admin posted 4 months ago
Updated: 10 April 2026
The best train holidays in Scotland are a rail traveller’s dream offering a special blend of history, culture, and wild Highland beauty. Scotland by rail holidays take in ancient castles, shimmering lochs, and rugged mountains and all without the hassle of driving. Here’s your ultimate guide to planning the perfect Scotland rail holiday for 2026/2027 including all-inclusive luxury Scotland railway tours on sleeper trains and more affordable options.
The Belmond Royal Scotsman is considered to offer the most luxurious train tour of Scotland. Step back in time to the glory days of rail travel, as you pass by the incredible landscapes of the Scottish Highlands aboard this magnificent sleeper train.
You’ll be welcomed aboard the train by uniformed attendants to the sound of bagpipes. The decadent carriages are styled like an Edwardian country house with an impressive mix of polished wood, rich fabrics and traditional Scottish tartans. With no more than 40 guests onboard, you’ll find the perfect space to relax and soak up the views with a dram of whisky.
Take trips that showcase the grandeur of Scotland as you travel around the Highlands. Whether you book treatments in the onboard spa or spend your days lounging in the Observation Car, your journey will be filled with Scottish tradition and wonderful views.
If you want an incredible luxury train tour of Scotland, it has to be the Royal Scotsman for an unforgettable rail journey through the Highlands’ majestic landscapes.
The cosy double cabins have a wardrobe and private ensuite bathroom with a toilet, wash basin and shower.
Twin cabins offer two lower twin-sized beds with sumptuous bedding and a well-designed ensuite bathroom with a shower and a wonderful view of the passing mountains, glens and lochs.
The most exclusive and luxurious accommodation onboard the Royal Scotsman are its two Grand Suites. In these spacious cabins decorated in tweed and tartan, you’ll enjoy separate sitting and sleeping areas plus a marbled ensuite bathroom with shower. You’re also benefit from a personal butler service, in-cabin dining by request and a complimentary spa service.
The onboard chef prepares fine dining dishes using freshly sourced Scottish ingredients. Taste the incredible flavours of the Highlands or the offerings of Scotland’s coastline. Accompany your meal with a recommended wine or one of the train’s 50 malt whiskies which are all included in the price of your holiday. Hot beverages, soft drinks and a wide selection of spirits are also complimentary, allowing you to enjoy the views and the once-in-a-lifetime experience of riding Belmond’s Royal Scotsman with your favourite drink in hand.
The Grand Western Scenic Wonders 10-day tour departs from the historic city of Edinburgh heading to the famous West Highland Line, one of the world’s most scenic railway journeys. You’ll travel past Ben Nevis and enjoy other dramatic landscapes including the Cairngorms, stunning coastal scenery and historic castles. This luxury train journey is the perfect way to experience Scotland at a relaxed pace with a private visit to Ballindalloch Castle and a visit to experience the regal glamour of the Royal Yacht Britannia.
Price includes 24-hour steward service, traditional entertainment on board, all meals aboard the train and all beverages including alcoholic drinks.
The Wild Spirit of Scotland all-inclusive railway tour offers private cabins, fine dining, and excursions to castles, distilleries, and Highland estates. Routes include the Western Scenic Wonders and Highland Journey, combining comfort with panoramic Scottish landscapes.
You’ll also experience true Scottish culture and hospitality on this all-inclusive train holiday. Sample whisky at Tomatin Distillery which is my favourite Scottish whisky so I highly recommend this. Enjoy a private visit to grand Ballindalloch Castle and lose yourself in the views of the stunning Cairngorm National Park. Journey along the charming Strathspey Railway. In a fitting way to spend your last evening aboard, you’ll indulge in a grand gala dinner before a spot of Scottish country dancing on the station platform. You’ll disembark in Edinburgh taking with you wonderful memories of your unforgettable luxury Scotland train tour.
Price includes 24-hour steward service, traditional entertainment on board, all meals aboard the train and all beverages including alcoholic drinks.
Great Rail Journeys offer several luxury rail holidays in Scotland aboard the Royal Scotsman.
Some of the most scenic railway journeys in the world are in the stunning Scottish Highlands travelling through incredible landscapes made up of majestic mountains and shimmering lochs. This tour from Just Go! combines coach travel with heritage train trips on the Kyle Railway Line and the iconic Jacobite Steam Train on the West Highland Line. You’ll also have an excursion to Loch Lomond & Fort William, free time in Aviemore & Mallaig plus an en-route visit to Edinburgh. Although not an all-inclusive trip, dinner and breakfast are provided on some days.
This 6-day rail holiday includes a Jacobite steam train trip and departs from Glasgow. Travel by train into the heart of the Scottish Highlands passing through stunning landscapes of mountains, lochs and glens on the West Highland Line. You’ll also have the chance to explore Glasgow and cruise on stunning Loch Lomond.
Wander around the historic town of Inveraray, before catching the ferry to the Isle of Mull where you’ll visit the ancient Duart Castle, and explore the pretty village of Tobermory. Saving the best to last, you’ll board the Jacobite Steam Train and cross the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct.
Departing London on the sleeper train to Scotland, you’ll visit Mallaig, Inverness and Fort William before returning to London on this self-guided rail tour. Travel via Scot Rail along the scenic route to Mallaig that takes you over the 21 arches of the spectacular Glenfinnan viaduct made famous as the iconic route to Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films.
Looking for a train trip from Edinburgh which takes you through the stunning Highland scenery of lochs, glens, castles? This trip is for you. You’ll travel along the West Highland and Kyle railway lines, some of the most scenic railway lines in Scotland.
Although not quite an all-inclusive railway tour, the cost of this Great Rail Journeys tour includes an expert guide, all tour excursions including heritage rail journeys, breakfast each day, six dinners, plus a spectacular Scottish gala dinner in Edinburgh.
Choose a train holiday in Scotland for scenic routes, relaxed travel, and access to remote landscapes. Trains like the Jacobite and West Highland Line offer views of mountains, lochs, and historic landmarks. Train tours remove driving stress and provide onboard comfort. They also connect key destinations like Edinburgh, Glasgow, Fort William, Oban and Mallaig. You can choose an all-inclusive Scotland rail tour with a tour guide, excursions and meals included. If you prefer more flexibility, you can book an independent, self-guided train trip.
Routes like the West Highland Line are globally celebrated for their breathtaking views of Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, Ben Nevis, and the Glenfinnan Viaduct made famous in the Harry Potter “Hogwarts Express” scene.
Travelling by rail reduces your carbon footprint and eliminates driving stress. And with companies like Great Rail Journeys, your Scotland by rail holiday package includes expert guides and hand-picked hotels.
Choose from options like an iconic luxury rail tour aboard the Royal Scotsman or flexible city-to-city rail trips via ScotRail.
Choose routes like the West Highland Line, Highland Main Line, and luxurious Royal Scotsman. Combine iconic steam train trips like the Jacobite with indulgent services like the Caledonian Sleeper train for a full Scotland train tours experience. Whether you’re after remote landscapes, whisky culture, or Game-of-Thrones scenery, Scotland by rail holidays offers you an eco-friendly, relaxing, and breathtaking way to explore Scotland.
If your train holiday is departing from a Scottish location, read our Scotland travel guide for advice on how to travel to Scotland.
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