Green Transport & Eco-Friendly Travel in Scotland

Public Transport

Scotland is a small country which has an extensive public transport network. From getting around bustling towns and cities to reaching remote villages and ports, most places in Scotland can be accessed by rail, bus, coach, and ferry services. It can also be one of the most pleasant and picturesque ways of exploring. Simply sit back, relax, and take in the view.

• 10 Easy Ways to Travel Scotland by Public Transport
• 9 Scenic Bus Journeys in Scotland
• 8 of Scotland's Best Ferry Routes

Electric Cars

Scotland also has a wide-reaching and growing EV charging network which makes it ideal for exploring by electric car. In addition to reduce Co2 emissions, electric vehicles (EVs) are also a cost-effective way to get about with cheaper running cost than the average gas or diesel car.

• Driving an Electric Car in Scotland
• 5 Days in Scotland with an Electric Car

Cycling

The carbon footprint of a bicycle is practically zero. What's more, some of Scotland's most beautiful areas are best explored on two wheels. There's also a choice of cycle networks spread throughout Scotland which make getting around on two wheels a breeze. Here are just a few you can explore.

• 7Stanes - Mountain Biking - seven centres in the south of Scotland offer exhilarating mountain bike trails for all abilities as well as family-friendly routes for families
• Edinburgh City Cycleways - explore gorgeous areas of Scotland's capital that other visitors seldom discover
• Hebridean Way Cycling Route - this epic 185-mile (297 km) cycling adventure through the Outer Hebrides is features turquoise seascapes, white beaches and even palm trees
• Perthshire Gravel Trails - take mountain biking to its extreme with these brand-new six-day rides, plus one epic four-day circular route though the Highlands of Perthshire

Explore on Foot

It might not sound innovative, but there are boundless possibilities and huge benefits - not just environmental, to navigating Scotland's landscapes by walking. It's the chance to really immerse yourself in nature without the stress of getting to one location to another as fast as possible.

Fife Coastal Path - take in filming locations for The Avengers, Culross Palace, picturesque fishing villages, the iconic Forth Rail Bridge, beaches perfect for land yachting, Lady's Tower viewpoint, fresh seafood, and much more.

Whithorn Way - this newly mapped 143-mile route is a recreation of the old pilgrimage route from 1,600 years ago. It starts in buzzing Glasgow, a UNESCO Music City, and ends at the serene St Ninian's Cave.

Southern Upland Way - the UK's first coast-to-coast long-distance route cuts across towering hills, taking in the many gems of South Scotland, including Abbotsford, the home of famed novelist Sir Walter Scott.

Go Horseback (or alpaca) trekking

Horses and horse riding feature heavily in Scottish culture - our national animal is the unicorn. They're also a great way to experience a low-carbon break.

Ride Scottish Borders - the Scottish Borders has an ancient equestrian history. Experience this noble tradition yourself on trekking holiday and relive the era of the Border reivers, a time when people defended their lands from cattle thieves, bandits and rivals on horseback.

Alpaca Trekking - how can you say no to exploring with these adorable creatures? From the Borders to the far north, there are more and more places you can get acquainted with these Peruvian natives. Another provider is Senwick Alpaca Trekking.

This chart from the Scottish Government can calculate the greenest mode of transport available to you:

Average bus: 103 grams of CO2 per km

National rail: 47 grams of CO2 per km

Light rail / tram: 44 grams of CO2 per km

Average coach: 28 grams of CO2 per km

Did you know?

If you travelled 80 miles each month by train you could save over 220kg of CO2 a year versus driving. That's the equivalent CO2 generated over two years by a televison.