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Places to Stay Near a Bus Stop in Scotland

Photo: Chensiyuan (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons

Places to Stay Near a Bus Stop in Scotland

Bus-pass holidays are quietly brilliant: no driving, no parking, and the scenery does the work. Every stay on this page is a short walk from a bus stop.

Must-have facilities 1
Rowlands

Rowlands

✓ Near a Bus Stop

✓ Spectacular views to the Cairngorm Mountains

Aviemore, Northern Scotland

Sleeps 8

£1,347 per break

Check availability

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From the blog

What's available near a bus stop in Scotland

There are 1059 places to stay near a bus stop in Scotland listed on BritStays. Most are cottages (829). The rest are camping (94), caravanning (85), hotels (38) and holiday parks (13). So if you want a self-catering base and plan to leave the car at home for some or all of your trip, you have plenty of choice.

Bus access often comes with other useful links. 590 of these stays have EV charging nearby, which helps if you're driving an electric car up and then using buses for day trips. 275 are also near a train station. Facilities you might expect everywhere are less common. Only 99 list WiFi, 99 list parking and 99 are pet friendly, while 78 mention disabled access. Check each listing rather than assuming.

Which areas suit which trip

The towns with the most bus-friendly stays are:

  • Aviemore (59)
  • Anstruther (49)
  • Stranraer (37)
  • Dunoon (35)
  • St Andrews (32)
  • Dumfries (31)
  • Edinburgh (28)
  • Newton Stewart (26)

For countryside and the Highlands, Aviemore stands out. It has the largest number of stays, and several examples there are also near a train station, which makes it a practical choice if you'd like to arrive by rail. Further afield, Lairg Glamping Pods near Inverness offers WiFi and parking alongside its bus stop, if you'd like something simpler than a cottage.

For the coast, Fife has a strong cluster around Anstruther and St Andrews. In Crail, The Golf Hotel has a bar, restaurant and WiFi, handy if you don't want to cook every night. In the south-west, Stranraer and Newton Stewart give you a quieter Dumfries and Galloway base. On the west side, Dunoon and Bruichladdich on the Isle of Bute (sleeps 6) are both worth a look.

For a city break, Edinburgh has 28 stays near a bus stop.

Families, couples and dog owners

Families and groups have good options. In Aviemore, Caledon, Caledonia View and 27 Aviemore Holiday Park each sleep 6, and the last two pair a bus stop with EV charging nearby. For a bigger group, Military Drive - 3 Military Drive in Stranraer sleeps 10. Woodside in Banff sleeps 4.

Couples could look at The Pines in Aviemore. It sleeps 2 and is near both a bus stop and a train station. Scotland's Hotel in Pitlochry has a swimming pool, gym and spa if you'd like a few treats built in.

Dog owners should book early. With only 99 pet-friendly stays, choice is limited. Uig Bay Campsite near Portree lists pet friendly, toilets and WiFi. Always confirm the dog policy, and any limits on numbers or size, before you pay.

Campers heading to the Isle of Skye could also consider Sligachan Campsite, which has a bar, toilets and a gift shop.

What to do once you're there

If you're staying in Perthshire, there's plenty within reach:

  • Pitlochry & Moulin Heritage Centre
  • Clan Donnachaidh Centre
  • The Scottish Crannog Centre

The Highland Folk Museum and Am Fasgadh suit a rainy day.

Around Fife and nearby, you could visit Perth Museum, Stanley Mills and William Soutar's House. Pillars of Hercules has a cafe, toilets and a gift shop.

For bigger landscapes, Loch Ness, Loch Lomond, Ben Nevis and Glencoe are among Scotland's best-known sights. Castle fans could add Balintore Castle, Fa'side Castle, Almond Castle or Askerton Castle. Bus links to rural sights can be limited, so check timetables and return times before you set off, especially for an evening return.

When to book and how to choose

  • Book early for peak times. If you need a large house, a pet-friendly stay or disabled access, booking well ahead gives you the best chance, especially for school holidays.
  • Book early for the busiest towns. Popular bases such as Aviemore and St Andrews fill first.
  • Check what's actually on site. Look at parking, WiFi and step-free access in each listing, as not every stay has them.
  • Plan for no car. If you won't drive at all, choose a stay near a train station as well as a bus stop. There are 275 of these.
  • Ask the host. Before you book, ask how far the stop is and how often buses run.

Frequently asked questions

How many places to stay near a bus stop are there in Scotland?

BritStays lists 1059 stays near a bus stop in Scotland. 829 are cottages, with the rest made up of camping, caravanning, hotels and holiday parks.

Which town has the most stays near a bus stop?

Aviemore has the most, with 59. Anstruther has 49, Stranraer 37, Dunoon 35 and St Andrews 32.

Can I find a pet-friendly stay near a bus stop in Scotland?

Yes, but choice is limited. 99 of the 1059 stays are pet friendly. Uig Bay Campsite near Portree is one example. Book early and confirm the dog policy before paying.

Are there stays near both a bus stop and a train station?

Yes, 275 of them. In Aviemore, The Pines, Caledon and 27 Aviemore Holiday Park are all near a bus stop and a train station.

Is there anywhere suitable for a large group?

Military Drive - 3 Military Drive in Stranraer sleeps 10. In Aviemore, Caledon, Caledonia View and 27 Aviemore Holiday Park each sleep 6, as does Bruichladdich on the Isle of Bute.

Can I charge an electric car at these stays?

590 of the stays have EV charging nearby, including Caledonia View in Aviemore and Military Drive - 3 Military Drive in Stranraer. Check the listing for details.

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