Travel Budget for Isle of Skye Visit Isle of Skye on a Budget or Travel in Style

Isle of Skye, Scotland, United Kingdom
Europe / United Kingdom / Scotland /
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Isle of Skye is a dramatic island known for its quaint fishing villages, scenic landscapes, and historic castles. 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. So, whether you're eating the delicious cuisine, relaxing on the beaches, or hiking in nature, you'll be able to plan your perfect trip to Isle of Skye, all while staying within budget.

How much does it cost to travel to Isle of Skye?

You should plan to spend around $185 (£137) per day on your vacation in Isle of Skye. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $74 (£54) on meals
  • $73 (£54) on local transportation
  • $138 (£102) on hotels

A one week trip to Isle of Skye for two people costs, on average, $2,595 (£1,918). 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.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $185
    £137
  • One Week Per person
    $1,297
    £959
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $2,595
    £1,918
  • One Month Per person
    $5,560
    £4,110
  • One Week For a couple
    $2,595
    £1,918
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $5,189
    £3,836
  • One Month For a couple
    $11,120
    £8,220
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Isle of Skye cost?

A one week trip to Isle of Skye usually costs around $1,297 (£959) for one person and $2,595 (£1,918) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Isle of Skye on average costs around $2,595 (£1,918) for one person and $5,189 (£3,836) 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 Isle of Skye will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Isle of Skye on average costs around $5,560 (£4,110) for one person and $11,120 (£8,220) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Isle of Skye expensive to visit?

Isle of Skye is a popular island that attracts a diverse array of travelers, reflecting a mix of travel styles and spending habits. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.

If you choose to make it so, Isle of Skye can be very pricey, but you can reduce your expenses by eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying the free hiking trails.

On average, budget travelers spend $80 (£60) per day, mid-range travelers spend $183 (£137) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $349 (£262) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Isle of Skye.

Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Isle of Skye is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Kinsale or Lastres.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Isle of Skye Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Isle of Skye?

The average Isle of Skye trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Isle of Skye travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Isle of Skye cost?

Isle of Skye on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$30
(£22) 		$69
(£51) 		$132
(£98)
Local Transportation1 $32
(£24) 		$73
(£54) 		$140
(£104)
Food2 $32
(£24) 		$74
(£54) 		$141
(£104)
Entertainment1 $11
(£8.25) 		$26
(£19) 		$49
(£36)
Alcohol2 $2-7
(£2-5) 		$5-16
(£4-12) 		$10-30
(£7-22)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. While some think they can visit Isle of Skye with minimal expenses, most people don't enjoy traveling that frugally. Consider what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer luxury hotels or budget stays? Hostels or hotels or vacation rentals? Are fun activities and dining out important to you? Your overall budget will depend on all of these questions.

What Defines a Budget Traveler?

You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $80 per day that younger budget travelers manage.

Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.

Thankfully, Isle of Skye offers plenty of hostels such as Broadford Backpackers Hostel, Skye Backpackers, and Skye Basecamp. You can find budget-friendly dorm accommodation here, paired with a social atmosphere, but expect limited amenities. The culinary scene is a major highlight for those visiting Isle of Skye, but budget travelers often eat street food or cook for themselves in hostels, which can mean missing out on delicious local dishes.

So, are you average?

If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, dine at well-known restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Most travelers to Isle of Skye will be eager to explore the key attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Remember, most activities come with a cost. Therefore, it's reasonable to anticipate that your daily budget will be around $183 per person, per day.

Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?

If your ideal trip includes every luxury and top-tier service, be ready to budget around $349 per day. A stay at nicer hotels, meals at prestigious restaurants, fancy excursions, and getting around the island with taxis or private drivers will cost you more.

