaching Stonehaven, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Stonehaven Harbour. This harbor is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Stonehaven, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,510 visitors.

Dunnottar Castle is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 10,220 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Aberdeen, 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 Stonehaven to Aberdeen may take around 28 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Aberdeen, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Dundee. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 16 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Dundee 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.

A cheap, budget vacation in Dundee should not stop you from enjoying incredible food. When you’re ready to have the best dining experience in Dundee, try some of our top recommendations.

Eat at Rancho Pancho. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 636 reviews.

You can also check out Tailend Dundee. Offering appetizing foods and refreshing beverages at reasonable prices, this restaurant is an excellent choice for budget travelers. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 653 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your activities is Empire State Coffee Artisan Roasters. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 571 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you with a memorable dining experience.

Locals recommend going for a drink at Don Michele Italian Restaurant. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 522 customers.

Another popular bar you could swing by after dinner is Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,104 customers.

The Bank Bar Dundee also makes the list of popular bars you could visit tonight. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 575 customers.

Raise your glass to celebrate your fun and affordable travel experience in the region of Dundee!

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 Dundee.

Make the most of your final day in Scotland by visiting Dundee’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Your stay’s proximity to the region’s retail haven invites an unhurried and unforgettable exploration of its variety of stores and establishments.

Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Scotland.

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

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Dundee, consider a top-rated restaurant like Porters Bar & Restaurant. This restaurant has a menu of appetizing and affordable meals and is rated at an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 534 customers.

Premier Inn Dundee Centre hotel is an excellent alternative if you feel like eating something else. This restaurant serves a variety of savory and budget-friendly dishes and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,161 customers.

Another popular restaurant you could check out is Mozza Dundee. Rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,016 customers, this restaurant is a great place to enjoy meals that will remind you of Scotland and your fun memories in Dundee.

You’ll then say farewell to Dundee. 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!