“How easy is it to get from Inverness to Loch Ness?” – a question people often ask us! Most visitors to Inverness want to see Loch Ness during their stay. It’s only eight miles from Inverness and there are various ways of getting there.
By Car
If you have access to a car, the best driving route to see the loch at close quarters is by taking the B862 from Inverness to Dores (signposts show Dores). It is just fifteen minutes’ drive on a relatively quiet route, including single track roads. Once you’re on the B862, it goes all the way to Loch Ness, so you can’t go wrong. As you approach Dores, you get a spectacular view of Loch Ness and a great picture opportunity. Then at Dores village, there is the best beach anywhere on Loch Ness. And, for good measure, the Dores Inn is right on the beach. But don’t drink alcohol and drive. The legal drink drive limit in Scotland is less than one pint!
You can also drive the north side of the loch from Inverness on the main A82 road. This is a much faster commuting road and it passes through Drumnadrochit, past the famous Urquhart Castle and onwards to Fort Augustus and Fort William beyond. This road will take you to a couple of stops where you are able to explore the loch via a cruise. Closer to Inverness you have Loch Ness by Jacobite and at the other end in Fort William you have Cruise Loch Ness.
By Bus
Inverness Bus Station, Farraline Park, is just a couple of hundred yards from the Railway Station in the centre of Inverness.
The number 16 bus leaves the bus station and travels to Dores, Inverfarigaig and Foyers. Check the bus times before you travel. And remember, if you miss the last bus back to Inverness, you will have an eight mile walk (from Dores) or a taxi ride ahead, which would have to come out from Inverness to collect you. You can find some useful travel information for Inverness travel and transport companies on our travel page.
By Bike
A popular way for keen cyclists to get from Inverness to Loch Ness is by bike. You can hire them in Inverness from Ticket to ride and have a lovely day cycling the relatively flat 8 miles to the Loch and back. Best take a snack and drink with you, as shops are not an option at Dores, but the Dores Inn does serve delicious meals when open!
A raincoat too should be an essential, just in case you experience changeable Highland weather. The route to Loch Ness by bike is the same as by car, except that there are cycle paths for most of the way to Dores, thus making Inverness to Loch Ness on a bike a very nice day out.
If you don't want to go self guided you can have a look at the guided bike tours from 42 Cycling that are on offer, you will experience views from the cycle paths around the loch that many won't see by car or cruise.
Guided Tours and Taxi's
If you don't have transport and want more freedom than the public transport time tables, you can arrange a guided tour. There are many companies offering personalised options or daily tours you can join.
Happy Tours - D&E Coaches - Highland Explorer Tours - Rabbies Trail Burners
Or you can arrange a taxi to take you to where you would like to go, prices will vary depending on distance but the local drivers have great knowledge of the hidden gems to see! Contact local firm IT Taxis for more information.
So as you can see there are many ways to get to Loch ness from Inverness, it really is very close and you don't just need to have access to a car.
For helpful information on how to travel to and around Inverness and Loch Ness, head over to our transport page.