If you’re planning a five-day trip from the United States with a mid-range budget, we’ve done a detailed breakdown and research for you to help you plan the tour. We have gone through TripAdvisor, Expedia, some local and government official Scotland websites to obtain the prices and written this for you for how much does it cost to travel to scotland. The guide is valid for the 2025 summer season, and we will renew this after summer through updating the price. This guide is for a 5 day trip from the USA to Scotland.

Not have time to read the whole guide? Here’s one line spoiler:

A comfortable 5 day Scotland tour will cost around £2,010 for each person. This doesn’t include personal shopping, souvenirs, or any unexpected costs.

Flight Costs | Delta and United Airlines | Economy Class

The first thing to look at is your flight. A roundtrip flight from the United States to Scotland generally costs around £615 on economy class. Both Delta and United are two of the most common airlines for this route, and booking in advance can help lock in better prices. Of course, the cost will depend on your departure city and when you book, but booking three or four weeks early usually gets you a decent deal. If you’re good with your travel dates, flying during the shoulder seasons like either spring or fall can offer cheaper options compared to the busy summer months when prices tend to go up, but that’s your choice of course.

Accommodation Costs | 3-Star Hotels

For Hotels, Scotland has plenty of mid-range options that won’t make a hole in your pocket. A 3-star hotel runs between £39 to £87 per night, but we’d recommend somewhere around £73 per night for a more comfortable stay. We don’t recommend going too cheap, as a £39 option might not give you the best experience. With a five-night stay, you’re looking at roughly £365 for accommodation, which is reasonable for a good hotel in tourist areas like Edinburgh or Glasgow. In these areas you’ll be close to most of the attractions like the castles, which saves on transportation costs.

Food and Dining

Food in Scotland can add up if you’re not careful. According to data from BudgetYourTrip, the average person spends around £181 a day on food. This includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and little cravings throughout the day. Over five days, that totals around £905. However, you can adjust this depending on your choices. A basic breakfast at a cafe will cost you around £8 to £12, while a casual lunch or pub meal can cost about £12 to £20. Dinner in a mid-range restaurant usually falls between £24 to £39. If you want to save some money, you can always grab a quick bite at a local takeaway or a grocery store for snacks or simple meals. But for a nice experience and to enjoy Local Expert, sticking to the recommended daily food budget works well.

Transportation Costs | Rented Cars and Public Transport

Buses are everywhere in cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow, we’re using these two cities in the examples, because these both cities are the most commonly visited tourist spots. A single ride costs between £1.60 to £2.40 in public Transport. If you plan to do sightseeing, a day pass for around £4 to £5.50 can be good for you. For longer journeys, like train rides between cities, you expect to pay around £12 for a one-way ticket, booking in advance will often get you better prices.

To explore areas outside of the cities like the Highlands or remote spots, a rental car will be a better option. Renting a mid-size car will cost about £32–£55 a day. Fuel prices are higher in the UK, running about £5.50–£6.25 per gallon, so keep that in mind. But renting a car, so you can visit places like the Isle of Skye or Loch Ness without being hectic. 

Castle Visits and Attraction Fees

Castles are probably at the top of your list, or at least that’s why 90% tourists visit Scotland. Scotland has some of the most mind-boggling castles in the world, and the entrance fees are usually around £15.40 per adult, yes we confirmed pricing through the official Scotland website. Kids under 7 are free, if you’re traveling with children, this will be a nice saving. Popular castles like Edinburgh Castle or Stirling Castle will cost you that price, but some of the smaller, lesser-known castles will have lower fees. Over your five days, you’ll likely visit at least two or three castles, which would cost you around £32 to £47 in total.

Additional Activities Cost in Scotland

You can visit whisky distilleries, which charge about £16–£32 for a tour and tasting. The National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh or the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow are free, some special exhibitions will cost extra. If you’re further interested and not tired,  in the Highlands or other rural areas, day tours will cost anywhere from £47–£79. Some outdoor activities, like hiking in the Highlands, are free, you should budget for a couple of extra Tours or experiences, we suggest you must do these ones.

Miscellaneous Expenses

Miscellaneous expenses can cost £1,580–£2,370. If you stick to basic activities and do some small shopping, you can manage with around £1,580. However, if you plan to buy expensive items, collections, or gifts for your family without worrying about your budget, the cost can easily rise to £1,975 to £2,370. Since this section is so dynamic, we’re not adding this in total trip cost in the end.

Seasonal Considerations

The time of year you visit Scotland will affect costs. The summer months, June to August are the busiest, and prices for flights, hotels, and attractions are higher. If you want to save some money, travel during the shoulder seasons in either spring or fall when the weather is still good, but prices are mid-cheap, not too cheap. Winter months are cheaper for hotels and flights, but the temperature will be too cold in Scotland in the winter season. If you live in Las Vegas or anywhere near Nevada, that could be a problem for you, tbh.

Total Estimated Cost for a 5-Day Trip

Taking into account all the expenses for a mid-budget traveler, flights, accommodation, food, transportation, and activities, this is a breakdown:

• Flight: £615 roundtrip
• Accommodation (5 nights): £365
• Food (5 days): £905
• Transportation (public transport and some train rides): £79
• Attractions (castles and a few extra activities): £47

That adds up to around £2,010 for a five day trip from the USA to Scotland as of 2025.

Pro Tips to Save Money

If you’re looking to save a bit, here are some tips. First, try to book flights and accommodation well in advance to secure the best prices. Public transport is great, but if you’re exploring more remote areas, look for deals on car rentals or group tours. Also, don’t be afraid to eat at local spots—some of the best food in Scotland is at local pubs or casual cafés. You can also check for discounted tickets or combination passes for attractions like castles or museums, which often provide better value if you plan to visit multiple sites.

Final Thoughts

A five-day trip to Scotland from the United States on a mid-range budget is doable. A budget of around £2,010, you can experience everything in Scotland.

How much does a week in Scotland cost on average?
A week in Scotland will cost you an average of £2,010.

Is Scotland an expensive place to visit?
Yes, Scotland is an expensive place to visit.

What is the cheapest way to travel around Scotland?
The cheapest way to travel around Scotland is by booking an economy class flight with Delta or United Airlines, which costs around £615 for a round trip.

How much money should I bring for a week in Scotland?
You should bring at least £3,160 per person for a week in Scotland.

Can I visit Scotland on a tight budget?
No, if you are on a tight budget, it’s better to look for another destination.