Travelling to the Highlands and Islands of Scotland from Callander

A helpful stopover location to break up your journey.

The Perfect Stop Between Scotland's Cities and the Highlands

If you're travelling from London, Edinburgh, Glasgow or Stirling towards the Highlands and Islands, Callander makes a natural and convenient stopping point.

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Located at the edge of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, Callander sits where the Lowlands begin to give way to the Highlands. It's often called the Gateway to the Highlands, and once you've visited, it's easy to see why.

Many guests use Nest Holiday Home as:

• An overnight stop before travelling further north

• A base for exploring the Highlands

• A convenient location before ferry crossings

• A first taste of Highland scenery after arriving in Scotland

• A place to relax after a long drive from England

Unlike larger towns and cities, Callander offers a slower pace of life, beautiful scenery and a wide choice of restaurants, cafés and traditional pubs within walking distance.

Travelling from London to Callander FK17

If you're driving from London, Callander sits approximately 430 miles from central London. The most common route is:

London → M6 → Glasgow → Stirling → Callander

Many travellers choose to break their journey in Callander before continuing north towards:

• Fort William

• Glencoe

• Skye

• Oban

• Mull

• Lochaber

• Inverness

• The Cairngorms

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Travelling from Edinburgh Airport to Callander FK17 

For visitors arriving into Edinburgh Airport, Callander can usually be reached in around 1 hour and 15 minutes by car.

Typical route: Edinburgh Airport → M9 → Stirling → Callander

This is often the quickest way for international visitors to reach the Highlands while avoiding busy city centres.

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Travelling from Glasgow Airport to Callander FK17

Glasgow Airport is approximately one hour from Callander.

Typical route: Glasgow Airport → M8 → M80 → Stirling → Callander

Many visitors arriving from North America find this one of the easiest introductions to Scotland, taking them quickly from airport arrivals to lochs, mountains and Highland scenery.

The West Coast Highlands Route

If your adventure is taking you towards Scotland's west coast, Callander provides an excellent first stop. Popular onward routes include:

Oban and the Islands

Callander → Crianlarich → Tyndrum → Oban

From Oban you can access ferries to:

• Mull

• Iona

• Coll

• Tiree

• Barra

Callander to Fort William and Skye 

Callander → Crianlarich → Glencoe → Fort William → Skye

This route passes through some of Scotland's most spectacular scenery, including Rannoch Moor and Glencoe.

The East Coast Highlands Route

Visitors heading towards Perthshire, Speyside and the Cairngorms often use Callander as a gateway to eastern Scotland.

Popular routes include:

Perthshire and Pitlochry

Callander → Crieff → Aberfeldy → Pitlochry

Cairngorms National Park

Callander → Perth → Blair Atholl → Aviemore

Inverness and the North Coast

Callander → Perth → Pitlochry → Inverness

This route eventually connects with the famous North Coast 500.

Travelling by Train to Callander

Although Callander once had its own railway station, but the line closed many years ago.

Today's nearest stations are:

Dunblane Station

Approximately 10 miles from Callander.

Advantages:

• Frequent services to Stirling

• Direct trains to Edinburgh

• Direct trains to Glasgow

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Note, there is no permanent taxi rank at Dunblane Station, so we strongly recommend pre-booking a taxi before travelling. (And no Uber services for Stiringshire)

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Stirling Station

Approximately 16 miles from Callander.

Advantages:

• More frequent rail services

• Better onward connections

• Easier taxi availability

• Direct routes throughout Scotland

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Many guests find Stirling Station the simplest rail option although the taxi fare is approximately double that of Dunblane. 

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Planning Public Transport

If you're travelling without a car, we strongly recommend using Traveline Scotland.

Traveline provides journey planning for:

• Buses

• Trains

• Ferries

• Walking connections

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Their website and app are invaluable for coordinating onward travel, particularly if you're combining trains, buses and ferries. Website: https://www.travelinescotland.com

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Car Hire in Stirling

For visitors arriving by train or plane, hiring a car can make exploring the Highlands significantly easier.

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Enterprise Rent-A-Car Stirling

Address:
Kerse Mill, Stirling FK7 7LN

Telephone:
01786 462666

Reservations:
0800 800 227

Website: https://www.enterprise.co.uk

Enterprise offers everything from small economy vehicles to larger SUVs and people carriers, making it a popular choice for visitors touring Scotland. Do check the Enterprise website directly for the latest booking information and contact details.

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Taxi Services

Suggestion - pre-book your journey particularly in July and August, the May weekends and December. 

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Stirling Taxis Telephone: 01786 343434 Website: https://stirling.taxi

Available 24 hours and offers airport transfers as well as local journeys.

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Alba Cabs Telephone: 01786 595025 Website: https://www.albacabs.co.uk

Popular for airport transfers and longer journeys throughout Central Scotland.

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Rab's Taxis Telephone: 01786 812909 Website: https://rabstaxis.co.uk

A long-established local operator covering Stirling, Dunblane, Doune and surrounding areas.

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Freddy's Cabs Telephone: 01786 232323 Website: https://freddyscabs.co.uk

Operates 24-hour local and airport transfer services.

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Stirling Taxi Services Telephone: 07407 733083 Email: contact@sky-cabs.com

Provides local journeys and airport transfers throughout the Stirling area.

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Why Travellers Choose Callander

Many visitors initially plan to stay in Stirling and later discover Callander offers something rather special. You remain close to major transport links, airports and attractions, while enjoying:

• Highland scenery

• Riverside walks

• Independent cafés

• Traditional pubs

• Friendly locals

• Easy parking

• Access to the National Park

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For travellers heading to the Highlands and Islands, Callander isn't simply a place to stop.

It's often the moment the holiday really begins.