Updated: 11 June 2025
admin posted: 8 June 2025
The best train holidays in Scotland are a rail traveller’s dream offering that special blend of history, culture, and wild Highland beauty. Scotland by rail holidays take you past ancient castles, shimmering lochs, and rugged glens and all without the hassle of driving. Here’s your ultimate guide to planning the perfect Scotland rail holiday.
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, provide onboard comfort, and connect key destinations like Edinburgh, Glasgow, Fort William, Oban and Mallaig. You can opt for an all-inclusive Scotland rail tour with a tour guide, excursions and meals included, or an independent, self-guided option if you like more flexibility.
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 the iconic Royal Scotsman (a luxury rail tour) or flexible city-to-city rail trips via ScotRail.
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 we 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.
If you’re looking for a train trip from Edinburgh which takes you through the stunning Highland scenery of lochs, glens, castles, and more, 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.
Considered to be the most luxurious train tour of Scotland is the Royal Scotsman by Belmond. This all-inclusive journey 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.
For an incredible luxury train tour of Scotland, it has to be the Royal Scotsman for an unforgettable rail journey through Scotland’s majestic 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, and enjoy a private visit to grand Ballindalloch Castle and lose yourself in the views of the 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 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 train tours aboard the Royal Scotsman.
Choose routes like the West Highland Line, Highland Main Line, and luxurious Royal Scotsman. Combine iconic steam rides 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.
Our Scotland travel guide, has advice on how to travel to Scotland if your train holiday is departing from a Scottish location.
Ready to start your Scottish rail journey? Book early, pack layers, and prepare for a special rail adventure filled with castles, lochs, and lifelong memories.
Scotland’s most scenic railway journeys include the West Highland Line, the Kyle of Lochalsh Line, and the Far North Line. These routes offer views of lochs, mountains, moors, and coastal cliffs. Highlights include the Glenfinnan Viaduct, Eilean Donan Castle, and remote Highland landscapes rarely seen by road.
The best train trip in Scotland is the West Highland Line from Glasgow to Mallaig. This route passes through Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, and the Glenfinnan Viaduct, featured in Harry Potter films. The scenery includes mountains, lochs, and remote wilderness, offering one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world.
Go by train in Scotland to destinations like Mallaig via the West Highland Line, Inverness via the Highland Main Line, and Kyle of Lochalsh via the Kyle Line. These routes connect cities to remote Highlands, coastal villages, and scenic landmarks, making them ideal for exploring Scotland by rail.
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