Europe > United Kingdom > Inverness (INV)
The Car or no Car advice for Inverness can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Inverness ; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Inverness ?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Inverness?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
Inverness without a car 🚶♂️🚌
Inverness city centre is small and easy to navigate on foot. The River Ness, the castle viewpoint, the Victorian Market, and the cathedral all sit within a short walking radius. Local buses handle suburban areas well, and taxis are readily available if needed.
Rail travel is a real strength here. Inverness station is a key Highland hub, with trains radiating out in several directions. You can reach Edinburgh and Glasgow by direct services, while scenic routes head west to Kyle of Lochalsh, north to Thurso and Wick, and south through the Cairngorms towards Perth. These rail journeys are attractions in their own right 🚞.
Day trips by train and bus 🏞️
Several classic Highland trips work perfectly without a car. Loch Ness villages such as Drumnadrochit are accessible by bus, while the Cairngorms can be reached by train to Aviemore, followed by local buses or walking routes. Even the far north line offers access to coastal scenery without driving.
Because of this, travellers focused on rail journeys, hiking hubs, and organised tours can enjoy Inverness comfortably without a rental car.
When renting a car becomes worthwhile 🚗
However, the balance shifts once you want full freedom. Many of the Highlands’ best sights sit far from rail lines. Remote lochs, single-track roads, quiet beaches, and lesser-known glens are much easier to reach by car. Driving also allows you to explore at your own pace, stop for photos, and avoid tour schedules.
Inverness Airport offers a good range of rental cars, and prices are often more reasonable here than in smaller Highland towns.
Conclusion: should you rent a car in Inverness?
For city breaks and classic rail journeys, a car is not essential. However, if your goal is to explore the wider Highlands in depth, renting a car transforms Inverness from a pleasant base into a true adventure hub 🚙🏔️.
