There are three ways to see the Highlands and Skye from Edinburgh: hire a car, join a coach or minibus group tour, or book a private car with driver. For one or two people a group tour is cheapest. Self-drive gives freedom but means right-hand-drive cars and single-track roads. From about four travellers, a private driver at £420–£510 per car per day often costs close to a group tour per head.
How do the three options compare?
| Self-drive | Group tour | Private driver | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who drives | You | Coach driver | Our driver-guide |
| Group size | Your party | Usually 16 or more strangers | Your party only (up to 6 per car) |
| Pace and stops | Yours | Fixed timetable | Yours |
| Pickup | Car hire desk | Central meeting point | Your hotel or the airport |
| Language | — | Usually English | English, Cantonese or Mandarin |
| Luggage | Car boot | Often one small bag | Full suitcases on multi-day trips |
What does each option really cost?
Group tours are priced per person, which makes them the cheapest choice for one or two travellers. Self-drive adds up from car hire, fuel, parking and insurance excess. A private driver is priced per car, not per person: day tours from Edinburgh are £420 per car (November to March) or £510 (April to October) for up to six guests, with fuel, parking and the driver included.
For a family of four, £510 works out at about £128 each — often close to a group-tour ticket, but with door-to-door pickup and your own pace.
Glencoe, Loch Ness or Skye with your own car and driver — from £420 per car.
View private toursIs self-drive in the Highlands hard?
- Britain drives on the left; the steering wheel is on the right and roundabouts go clockwise.
- Skye and much of the west Highlands use single-track roads with passing places.
- Fog, rain and early winter darkness make long days tiring for the driver, who also misses the views.
- Whisky tastings are off the table for whoever drives — Scotland's drink-drive limit is lower than in England.
Which option suits whom?
- Solo or a couple on a budget: a group tour.
- Confident drivers with time: self-drive, ideally avoiding long single-track stretches in the dark.
- Families with grandparents or children, groups of 3–6, whisky lovers, photographers: a private driver.
Read our detailed private driver vs self-drive comparison.
Glencoe, Loch Ness or Skye with your own car and driver — from £420 per car.
View private toursFrequently asked
Is a group tour or a private driver cheaper?
For one or two people a group tour is cheaper. For four to six people a private car at £420–£510 per car per day often costs about the same per head as a group tour.
Can a private driver take us to Skye?
Yes. We run 2- and 3-day private Skye tours from Edinburgh, and multi-day tours of the Highlands.
Do you speak Chinese?
Yes. Our driver-guide speaks English, Cantonese and Mandarin.