luxury train journeys edinburgh

• - Service on Board
• - Grand Suites
• - General Information
• - Edinburgh Hotels
• - Taste of the Highlands 2 Night Tour
• - Western Scenic Wonders 3 Night Tour
• - Essence of Scotland 3 Night Tour
• - An Epicurean Highland Adventure 3 Night Tour
• - Wild Scotland 3 Night Tour
• - Scotlands Classic Splendours 4 Night Tour
• - Scotch Malt Whisky Trail 4 Night Tour
• - Heritage Homes & Gardens 4 Night Tour
• - Grand Taste of the Highlands - Westbound 5 Night Tour
• - Grand Taste of the Highlands - Northbound 5 Night Tour
• - Clans, Castles & Isles 5 Night Tour
• - Grand Western Scenic Wonders - Westbound 7 Night Tour
• - Grand Western Scenic Wonders - Northbound 7 Night Tour
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Belmond Royal Scotsman

Welcome aboard the belmond royal scotsman, a luxury train in scotland that is your impeccable host for a spectacular journey into the beautiful scottish highlands. this is travel the way it was meant to be: luxurious, leisurely and full of discovery., video: belmond royal scotsman.

A journey on Belmond Royal Scotsman (sister train of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express) is regarded as one of the great travel experiences. You'll be taken into the heart of Scottish history on an exclusive round trip where you'll enjoy exquisite hospitality in castles, distilleries and great country houses. So sit back, relax and let the staff of the Belmond Royal Scotsman look after your every need.

Your journey on board this luxury Scottish train offers exclusive visits to romantic castles, distilleries and private homes. Feast on gastronomic delights, prepared on board using the freshest local ingredients and accompanied by fine wines, served in one of the two Dining Cars.

Considered to be the world's most luxurious train, you will be joined by a maximum of just 35 other guests as you explore the magnificent scenery in Scotland, visiting places unseen by most visitors.

Unwind in one of the most unique spas that Scotland has to offer, on board Belmond Royal Scotsman. Two serene treatment rooms provide a haven of peace, while an exceptional menu of all-natural therapies work to rejuvenate body and mind. Simply sit back, relax and let the therapists indulge you as the beautiful scenery glides by.

Fine Dining

Dining on board this luxury train in Scotland is an exquisite experience. The fixed menus reflect the seasonal changes and are consistently regarded as the best in any hotel in the world. The extensive cellar provides a range of fine wines to accompany lunch and dinners, and a fine range of liqueurs and malt whiskies are offered. The choice of a full Scottish cooked breakfast or a Continental breakfast is available every morning.

Both Dining Cars are beautifully decorated with rich mahogany panelling and luxurious fabrics. Victory provides 16 elegant settings grouped in twos and fours, while Raven has larger tables for six or eight. This offers you the chance to make new friends with your fellow guests or simply enjoy the company of the one you're with.

After dinner, relax with a rare scotch malt whisky in the stunning Edwardian Observation Car as a local Highlander regales you with stories of life in Scotland in centuries gone by. Then, retire to your mahogany-adorned State Cabin, with private facilities, for a peaceful night's sleep as the train slips quietly into a siding where it stables for the night.

You'll taste some great whiskys on board

Drinks await as you re-board the train

A local Highlander regales stories in the Bar Car

There are a variety of rail journeys available on the Belmond Royal Scotsman, from one to seven nights in duration. You'll travel through some of the most breathtaking scenery in Europe. Travelling at a leisurely pace, so you miss none of the splendour outside your window, you'll wind your way through beautiful glens, around stunning lochs and along mile after mile of unspoilt coastline. Of course, there are stops along the way; a chance to experience Scotland at first hand, with hospitality at a number of exclusive destinations.

"When it comes to sheer glamour, no ride on rails compares with a trip on the Belmond Royal Scotsman"

This luxurious Scottish train is exclusive and intimate accommodating a maximum of only 36 guests in wonderful State Cabins, all with private facilities. Once on board, you'll find a level of hospitality and personal service that's all too rare in the modern world. From the moment you arrive, to the time when you, sadly, have to leave, you'll want for nothing. Except, perhaps, a chance to do it all again.

All prices are per person and are fully inclusive of accommodation, meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, entertainment and off-train visits, as well as the services of your on board host; there solely to make your journey more enjoyable.

Treat yourself to a memorable luxury train journey in Scotland aboard The Belmond Royal Scotsman and experience the very best of this wonderful country in world-class luxury.

Cuisine On Board Belmond Royal Scotsman

The belmond royal scotsman's restaurant has gained rightful acclaim as one of the finest in britain - moving or still. here, the fruits of scotland's famous natural larder - salmon, shellfish, game and aberdeen angus beef - are all used with verve and imagination by our award winning chef..

Dining on the Belmond Royal Scotsman is an exquisite experience. Our fixed menus reflect the many seasonal changes and are consistently regarded as amongst the very finest in Britain.

The train's chefs create dishes to exacting standards despite the restricted space. Dining on board the beautifully decorated, mahogany-panelled dining room is an experience to savour with meals prepared with local ingredients, such as Scottish smoked salmon, and served with wine for all tastes.

Our extensive cellar provides a range of fine wines to accompany lunch and dinner, and we offer a fine range of liqueurs and malt whiskies. The choice of a full Scottish cooked breakfast or a continental breakfast is available every morning.