Accommodation Budget in Isle of Skye

Hotel prices in Isle of Skye 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 $269, while in peak summer season it jumps to an average of $502. Budget accommodations range from $143 to $735, 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.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Isle of Skye for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $138 (£102). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $69 (£51) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $69
    £51
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $138
    £102

Hotels in Isle of Skye

Looking for a hotel in Isle of Skye? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Isle of Skye

The average hotel room price in Isle of Skye based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $269 in the low season and $502 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Isle of Skye

Planning to spend a week in Isle of Skye? A vacation rental with a kitchen could be ideal for cooking your meals if you're staying for a while.

If you plan to avoid summer and visit during the low or shoulder season, you'll find cheaper accommodation rates and fewer tourists.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Isle of Skye

The public transit system in Isle of Skye is not very good. There are local bus routes on the island that are operated by Stagecoach.

Sadly, the island isn't particularly pedestrian-friendly. It's nice to explore on foot, but you need a vehicle to cover the long distances.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (poor)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (poor)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $73 (£54) per person, per day, on local transportation in Isle of Skye. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Isle of Skye is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $73
    £54

Seeing as there are no airports in Skye, there are a few different options for getting onto the island. One of the easiest ways to do so is by renting a car and driving across the Skye Bridge or taking the Calmac car ferry. If you don't want to rent a car, the City Link bus company has routes from Glasgow and Inverness into mainland Skye. As sights and activities are spread out across Skye, it is best to have a car to get around the island with. For local transportation options, the Stagecoach bus company operates throughout Skye, stopping at the majority of villages.

Transportation Tips

If you're planning to drive, ensure that your hotel offers convenient parking.



Flights to Isle of Skye
How much does it cost to go to Isle of Skye? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Isle of Skye
The price of renting a car in Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye

In Isle of Skye, the food is fantastic, and you should definitely take the opportunity to enjoy all the local flavors. Foodies will appreciate the seasonal local ingredients that many restaurants use. Both the land and sea offer ingredients that inspire delicious dishes. You can choose from Michelin star restaurants, local cafes, and cozy inns. The food is fresh and well made.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Isle of Skye can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Isle of Skye is $74 (£54) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $74
    £54

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Isle of Skye is around $72 (£54) per person, with previous travelers spending from $32 to $138. 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 Isle of Skye are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $7 to $22
  • Lunch: $11 to $29
  • Dinner: $22 to $51
  • Coffee: $6
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $11

Skye is one of the best places to have a seafood dish in Scotland, with some of the freshest scallops, shrimp, and fish available. The city of Portree is where you'll find many of the restaurants, with everything ranging from fish and chips from the Harbor Chip Shop to delightful cakes from The Granary. There are a few cafes and restaurants scattered throughout the island, most of which are located inside of hotels. Some of the best restaurants outside of Portree are the Islay Restaurant at Toravaig House Hotel and The Three Chimneys Restaurant, both of which feature fresh, local, produce in their dishes.

Food in Isle of Skye

Food & Dining Tips

Many hotels provide breakfast at no additional cost, while others charge extra. The quality and price can vary widely from hotel to hotel. Knowing this ahead of time can help you decide if you should budget more. You might find the hotel's buffet is a worthwhile investment, or perhaps a nearby bakery or cafe could be a cheaper alternative.

You can cut costs and soak in the views by having a picnic. Swing by a local grocery store or market, pick up some fresh goodies, and head to a lovely park or picturesque location to savor your meal.

Carry a reusable water bottle instead of buying drinks everywhere you go. It's good for the earth, too.

Thinking about a tour? Check which meals are included beforehand. You might need to budget for some meals on your own, which can add to your expenses.



Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Isle of Skye

Travelers flock to Isle of Skye because it is well-known for its hiking, food, beaches, and romance.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Isle of Skye typically cost an average of $26 (£19) 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.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $26
    £19

Skye's natural beauty offers incredible, almost magical, sights to see. The first of which is the Fairy Glen; a bit of a hidden gem, this landslip is covered in intriguing rock formations like the Castle Ewan. Down the road from the Fairy Glen is Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls, a beautiful viewpoint where you'll see the Mealt Falls crashing into the ocean on the left and the kilt-shaped rocks on the right. Continue the tour of the beautiful island with a visit to Neist Point, a famous lighthouse situated on a long cliff that juts out into the sea. A visit to Skye isn't complete without a visit to Dunvegan Castle, a medieval castle which has been run by the MacLeod Clan for over 800 years. The castle features stunning rooms, meticulous gardens, and even boat tours on the loch the castle sits on.

