Inverness Airport (IATA: INV) is the official starting and finishing hub for Britain’s ultimate road trip: the North Coast 500 (NC500). Flying directly into Inverness from London, Manchester, or Belfast saves you two full days of driving up the motorway network, putting you behind the wheel right at the foot of the Highlands.
NC500 Driving Essentials: Small Car vs Large SUV
While many assume an SUV is mandatory for the Scottish Highlands, a compact hatchback or crossover is often the smarter choice. Substantial portions of the western and northern NC500 (such as the Bealach na Bà mountain pass to Applecross and stretches between Durness and Lochinver) consist of narrow, single-track asphalt with passing places. A nimble, compact vehicle makes passing oncoming campervans and timber lorries far less stressful.
Passing Place Etiquette in the Highlands
- Never Cross to the Right: Only pull into a passing place if it is on your left. If the passing bay is on your right, pause opposite it on the left-hand side of the road to let the approaching driver manoeuvre around you.
- Allow Overtaking: If a local driver or delivery van appears behind you, pull into the next passing place on your left to let them overtake.
- Fuel Planning: Petrol stations are sparse across northwest Sutherland and Caithness. Never let your tank drop below a quarter-full.