Cheap 9-Day Scotland Road Trip from Glasgow to Oban, Inverness, and Edinburgh and surrounding area

Your exciting road trip through Scotland starts when you reach the incredible city of Glasgow, where you'll stay for 3 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. When you're ready to explore the city, stop at some of the best places to visit in Glasgow and get this road trip adventure rolling.

A trip to the amazing George Square will make your cheap holiday in Scotland truly special. This attraction is a fascinating square that has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 20,066 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best budget-friendly hotels or places to stay in the city.

When you're hungry and ready to take a break from your adventure, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in Glasgow. An excellent example is the popular Paesano Pizza. Serving a menu of mouthwatering dishes, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,948 customers.

Another restaurant you should check out during your cheap vacation in Scotland is The Willow Tea Rooms. Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,255 customers, this famous restaurant is one of the city's most recommended places to eat.

If you wish to dine at a restaurant locals love, go to the wonderful Stereo. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,954 customers, and is an awesome place to satisfy your craving for good food and service.

The Anchor Line is a great bar to relax after a busy day. About 1,659 customers have given this spot an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, making it one of the most popular bars in the area.

Another bar in Glasgow we recommend is Mono, an excellent place to meet new friends. This bar offers customers plenty of snack and drink options and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,446 customers.

The Citizen Glasgow is also one of the best places to go to unwind and chat with locals. Over 1,260 bar-goers have rated it an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

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

Day 2’s road trip itinerary introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Glasgow, proving that cheap holidays in Scotland can be extraordinary.

You'll begin sightseeing at the extraordinary Glasgow Botanic Gardens. This attraction is a botanical garden that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 12,594 travelers.

Another of the best travel destinations you can explore in this fun and cheap holiday destination is the spectacular Kelvingrove Park. This popular place of interest is a stunning park that boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 13,336 visitors.

To make your trip to Glasgow more memorable, spend time at the fascinating Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. This well-known art museum attracts up to 1,037,594 people each year. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 19,580 traveler reviews, it’s not surprising that the fantastic Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is often mentioned in Scotland road trip itineraries.

The magnificent Riverside Museum is another stop you might want to add to your sightseeing plans. This museum and popular travel destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 16,799 reviews.

If you’re interested in seeing something else, make your way to the amazing Pollok Country Park. More than 7,112 visitors have rated this park and tourist destination an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Your discovery of Glasgow does not have to stop there. You can add a budget-friendly activity on your itinerary and get to know more about Glasgow on a personal level. Check out the fantastic selection of affordable tours and tickets offered on this leg of your journey across this top cheap holiday destination in Europe, Scotland.

After exploring some of the most remarkable sights in Scotland, you also have the chance to experience the country’s food culture. Eat at The Piper Whisky Bar, one of the best restaurants in Glasgow. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,323 reviews.

You can also check out Elia Greek Restaurant. Offering appetizing foods and refreshing beverages at reasonable prices, this restaurant is an excellent choice for budget travelers in the city. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,187 diners.

Another great restaurant we recommend you go to after your road trip activities is The Ivy Buchanan Street, Glasgow. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,179 customers, this restaurant is sure to provide you a memorable dining experience in Glasgow.

When you’ve finished your meal, head to some of the most popular bars in Glasgow for an after-dinner drink. Cap off your night in this cheap holiday destination at Santa Lucia Merchant City Glasgow and try some of its cocktails and snacks. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,038 customers.

Alston Bar & Beef is another great place to hang out in and relax after a busy day in the city. This bar offers various drinks at affordable prices and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 785 customers.

If you want to have a drink or two with locals, you'll want to visit Max's Bar & Grill. Rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 831 customers, this bar is one of the best places to unwind and socialize in Glasgow.

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible road trip adventure in the magical Glasgow!

On day 3 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Scotland, you’ll experience two places in one day. You’ll start your day in Kilwinning and end your day in the city of Oban, where you'll stay for 2 nights. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you.

One of the best places to visit in Kilwinning is the amazing Eglinton Castle. This travel destination is a mansion that has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 396 visitors.

This day is also your chance to stop at the incredible Eglinton Country Park. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,052 travelers, a visit to this well-known country park and sightseeing spot in Kilwinning is likely to make your vacation in Scotland even more memorable.