Islands and Cities
Skye has a few islands, although the big two for tourists are mainland Skye and Raasay Island. On the mainland, the capital city is Portree, where you'll find the majority of accommodation and restaurants. There are many small villages throughout the mainland where the you can find the major attractions and a few small B&Bs. Raasay is a small island off the east coast of the mainland, in between Skye and mainland Scotland. It is home to the Hallaig settlement, an ancient village which offers amazing views of Applecross, Scotland across the bay.



One of the best activities on Skye is a hike to the Old Man of Storr, a pinnacle of rock that stands tall above the surrounding Storr mountain range. The hike to Storr involves a walk through a hilly path then a climb up a set of steep stone steps. From the top, you'll get incredible views of the surrounding Storr range which features landforms from the Jurassic Period. After a hike through Storr, take a cool dip in the Fairy Pools, a series of beautiful waterfalls that create natural swimming pools. If you prefer not to swim, you can still wander around the rocks and paths surrounding the waterfalls. If you want to spend a day like royalty, wander through Inver on Raasay Island, a beautiful wooded area that ends with a secluded beach where the Queen of England would picnic every year.

For more information about the area, including some great ideas with photos, check out this guide to an Isle of Sky Road Trip.

Sightseeing Tips

Beaches:
Beaches in Isle of SkyeMany come to Isle of Skye specifically to enjoy the beach life. Some of the best beaches in Scotland are found on the Isle of Skye. The rugged coastline feels pristine and undiscovered. Some of the best beaches include Coral Beach, Talisker Bay Beach, Rubha Shlèite Beach, and Camasunary Bay.

Hiking:
Hiking in Isle of SkyeThe hiking trails near Isle of Skye are amazing. Hikes on the island range from family-friendly to some of the most challenging in Scotland. The setting is dramatic and beautiful and the hikes are a varied as the landscape. Some of the most popular hikes include the Fairy Pools, the Old Man of Storr, Neist Point Lighthouse, and the Quiraing.

Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Isle of Skye. 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:

  • Isle of Skye and Fairy Pools Day Tour leaving from Portree for $136 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Isle of Skye

In Isle of Skye, the nightlife is generally low-key and soothing. You can find a place for a glass of wine of a craft beer and relax with friends.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $10 (£7.71) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Isle of Skye 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
    £7.71
Nightlife Tips

The nightlife scene is a lot of fun, but reducing how much you drink can go a long way in keeping your budget on track.



Travel cost data last updated: Apr 24, 2025

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Isle of Skye

  • In summer, you'll find prices climbing and the island brimming with visitors. For a more affordable and peaceful experience, try to plan your visit during the shoulder or low seasons.
  • Enjoying a more leisurely travel pace can not only enhance your experience but also save you money as you soak in the area's beauty. If you rush through every day packed with activities, your spending will add up. On the flip side, a slower pace often means a lighter budget.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Isle of Skye doesn't have many public transport options available. You may want to consider renting a car or setting up transportation ahead of time, like booking a tour. Just be aware that this might affect your budget elsewhere.
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The Isle of Skye is a series of islands lying off the west coast of Scotland, best known for their dazzling natural wonders. From the natural pools at the Fairy Glen to hiking Jurassic Period mountains, you'll never run out of beautiful sights to see. Spend your days wandering through the scenery that has been featured in various films and has inspired poets and artists throughout centuries. The best time to visit Skye is from May-August when temperatures are at their highest, in the 60's Fahrenheit, and rainfall is at its lowest.



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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.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.


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.
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