Both Dining Cars are beautifully decorated with rich mahogany panelling and luxurious fabrics. Victory provides sixteen elegant settings grouped in twos and fours, while Raven has larger tables for six or eight. This offers you the chance to make new friends with your fellow guests or simply enjoy the company of the one you're with.

Superb dining on board

Max, the Head Steward

Great local produce served

Formal and informal dinners.

There are formal and informal dinners aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman, usually on alternate nights. For the formal dinners we encourage a tuxedo or kilt for gentleman and a cocktail dress or similar evening wear for ladies. For the informal dinners a jacket and tie is the norm for gentlemen, except at times of unusually hot weather.

With its game-rich glens, lush pastures cropped by Aberdeen Angus cattle and rivers home to wild salmon, it's not surprising that Scotland is known for flavoursome, quality cuisine. Not only is the country's beef exceptional, but the choice of other tasty meats includes grouse, pheasant and venison, all of which speak of mountains and forests where creatures roam free. The jagged coastline, with its islands and inlets, shelters a wealth of seafood including scallops, oysters, crabs and other shellfish, while further inland are the lochs and burns where trout and other freshwater fish swim. All of these are brought to table with local specialities from the fields – oatcakes, neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes) – and followed up with delectable desserts that include delicious Dundee fruit cake and melt-in-the-mouth shortbreads.

There's nothing quite like a hearty Highland breakfast, especially when it's served aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman train. Succulent kippers, potato scones and a steaming bowl of porridge get the day off to a warming start. Admire the picturesque surroundings as you take lunch. A bowl of lightly steamed mussels by a romantic harbour or vegetable-rich Scotch broth in a cosy inn are the perfect preparation for a whisky-tasting session or exploring an ancient castle with the laird. Aboard the train, a lunch might start with lightly seared salmon, in preparation for the wicked sticky toffee pudding to come. Dishes are served as the train passes the dramatic landscapes that supply them: fields of barley, open seas with fishing boats, streams tumbling down from misty mountains.

As evening falls, the train's grand formal dinner is a highlight of any journey. Guests are invited to dress the part and are welcomed to the bar and dining cars where they can enjoy an aperitif. Once seated at softly lit tables, the menu might begin with a warm pigeon salad accompanied by blackcurrant dressing, continue with spiced roast halibut and conclude with vanilla apple mousse. For while the ingredients of Scottish cooking are wholesome, fresh-from-the-fields produce, the ways in which they are prepared are as innovative as one would expect of a nation long accustomed to welcoming visitors to its shores.

Sample Menus

Chicken and langoustines salad with baby squash and queen scallops ~~~~ bitter chocolate tart with kumquat marmalade, seared scallops with sauce vierge ~~~~ roast loin of lamb with wild mushrooms and truffle risotto ~~~~ iced hazelnut parfait with raspberry coulis ~~~~.

There is a fixed menu for each meal, but do request an alternative if the posted menu does not suit you. Special diets can be arranged with the Chef on board - just advise us in advance.

Belmond Royal Scotsman - General Information

Check-in procedure.

All tours depart from Edinburgh Waverley Station. Check-in is at least 40 minutes prior to departure at The Balmoral Hotel , after which your Host and Crew members will escort you and your luggage onto the train.

All Inclusive Prices

These offer outstanding value and include luxury twin or single state cabin accommodation with en suite bathroom, all meals, wines, all alcoholic and other beverages, visits and entertainment.

Special Diets

These can be arranged with the Chef on board - just advise us in advance. There is a fixed menu for each meal, but do request an alternative if the posted menu does not suit you. Please advise us at the time of booking of any allergies which we need to be aware of.

For daytime excursions and relaxing on board, we recommend casual, comfortable clothing. In the evening we recommend a jacket and tie for informal dinners and black tie/tuxedo or kilt for formal dinners (see journey itinerary for details).

Cabins on the train have limited space, therefore we recommend each guest travels with one suitcase and one carry-on bag. Twin State Cabins have storage space under each bed measuring 71cm x 23cm. If necessary, facilities are available at The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh for luggage storage during your journey. If you are staying at another hotel, please ask the Hotel Manager. Prior to boarding, please attach a Belmond Royal Scotsman luggage label to each piece of your luggage.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement that all clients read the Booking Conditions . Travel insurance is essential for ensuring peace of mind. You can arrange travel insurance online here .

Children and Pets

For safety reasons, pets are not permitted on the train. Children under 12 years of age may be permitted on the train - please contact us for details.

Electricity

There are electrical outlets in all cabins. Electricity in the UK runs on 220/240 volts. You may wish to bring an adapter for electrical appliances.

Wheelchair Access

Guests with restricted mobility, or those confined to a wheelchair are asked to contact us to discuss the suitability of a journey aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman.

In accordance with Scottish Law, smoking is not permitted on board the train at any time.

Service On Board the Belmond Royal Scotsman

The secret of the belmond royal scotsman's success is the service guests receive. so attentive is it that all you have to do is simply arrive, unpack and relax. everything else is taken care of. you can even leave your wallet or purse tucked safely away, as all meals, drinks, entertainment and excursions are included., pure relaxation; natural splendour.

On the Belmond Royal Scotsman, you'll find total relaxation is achieved with remarkable ease. The Observation Car is an Edwardian masterpiece of refined, relaxed elegance. Here, you can relax on a large sofa or comfortable armchair, and take in the ever-changing scenery outside your window.