Cheap, budget vacations are nothing but incredible, especially when you’re in Scotland. To have the best affordable travel experience in Scotland, make time for some unique, challenging, or inspiring activities. Adding a tour to your travel plan promises a one-of-a kind adventure that will make your cheap vacation in Scotland unforgettable. Fortunately, you'll find plenty of budget-friendly tours and cheap holiday deals in Scotland.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Oban. Oban is another cheap travel destination in Scotland where you have access to hotels, restaurants, bars, and other conveniences.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best attractions a budget vacation in Scotland can afford, treat yourself to a hearty meal. You’ll find many great restaurants in Oban that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Oban is Perle Oban Hotel & Spa. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 462 customers.

Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Oban enjoy dining at this restaurant.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Oban’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in Scotland.

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

On day 4 of your road trip adventures in Scotland, you’ll go deep into Inveraray, where you'll stay for 1 night, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Inveraray, and meet locals along the way!

Inveraray offers an incredible variety of budget hotels and places to stay you can choose from and spend the night in.

Popular hotels and places to stay in Inveraray offering low-cost accommodations get fully-booked fast. If any of these stay options are not available during your visit in the city, our flexible booking system will automatically provide you with the best budget alternatives.

One thing that makes Inveraray the perfect cheap holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular attractions. For example, the outstanding country house, Inveraray Castle. This attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,604 visitors.

The famous Inveraray Jail is another remarkable sightseeing hotspot in the area. This incredible courthouse and travel destination has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,265 visitors.

This fascinating attraction is a must-visit.

Come to Inveraray prepared by adding a tour to your budget vacation package to Scotland. If you’re up for a challenging, fun, or inspiring activity, check out the fantastic selection of tours and cheap holiday deals in Inveraray.

Curious about the nightlife in Inveraray? Consider visiting some of the best bars in Inveraray after dinner.

Raise a toast and enjoy celebrating this terrific day of your affordable vacation in Scotland!

On day 5 of your road trip through popular and cheap vacation spots across Scotland, you’ll experience two places in one day. You’ll start your day in Oban and end your day in the city of Inverness, where you'll stay for 1 night. How much time you’ll spend in each location is up to you.

One of the best places to visit in Oban is the amazing Oban distillery. This travel destination is a whisky distillery that has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,259 visitors.

This day is also your chance to stop at the incredible McCaig's Tower & Battery Hill. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,619 travelers, a visit to this well-known best-rated sightseeing destination and sightseeing spot in Oban is likely to make your vacation in Scotland even more memorable.

Cheap, budget vacations are nothing but incredible, especially when you’re in Scotland. To have the best affordable travel experience in Scotland, make time for some unique, challenging, or inspiring activities. Adding a tour to your travel plan promises a one-of-a kind adventure that will make your cheap vacation in Scotland unforgettable. Fortunately, you'll find plenty of budget-friendly tours and cheap holiday deals in Scotland.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Inverness. Inverness is another cheap travel destination in Scotland where you have access to hotels, restaurants, bars, and other conveniences.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best attractions a budget vacation in Scotland can afford, treat yourself to a hearty meal. You’ll find many great restaurants in Inverness that offer delicious food to help keep you going.

One restaurant we recommend you try in Inverness is Rocpool. This restaurant provides good food and service and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 934 customers.

When talking about the best restaurants in Inverness, River House is a name locals often mention. This local favorite offers a variety of options, helping it earn an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 691 diners.

Another restaurant worth trying is The Mustard Seed Restaurant. Many locals and cheap holiday goers in Inverness enjoy dining at this restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,671 customers.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Inverness’s best bars to celebrate this day of your road trip vacation in Scotland. For example, you can visit Johnny Foxes. Rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,918 customers, this bar is considered a favorite in the area.

Another great place to have a refreshing, celebratory drink is Black Isle Bar & Rooms. This popular bar in Inverness has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,982 bar-goers.

You can also go to Hootananny as an alternative. More than a bar, the popular Hootananny is also a place for fun or relaxation. Around 1,802 customers have given this city bar an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

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

Day 6 of your self-drive vacation in Scotland gives you the opportunity to explore two popular cheap holiday destinations in one day. You’ll start your day in the hamlet of Glenmore and end your day in the city of Skinflats.

