This post is part of our NC500 road trip series – check them all out here!
Thinking about tackling Scotland’s most iconic road trip and wondering, “How much does the North Coast 500 cost?” We’ve got you covered. Here’s a real-life 10-day NC500 budget breakdown from our Highland van life adventure – plus plenty of money-saving tips for your own trip.
Dreaming of the NC500? Here’s what it really costs to drive Scotland’s most scenic route
I’d been dreaming about the North Coast 500 for nearly eight years – ever since a family member dropped it into casual conversation. Since then, it’s popped up everywhere: on travel shows, in countless wanderlust chats, and on just about every Scotland bucket list going. Those stunning beaches, dramatic mountains, and rugged landscapes seemed to call my name every time.
But is the NC500 route really that incredible?
After an almost-trip in 2023 and a false start in April this year, we finally set off on our NC500 road trip in May. And it absolutely lived up to the hype.
If you’re curious about where we went and what we saw, check out our detailed NC500 travel diary – packed with hidden gems, tips, and must-see sights on the route.
But before you pack your bags and hit the road, let’s talk numbers. Because one of the biggest questions we had before setting off was…
How much does the North Coast 500 cost? Our total NC500 budget
We spent 10 days driving, hiking, eating and exploring Scotland’s wildest corners – and our total trip cost was £543. Yep – 500 miles for roughly 500 pounds. Sounds a bit like a dodgy follow-up single from The Proclaimers… but not a bad deal for a road trip that felt like something out of a nature documentary.
We travelled in our self-converted van, Frank (complete with a full oven), so we didn’t need accommodation or to eat out for every meal. Your NC500 costs may vary depending on your style of travel, but this should give you a realistic starting point for planning your own adventure.
Complete NC500 budget breakdown
(10 Days, 2 Adults + Toddler)
Groceries (£158.77)
Cooking on the road is a lifesaver — especially when you’re gluten-intolerant (guilty!). Stocking up on essentials kept hunger (and costs) at bay. All the major supermarkets are dotted through the bigger towns, so we made sure to load up before heading into the more remote areas.
Fuel (£94.50)
The North Coast 500 drive includes some twisty, scenic, and occasionally single-track roads. Fuel efficiency wasn’t always in our favour (especially with detours for scenic shots), but we made sure to top up with diesel in the busier areas to avoid the risk of running out in the middle of nowhere.
Parking (£25.50)
Attractions like John O’Groats, Smoo Cave, and some town centres charge for parking, so this added up more than we expected. Worth every penny for the access though.
Meals & Treats Out (£167.94)
We mostly cooked for ourselves but couldn’t resist the occasional café stop — especially when coffee and cake were calling. Add in a few pub lunches and a seafood splurge or two, and this became one of our bigger expenses. (We have no regrets.)
Entertainment (£34.00)
To be honest, most of our entertainment was completely free – the mountains, beaches, and moody skies put on a show every day. The only paid activity was a zipline we had to try over Ceannabeinne Beach (worth it). Past us might’ve hit every whisky tasting going, but these days we’re all about the fresh air over the drams.
Launderette (£29.00)
Van life = laundry days. And we got hit with a lot more rain than expected, so our minimal winter wardrobes got a serious workout.
Accommodation (£10.00)
This was just for our first night in Inverness, which included day parking. Scotland’s free camper stops are incredible – we wild camped the rest of the trip.
Miscellaneous (£7.29)
No parking tickets here – this was just for a pot of face cream. Gotta keep up with the skincare even on the road…
Utilities (Gas/Water/Electric) (£10.00)
Coin-operated showers are scattered all around the Highlands – super convenient. We kept topped up on free water as needed, and our solar panels kept our electricity flowing.
Taxis/Public transport (£6.00)
We used the Park & Ride to head into Inverness – this cost was for two adult singles (Little Rick rode free).
Budget travel tips for the North Coast 500
Looking to plan an affordable North Coast 500 road trip? These budget travel tips helped us keep our costs low without missing out on the adventure:
- Cook your own meals. A van oven or stove = freedom and savings.
- Plan fuel stops ahead. Some areas are remote, and petrol stations can be few and far between (read: expensive).
- Book campsites in advance if you’re travelling in peak season (even if you only plan to use them occasionally). Fellow travellers told us they struggled to find spots — and we were there in May! Prices will hike with demand so get in there early.
- Pack for all seasons. The Highlands are known for surprise weather shifts (and we definitely experienced this!). If you do come unstuck, there are plenty of shops selling raincoats/waterproofs on the route… but it’s always best to be prepared. We’ve created a Highlands packing list that you can check out here.
- Embrace free activities. Hikes, viewpoints, beaches… the NC500 is basically a free outdoor museum – you’re guaranteed a show everywhere you go.
Travelling responsibly on the NC500
While we kept our costs low, this wasn’t about cutting corners or avoiding spending altogether – it was about travelling sustainably and mindfully. We supported local cafés, paid for parking where it was required, and splurged where it mattered (hello, local seafood). The NC500 was designed to boost tourism in Scotland’s remote communities, and we absolutely believe in giving back while exploring. Whether that’s through a pub lunch, a coffee and cake stop, or simply respecting the places we visit. And it goes without saying that we live the van life on the ‘leave no trace’ philosophy.
Final thoughts: is the North Coast 500 worth it?
100%, yes. The North Coast 500 lived up to the hype and was one of our favourite road trips ever. And it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With some planning, a bit of van-life spirit, and a love for the great outdoors, you can explore Scotland’s wild north without blowing your budget.
Looking for more inspiration or info on the NC500? Check out the other posts in this series:
- NC500 road trip diary: the adventure we’d been dreaming of
- NC500 packing list: everything we took (and what we totally forgot!)
- NC500 highlights hitlist: our top 10 stops
Are you planning your own NC500 road trip? Drop any questions in the comments below – it’s my current favourite subject!
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