If you'd like to get even closer to Scotland's natural beauty, the verandah at the rear of the train is an exhilarating spot to catch the air as it swishes gently past.

The Spa Car adds another unexpected level of extravagance. Unwind in one of the most unique spas that Scotland has to offer, where two serene treatment rooms provide a haven of peace. Relax with an indulgent massage, facial or manicure as the Scottish Highlands' rugged scenery passes gently by.

Your Own Haven of Luxury

The Belmond Royal Scotsman is often described as the finest country house hotel, on wheels. It's an accolade that you'll happily agree with as you turn in for the night.

The Sleeping Cars provide fourteen twin, two double and four single State Cabins, beautifully fitted out in rich marquetry, each providing a comfortable and intimate area to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery of Scotland.

Each cabin has its own private bathroom with shower, wash-basin and toilet, constant hot water, high quality toiletries and fresh fluffy white towels every day. Other facilities include:

• Dressing table
• Full-length wardrobe
• Individually controlled heating
• Cooling ceiling fans
• Opening windows
• Cabin service call button

Each bed is furnished with a foam pillow, a hypoallergenic duvet and quilted cotton bed covers.

With the train stabled at night in a quiet siding or station, you are assured a good night's sleep.

"Plush beds and opulent bathrooms are the order of the day"

From the moment the piper welcomes you aboard in Edinburgh, to the moment you return to this historic city, you'll be in the very best of hands, on the very best of trains. With a variety of individual tours to enjoy, it won't be long before you're planning your next trip aboard the most luxurious train in the world.

Royal Scotsman Grand Suite

Grand Suite Bathroom

Royal Scotsman Twin Cabin

Grand suites.

Joining the rake from May 2024, two exceptional new Grand Suites will complement the existing Twin and Double cabins.

The Grand Suites aboard Royal Scotsman signal the start of a new age of indulgent Highland adventure. The spacious interiors are rich in references to Scottish culture and reflect the passing landscapes. Patterns echo Edwardian elegance as Pictish stones, dark woods and local stones sit side by side with rich and sophisticated tweeds. Decorative elements in carved pewter adorn the lamps and tables. The design of the furniture and lighting is directly inspired by the Scottish islands. Together, the design elements conjure a sense of enrapturing myth and cinematic drama, while fostering the feel of a private club where members join together in a convivial spirit.

Download Grand Suites Brochure

Itineraries

General Information

Service on Board

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Experience the Magic of a Scotland Train Holiday on The Royal Scotsman Train Tour

Train tours of Scotland, simply put, don’t come any more baronial or monumental by nature than onboard the spectacular Royal Scotsman. You can journey aboard this wonderful transportable traditional country house and experience the quite remarkable grandeur of the country’s Highlands on this extraordinary luxurious Scotland train tour.

View all the Royal Scotsman tours we offer to get your trip going.

Cabin Classes

Full details on the cabin classes available on the Royal Scotsman.

Life On Board

Learn about life on board the Royal Scotsman Luxury Train.

Frequently asked questions about the Royal Scotsman luxury train.

Royal Scotsman Luxury Train Tours

Below are the rail tours we offer that use the Royal Scotsman. Just click on any tour to open a PDF containing all you need to know about the trip including a detailed itinerary, dates and prices.

● Please remember that booking as far ahead as you can in advance is essential for these trains ●

2 Nights From UK £ 4,400 per person

Contact us for quotes in other currencies

Travel straight into the heart of the Scottish Highlands, visiting enchanting sites of natural beauty and making the most of the thrilling outdoor activities

3 Nights From UK £ 6,400 per person

Explore the rugged landscapes of the West coast of Scotland

Embark on a captivating journey through Scotland’s untamed beauty.

4 Nights From UK £ 8,300 per person

Discover the wild wonders and picturesque scenery that Scotland has to offer

4 Nights From UK £ 8,900 per person

Dive into Scotland’s finest estates with untold stories and guided tours

Embark on an adventure with the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, our partner for this unique journey through Scotland

5 Nights From UK £11,200 per person

Discover Scotland through the ages with unique sceneries and intriguing experiences

5 Nights From UK £ 10,400 per person

Be spirited away as you retrace part of the famed West Highland Line

A combination of the traditional Highland and scenic Western journeys

7 Nights From UK £ 14,700 per person

Explore the many wonders of the Scottish Highlands at a leisurely pace

Head West and explore the many wonders of the Scottish Highlands at a leisurely pace

Royal Scotsman Luxury train Gallery

A selection of photos below give a flavour of life on board the Royal scotsman Luxury Train.

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How can we help, which royal scotsman trips are you interested in, how did you hear about us, discover scotland train tours: unveil the spirit of scotland with our inspired itineraries..

It’s fair to say that the country has rather the reputation for being home to some truly breathtaking scenery, of which you’ll be immersed fully during a Royal Scotsman train holiday in Scotland. You are promised a captivating and awe-inspiring adventure when you depart Waverley Station in Edinburgh at the opening of the Royal Scotsman trips with beautifully curated itineraries that will generate an abundance of memories that will stay with you evermore.

