Travel Budget for Outer Hebrides Visit Outer Hebrides on a Budget or Travel in Style

Outer Hebrides, Scotland, United Kingdom
Europe / United Kingdom / Scotland /
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Outer Hebrides is a remote archipelago known for its scenic beauty, fresh seafood, and distilleries. 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 Outer Hebrides, all while staying within budget.

How much does it cost to travel to Outer Hebrides?

You should plan to spend around $198 (£146) per day on your vacation in Outer Hebrides. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $72 (£53) on meals
  • $70 (£51) on local transportation
  • $168 (£124) on hotels

A one week trip to Outer Hebrides for two people costs, on average, $2,765 (£2,044). 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
    $198
    £146
  • One Week Per person
    $1,383
    £1,022
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $2,765
    £2,044
  • One Month Per person
    $5,925
    £4,380
  • One Week For a couple
    $2,765
    £2,044
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $5,530
    £4,088
  • One Month For a couple
    $11,851
    £8,760
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 Outer Hebrides cost?

A one week trip to Outer Hebrides usually costs around $1,383 (£1,022) for one person and $2,765 (£2,044) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Outer Hebrides on average costs around $2,765 (£2,044) for one person and $5,530 (£4,088) 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 Outer Hebrides will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Outer Hebrides on average costs around $5,925 (£4,380) for one person and $11,851 (£8,760) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Outer Hebrides expensive to visit?

Outer Hebrides is a smaller destination that charms visitors with a variety of travel styles, expenditure habits, and budgetary considerations. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.

You may find Outer Hebrides to be expensive in some places, but there are ways to keep your budget in check, like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying the free hiking trails.

On average, budget travelers spend $85 (£64) per day, mid-range travelers spend $194 (£146) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $370 (£279) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Outer Hebrides.

Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Outer Hebrides is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Tampere or Aberdeen.

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

How much money do I need for a trip to Outer Hebrides?

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

Outer Hebrides on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$37
(£27) 		$84
(£62) 		$161
(£119)
Local Transportation1 $30
(£23) 		$70
(£51) 		$133
(£98)
Food2 $31
(£23) 		$72
(£53) 		$137
(£102)
Entertainment1 $12
(£8.56) 		$26
(£20) 		$51
(£37)
Alcohol2 $2-6
(£1-4) 		$4-13
(£3-10) 		$8-25
(£6-18)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. While some think they can visit Outer Hebrides 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 Does It Mean to Be 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 $85 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.

Food also plays a significant role in a visitor's experience to Outer Hebrides, yet budget travelers might stick to street food or hostel meals, resulting in less exposure to the wonderful culinary scene.

What Makes You an Average Traveler?

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 Outer Hebrides 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 $194 per person, per day.

Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?

If you want an all encompassing getaway with top-notch amenities and exceptional service, get ready for a daily cost around $370. Staying in upscale hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, indulging in lavish activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the archipelago will require a more luxurious budget.

Accommodation Budget in Outer Hebrides

Hotel prices in Outer Hebrides 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 $, while in peak summer season it jumps to an average of $. Budget accommodations range from $ to $, 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 Outer Hebrides for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $168 (£124). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $84 (£62) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $84
    £62
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $168
    £124

Hotels in Outer Hebrides

Looking for a hotel in Outer Hebrides? 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.

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Outer Hebrides

If you're spending up to a week in Outer Hebrides, getting a vacation rental with a kitchen could help you save money by letting you prepare some of your own meals.

If you plan your trip outside of summer and during the low or shoulder season, you'll find better accommodation rates and fewer tourists.



Transportation Budget in Outer Hebrides

The public transit system in Outer Hebrides is not very good. There are buses that run doing the day between Monday and Saturday. In Stornoway you may be able to find some evening buses as well.

Sadly, the archipelago isn't particularly pedestrian-friendly. There are many walking routes, but you'll need a car to cover the longer distances.

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

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $70 (£51) per person, per day, on local transportation in Outer Hebrides. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Outer Hebrides is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $70
    £51

The Outer Hebrides has two primary domestic airports, the Stornoway Airport and the Barra Airport. From the airport, you can take one of the coaches, buses, or a private car hire to your desired destination. You can also take a ferry from mainland Scotland to one of the islands. When getting around the islands, you can use the public buses which run from Monday-Saturday, or rent a car to drive around. The Western Isles Ferry Group offers ferries throughout the islands, making it extremely easy to beach hop.

Transportation Tips

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



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

Rental Cars in Outer Hebrides
The price of renting a car in Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides

In Outer Hebrides, the food is fantastic, and you should definitely take the opportunity to enjoy all the local flavors. You'll find plenty of seafood, smokehouses, distilleries and crofting produce in the area. Most islands have independent restaurants as well as pubs and other local eateries to choose from.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Outer Hebrides can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Outer Hebrides is $72 (£53) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $72
    £53

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Outer Hebrides is around $71 (£53) per person, with previous travelers spending from $31 to $135. 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 Outer Hebrides are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $7 to $21
  • Lunch: $11 to $28
  • Dinner: $21 to $49
  • Coffee: $6
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $11

As the Islands are fairly remote, they rely heavily on locally produced food, especially for their meat and produce. Lamb and seafood are incorporated in many dishes and this area is one of the best places to try classic fish and chips. The majority of restaurants are located on the Isles of Harris and Lewis where you'll find everything from a distillery with pub food to great seafood restaurants. Aside from Lewis and Harris, the best places to find food are in hotel restaurants dotted around the island.

