USEFUL TIPS FOR #DRAM26: Getting Around Speyside

Information

With over 50 distilleries across the region, Speyside is big. Towns, venues and distilleries are often spread out, so planning your travel in advance will help you make the most of your visit.

Each event listing includes travel information to help you get started. For more detail, visit our Travel Around Speyside page.

Taxis & Private Hire
There is no Uber or app-based taxi service in Speyside, and local operators can be extremely busy during the Festival. Booking in advance is strongly recommended - especially for early mornings, late evenings, or more remote venues.

You can find a list of local taxi services on our website

Buses
Public bus services operate throughout Speyside and can be a convenient way to travel between towns and villages.

m.connect is Moray’s public transport network, serving rural communities with both scheduled routes and an on-demand service. Journeys can be booked and tracked via the m.connect app (Apple and Android).

Plan your journey here.

Stagecoach will operate extended services during the Festival, including:

• Two late-night buses to help visitors return after evening events
• A special Sunday service on 3 May

Visit the Stagecoach website for up-to-date timetables and fares.

Please note: All public transport services operate independently of the Festival. Always check directly with providers for the latest information.

Designated Drivers
Scotland has some of the strictest drink-driving laws in the world. The legal blood alcohol limit is 50mg per 100ml of blood which is lower than elsewhere in the UK. Even a small amount of alcohol could put you over the limit, so if you are driving, the safest option is not to drink at all.

Many events offer Driver’s Drams, allowing designated drivers to bottle and take home the whisky they would otherwise have sampled. Check individual event listings for details.

If you’re attending as a group, consider taking turns being the designated driver across different days. It’s a practical way to share responsibility while ensuring everyone gets to enjoy the experience.

Most venues have parking on-site or nearby, with details included in event descriptions..

A Note on Rural Roads
Many venues are in remote but beautiful locations, and driving in Speyside can be different from what you might be used to. Expect winding roads, single-track routes with passing places, and the occasional wandering deer!

With long daylight hours in May (sunset around 9pm), visibility is usually good into the evening. However, we recommend planning your route in advance, allowing extra travel time, and downloading directions in case of limited mobile signal.