The Royal Scotsman tour itineraries have been designed to provide the most meaningful on-route exploits. Each of our Scotland rail tours will deliver exceptional experiences that other rail holidays in Europe or farther afield can’t offer. You get to visit the country’s most spectacular country houses, National Parks, the finest distilleries, partake in the odd dram of malt whiskey, and many more unforgettable gems that are yours to enjoy as part of the Scotsman train journey.

The Royal Scotsman Journey: From Breathtaking Landscapes to Gourmet Delights, Embark on a Cinematic Train Tour.

If there is one thing Scotland has, and has it in abundance, it’s spectacular and breathtaking landscapes. Trips on the Royal Scotsman set off from Edinburgh, the country’s capital city, and treat its passengers to some of the most wondrous panoramas anywhere in Europe. Enjoy the stunning vistas from the open observation deck along the Royal Scotsman train route or from the luxurious dining car as you are treated to the finest Scottish produce as you indulge in a magical, fine dining experience on the Royal Scotsman train journey.

Train Holidays in Scotland: Step into Luxury with the Belmond Royal Scotsman’s Grand Suites

While it can be claimed, quite rightfully, that all accommodations onboard for the Royal Scotsman train holidays are luxurious, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to state that the edition of the Grand Suites has taken luxury train travel to the next level. Scotland rail tours enjoyed from these stunning suites would undoubtedly be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most passengers looking to procure the Royal Scotsman tickets that come with a promise of complete luxury.

The tone of each Grand Suite is set using elaborate Edwardian wood marquetry and traditional tartan expressions to capture the mood for an incredible Scotland train tour. Inspired by conventional Highlands furniture and integrating deep blues, greens, and amber hues, these unique Grand Suites are to be savoured on the Royal Scotsman train journey as they blend into the natural landscapes of this extraordinary country as you relax on the Royal Scotsman tour.

The Royal Scotsman Route: Explore Iconic Destinations Like Kyle of Lochalsh, Fort William, and Rothiemurchus.

Train holidays in Scotland offer something distinct from other European adventures, and holidays on the Royal Scotsman train must be considered the pinnacle of luxury rail journeys. Those fortunate enough to experience the Royal Scotsman railway will be treated to a showcase of inspiring, spellbinding, and iconic destinations as part of a tour. The Royal Scotsman train price guarantees a matchless exploration of this exhilarating country.

One quintessential destination accessible through trips on the Royal Scotsman is the Rothiemurchus Estate at the centre of the Cairngorms National Park, where you could savour clay pigeon shooting or a fishing tour. The Scotsman train journey you take could also seize the incredible views of Ben Nevis as you wind your way through Fort William or experience arguably the most scenic route in Great Britain as you make your way to Kyle of Lochalsh on these prodigious Scotland train tours.

Exclusive Scotland Rail Tour Experiences: From the Dior Spa to Whisky Odysseys, Indulge in Unique Offerings.

Whichever one of the Belmond Royal Scotsman tour itineraries you choose to escape on, you’ll be spoilt for choice regarding how to spend your time, both on and off the train. While travelling along the Royal Scotsman railway, you can indulge by relaxing in your opulent cabin, taking in the stunning scenery, or enjoying the views from the open-air observation deck. And train tours of Scotland wouldn’t be complete without trying some of the 60 varieties of whiskey held on board included in the Royal Scotsman price.

The exceptional Dior Spa is a firm favourite among the Belmond Royal Scotsman passengers. As if journeying along the Royal Scotsman train route wasn’t luxurious enough, you can head to the Dior Spa Royal Scotsman and indulge and relax to your heart’s content. A shield of tranquillity awaits you at the spa as your train holiday in Scotland melts away the stresses and strains of everyday life, and you can just be at peace.

The Royal Scotsman Prices: Tailored Packages for an Unforgettable Train Holiday in Scotland.

If you have previously taken or know someone who has taken holidays on the Royal Scotsman train, you’ll unquestionably appreciate the variety of world-class experiences and luxury that await when you board the Royal Scotsman. Cost and value are different, and when you arrange tailored packages for the Royal Scotsman trips, you know you are getting incredible value for money by exploring a stunning country from the luxury of one of the world’s most joyful forms of transport.

Interested in the Royal Scotsman Tours for 2024? Speak To Our Experts Today!

The Royal Scotsman train holidays for 2024 from The Luxury Train Travel Company provide you with the perfect escape where you can luxuriate and relax. If you want to learn more about our beautifully crafted Scotland train tours and the Royal Scotsman prices, please contact us today and speak with an expert who will gladly answer any questions and guide you in arranging a dream adventure on the Belmond Royal Scotsman train.

THE MOST POPULAR QUESTIONS

The royal scotsman train holidays faqs, what makes the royal scotsman train tours unique.

There are many things that make the Royal Scotsman unique as a leading luxury train and assist in its operating along some of Europe’s most scenic routes. The train itself was first introduced in 1985, and thanks to its incredible country house-like interior and unrivalled amenities, these Scotland train tours are booked by people from all walks of life and from countries around the world. With sumptuous cabins and two incredible fine dining cars, the world’s finest whiskey, and impeccable staffing, and then you have the stunning Scottish landscape and tour destinations. It’s little wonder why these train tours in Scotland are so loved.

How does the Belmond Royal Scotsman ensure a luxurious experience?

