Guided Loch Ness Tours | Round-Trip Transfers from Edinburgh & Glasgow

Day Trips

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From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands Day Trip

A full-day adventure from Edinburgh through the Highlands and free time at Loch Ness!

Day out to the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh on a guided luxury AC coach tour. Travel through Glencoe, Loch Ness & Pitlochry.
You’ll get an expert English-speaking driver-guide sharing historical tales & legends about Loch Ness, the 1692 Glencoe Massacre, and more.
Glencoe & The Highlands: Admire dramatic landscapes at Glencoe, the site of the 1692 Massacre, and journey through the Great Glen’s historic fault line.
Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle: See the ruins of Urquhart Castle, go on a Loch Ness cruise, or make the most of your free time to explore the area.

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Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

12 hr. 30 min.

Transfers included

A full-day adventure from Edinburgh through the Highlands and free time at Loch Ness!

Day out to the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh on a guided luxury AC coach tour. Travel through Glencoe, Loch Ness & Pitlochry.
You’ll get an expert English-speaking driver-guide sharing historical tales & legends about Loch Ness, the 1692 Glencoe Massacre, and more.
Glencoe & The Highlands: Admire dramatic landscapes at Glencoe, the site of the 1692 Massacre, and journey through the Great Glen’s historic fault line.
Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle: See the ruins of Urquhart Castle, go on a Loch Ness cruise, or make the most of your free time to explore the area.

Inclusions

Full-day trip of Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Highlands
Round-trip luxury AC coach transfers from Edinburgh
Boarding from Castle Terrace
Free time at Loch Ness
Expert English-speaking driver-guide
Digital translation in French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Russian & Chinese (Mandarin)

Exclusions

Entry to attractions (available for purchase on-site)

Food and drink

What to bring

Bring local currency for attraction tickets, cruises, meals, souvenirs, and extra delights not covered by the ticket.

What’s not allowed

Safety is a priority, so this experience is restricted to guests under the age of 5 years.
Hot food & beverages are not allowed on this experience.

Accessibility

This experience is partially wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.

Additional information

Check-in closes at 7:55am for the tour without the cruise and at 7:30am for the tour with the cruise.
Boarding points vary for the tours with and without the cruise. Please check your ticket voucher carefully.
The Loch Ness cruise may not be available at busy times. The cruise is also weather-dependent and may be canceled without notice.
The digital translations on the bus are not included in the tour with the cruise.
Children aged between 5 and 15 years are eligible for the concessionary rate.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Day Trips

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From Glasgow: Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands Day Trip

Experience a full-day journey from Glasgow through the Highlands, Glencoe, and Loch Ness with insights from your guide.

Day out to Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Highlands on a guided coach tour from Glasgow, with round-trip AC transfers for a stress-free experience.
You’ll get: An English-speaking driver-guide sharing tales of clan battles, folklore, and history, with translations in French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Russian, and Chinese (Mandarin).
Glencoe & the Highlands: Stand amidst dramatic landscapes shaped by ancient volcanic activity and pass by Rannoch Moor and the Black Mount.
Loch Ness: Enjoy free time to explore Fort Augustus or walk around Loch Ness for a chance to spot the legendary Nessie.

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Check availability

Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

11 hr. 30 min.

Transfers included

Experience a full-day journey from Glasgow through the Highlands, Glencoe, and Loch Ness with insights from your guide.

Day out to Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Highlands on a guided coach tour from Glasgow, with round-trip AC transfers for a stress-free experience.
You’ll get: An English-speaking driver-guide sharing tales of clan battles, folklore, and history, with translations in French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Russian, and Chinese (Mandarin).
Glencoe & the Highlands: Stand amidst dramatic landscapes shaped by ancient volcanic activity and pass by Rannoch Moor and the Black Mount.
Loch Ness: Enjoy free time to explore Fort Augustus or walk around Loch Ness for a chance to spot the legendary Nessie.

Inclusions

Full-day tour of Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Highlands
Round-trip luxury AC coach transfers from Glasgow
Free time at Loch Ness
Expert English-speaking driver-guide
Digital translation in French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Russian & Chinese (Mandarin)

Exclusions

Entry to attractions (available for purchase on-site)

Food and drink

What to bring

Bring local currency for attraction tickets, cruises, meals, souvenirs, and extra delights not covered by the ticket.
Dress snug in warm and/or waterproof clothing; the locations are known to have a chilly twist in the weather.

What’s not allowed

Safety is a priority, so this experience is restricted to guests under the age of 5 years.
Hot food & beverages are not allowed on this experience.

Accessibility

This experience is partially wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.