Food in Outer Hebrides

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.

Pack a water bottle to avoid buying drinks on the go. Plus, it's beneficial for the planet.

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 Outer Hebrides

Tourists are naturally attracted to Outer Hebrides due to its hiking, food, beaches, and romance.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Outer Hebrides typically cost an average of $26 (£20) 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
    £20

Due to the Outer Hebrides being so remote, their incredible ancient history has been well preserved over the centuries, making it one of the best places to explore Scotland's history. Start the exploration on South Uist, home to the Cladh Hallan Roundhouses where prehistoric mummies were found. From here, head to the Trinity Temple on North Uist, a historic ruin which is thought to be Scotland's oldest University. The Isle of Lewis offers a large number of historical ruins and sites to explore, including the Standing Stones near Callanish, the Carloway Broch, and Lews Castle. If you're around in the summer, take a jetty out to Kisimul Castle located on a rocky island just off of of the Isle of Barra. Here, you'll have beautiful views of Barra and get to explore the 1,000-year-old castle.

Islands and Cities
Islands and Cities

With over 100 islands comprising the Outer Hebrides, there are countless places to explore. With that in mind, there are a few key islands that offer the majority of food, accommodation, and attraction options:

Isles of Lewis and Harris: These Isles are actually connected and make up the two islands where you'll find the majority of accommodation and food options. Both of the islands offer incredible archeological sites to be explored along with diverse landscapes to wander through.

North Uist: Located in the center of the Outer Hebrides, the north part of Uist offers miles of sandy beaches and great landscapes to explore on long walks or cycling adventures.

South Uist: the southern part of Uist includes breathtaking scenery from the Beinn Mhor mountans and the white sand beaches.

Benbecula: Situated between North and South Uist, it is one of the most populated islands in the area as it is home to the local schools, the hospital, and the community center.

Barra: Considered to be the "jewel of the Outer Hebrides", the island offers beautiful landscapes and traditional Gaelic culture.



The Outer Hebrides offer great opportunities for adventure enthusiasts, including cycling, canoeing, kayaking, kitesurfing, and windsurfing. At the Harris Outdoor Centre on the Isle of Harris, you can book kayaking, canoeing, and cycling tours that include all the gear you'll need. Enjoy a scenic boat ride with Lewis Boat Trip located on the Isle of Lewis where you'll get the chance to fish for your dinner or just watch the dolphins and whales pass by. The Outer Hebrides are known for their beautiful beaches, especially on the Isle of Harris and Vatersay Island, who feature shell sand beaches. On the Isle of Lewis, spend a day at Garry Beach where you can relax in the sand then explore the many sea caves and sea stacks throughout the beach.

Sightseeing Tips

Beaches:
Beaches in Outer HebridesA significant number of tourists come to Outer Hebrides to lounge at the beach. From white sand beaches to hidden coves, you'll enjoy a completely serene beach experience on these islands. You can get lost in the nature and soak up the surprisingly blue waters at any of the remote beaches. Favorite beaches in the area include Vatersay Bay, Coilleag a’Phrionnsa, West Coast Beach, and Crabhadail.

Hiking:
Hiking in Outer HebridesThe hiking trails near Outer Hebrides are amazing. The islands offer some of the area's best hiking. You'll pass by stunning beaches, see unique wildlife, and enjoy a remote and tranquil setting. Follow the Hebridean Way, which covers the full length of the archipelago. It spans 156 miles and goes through 10 islands with 2 ferry trips.



Nightlife Budget in Outer Hebrides

If you're in Outer Hebrides, you'll notice that the nightlife is pretty gentle and relaxed. You'll find the most options in the main town of Stornoway. Outside of town, most bars are attached to hotels or restaurants.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $8.60 (£6.36) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Outer Hebrides per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $8.60
    £6.36
Nightlife Tips

The nightlife is always tempting, but cutting down on drinks is an effective way to manage your travel spending.



Travel cost data last updated: Apr 25, 2025

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Outer Hebrides

  • In summer, you'll find prices climbing and the archipelago brimming with visitors. For a more affordable and peaceful experience, try to plan your visit during the shoulder or low seasons.
  • Opting for a slower travel pace can help you keep your budget in check while enjoying the scenic beauty. If you overbook your days with activities, you'll find yourself spending more. But taking your time often results in lower costs and a more fulfilling experience.

Budgeting Challenges

  • There aren't many public transportation options in Outer Hebrides. Renting a car or organizing a form of transport, like a tour, might be necessary. Just know that this could stretch your budget in other places.
  • Don't count on finding many hostels in Outer Hebrides. If you're set on saving money with a dorm stay, you may want to change your approach. A budget hotel or apartment rental could be more feasible.
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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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