North Coast 500 route from Inverness
The North Coast 500 is a 516-mile road route, approximately 830 km, beginning and ending in Inverness. The circuit uses existing roads through Wester Ross, Sutherland, Caithness, Easter Ross, the Black Isle and Inverness-shire. Treat these as distinct parts of your journey, rather than expecting one continuous coastal highway with identical driving conditions.
Inverness is a useful place to organise your arrival and the start of the circuit. Choose your first overnight stop before deciding how much sightseeing to add to the departure day. The route length alone does not tell you how long the trip should take: driving, stopping and walking compete for the same time. Leave room to shorten a day when conditions make progress slower.
Begin with a map of your overnight stops and mark the stretches you most want to explore. A route that fits your interests is more useful than a daily mileage target. Read how to reach the Highlands before arranging a vehicle, and use the accommodation areas guide to separate arrival bases from later overnight stops.
A guided day in the far north
The guided northern day trip leaves from Railway Terrace in Inverness and provides an air-conditioned vehicle, a driver-guide and live commentary. The outing is a day alternative for visitors who want someone else to drive into the far north; plan a separate itinerary if you want to complete the NC500 circuit yourself.
Choose the guided day for a northern excursion from an Inverness base, or a self-drive circuit when you want to arrange a sequence of overnight stops. Keep the decision about transport separate from individual attraction tickets. Compare other regional outings on the Highland tours page.
Our take
For a guided taste of the far north without driving the full circuit, consider this day trip from Inverness.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of November 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
A northern day from Inverness
Travel into the far north with a driver-guide and live commentary, as an alternative to organising a longer self-drive circuit.
Left-hand driving and passing places
North Coast 500 driving follows left-hand traffic rules, including on narrow single-track sections. When another vehicle approaches, use a passing place on your left or wait opposite a passing place on your right. Avoid driving across into the right-hand bay against approaching traffic.
Passing places also let faster traffic behind you get past. Give way to vehicles coming uphill where possible, and be ready to reverse to a passing place when necessary. Keep these spaces available for traffic: parking in a passing place blocks the road's working system. Find an appropriate parking area before stopping to take photographs or opening your walking route.
Larger vehicles and alternative roads
North Coast 500 route guidance advises vehicles larger than a typical campervan conversion against Bealach na Bà and the B869 Drumbeg Road. The suggested alternatives are the A832 and A894 respectively. Use this as vehicle suitability advice when drawing up your route, and follow local signs and restrictions.
A larger vehicle changes more than the choice of scenic road. Think about where you will turn, where you will stop and where you will spend the night before committing to a detour. Responsible lightweight camping and permission to stay overnight in a motor vehicle are separate matters. Arrange a suitable overnight location rather than treating roadside parking as a campsite.
Book overnight stops and allow for weather
North Coast 500 overnight planning should leave space for weather and the stops you value. Book places that fit the route you actually intend to drive, then check the day's local conditions before setting out. Wind, rain and poor visibility can change whether a walk is a sensible addition to a driving day.
Inverness climate figures describe Inverness, rather than the whole northern coastline. Use the season and weather guide to understand that distinction, then use local forecasts for your next stretch. Avoid fixing a distant evening destination around an ambitious list of walks and photo stops.
North Coast 500 questions
How long is the North Coast 500?
516 miles, approximately 830 km, is the stated North Coast 500 route length. The circuit starts and ends in Inverness and follows existing roads through several northern Highland regions. Choose your travel time around overnight stops, walking plans and driving conditions rather than turning the distance into a fixed minimum stay.
Can I park in a passing place?
No, passing places must stay available for moving traffic. On single-track roads, use a left-hand passing place or wait opposite one on the right when meeting another vehicle. Let faster vehicles behind pass too, and find a suitable parking area for sightseeing, photographs or a longer break.
Is the northern guided trip a complete NC500 circuit?
No, the guided trip is a day excursion into the far north from Inverness. An air-conditioned vehicle, driver-guide and live commentary are included. A complete self-drive circuit is a separate journey with your own choice of overnight stops, driving stages and time for exploring along the route.