Additional information

Check-in closes at 7:55am for the 8am tour without the cruise.
The Loch Ness cruise may not be available at busy times. The cruise is also weather-dependent and may be canceled without notice.
Children aged between 5 and 15 years are eligible for the concessionary rate.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Day Trips

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From Inverness: Loch Ness & The Highlands Day Trip

Explore Loch Ness and the Highlands on a full-day guided tour from Inverness, uncovering legends, castles, and landscapes.

Day out to Loch Ness and the Highlands from Inverness in a luxury air-conditioned coach, with stops at Urquhart Castle, Fort Augustus, and more.
You’ll get an expert English-speaking driver-guide sharing tales of Nessie, Highland history, and local legends, with digital translations available.
Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle: Stroll the shores of Loch Ness, hunt for Nessie, and explore the 13th-century ruins of Urquhart Castle for impressive views.
Falls of Foyers & Dores Beach: Admire the 165 ft waterfall that inspired Robert Burns and walk along the tranquil shores of Dores Beach.

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Check availability

Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

8 hr. 45 min.

Transfers included

Explore Loch Ness and the Highlands on a full-day guided tour from Inverness, uncovering legends, castles, and landscapes.

Day out to Loch Ness and the Highlands from Inverness in a luxury air-conditioned coach, with stops at Urquhart Castle, Fort Augustus, and more.
You’ll get an expert English-speaking driver-guide sharing tales of Nessie, Highland history, and local legends, with digital translations available.
Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle: Stroll the shores of Loch Ness, hunt for Nessie, and explore the 13th-century ruins of Urquhart Castle for impressive views.
Falls of Foyers & Dores Beach: Admire the 165 ft waterfall that inspired Robert Burns and walk along the tranquil shores of Dores Beach.

Inclusions

Full-day trip of Loch Ness and the Highlands
Round-trip luxury AC coach transfers
Boarding from Railway Terrace, Inverness
Expert English-speaking driver-guide
Digital translation in French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Russian & Chinese (Mandarin)

Exclusions

Entry to attractions (available for purchase on-site)

Food and drink

What to bring

Bring local currency for attraction tickets, cruises, meals, souvenirs, and extra delights not covered by the ticket.

What’s not allowed

Safety is a priority, so this experience is restricted to guests under the age of 4 years.
Hot food & beverages are not allowed on this experience.

Accessibility

This experience is partially wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.

Additional information

Check-in closes at 8:40am for the 8:45am tour. Please arrive at least 15 mins before the departure time.
Children aged between 4 and 16 years are eligible for the concessionary rate.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Which departure point is right for you?

Glencoe Scotland mountain landscape with green valleys and cloudy peaks.

From Edinburgh

Starting your Loch Ness tour from Edinburgh is the most popular choice for travellers visiting Scotland for the first time. The journey itself is a major part of the experience, as you'll travel through the heart of the Scottish Highlands, passing through the dramatic Glencoe Valley and near the UK's highest mountain, Ben Nevis. This is a full-day trip, lasting between 12 and 12.5 hours, and offers a comprehensive view of Scotland's most famous scenery before you even arrive at the loch.

Why start from Edinburgh: First-time visitors to Scotland who want to see the key highlights of the Highlands in one convenient, expertly guided day trip.

Book Edinburgh to Loch Ness tours

Highland cows grazing in a misty field near Loch Lomond, Scotland.

From Glasgow

A Loch Ness tour from Glasgow offers a similar full-day experience to the one from Edinburgh, but with a slightly different scenic route. The journey often takes you through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, providing a beautiful introduction to Scotland's lush landscapes. This option is perfect for those who are basing their trip in Glasgow and want to avoid the extra travel to Edinburgh. The trip duration is a little shorter, at around 11 to 11.5 hours.

Why start from Glasgow: Travellers staying in Glasgow who want a hassle-free day trip and a scenic route that includes Loch Lomond.

Book Glasgow to Inverness tours

Urquhart Castle ruins overlooking Loch Ness in Scotland with visitors exploring the grounds.

From Inverness

For a more focused and shorter Loch Ness tour, starting from Inverness is the best option. As the capital of the Highlands and the closest major city to the loch, tours from here are much shorter, lasting only a few hours. This allows you to spend more time directly at Loch Ness and its main attractions, like Urquhart Castle and Fort Augustus, without the long travel time. The tours are typically conducted on smaller buses, offering a more intimate experience.

Why start from Inverness: Travellers already in the Highlands or staying in Inverness who want a direct, time-efficient visit to the loch without the full-day journey.

Book Inverness to Loch Ness tours

What to expect on your Loch Ness tour?

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Departure & transfers

A Loch Ness tour from Edinburgh or Glasgow means boarding a comfortable coach for a full-day guided tour through the Scottish Highlands. The day is expertly planned, so you don't have to worry about the logistics. If you're starting from Inverness, you'll enjoy a shorter ride, providing a more localised tour focused specifically on the loch.

