Hire a Car in Inverness - Capital of the Highlands
Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands, is your essential base for exploring Scotland's most dramatic landscapes. Sitting at the northern end of the Great Glen where the River Ness flows into the Moray Firth, this compact city offers the perfect blend of Highland culture, excellent amenities, and unparalleled access to iconic Scottish destinations. From here, Loch Ness is just minutes away, the North Coast 500 begins at your doorstep, and the mysterious Cairngorms stretch to the south. A hire car in Inverness isn't just convenient - it's essential for experiencing the true magic of the Scottish Highlands.
Inverness and Highland Attractions
Loch Ness
Scotland's most famous loch begins just 8 miles from Inverness. Drive the quieter south shore road (B862) for the best views and visit Urquhart Castle.
Culloden Battlefield
The site of the last pitched battle on British soil in 1746. Excellent visitor centre tells the story of the Jacobite rising and its aftermath.
Clava Cairns
Mysterious 4,000-year-old burial chambers near Culloden. Atmospheric stone circles that inspired Outlander's standing stones.
Cawdor Castle
Beautiful castle with Shakespeare connections, stunning gardens, and a remarkable history spanning centuries.
Chanonry Point
A spit of land near Fortrose offering Britain's best shore-based dolphin watching. Bottlenose dolphins feed here daily.
Driving from Inverness
Main Roads
- • A9 - South to Perth and Edinburgh, North to Wick and Thurso
- • A82 - South along Loch Ness to Fort William
- • A96 - East to Aberdeen
- • A835 - Northwest to Ullapool and the west coast
- • B862/B852 - The quiet south Loch Ness road
- • A862 - Beauly and the Black Isle
Driving Tips
- • The A82 along Loch Ness is scenic but single carriageway with limited passing places
- • A9 north is being upgraded to dual carriageway - expect some roadworks
- • Summer brings campervans to Highland roads - patience required on single tracks
- • Wildlife on roads is common - watch for deer especially at dawn and dusk
- • The North Coast 500 starts here - full route requires at least 5 days
Parking
Inverness has several car parks including Rose Street, Cathedral, and Eastgate Centre. Most are pay-and-display. Free parking available at Inverness Retail Park. Highland attractions generally have free or reasonably priced parking.
Why Hire a Car in Inverness
- Absolutely essential for the Highlands - public transport is minimal
- Reach Loch Ness in 15 minutes, Isle of Skye in 2 hours
- Start the famous North Coast 500 route from your doorstep
- Explore multiple distilleries on the Speyside Malt Whisky Trail
- Visit remote beaches, castles, and glens inaccessible by bus
- Perfect for wildlife watching - seals, dolphins, eagles, and deer
Nearby Destinations
Local Tip
For the classic Loch Ness monster hunting experience, take the quieter B862 down the south side rather than the busy A82 - you'll have better views, less traffic, and can stop at the original Nessie sighting spot near Dores.
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