From the second you arrive at Waverley Station in Edinburgh to board the Belmond Royal Scotsman, you’ll be welcomed by the crew and made to feel comfortable. On the train, the ambience is set. You’ll enjoy top-quality accommodation, fine dining in the two restaurant cars, where you’ll be served incredible meals using fresh local Scottish ingredients, and the most luxurious Christian Dior Spa. To the fantastic crew of 20 who care for your every wish, world-class panoramic views, tour destinations, and experiences. The Royal Scotsman tour itineraries were curated to provide passengers with the best of everything, so the Royal Scotsman train journey provided the height of luxury and indulgence.

Can you provide more details about the Royal Scotsman Train Route?

There are several Scotland rail tours aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman. Each tour will begin in Edinburgh at Waverley Station. There is a 2-night Taste of The Highlands tour, which journeys straight into the heart of the Scottish Highlands, visiting Rothiemurchus, Boat of Garten, Culloden, Keith, and Dundee before heading back to Edinburgh. If you want something longer, you could book the northbound 7-night Grand Western Scenic Wonders adventure. Again, departing Edinburgh on day 1, these train tours of Scotland take you to Kilmarnock, Isle of Bute, Bridge of Orchy, Spean Bridge, Dundee, Boat of Garten, Kyle of Lochalsh, Keith, and finally back to Edinburgh. Ten different routes are on offer from the Royal Scotsman railway, including 2,3,4,5, and 7-night tours.

Are there different packages available for the Royal Scotsman Tours?

The Royal Scotsman train price list isn’t necessarily cast in stone. The train tours have set routes, but if you want to add an off-train excursion that fits in with the train’s scheduled stops, feel free to speak to one of our team members, who will help arrange it. Train holidays in Scotland provide a special way of viewing some of Great Britain’s most spectacular scenery and destinations. With ten unique Scotland rail tours available through us, you’ll no doubt find one that fits your schedule and budget.

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Belmond Royal Scotsman

• Crinan Hotel
• Crossbasket Castle
• Douneside House
• Fonab Castle Hotel & Spa
• Glenapp Castle
• Glencoe House
• Glenmorangie House
• Hebridean Island Cruises
• Inverlochy Castle Hotel
• Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa and Island
• Kinloch Lodge
• Knockinaam Lodge
• The Machrie Hotel
• Murrayshall Country Estate
• Rocpool Reserve Hotel
• Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa
• The Torridon

The Belmond Royal Scotsman is one of the world’s most luxurious train journeys, gliding through some of Scotland’s most spellbinding countryside. Offering the elegance of a by-gone era with first-class accommodation and mahogany-panelled dining cars, an experience aboard Belmond Royal Scotsman is certainly one for the wish list. Departing from Edinburgh Waverley Station, there is a journey for every interest, including exclusive whisky trails and historic exploration.

The train has capacity for 24 passengers in 12 twin or double cabins.

For those with a sense of wanderlust seeking a one-of-a-kind experience.

• Reasons To Stay

Inspiration

• Edinburgh Waverley Station, Edinburgh EH1 1BB
• T: 08450 772222
• E: [email protected]
• https://www.belmond.com/trains/europe/scotland/belmond-royal-scotsman/
• Nearest Transport
• Departs from Edinburgh Waverley Station
• Edinburgh Airport - 8 miles, 30 minutes
• Glasgow Airport - 55 miles, 1 hour and 10 minutes

5 Reasons to Stay

• Travel with a sense of timeless elegance
• Outstanding gastronomic pleasures
• Range of itineraries and journeys
• Access to views you would never see from the road
• The most romantic way to explore Scotland

About the Belmond Royal Scotsman

Embark on the ultimate Highland adventure with Belmond Royal Scotsman. Elegant Edwardian interiors exude opulence and warmth, while the onboard Bamford Haybarn Spa and outdoor observation platform offer modern indulgence. Carefully curated to capture Scotland’s wild spirit, this is the opportunity to celebrate the country’s stunning scenery, historic gems and leisurely pursuits.  

Accommodation

Edwardian-style cabins, fitted with mahogany marquetry, provide a cosy yet opulent haven in which to retire. Belmond Royal Scotsman has four single, 15 twin and three double cabins available, including an interconnecting cabin that is adaptable for passengers with restricted mobility.

The wood panelling and rich upholstery that adorn the two dining cars, Raven and Swift, set the scene for an unforgettable onboard dining experience. Guests can raise a toast with a champagne breakfast on Morar’s famous silver sands, or marvel at the beauty of Eilean Donan castle.

Glide through a land of unspoilt beauty, past brooding Scottish glens and mirror-still lochs. Stop to explore castles, distilleries, mills and Scotland’s rich heritage.

Finer Details

• Restaurant and Bars

At a Glance

• Airport chauffeur
• Room service
• Assistance with booking hotels pre and post train journey

All-inclusive Accommodation

• State Cabin accommodation
• Table d'hôte meals daily
• All alcoholic and other beverages
• Entertainment
• All sightseeing excursions as shown in the itineraries
• All applicable taxes

In-room Services

• Lower berth beds
• En suite with shower
• Dressing table
• Full-length wardrobe
• Opening windows and ceiling fans
• Electrical outlets in all cabins
• High-quality toiletries
• Fresh white towels
• Foam pillow and hypoallergenic duvet
• Cabin service call button
• Dining onboard is an event, with an acclaimed menu of seasonal foods
• Guests can enjoy canapès and cocktails in the Bar Car before dinner

