Best for You?
Aviemore serves as a gateway to the Cairngorms National Park, drawing visitors year-round to enjoy skiing, hiking, wildlife spotting, and Highland adventures. But once you’re here, what’s the smartest way to get around?
Should you book a taxi, take a bus or train, or rent a car? This guide compares Aviemore taxi prices to other transport options, explains when taxis are the most cost-effective choice, and gives example price calculations so you can choose the right option for your trip.
1. How Aviemore Taxi Prices Work
If you’re wondering about the cost of Aviemore taxi journeys, Aviemore Taxis keeps its pricing simple, with just two tariffs and a small pickup fee:
- Tariff 1 (Midweek Daytime):
From 07:00 to 21:00 on weekdays. Standard daytime rate. - Tariff 2 (Evenings & Weekends):
After 21:00 on weekdays and all weekend until 07:00 Monday. Slightly higher rate for late-night and weekend travel. - Pickup Fee:
£1.00 if collected somewhere other than the Aviemore taxi rank at the transport hub.
That’s it — no hidden extras except for very specific cases like unusually long waiting times or exceptionally large luggage.
2. Comparing Taxis to Other Transport in Aviemore
Here’s how Aviemore taxis compare with buses, trains, and car rentals in terms of price, convenience, and flexibility.
Buses
- Pros: Cheapest for longer routes, good for budget travel.
- Cons: Limited frequency, especially in the evenings; some attractions have no bus service.
- Example: Aviemore to Inverness ~£9–£12 per adult, one-way.
Trains
- Pros: Comfortable, scenic, and faster for some routes.
- Cons: Fixed schedules; stations aren’t always near your destination.
- Example: Aviemore to Inverness ~£8–£13 per adult, one-way (off-peak).
Car Rentals
- Pros: Complete freedom to explore remote areas.
- Cons: Higher daily cost, plus fuel; parking may be limited in busy spots.
- Example: ~£40–£65 per day + fuel.
Taxis
- Pros: Door-to-door service, available when you need them, no parking stress.
- Cons: More expensive for solo long-distance travel than buses/trains.
- Example:
- Aviemore to Cairngorm Mountain: Around £15–£20 (Tariff 1) or £18–£22 (Tariff 2).
- Aviemore to Inverness: Around £60–£75 (Tariff 1) or £70–£85 (Tariff 2).
3. When Taxis Are the Most Cost-Effective Choice
You might be surprised, taxis can sometimes work out cheaper than public transport, especially when travelling in a group. Here’s when they make the most sense:
- Short journeys in and around Aviemore
- Group trips where the fare is split (e.g., £20 fare ÷ 4 people = £5 each)
- Late-night or weekend travel when buses/trains aren’t running
- Bad weather days when you want direct, sheltered travel
4. Example Price Comparisons
| Trip | Taxi (Tariff 1, 4 passengers) | Taxi (Tariff 2, 4 passengers) | Bus (pp) | Train (pp) | Car Rental (per day) |
| Aviemore → Cairngorm Mountain | £20 (£5 pp) | £22 (£5.50 pp) | N/A | N/A | £45 + fuel |
| Aviemore → Inverness | £70 (£17.50 pp) | £80 (£20 pp) | £10 pp | £12 pp | £50 + fuel |
| Aviemore → Kingussie | £28 (£7 pp) | £32 (£8 pp) | £5 pp | £6 pp | £50 + fuel |
Verdict:
- Short trips & group travel: Taxi is best.
- Solo budget travel: Bus or train wins.
- Remote area exploring: Car hire is ideal.
Final Thoughts
With the straightforward cost of Aviemore taxi journeys, just two tariffs and a small pickup fee, it’s easy to plan your transport budget. Taxis offer unbeatable convenience for short trips, group outings, and off-peak travel times, while buses and trains are great for solo budget journeys. For those planning an all-day Highland road trip, car rental still offers the ultimate freedom.
Whether you choose a taxi, public transport, or your wheels, knowing the cost comparisons will help you get the best value from your Highland adventure.
