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

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

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, UNESCO City of Music, 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 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.

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. Venture out on horseback across the Tweed Valley with a variety of riding schools offering lessons and treks across the landscape.

Explore the magical Scottish Highlands on horseback with Highlands Unbridled, offering holidays, day rides and short breaks that lets you explore the untouched corners of the far north of Scotland.

Discover more about horse riding in Scotland.

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.