Diner Information

• Whisky tasting in the bar
• Fine Scottish fare
• Unforgettable gourmet adventure
• Champagne breakfast
• Bamford Haybarn spa
• Observation car
• Onboard dining
• Two dining cars
• Two serene treatment rooms
• All-natural therapies 
• Range of treatments 

Tour Itineraries

• Taste of the Highlands
• Scotland's Classic Splendours
• Western Scenic Wonders
• Scotch Malt Whisky Tour
• Clans, Castles & Isles

Experiences

• The Whisky Journey Dining Experience
• Adventure Under the Stars
• Whisky Distilleries 
• Round of Golf
• White Water Rafting

Main Contact

Edinburgh Waverly Edinburgh  EH1 1BB

0845 077 2222

[email protected]

There is an extra long bed (2.2m / 7ft 2ins) in cabins Q, R and S.

Here are the carriage plans of the Belmond Royal Scotsman, with the type and letter for each cabin.

Here is further information, including about Belmond Royal Scotsman disabled access .

Observation Car

This carriage exudes elegance, with its fresh flowers, potted palms and panoramic windows. The Observation deck at the rear of the carriage allows one to sample the freshest of air and uninterrupted views and is the only open Observation Deck in Europe. The Royal Scotsman Observation Car is always full of life as fellow travellers provide conviviality and conversation redolent of a country house weekend party.

Both Dining Cars are beautifully decorated with rich mahogany paneling and luxurious fabrics. Victory provides sixteen elegant settings grouped in twos and fours, while Raven has larger tables for six or eight. This offers you the chance to make new friends with your fellow guests or simply enjoy the company of the one you are with.

The Spa Car is operated by British wellness brand Bamford is inspired by nature, with botanical skincare collections and holistic treatments that are made using organic ingredients. The Haybarn Spa uses sustainable wood from Scotland and the Cotswolds. It has two single-treatment rooms with picture windows.

Treatments include: Bamford Bespoke Facial, Bamford De-Stress Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, manicures and pedicures using eco- natural Kure Bazaar nail polishes. Contact us to book your treatments.

Catering on Royal Scotsman

With game-rich glens, Aberdeen Angus beef, a wealth of seafood and rivers of wild salmon, dining on board is an experience to savour with meals prepared from local ingredients. All are served with regional specialties.

Each day starts with a hearty Highland breakfast or a continental style breakfast .

Here are some sample menus for lunch and dinner.

As evening falls, take your seat in the Dining Car. Expect sensational dishes, like warm pigeon salad accompanied by blackcurrant dressing, spiced roast halibut, and sumptuous apple mousse.

The extensive cellar provides a range of fine wines to accompany lunch and dinner, and a fine range of liqueurs and malt whiskies.

Mark Tamburrini, Head Chef has worked in some of the UK’s finest restaurants, such as the Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow, and Michelin-starred L’Escargot in Soho, London.

Itineraries, Prices and Dates Royal Scotsman 2024/2025

Scroll down for detailed itineraries, dates and prices

The journeys have carefully crafted itineraries but suggested excursions can be changed for a specialist activity, according to taste. Ask for details.

Scotland’s Classic Splendours (4 nights)

Glen Ord Distillery, Eilean Donan Castle, Ballindalloch Castle, Glamis Castle, Rothiemurchus Estate

This 720-mile journey is the ultimate in a Scottish experience, taking in Dundee, Montrose, Aberdeen, Keith, Inverness, Plockton, Dalwhinnie and Perth.

Day one. As the Royal Scotsman leaves Edinburgh in the early afternoon, it travels north, crossing the firth of Forth via the magnificent Forth Railway Bridge, affording one spectacular views. Be on the open Observation Deck for the best experience. Whilst indulging in a leisurely afternoon tea, the train passes Arboath, Montrose and Aberdeen before arriving in Keith. In the evening enjoy an informal dinner and a drink in the Observation Car.

Day two. Breakfast is served as the train leaves Keith, travelling west along the Moray Firth towards Inverness. Later enjoy a delicious lunch on the way to Kyle of Lochalsh. Alight at Plockton*, to explore or perhaps take a boat trip to see wild seals or enjoy a dram in the Plockton Hotel. Night on board in Kyle of Lochalsh. Dinner is formal, followed by entertainment in the Observation Car, which offers mesmerising views over Loch Alsh to the Isle of Skye.

Day three. Join your onboard Host for an invigorating early-morning walk over the bridge that links the mainland with the Isle of Skye. Alternatively, take a short drive before breakfast to marvel at Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most iconic sights. Depart Kyle as breakfast is served and retrace part of yesterday's route as far as Dingwall, allowing views of Plockton across the bay, where you can see white-washed cottages with fishing boats and yachts riding at anchor. Disembark in Garve to visit Glen Ord Distillery, which is one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, founded in 1838. Situated on the edge of the Black Isle, Glen Ord continues to malt its own barley and to use the long fermentation and slow distillation methods followed there for generations. Enjoy a tour of the distillery as well as a private tasting and nosing session.

Travel south to Carrbridge where you disembark to explore romantic Ballindalloch Castle on beautiful Speyside. Options at Ballindalloch include a private castle tour or an exclusive look at what is Scotland's only single estate distillery.

The night is spent on board at Boat of Garten on the private Strathspey Railway. After an informal dinner, our Highlander regales guests with tales and weaponry displays.

