Visiting Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands is high on the list of things to do for many tourists and travelers visiting Britain. It is one of the most beautiful spots in the UK, and its popularity is boosted by the mysterious tales of the legendary Loch Ness Monster. There are two places where you can stop to find out the history of the Monster, though the number one attraction is a visit to Urquhart Castle, which dates back to the 13th century.
Urquhart Castle is about half-way between Fort Augustus, the little town that sits at the south-west end of Loch Ness, and Inverness, to the north-east of the loch and known as the Gateway to the Scottish Highlands. You can enjoy a lovely drive all around Loch Ness but if you prefer to use public transport then you can still enjoy all that Loch Ness has to offer, even if starting from London.
London to Inverness by Train
There are trains from both London’s King’s Cross and Euston stations to Inverness. Most of them require you to change trains, often at Edinburgh, but there are usually at least two direct services from London’s Euston to Inverness. At the time of writing there is a train which leaves London at noon and gets into Inverness at 8.08pm. An alternative is to take the sleeper train, which leaves London Euston at 9.15pm and arrives in Inverness bright and early at 8.31am the next morning. For details of sleeper accommodation you need to visit the ScotRail website.
London to Inverness by Bus
A cheaper way to travel if you’re on a budget is on the National Express bus from London to Inverness. It takes longer than the train, of course, but is much cheaper. There are daytime journeys involving a change of buses in Glasgow, with an overall journey time of 13.5 hours. There is also a direct overnight coach which takes 12.5 hours and currently costs from £25.50 one-way (though prices are of course subject to change).
Inverness to Loch Ness by Public Transport
There are no trains from Inverness to Loch Ness but there is a regular bus service. The bus station in Inverness is only a short walk from the train station, and buses will take you to Fort Augustus, which is a good place for an overnight stop. The Lovat Arms is a well-recommended hotel there, which gives favorable room rates to those arriving on foot, by bike, or using public transport.
The bus also stops at the small town of Drumnadrochit. Here you’ll find both the Original Loch Ness Monster Visitor Centre and the Loch Ness Exhibition Centre, as well as a choice of places to stay and to eat. Urquhart Castle is about two miles away, and as the public bus also stops here, the best plan is to take the bus to Urquhart Castle, and when you’ve finished your visit walk back to Drumnadrochit - doing it that way the walk is mostly downhill! Alternatively you can catch a bus to Drumnadrochit or onwards to Fort Augustus. Be sure to pick up a timetable at the bus station.
Guided Tours to Loch Ness from Inverness
Alternatively, let someone else do the organising and take a guided tour to Loch Ness from Inverness. One option is Jacobite Cruises, who will take you from Inverness through the Caledonian Canal to Loch Ness. They have several tours available, including combinations of coach and cruising, from one hour to 6.5 hours in length.
Whatever you choose, it is possible to visit Loch Ness from London using public transport, and spend a few days in the beautiful Scottish Highlands.
Mike Gerrard - Mike is an award-winning travel writer who has worked for National Geographic, the London Times, and many other clients. ...