Today's agenda features plenty of popular stops and allows you to stay in Edinburgh for 2 nights. How much time you want to spend in each area or attraction is up to you. This way, you’ll have all the time you want to take in the unique atmosphere of each location and make the most of your affordable vacation in Scotland.

While you’re in Glenmore, it’s a good idea to visit the amazing Glenmore Forest Park. The fantastic Glenmore Forest Park is a popular best-rated sightseeing destination and a sightseeing hotspot. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 4,393 travelers.

Once you’ve satisfied your wanderlust in Glenmore, you’ll continue to your next road trip destination of the day, the city of Skinflats.

Make The Kelpies your first stop. This popular sculpture among locals and travelers alike has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 27,904 visitors.

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Scotland. Check out all of the affordable tours you can join this day of your cheap holiday in Scotland and ensure the road trip experience of a lifetime.

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

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Makars Gourmet Mash Bar (Edinburgh), one of the best restaurants in Edinburgh. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,814 customers.

The Edinburgh Larder is yet another of the top places to eat in the city. The Edinburgh Larder is known for serving a variety of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,804 diners.

Locals and travelers enjoy dining at Bramble Bar & Lounge, another well-loved restaurant in Edinburgh. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 743 guests, this restaurant is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a memorable dining experience in Scotland.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in Edinburgh, Panda & Sons. This famous bar offers snacks and drinks at different price points and is a popular hangout spot among locals. In addition, this bar has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,617 bar goers.

The Dome is a great place for anyone who is into classic bar drinks. This bar is considered one of the best drinking spots in Edinburgh, with its average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 6,433 customers.

Alternatively, you can drop by Whiski Bar & Restaurant, where you can have drinks, let loose, and socialize. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,669 customers.

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

On day 7 of your road trip adventures in Scotland, you’ll go deep into Edinburgh, where you'll stay for 1 night, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Edinburgh, and meet locals along the way!

Edinburgh offers an incredible variety of budget hotels and places to stay you can choose from and spend the night in.

Popular hotels and places to stay in Edinburgh offering low-cost accommodations get fully-booked fast. If any of these stay options are not available during your visit in the city, our flexible booking system will automatically provide you with the best budget alternatives.

One thing that makes Edinburgh the perfect cheap holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular attractions. For example, the outstanding botanical garden, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 20,765 visitors.

The famous National Museum of Scotland is another remarkable sightseeing hotspot in the area. This incredible national museum and travel destination has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 45,476 visitors.

Edinburgh is also the home of the extraordinary Royal Mile. Around 14,405 travelers have rated the spectacular Royal Mile an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Another place you’ll want to visit is the captivating Holyrood Palace. With an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from a total of 17,746 reviews, a visit to this wonderful official residence and tourist destination is truly a great idea.

This day of your road trip through Scotland is also your chance to admire the fantastic Holyrood Park up close. This fascinating archaeological site and attraction is a must-visit. The marvelous Holyrood Park enjoys an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 12,119 travelers.

Come to Edinburgh prepared by adding a tour to your budget vacation package to Scotland. If you’re up for a challenging, fun, or inspiring activity, check out the fantastic selection of tours and cheap holiday deals in Edinburgh.

After a day of exploring, reward yourself by dining at one of the best restaurants in Edinburgh, Dishoom Edinburgh. Locals enjoy eating at Dishoom Edinburgh for its good food and ambiance. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 5,852 diners.

Miller & Carter Edinburgh City Centre serves various affordable and delicious dishes perfect for cheap holiday goers. On top of that, this restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,950 food lovers.

If you want more options, Cafe Andaluz is another great spot. Browse through its exciting menu and you'll see why Cafe Andaluz has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 3,019 reviews.

Curious about the nightlife in Edinburgh? Consider visiting some of the best bars in Edinburgh after dinner. Locals recommend Chaophraya Thai Restaurant, and it's a great spot to enjoy a refreshing drink after an active day. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,238 customers.

The Ivy On The Square Edinburgh is another excellent place to relax and have a drink or two after a busy road trip in Scotland. The Ivy On The Square Edinburgh has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,314 bar-goers, proving it's one of the most popular bars in Edinburgh.