Day four. Begin with a visit to the stunning Rothiemurchus Estate , one of the glories of wild Scotland in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, where fishing, clay pigeon shooting or a tour of the estate can be enjoyed. Re-joining the train at Kingussie, lunch is served during the journey south to Dunkeld, where you disembark for a visit to Glamis Castle (pronounced 'Glarms'), childhood home of the late HM Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. After rejoining the train in Perth, enjoy a formal dinner with entertainment. Overnight stay on board in Dundee.

Day five. After breakfast the train heads back to Edinburgh, arriving during the morning.

Dates and Prices 2024/2025

2024: April 11,22. May 6,13. June 10. July 1,8,29. August 12,19,25. September 9,18,27. October 7,19

2025: April 7,21. May 5,26. June 16,23. July 7,20. August 4,18. September 1,15,29. October 6,20,27

Price per person : from £7,500 twin cabin / double cabin + Bellini Benefits

Prices quoted are ex Club Discount. Contact us for Club Price and Offers

Scotch Malt Whisky Tour (4 nights)

Glen Ord Distillery , Glenlivet Distillery, Rothiemurchus Estate, Tullibardine Distillery

As the world’s foremost malt whisky club—specialists in single cask, single malt whiskies—The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is the perfect partner for this special Scotch Malt Whisky Tour, the ultimate whsky odyssey through Scotland.

Day one. Meet your whisky ambassador in the Balmoral Hotel and enjoy a welcome dram before departure. Belmond Royal Scotsman departs Edinburgh Waverley Station and travels north across the Firth of Forth over the magnificent Forth Railway Bridge . Afternoon tea is served as you journey through the former Kingdom of Fife. Continue east along the coast, passing through Carnoustie, Arbroath and Aberdeen before arriving in the market town of Keith in the heart of the Speyside whisky region. After an informal dinner, enjoy traditional Scottish entertainment by local musicians.

Day two. After breakfast, alight for a private tour of the new Macallan Distillery in the Speyside whisky region, with a tutored tasting. Lunch back on board as one enjoys the spectacular views on one of the most scenic routes in Britain; Loch Luichart, the Torridon Mountains, the edge of Loch Carron through Attadale and Stromeferry before skirting the pretty fishing village of Plockton on the way to Kyle of Lochalsh. This evening a formal dinner is served, followed by coffee and liqueurs in the Observation Car.

Day three. Breakfast is served before a specialist single cask tasting in the Observation Car. Lunch is served before disembarking in Aviemore at the Tomatin Distillery for a private tour. Return to the train at Boat of Garten on the private Strathspey Railway for an informal dinner followed by some Scottish entertainment.

Day four. After breakfast, travel by coach to Rothiemurchus Estate in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Choose from country pursuits that include fishing, clay pigeon-shooting and an estate tour. Back on the train, enjoy a leisurely lunch during the journey south through Blair Atholl and Pitlochry to Dunkeld. Disembark to visit Tullibardine Distillery in Blackford village. Your private VIP tour features nosing straight from the cask, a visit to the bonded warehouse and a tutored tasting of three Tullibardine Highland single malts. Re-join the train in Perth and prepare for a formal dinner en route to Dundee, where you can join in some lively Scottish country dancing on the station platform, a fitting finale to your Whisky Journey.

Day five. Breakfast is served as the train leaves Dundee and crosses the Tay Bridge, arriving at Edinburgh. Disembark in Edinburgh Waverley Station where you are invited by your whisky ambassador to spend the morning at the Society's headquarters in Edinburgh's elegant New Town.

2024: April 15. May 22. June 15. July 22. September 23. October 13

2025: April 14. May 19. August 4. September 15. October 12

Price per person:

Twin / double cabin from £7,000 + Bellini Benefits

Grand Suite from £19,000 + Bellini Benefits

Western Scenic Wonders (3 nights)

Morar Sands, Glenfinnan Monument, Inverlochy Castle, Mount Stuart House

This 660 mile route from Edinburgh takes you east, then north into the some of the most dramatic mountain and coastal scenery Scotland can offer, including Ben Nevis which is the highest peak in both Scotland and the United Kingdom.

Day one. As the train departs Edinburgh in the early afternoon, heading west through Falkirk, reaching Craigendoran, guests enjoy an indulgent afternoon tea and soon catch a first glimpse of Loch Lomond. After climbing up the waterfall-rich Glen Falloch , the train continues north to the village of Spean Bridge for the night. Enjoy a delicious informal dinner and entertainment in the Observation Car.

Day two. Continuing west through Fort William, there are views of Ben Nevis. Disembark at Arisaig, for a stroll along the gleaming Morar Sands marvelling at the views of the Isle of Skye's majestic Cuillin Mountains. Lunch is served as the train retraces its route back to Fort William, the largest town in the West Highlands. After lunch, our Highlander accompanies you to Glenfinnan Monument to explain the history of the area before tea at Inverlochy Castle . Energetic guests can choose instead to walk to beautiful Steall Waterfall . Return to the train in Fort William and relax on board before an informal dinner is served as you travel south towards the tiny Argyll village of Bridge of Orchy, followed by entertainment in the Observation Car.

Day three. As the train arrives in the charming Isle of Bute, an island rich in geology, history and wildlife, with a varied landscape, guests enjoy a fascinating visit to Mount Stuart , a Victorian Gothic house with arguably the finest privately held collection of family portraits in Scotland. Return to Gourock for a formal dinner and overnight on board.

