Budgeting & Costs: How Much Does an NC500 Campervan Trip Actually Cost

It’s one of the first things people Google after seeing a stunning NC500 photo:

“How much does it cost to do the NC500 in a campervan?”

We’ve seen this question pop up across Reddit threads, Facebook groups, and even in our own inbox. Understandably, folks want to know what they’re signing up for — and whether it’s really affordable.

The short answer: Yes, it can be! With a bit of planning and flexibility, a campervan trip around Scotland’s iconic route can suit a range of budgets. Let’s break down the real costs, based on what fellow travellers have shared.

“How much is the van hire?”

“We booked in March for June and paid just under £900 for the week — totally worth it.” – Facebook comment

Van hire is your biggest single cost. Prices vary depending on the time of year, van size, and how early you book. As a rough guide:

• Low season (Oct–March): from £75/day

• Mid season (April, Sept): around £100–£120/day

• Peak season (May–Aug): from £130–£150/day

Longer hires often mean better rates per night. At Advantures, we include insurance, breakdown cover, and lots of extras (like cooking gear and bedding) that many other companies charge for.

“What about fuel?”

“We spent just over £200 on diesel doing the full route plus a few detours.” – Reddit user

The NC500 is about 516 miles, but most people drive more like 700–900 miles, including off-route adventures and detours. Depending on your route, expect to spend £150–£250 on fuel.

Tip: fuel can be more expensive in remote areas, so fill up in bigger towns when you can.

“How much do campsites cost?”

“We used a mix of campsites and wild camping — most paid sites were £20–£30 a night with hook-up.” – Quora

Campsites range from £15–£35/night, depending on facilities. Many travellers mix it up — a couple of nights wild camping (free), a few in formal sites, and maybe one splurge on a scenic site with a café or hot showers.

Wild camping (responsible and respectful!) helps balance your budget.

“What other costs should I expect?”

Here’s a rough breakdown based on real-world experiences:

Item	Cost (per trip, couple)
Van hire	£700–£1,200
Fuel	£150–£250
Campsites	£100–£200
Food (groceries + meals out)	£100–£200
Activities (tours, attractions)	£50–£150
Total (approx)	£1,100–£2,000 for 7–10 days

“Is it cheaper than other holidays?”

“Compared to hotels, hire cars, and restaurants — it was great value and way more fun.” – Instagram message

Campervan travel offers something that’s hard to put a price on: freedom. You’re not tied to check-in times or set itineraries. You can cook your own meals, stay in remote places, and wake up to million-pound views — for free.

The Best Investment Is the Experience

Sure, there are costs involved — but what you get in return is unforgettable. From spontaneous beach picnics to stargazing from your bed, campervan travel is about simple pleasures and big memories.

We’re here to help you get the most value out of every mile — and we genuinely care that you feel supported before, during, and after your trip.

If you’ve got questions, drop us a message. And if you’re ready to plan your own NC500 adventure, let’s talk vans!