Cairngorms National Park is a remote national park known for its impressive hikes, scenic natural beauty, and nice mountains. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Cairngorms National Park and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're hiking in nature or taking in the beauty.
How much does it cost to travel to Cairngorms National Park?
You should plan to spend around $172 (£141) per day on your vacation in Cairngorms National Park. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $64 (£52) on meals
- $65 (£53) on local transportation
- $136 (£111) on hotels
A one week trip to Cairngorms National Park for two people costs, on average, $2,410 (£1,974). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
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One Week
Per person
$1,205
£987
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2 Weeks
Per person
$2,410
£1,974
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One Month
Per person
$5,164
£4,230
-
One Week
For a couple
$2,410
£1,974
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2 Weeks
For a couple
$4,820
£3,948
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One Month
For a couple
$10,328
£8,460
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Cairngorms National Park cost?
A one week trip to Cairngorms National Park usually costs around $1,205 (£987) for one person and $2,410 (£1,974) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Cairngorms National Park on average costs around $2,410 (£1,974) for one person and $4,820 (£3,948) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Cairngorms National Park will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Cairngorms National Park on average costs around $5,164 (£4,230) for one person and $10,328 (£8,460) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Cairngorms National Park expensive to visit?
Cairngorms National Park is a great national park that brings in a diverse crowd of visitors, each with unique travel styles and spending behaviors. Affordable hotel choices are available, but luxury hotels also cater to the more affluent clientele, along with mid-range accommodations that are perfect for families and couples.
Although Cairngorms National Park can be quite pricey if you let it be, you can cut costs by eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying the free hiking trails.
On average, budget travelers spend $75 (£62) per day, mid-range travelers spend $172 (£141) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $329 (£269) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Cairngorms National Park.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Cairngorms National Park is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Kalampaka (Meteora) or Isle of Skye.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Cairngorms National Park Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Cairngorms National Park?
The average Cairngorms National Park trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Cairngorms National Park travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Cairngorms National Park cost?
Cairngorms National Park on a Budget
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Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$30
(£24)
|
$68
(£56)
|
$130
(£106)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$28
(£23)
|
$65
(£53)
|
$123
(£101)
|
|
Food 2
|
$28
(£23)
|
$64
(£52)
|
$122
(£100)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$14
(£12)
|
$32
(£26)
|
$62
(£51)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$2-7
(£2-6)
|
$5-15
(£4-13)
|
$10-29
(£8-24)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
To manage your travel budget, it's important to set realistic expectations. Many people think they can visit Cairngorms National Park on a cheap budget, but most don't enjoy the limitations of a tight shoestring budget. Consider how you like to travel. Do you enjoy hostels, resorts, hotels, or vacation rentals? Do you want to dine out and explore the major attractions? These decisions will determine your budget and itinerary.
Cairngorms National Park on a Shoestring Budget?
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $75 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at well-liked restaurants, and check out significant museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Most travelers to Cairngorms National Park will be eager to explore the key attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Most activities aren't free. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $172 per person, per day.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
If you're looking for a luxurious getaway that offers top-notch amenities and exceptional service, you should budget around $329 per day. To enjoy a nicer hotel, dine at renowned restaurants, indulge in extravagant activities, and use taxis or private drivers to explore the national park, prepare for a luxury price tag. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Private Guided Mountain Walking Experience in the Cairngorms - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Cairngorms National Park
Hotel prices in Cairngorms National Park can vary significantly. Some hotels charge much higher rates but also offer more luxury and better amenities. During peak season, these prices rise even more. In the off-season, the average room costs around $133, while in peak summer season it jumps to an average of $248. Budget accommodations range from $94 to $399, but hostels are usually cheaper, especially in dorm rooms. Save money by traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, or by booking in advance and watching for deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Cairngorms National Park for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $136 (£111). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $68 (£56) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Cairngorms National Park? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Cairngorms National Park include:
- Haus Alba Grantown-on-Spey starting at $95
- Grant Arms Hotel starting at $214
- Garth Hotel Grantown-on-Spey starting at $155
Families visiting Cairngorms National Park will find that choosing accommodations with more room can make their trip much more comfortable.
With many visitors spending a week in Cairngorms National Park, it could be useful to book a vacation rental with a kitchen if you're staying longer, so you can cook your meals.
Traveling during the shoulder or low season, instead of summer, can save you money on accommodations and spare you the heavy tourist crowds.
Transportation Budget in Cairngorms National Park
Unfortunately, Cairngorms National Park does not provide a solid public transit network. To fully explore the park, you really need to have your own vehicle, but there are local buses and trains that travel to the park.
Sadly, the national park isn't particularly pedestrian-friendly. You'll need a vehicle to make the most of your visit to the park.
Public Transit: 
(moderate)
Walkability: (poor)
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $65 (£53) per person, per day, on local transportation in Cairngorms National Park. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Cairngorms National Park is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$65
£53
If you're planning to drive, ensure that your hotel offers convenient parking.
