Travel the West Coast of Scotland from Just £2 This Autumn - New Routes & Where To Visit
Following the success of the recently introduced £2 Highland Bus Fare Cap, the Scottish Government have announced that buses across much of the West Coast of Scotland will now also be capped at just £2 for a single fare. It's a move that's great for both locals, tourists and backpackers alike - as the cap applies both on local routes and some long distance bus services connecting backpacking hubs like Oban, Fort William and Glasgow.
Looking for the best hostels to visit along the West Coast of Scotland? Book your stay with Scotland's Top Hostels and you'll always get the best price and flexibility. Beds start from just £27.50 this Autumn:
Visiting Oban from Glasgow for £2: Island Hopping, Fresh Seafood & Laid-Back Vibes at Oban Backpackers
It's never been easier to visit Scotland's 'Gateway to the Isles', which you can now reach in many directions from just £2. Whether you're starting your journey from Glasgow, Fort William, Inverness or more, the West Coast of Scotland has really opened up with the introduction of affordable bus services provided by operators Citylink and Ember.
You can take the Citylink 976 bus from Glasgow direct to Oban for £2 under this new scheme, and the Citylink 918 bus from Fort William for the same price. Alternatively, Ember buses run direct from backpacker hubs like Lochside Hostel in Loch Ness, and the Highland capital of Inverness also for just £2 per single ticket. Book direct on the Citylink and Ember websites to find the best departure times:
What is There To Do in Oban for Backpackers & Day-Trippers?
While a small town, you'll find plenty of things to do even if you're without a bike or car. From a walk up McCaig's Tower through to visiting nearby Castle Stalker, it's a place that offers all the variety of Scotland you can imagine, from mountains, to Lochs, to the sea!
Beyond that, it's definitely the best base for an island-hopping trip anywhere in Scotland, with ferries departing daily to the neighbouring Isle of Mull, famed for puffins, caves, and pilgrimages to the Isle of Iona. There's also plenty more islands further afield all connected to the port in Oban!
If you're looking for a day trip to a Scottish isle, Mull is the perfect choice. There are several ferries in each direction per day between Oban and Craignure on the Isle of Mull. From Craignure, a direct bus route will connect you with the ferry to the tiny Isle of Iona, an ancient pilgrimage site home to Iona Abbey, established by St. Colunmba and considered one of the centres of Christianity in Europe.
Alternatively, head out to the even smaller isle of Staffa, where Fingal's Cave opens up into the Atlantic Ocean, and was famously featued in the Harry Potter series of films.
Explore our Ultimate Backpackers Guide to Oban right here on the Scotland's Top Hostels Travel Guide:
The clear choice for hostels is Oban Backpackers - with spacious, bright dorm rooms that offer wide comfy beds that come complete with fitted sheets, duvets and 2 comfy pillows. Dorm beds start from just £27.50 this autumn, and if you book from Scotland's Top Hostels you'll always get the best price and flexibility:
Fort William by Bus for £2: Bagging Ben Nevis & Fire Pit Evenings at Fort William Backpackers
Fort William makes a fantastic base for exploring the Highlands - known as the adventure capital of Scotland, it sits in the shadow of Ben Nevis and has unrivalled access to walking, hiking, wild swimming, climbing and more. Whether you're staying for a few nights to bag Scotland's tallest peak or heading on to your next destination, Fort William makes a scenic, relaxed setting with plenty of adventurous vibes to be found in the town itself.
If you're planning to climb Ben Nevis from Fort William, be sure to check out our latest guide:
Fort William can be easily reached from Oban, the 'Gateway to the Isles', where you can take direct ferries to the Isles of Mull, Tiree, Coll and the Outer Hebrides. This charming port town also has access to nearby castles like Castle Stalker, and other attractions, as well as a world-renowned whisky distillery right along the main street.
Similarly, it's easy enough to take a direct bus to Fort William from Loch Ness or Inverness, with several services headed in each direction every day. Stopping off at Lochside Hostel in Loch Ness, you can stay directly on the shores of the mythical Loch for some monster-spotting, take part in daily activities like group swims and traditional Scottish dancing, and fit in a training hike on the Great Glen Way hiking route.
Looking for a place to stay in Fort William? The easy choice for solo travellers, small groups, road trippers, and adventurers is Fort William Backpackers - set in a beautiful building with scenic views over Loch Linnhe, and with dorm beds starting from just £27.50 this autumn:
Crossing to Skye for £2: Castle Walks & Caravan Dorms at Skye Backpackers in Kyleakin
The best budget hostel on the Isle of Skye is Skye Backpackers - with its location in Kyleakin, just over the Skye bridge, you can easily access much of the charm that's likely drawn you to travel to Skye in the first place conveniently and affordably, taking advantage of the £2 bus fares you can travel to Portree, Eilean Donan Castle, and much more directly from the town.
With its own kitchen, affordable towel rental, and a continental breakfast for just £2, Skye Backpackers makes it easy and affordable to add Skye to your Scotland trip. On top of all of that, it's social too, with a cosy lounge, shared kitchen, and being located very close to Kyleakin's famous King Haakon Bar, where you can meet fellow travellers and locals alike. There are simple walks to be done around Kyleakin, including the ruins of Castle Moil, with myths and legends about ancient Norwegian princesses abound.
Check our our Budget Backpackers' Guide to the Isle of Skye to find out how to plan your trip, explore the Misty Isle by public transport, and keep things all at a budget-friendly price:
Book your stay at Skye Backpackers with Scotland's Top Hostels affordably and
flexibly below:
Frequently Asked Questions: Traveling the West Coast of Scotland from just £2 in 2026
How does the £2 bus fare cap work in the Scottish Highlands?
The £2 bus fare scheme caps single tickets on participating local bus routes across Scotland, allowing travelers to journey between Highland towns—such as Oban, Fort William, and Kyleakin on Skye - for just £2 per single journey. You can buy tickets directly from the driver using contactless payment or cash, or purchase them in advance online.
Can you reach the Isle of Skye for £2 on public transport?
Yes. You can take a local £2 bus from Highland travel hubs like Fort William or Inverness straight over the Skye Bridge to Kyleakin, the first town on the island. Skye Backpackers is located right in Kyleakin, making it an ideal, budget-friendly base within walking distance of the bus stop, local pubs, and Castle Moil.
Do I need to book Highland buses in advance?
For local Stagecoach buses covered under the £2 fare scheme, you generally do not need to book in advance, just pay as you board. However, for long-distance coaches (like Citylink or Ember routes crossing the Highlands), booking a week or two ahead online is recommended to secure the best seats and rates.
What are the best budget hostels along the £2 West Coast bus route?
The Scotland’s Top Hostels network connects these West Coast bus routes with budget-friendly accommodation:
Oban Backpackers (Oban – gateway to the islands)
Fort William Backpackers (Fort William – basecamp for Ben Nevis)
Skye Backpackers (Kyleakin – gateway to the Isle of Skye)
Each hostel offers communal kitchens, free Wi-Fi, social lounges, and local travel advice from backpacker staff.
Is travelling the Scottish Highlands by bus easy for solo travelers?
Travelling the Highlands by bus is one of the easiest ways for solo travelers to explore Scotland. The routes pass through major scenic glens, and staying in social, independent hostels like Oban Backpackers, Fort William Backpackers, and Skye Backpackers makes it effortless to meet hiking partners and fellow road-trippers along the way.
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