As you get settled into your new life in Glasgow, it’s easy to feel the itch to explore. Trust me, I did too. As an international student, seeing Scotland beyond Glasgow was a priority for me, one I definitely accomplished by the end of first year.
Scotland has so much to offer beyond the city, and with your YoungScot card, a change of scenery is easier to come by than you’d think. Anyone under 22 can apply for free bus travel through the scheme, here are four destinations worth visiting, all easily accessible through the public bus system.
1. Edinburgh (duh!)
First up: Edinburgh. This is an easy destination to explore, especially if you haven’t travelled Scotland before.
The 900 Bus leaves from Buchanan Bus Station in the City Centre and takes about an hour to reach Edinburgh Bus Station, located conveniently on Elder Street. This bus runs 24/7, offering roundtrip connections between the two cities.
Once in Edinburgh, it is a quick walk to reach Edinburgh Castle to see the Scottish Crown Jewels, themed pubs, and the famous Victoria Street which is said to have inspired Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter franchise. I highly recommend visiting the Holyrood Distillery too and taking their tour!Â
2. st. Andrews
If you haven’t heard of the University of St. Andrews, you’re missing out. The X24 bus leaves from Buchanan Bus Station and arrives in St Andrews two hours and forty minutes later at its quickest.
This small, coastal town offers stunning views of the North Sea and amazing history. The campus is full of old buildings with rich architecture. If you’re given the opportunity to visit, don’t miss the St. Andrews Aquarium which houses silly meerkats and penguins! I loved taking a quick break for a pint at The Bothy pub in Church Square.
3. Stirling
Another great day trip from Glasgow is Stirling. The Scottish Citylink M8 leaves Buchanan Bus Station from Stance 51 and drops passengers right outside Stirling. Situated around forty-five minutes outside Glasgow, this small town is home to a beautiful castle.
Take a tour of the Old Town Jail and walk through the cutest shops. From the walls of the castle, you can even see the National Wallace Monument in the distance on a particularly clear day. If you’re up for it, the Kelpies are a worthwhile add-on, though they’re actually in Falkirk rather than Stirling itself, so plan that as a separate stop or a combined trip if you have access to a car.
4. isle of skye
This last destination is recommended as a weekend or week-long trip. The Isle of Skye is a must-see location, and my personal favourite of the four.
The 915 Citylink bus runs a few times a day from Buchanan Bus Station and ends its route at Uig Pier, on Northern Skye. This trip takes somewhere between six and a half and eight hours depending on the specific service, but it’s widely regarded as one of the most scenic journeys in the United Kingdom, passing by several Munros along the way.
The Isle of Skye is home to puffins, incredible hikes, and majestic scenery that’s genuinely unparalleled. Beware, bus travel on the island is limited and especially crowded during peak seasons, so I made sure to plan the bus schedules into my daily adventures. If you’re looking for a tour company, Real Scottish Tours and their day trip SkyeBus was truly a pleasure to experience.
It’s worth planning ahead if you’re relying on public transport, or hiring a car if you’d rather have a less stressful time.