How much does it cost to go to Cairngorms National Park? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Cairngorms National Park will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Cairngorms National Park
In Cairngorms National Park, the food is tasty, but it's usually not the main hightlight for travelers. You'll uncover some hidden treasures around the national park. There are a variety of cafes, pubs, and restaurants in the area that offer hearty dishes to fill a hungry hiker.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Cairngorms National Park can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Cairngorms National Park is $64 (£52) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$64
£52
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Cairngorms National Park is around $64 (£52) per person, with previous travelers spending from $28 to $122. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Cairngorms National Park are as follows:
- Breakfast: $6 to $19
- Lunch: $10 to $26
- Dinner: $19 to $45
- Coffee: $5
- Fast Food or Street Food: $10
The majority of restaurants in the park are attached to the inns and hotels and serve mostly Scottish cuisine with lamb and potatoes being the focus of many dishes. The majority of restaurants are in Aviemore where you'll also find more cuisines such as Indian and Italian. Keep in mind that most restaurants that are found away from the ring road tend to be canteen style with limited options, so it may be helpful to bring your own lunch on day trips in the park. What the Cairngorms lack in restaurants, they make up for in distilleries, with a total of 5 distilleries throughout the park. One of the most famous is the Dalwhinnie Distillery which is the highest elevated distillery in the country. You can book tour of all of the distilleries and even walk the whisky trail which connects all of the distilleries.
If you're traveling with kids, search for restaurants that offer a children's menu. This can save you a lot of money since these dishes are usually cheaper. Keep in mind that some places may not list their kids' options, so make sure to ask the server.
Lots of hotels throw breakfast into the room rate, but some will charge for it. The quality and price can differ by hotel. Understanding this in advance can help you figure out if you'll need to spend extra money. It may be worth splurging on the hotel buffet, or you could find a less expensive option at a nearby bakery or cafe.
Have a picnic to save money and relish the beautiful scenery. Stop by a nearby grocery store or market, grab some fresh food, and choose a nice park or scenic location for your meal.
Pack a water bottle to save on drinks. It's also a way to help protect the environment.
Before booking a tour, make a point of knowing which meals are part of the package. You may be responsible for some of your food costs, which can increase your overall budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Cairngorms National Park
People come to Cairngorms National Park in droves for hiking, family-friendly activities, romance, and food.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Cairngorms National Park typically cost an average of $32 (£26) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$32
£26
The natural beauty of the Cairngorms is a sight to behold; from ancient forests to waterfalls and mountains that were formed by the ice age, the beauty is breathtaking. One of the best places to enjoy the landscapes is at the Wild Mountain Garden on top of Cairngorms Mountain where you'll find incredible, rare, flowers and sweeping views of the surrounding area. The park is also home to quite a few castles and mansions, including Blair Castle, Balmoral Castle, and Braemar Castle. Balmoral is actually a residence of The Queen of England and was considered a paradise by Queen Victoria. If you're a fan of the show Monarch of the Glen, you can visit Monarch Country where they filmed the majority of scenes for the show. Even if you're not familiar with the show, Monarch Country is a lovely place to tour.
Villages
There are quite a few small villages located along the ring road that runs through the park, ranging from larger resort towns with all of the amenities to small villages with just one store. One of the biggest villages is Aviemore, a major resort town and one of the top ski areas in the park. Aviemore is a great basecamp for exploring the rest of the park since it has a number of shops and supply stores to stock up for your adventure. Braemar is a scenic town located in the heart of the park and is the east gateway to the mountains. It is also home to Braemar and Kindrochit Castles as well as shops and restaurants. Kingussie is the capital of the Upper Spey Valley and is one of the best places to start outdoor adventures as there are many companies there to set you up with all the gear you need.
The Cairngorms are one of the best places in the UK for outdoor fun, with miles and miles of trails and countless lochs and rivers, there is something for everyone. Whether you are a novice walker or a hiking enthusiast, you can select one of the dozen trails to follow based on difficulty level and landscapes. The most popular novice walk is the trail through the ancient and mysterious Caledonian pine forest in Glenmore while the Speyside Way is a more advanced trail that stretches 65 miles. In the village of Kingussie, you'll find all of the resources you need to set up outdoor adventures including horseback riding, whitewater rafting sailing, canoeing, and cycling.
Hiking:
The hiking around Cairngorms National Park is simply top-notch. There are hikes for every skill level. You'll find waterfalls, open glens, mountains, and beautiful lakes. Some of the best hikes include the Falls of Bruar, Morrone, and the Seven Bridges Trail.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Cairngorms National Park. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Private Guided Winter Mountaineering Experience in the Cairngorms for $217 details
- Private Guided Ridge Scrambling Experience in the Cairngorms for $197 details
- Private Walking Tour to Ben Macdui Scotland for $124 details
Nightlife Budget in Cairngorms National Park
The nightlife in Cairngorms National Park offers a relaxed and calm vibe. You'll find some good pubs in the area, but most people don't come to the area for the nightlife.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $10 (£8.41) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Cairngorms National Park per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$10
£8.41
Nights out are a travel highlight, but reducing your drink tab is a smart way to stretch your budget further.
Travel cost data last updated: Dec 1, 2024
Traveling in Cairngorms National Park
CAirngorms National Park, Scotland
The Cairngorms National Park is an over 1,700 square mile park in the center of Scotland and is home to some of the most beautiful sights in the country. Voted one of the top 20 places to visit in the world by National Geographic Traveler Magazine, the park features everything from castles to wildlife tours to white water rafting. There is really no bad time to visit the park, as you will always have something to see and do here! In the winter, from late November-March, you can ski the slopes and go on snow treks. Summer, from May-September, is fantastic for walking, hiking, and canoeing.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.