Since Brexit, a trip to Scotland from Europe needs a little more planning: an ETA before you board, pounds instead of euros, and a plug adapter. Written by Constantine Chauffeurs, a Glasgow chauffeur service, covering the paperwork, the weather, what to pack and how to get from the airport.
Apply for your UK ETA before you book flights or at least a few days before you travel: since February 2026 airlines can refuse to board you without one. It costs £20 per person, children included, and lasts two years for any number of trips on the same passport. Irish citizens don’t need one.
The Electronic Travel Authorisation is an online permit for visitors who don’t need a visa, including citizens of EU countries, Switzerland and Norway. Apply only through the official UK ETA app or the GOV.UK website: other sites charge far more for the same thing. Most applications are approved within minutes, but allow at least three working days. If you get a new passport, you need a new ETA.
May and June bring the longest days, with daylight until after 10pm in June, and fewer midges than high summer. July and August are the warmest and busiest months. September and early October are quieter, with autumn colours in the Highlands. Winter is dark by mid-afternoon, but Glasgow and Edinburgh are lively in December. Whatever the month, expect sun, rain and wind on the same day: summer days are usually mild rather than hot.
Pack layers, not one heavy coat: a waterproof and windproof jacket, a fleece or jumper, quick-drying trousers rather than jeans, and waterproof walking shoes. Add a hat and light gloves for the Highlands, even in spring. From late May to September, bring midge repellent such as Smidge, or buy it when you arrive. Scotland uses UK three-pin plugs (type G, 230 volts), so bring an adapter.
Scotland uses the pound sterling. Scottish banks print their own banknotes, which are accepted across Scotland. Cards and contactless payment work almost everywhere, including small cafés. Since Brexit, some European mobile operators charge roaming in the UK, so check your plan before you travel.
Bring your European Health Insurance Card for medically necessary treatment, and take out travel insurance as well, including mountain rescue if you plan to hike. Tipping isn’t compulsory: around 10% in restaurants is usual if you’re happy with the service.
Glasgow and Edinburgh airports have direct flights from most European capitals, and the overnight ferry from Amsterdam arrives at Newcastle, about two and a half hours by road from Edinburgh. Trains and buses link the cities and many towns. Most visitors hire a car for the Highlands: read driving in Scotland as a visitor first, for the left side, roundabouts and single-track roads.
After an early start and a flight, many visitors would rather not queue at the hire desk and drive on the left straight away. Your private chauffeur waits at a confirmed pickup point and takes you to your hotel, and your flight is tracked so we’re there when you land. Collect a hire car the next day if you need one. Glasgow Airport to Glasgow city centre is from £70 and Edinburgh Airport to Edinburgh from £80, in a Mercedes C-Class. See Glasgow Airport transfers, Edinburgh Airport transfers or Edinburgh Airport to Glasgow.
Scotland’s drink-drive limit is low, so whoever drives can’t taste. A private driver for the day means everyone can, with pickup from Glasgow city centre or your pickup location. See our whisky distillery tour, or read is a private driver in Scotland worth it?
Tell us how many are travelling and how many bags, and we’ll match the car.
Within 90 minutes they had organized an entire itinerary, arranged a luxurious vehicle and an excellent driver, John. That level of responsiveness and service was impressive.
A luxurious service from start to finish. An assortment of entertainment & refreshments giving that extra touch.
Very grateful — an excellent service, I recommend it. Reliable, punctual, friendly, great service. (Translated from Spanish)
John thoughtfully stopped at scenic locations so we could photograph the Highlands’ extraordinary beauty rather than simply admire it through the windows.
Came across this company by chance. Booked them for a return journey to Murrayfield Stadium for a concert.
Booked my airport pickup over WhatsApp while I was still out in Thailand, which made the whole thing dead easy.
My friends were having a small wedding in the city centre — I wanted to buy the transport as a gift.
It felt like a genuinely personalized Highland adventure rather than a conventional sightseeing tour. An absolutely memorable day and five stars without hesitation!
A fantastic transfer experience. Our flight arrived later than scheduled but our driver kept everything organised.
After a long flight it was such a relief to have these guys pick me up to save the hassle. Can't recommend them enough.
Constantine Chauffeurs picked me up after a long flight and honestly couldn't have asked for better.
Tell us your flight or pickup, where you’re going and how many are travelling, and your Glasgow chauffeur will come back with the right car and one clear price.
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Tell us your flight and your hotel, and we’ll be at the pickup point when you land and confirm one price before you book.