INVERNESS - GETTING AROUND

On foot

The majority of landmarks in Inverness can be seen on foot, including everything in the city limits. (Take a car or taxi for Urquhart Castle or Culloden Battlefield, for example.)

At least ten major sights can be reached on foot within a half-mile walk from Inverness railway station. Merkinch Local Nature Reserve, Ship Space, Whin Park and the Ness Islands are located on the periphery of the city limits; those who don`t mind walks of one to one-and-a-half miles can reach these sights easily from the city center.

By train

Commuter rail in Scotland is run by ScotRail, and the routes from Inverness railway station can take you to Edinburgh Waverley station, Glasgow Queen Street station, various stations across Scotland, and London King`s Cross station. If you would like to make a day trip to places in the Highlands, rail is a popular option. For more information, visit www.scotrail.co.uk.

By bus

Stagecoach and Ross Mini Coaches offer a bus system which connects Inverness city center with the rest of the Highlands. Inverness is one of the UK cities serves by PLUSBUS (www.plusbus.info), which allows for all-day bus travel in Inverness when also buying a railway ticket with ScotRail. For just £10, bus travel around Inverness can be purchased for a period of seven days. Tickets can be bought online or at Inverness railway station, but not on the bus from the driver.

By taxi

Taxis may very well be the easiest way to see Inverness and the Highlands, as buses grow scarce in the evening and some attractions are outside the city limits. Five different companies operate in Inverness; for all of them, their meters will start at approximately £5 and each mile will cost about £1. Prices rise after 7 p.m. weekdays, on weekends, and on national holidays.

By bicycle

Inverness is one of the best places to bike in the Scottish Highlands. The hills and mountains which give the area its name are located to the west of the city, making the city center and the area south of the city a dream on wheels for beginners to advanced cyclists. There are a few bike lanes in existence in Inverness; when none are present, this typically means cyclists and drivers share the same road together.

Ticket to Ride is the main bike rental company in Inverness, with two storefront locations open between April and October. For more information on pricing, visit www.tickettoridehighlands.co.uk.

By car

A car will be useful if you want to explore the area outside Inverness. Many of the major car rental companies (Thrifty, Budget, etc.) are represented in Inverness, around the railway and bus stations. Daily rentals are priced between £30 and £50 per day, depending on car size, so you will pay for the privilege.