Getting to & around Perth
Flights, trains, buses, airport transfers and local transport — every way to reach Perth and get around once you arrive, with live prices and journey times.
Curated by Marcus CentWe may earn a commission when you book through the links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Prices and availability are pulled live from our booking partners.
Travelling within United Kingdom, the fastest and cheapest way to Perthshire is usually the train (from around €15); arriving from abroad, you'll normally fly in and then continue by train, bus or a pre-booked transfer. Perthshire is well connected by multiple transport modes to suit different starting points and travel preferences.
How to get to Perthshire
If you are travelling from within the United Kingdom or nearby European countries, taking the bus or train is often the most economical and direct option. For example, trains from Edinburgh to Perth typically take about 1 hour and 20 minutes, while buses can be slightly longer but cost as little as €2 on local routes. Key rail and bus connections include services from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Inverness, Aberdeen, and Kinross to Perth, which is centrally located in Perthshire.
For those arriving from further afield, such as North America or Asia, flying is the usual choice. The nearest major airports are Edinburgh and Glasgow, both roughly 1.5 to 2 hours by train or bus to Perth. See Flying to Perthshire for details on airports and onward connections. Once landed, a combination of train, bus, or pre-booked transfer services can take you into the heart of Perthshire.
If you prefer flexibility or plan to visit rural areas within Perthshire, driving may be the best option. Perthshire's road network connects well to major motorways from cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh. See Driving to Perthshire for route guidance and parking information.
Getting around Perthshire: what are your options?
Perthshire has a range of public transport options including 29 local bus routes serving towns and villages, making it possible to get around without a car in many cases. Walking is practical in Perth and other towns, where amenities and attractions are close together. However, for visiting remote or rural locations, having a car is often necessary for convenience and access.
- Buses: Frequent local services connect towns and rural areas; fares start at about €2.
- Trains: Regular rail services link Perth with larger cities, useful for day trips.
- Walking: Town centres are walkable with pedestrian-friendly streets.
- Car hire: Recommended if your itinerary includes less accessible spots or multiple rural stops.
How do you want to travel?
Buses to Perth
Cheap coach tickets & schedules
Find bus ticketsFlying to Perth
Airports, cheap flights & arrival tips
Read the flight guideGetting around Perth
Metro, buses, trams & travel passes
Get around like a localDriving to Perth
Routes, tolls & where to park
Read the driving guideTrain vs bus vs car vs flight: getting to Perth
Train
Bus
Car
Flight
Popular routes to Perth
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to get to Perthshire?
Within United Kingdom, buses often cost around €2 and are cheapest. From abroad, flying combined with bus or train transfers is usually most affordable depending on your route.
What is the fastest way to get to Perthshire?
From United Kingdom cities, trains can take as little as 1 hour 20 minutes from Edinburgh. From abroad, flights to Edinburgh or Glasgow plus onward train or bus are fastest.
Do I need a car to get around Perthshire?
In towns like Perth, walking and public transport suffice. For rural areas or flexible travel, having a car is recommended.
How do I get from the airport to Perthshire?
From Edinburgh or Glasgow airports, regular trains and buses connect to Perth. Pre-booked transfers are also available.
Is Perthshire walkable and easy to get around?
Yes, town centres are walkable with good pedestrian access. Public buses cover many local routes.
Is the train or the bus better for reaching Perthshire?
Trains are generally faster from major UK cities; buses are cheaper and serve more local stops.
How far ahead should I book tickets to Perthshire?
Booking 2–4 weeks ahead is advised for trains and flights to secure better prices, depending on your origin.
How can I get around Perthshire without a car?
Use local buses on 29 routes and walk within towns. For remote areas, plan routes carefully as public transport may be limited.
Our take
If you are arriving from within the United Kingdom or nearby Europe, taking the train or bus has a balance of cost and convenience, with journey times often under 4 hours and fares starting around €2 to €15. This makes public transport the recommended choice for most travellers.
For those coming from further afield, flying into Edinburgh or Glasgow airports and then continuing by train, bus, or pre-booked transfer ensures a smooth arrival into Perthshire. Renting a car is advisable if your plans include exploring rural parts of Perthshire beyond the main towns, as public transport outside central areas is limited.