You might also want to cap the night off at Cafe Royal, a fascinating bar that 2,216 customers have rated 4.4 out of 5 stars in their reviews.

Raise a toast and enjoy celebrating this terrific day of your affordable vacation in Scotland!

Day 8 of your road trip across Scotland offers you the chance to visit the wonderful Edinburgh and the enchanting Stirling, two of the most popular cheap holiday destinations in the country. You'll begin sightseeing in Edinburgh and end the day in Stirling, where you'll stay for 1 night.

Buckle up because day 8 of your affordable vacation in Scotland will take you to some of locals’ and travelers’ most recommended travel spots!

One place travelers keep coming back to in Edinburgh is the magnificent Camera Obscura. Around 13,536 visitors have rated this excellent visitor centre and travel destination an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing Edinburgh Castle on this leg of your self-drive tour in Scotland. This attraction is a well-known castle that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from around 90,949 travelers.

The remarkable Scottish National Gallery is known to be one of the best places to visit in this cheap vacation spot in Scotland. Attracting more than 660,741 visitors in a single year, it's clear that the wonderful Scottish National Gallery is a perfect add-on to your itinerary. This attraction, an amazing art museum, is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 13,079 travelers.

Beyond the above-mentioned sites, you also have the opportunity to visit the fascinating Dean Village. This village and well-loved attraction in Edinburgh is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 13,727 visitors.

After capturing the beauty and rich culture of Edinburgh, you’ll get back behind the wheels and continue your road trip to the fantastic city of Stirling.

Start your sightseeing in this cheap holiday destination with a visit to the unforgettable Stirling Castle. This popular site is a valued castle in Stirling and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 26,632 visitors.

Exploring one unique site after another provides you the much-needed variety during your self-drive tour across Scotland. But to satisfy your curiosity or need for adventure, we recommend you add excursions in today’s agenda. You have a great selection of popular and low-cost activities to choose from in Scotland. Make your cheap holiday experience in Scotland more memorable by doing something new, bold, or inspiring.

Glasgow offers many top-rated accommodations suitable for travelers on a budget vacation in Scotland. So anytime you need a break from your activities, you’re guaranteed a comfortable and affordable place to rest and stay in the city.

As this adventurous day progresses, satisfy your hunger at one of the best restaurants in the city. Many restaurants in Glasgow offer good food at even better prices, the perfect combination for travelers on affordable vacations in Scotland.

La Lanterna is a must try. This restaurant serves a mouthwatering selection of meals and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,068 diners.

Another popular eating spot in Glasgow is Chaophraya, a local favorite. Serving diners fresh, delicious, and affordable meals, this restaurant has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,386 customers.

Ardnamurchan Scottish Restaurant & Bar offers customers flavorful food and good ambiance, making it one of the best places to eat in Glasgow. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 868 customers, this restaurant can get packed very quickly. Make sure you get to the restaurant early to save yourself a seat.

When night has fallen and you feel like enjoying a drink, head to some of Glasgow’s best bars. There are plenty of bars in the city where you can order a few drinks without compromising your budget.

Bar 91 is an excellent example of a great bar in Glasgow offering drinks at reasonable prices. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 611 customers.

You can also hang out and have a drink at Òran Mór, another of locals’ go-to bars in Glasgow. Òran Mór is among the best city bars offering various beverages at different price points, with around 5,385 customers having rated it an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

The Social is for you if you’re curious about bars that give you a taste of the nightlife scene in Glasgow. This bar has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from more than 2,394 bar-goers.

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

It’s soon time to say goodbye to Scotland as your road trip vacation is about to end. Day 9 is your departure day and your last chance to capture the beauty of Glasgow.

Depending on how much time you have before your flight back home, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing to make the most of your cheap holiday experience in Scotland.

If you'd rather pass time visiting some attractions, this is your chance to go to places you may not have had the chance to explore yet.

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.

If you have an appetite for one last delicious meal in Glasgow, consider a top-rated restaurant like The Italian Kitchen. This restaurant has a menu of appetizing and affordable meals and is rated at an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 860 customers.

You’ll then say farewell to Glasgow and begin your journey home. You’ll leave filled with unforgettable memories from your terrific and affordable travel experiences in Scotland!