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City guide

Loch Ness, Scotland

Loch Ness is a large freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands. It takes its name from the River Ness, which flows from the northern end.

Type City

Why go

  • Lake in Scotland.
  • Known for Lochness Monster, Loch Ness Monster.
  • Served by Fort Augustus Airstrip.

History

Loch Ness is a large freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands. It takes its name from the River Ness, which flows from the northern end. Loch Ness is best known for claimed sightings of the cryptozoological Loch Ness Monster, also known affectionately as "Nessie".

Airports

Inverness Airport (INV) 25 mi to the centre
Inverness, SCT, GB — Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron — plan for the weather on the day. ✈ 2 airlines (Flybe, easyJet) · direct flights to 11 destinations incl. Amsterdam, Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh… (OpenFlights route data).
✈ Airlines & flight paths — 2 airlines, 11 direct destinations

Routes and aircraft from OpenFlights (open data; a point-in-time snapshot). * = codeshare. Linked destinations open their own guidebook. Flight numbers are not in the open data — they come from the airline or a paid schedule feed.

Indoor | Outdoor
Fort Augustus Airstrip 12 mi to the centre
Glendoe, SCT, GB
Outdoor

Getting there by ferry

Urquhart Castle
Ferry terminal · 3.9 mi from the centre
Outdoor

Where things are

Full geo-intelligence in Better Mapping →
Local search powered by Geoverts and geo-intelligence by Better Mapping base map © OSM

Photographs

When to go

Tourist season
May – September

The warmer, longer-day half of the year is the safest bet for a first visit.

Shoulder season
April, October

Cooler and quieter, with fewer visitors and better value.

Worth avoiding
Deep winter

Short days and the coldest weather — check local conditions before travelling.

Getting there & around

Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Fort Augustus Airstrip. Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below. By water: 1 ferry terminal within 12 mi (nearest: Urquhart Castle, 3.9 mi).

Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Loch Ness, Scotland. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.

Trains & rail

National rail

Coaches & shuttles

Intercity coach
Intercity coach

Tours & experiences

Boat Tour