Journey highlights

The journey is a major part of the experience. From Edinburgh or Glasgow, you'll travel through the Glencoe Valley and by Ben Nevis, the UK's highest peak. You may also pass through picturesque towns like Pitlochry. From Inverness, your Loch Ness tour will follow the scenic shores of the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness itself, with stops at charming villages like Fort Augustus.

Arrival & on-site experience

Upon arrival at Loch Ness, you'll typically have free time to explore a village like Fort Augustus, known for its impressive series of locks on the Caledonian Canal. Don’t miss a scenic Loch Ness tour cruise (at your own expense), with on-board sonar equipment and expert commentary to help you "hunt" for Nessie and learn about the loch's history.

Exploring the area

Most Loch Ness tours include a visit to the historic ruins of Urquhart Castle. You'll have time to explore the castle's visitor centre (at your expense), walk the grounds, and take in the dramatic views of the loch.

Historical importance

The Loch Ness area is rich in history beyond just the monster myth. Urquhart Castle, for example, dates back to the 13th century and has witnessed centuries of power struggles, including the Wars of Scottish Independence and the Jacobite Risings. The legend of the Loch Ness Monster, while famous today, dates back to the 6th century with the account of St. Columba. The Great Glen itself, a geological fault line, has been a key strategic and transport route for centuries.

Day tours & other destinations

While a Loch Ness tour is the main event, the day trips from Edinburgh and Glasgow are comprehensive Highland experiences that also showcase other key Scottish destinations. The itinerary can include stops at Loch Lomond, the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge, and the Cairngorms National Park.

Your Loch Ness tours explained

Ticket type	Origin city	Start time	Duration	Transport type	Inclusions	Highlights covered	Best for	Recommended tickets
Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands Day Trip	Edinburgh	8am	12.5 hours	AC coach	Free time at Loch Ness, expert English-speaking driver-guide, digital translation in 7 languages	Callander, Glencoe, Fort William, Loch Ness, Pitlochry	Travellers with limited time who want to see the key highlights of the Highlands, Glencoe, and Loch Ness in one day	Book now
Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands Day Trip	Glasgow	8am	11.5 hours	AC coach	Free time at Loch Ness, expert English-speaking driver-guide, digital translation in 7 languages	Loch Lomond, Glencoe, Fort William, Fort Augustus, Loch Ness, Pitlochry	Those who want to see Loch Lomond and the southern part of the Highlands before heading to Loch Ness	Book now
Loch Ness & The Highlands Day Trip	Inverness	8:45am	8.45 hours	AC coach	Free time at Loch Ness, expert English-speaking driver-guide, digital translation in 7 languages	Urquhart Castle, Invermoriston, Fort Augustus, Loch Ness, Falls of Foyers, Dores Beach	Visitors based or staying in Inverness who want a shorter, focused tour of the local highlights around Loch Ness	Book now

Frequently Asked Questions about Loch Ness tours

What is the best way to get to Loch Ness?

Guided Loch Ness tours are the most popular option, as they provide convenient round-trip transportation from major cities like Edinburgh or Glasgow, eliminating the hassle of driving.

What is the difference between Loch Ness tours from Edinburgh and Glasgow?

Tours from both cities include a Loch Ness tour and a tour of the Highlands. However, Glasgow tours often pass through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, while Edinburgh tours often feature Glencoe and Rannoch Moor.

What is the difference between Loch Ness tours that visit Fort Augustus versus Drumnadrochit?

Drumnadrochit is home to the Loch Ness Centre and Urquhart Castle. Fort Augustus, at the southern tip, is famous for the series of locks on the Caledonian Canal. Both are common stops on Loch Ness tours.

Are meals included in the tour price?

Meals are typically not included in the tour price. Most Loch Ness tours make a stop at a village like Fort Augustus or Drumnadrochit, where you can buy lunch.

What if the weather is bad?

Loch Ness tours operate in all seasons, and the weather is part of the experience. The dramatic mists and clouds can add to the loch's mystique. Most tours use comfortable, covered buses and boats, so you'll be protected from the elements.

Are Loch Ness tours suitable for young children?

Yes, many Loch Ness tours are family-friendly. The mystery of Nessie and the dramatic landscapes often captivate children's imaginations. It's best to check with the tour operator for any age restrictions, as most operators do not allow infants under the age of 4 years.

What is the Loch Ness Centre? Is it the same as the Loch Ness Exhibition Centre?

The Loch Ness Centre is a newly refurbished immersive experience that explores the history and science of the loch. While there have been other "exhibition centres" over the years, the current and most popular one is the Loch Ness Centre in Drumnadrochit, which has been designed by naturalist Adrian Shine.

Do Loch Ness tours guarantee a Nessie sighting?

While Loch Ness tours offer a great chance to see the loch and learn about the legend, there is no guarantee of a Nessie sighting as the monster is fictitious.