Day four. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as the train makes its way back to Edinburgh.

2024: April 19. May 3,10,31. June 7,21. July 12,26. August 2,9. September 6. October 4

2025: April 18. July 11. August 1,8,29. September 12. October 3

Twin / double cabin from £6,400 + Bellini Benefits

Grand Suite from £17,000 + Bellini Benefits

Taste of the Highlands (2 nights)

Rothiemurchus Estate, Culloden Battlefield, Strathisla Distillery

A 540 mile round trip taking in a broad swathe of the Highlands and Scottish cities and North east coast of Scotland, visiting Dundee, Montrose, Aberdeen, Keith, Inverness, Dalwhinnie and Perth.

Day one. Departing Edinburgh in the early afternoon, journey north through the former Kingdom of Fife, then up into the dramatic scenery of the Highlands. In the evening a sumptuous dinner is served, followed by entertainment in the Observation Car.

Day two. After breakfast, you travel by coach to Rothiemurchus Estate in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Rothiemurchus offers a magical setting in which to try a spot of clay-pigeon shooting or fishing or a tour of the estate. Rejoin the train for lunch and travel to Culloden Battlefield for a private tour of this atmospheric place (made more so if the mists are swirling around), complete with a fascinating visitor centre. Enjoy an evening visit to Strathisla Distillery, one of the oldest working distilleries and home to one of Scotland's most famous whiskies. Back on board, the spectacular panoramas unfold on the way south through Aberdeenshire and Angus. A formal dinner is served on the way to Dundee.

Day three. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast whilst leaving Stirling behind and returning to Edinburgh.

2024: April 29. May 1. June 19. July 6,15. August 23. September 4. October 11,17

2025: April 28,30. June 11. July 18,27. August 11. September 10. October 10

Twin / double cabin from £4,500 + Bellini Benefits

Grand Suite from £9,500 + Bellini Benefits

Clans, Castles and Isles (5 nights)

Morar, Glenfinnan, Steall Waterfall, Oban Distillery, Duart Castle, Isle of Bute (Mount Stuart House), Drumlanrig Castle

Embark on the Clans, Castles & Isles five-night journey exploring the wild and rugged west coast of Scotland, including Oban and the Isles of Mull and Bute. (This trip will also operate in reverse)

Day one. Edinburgh. Board Belmond Royal Scotsman at Edinburgh Waverley Station for an afternoon departure, weaving past magnificent Loch Lomond and the great wilderness of Rannoch Moor. An informal dinner is served as the train continues to Spean Bridge, known as the ‘crossroads of the Highlands’. Here you are treated to local entertainment.

Day two. Spean Bridge – Fort William – Taynuilt. As the train makes its way to the pretty village of Arisaig, the mighty Ben Nevis comes into view and is the highest mountain in the British Isles. Alight to stroll along the famous Silver Sands of Morar, soft white beaches with breathtaking views. After lunch on the train there are two options: either join our Highlander to explore Glenfinnan, where Bonnie Prince Charlie rallied his clansmen, or savour the beauty of Glen Nevis on a hike to the Steall Waterfall in the company of our mountain guides. An informal dinner on board is followed by spirited Scottish music in the Observation Car. The train stables overnight at Taynuilt.

Day three. Taynuilt – Kilmarnock. Today you visit Oban, gateway to the Hebridean islands, to enjoy an exclusive visit to historic Oban Distillery, producer of a fine 14-year-old single malt. Afterwards, cross to the Isle of Mull to visit spectacular Duart Castle, strategically located on a high crag at the end of a peninsula jutting into the Sound of Mull. Dating from the 13th century, the castle was modified over time by the Macleans of Duart and completely restored to its original glory in the early 20th century. Return to the train in Oban and dress for a sumptuous formal dinner on board as the train travels to Kilmarnock for overnight stabling.

Day four. Kilmarnock - Girvan. A leisurely morning onboard, followed by lunch and then a visit to Drumlanrig Castle, the Dumfriesshire home of the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch and Queensberry. A turreted sandstone mansion with sweeping views over the Nith Valley, it is home to important collections of silver, porcelain, French furniture and art, while its surrounding 90,000-acre estate embraces lavish formal gardens, rambling woodlands and miles of footpaths. Choose between a Victorian gardens tour, an architectural tour or a history/fine art tour. Rejoin the train for dinner. After a leisurely breakfast, journey from Wemyss Bay to the Isle of Bute to visit Mount Stuart House, one of Britain's most astonishing Victorian Gothic houses. The architectural fantasy of the 3rd Marquess of Bute and his architect, Sir Robert Rowand Anderson, the extravagant mansion boasts stunning and mysterious interiors that reflect the Marquess's passion for art, heraldry, astrology, mythology and religion. Surrounding it are expansive landscaped gardens and wild woodlands. Back on board, enjoy an informal dinner followed by entertainment.

Day five. Wemyss Bay. During breakfast the train travels to Wemyss Bay where a ferry is taken to the Isle of Bute to visit Mount Stuart House, one of Britain's most astonishing Victorian Gothic houses. The architectural fantasy of the 3rd Marquess of Bute is an extravagant mansion that boasts stunning and mysterious interiors that reflect the Marquess's passion for art, heraldry, astrology, mythology and religion. Surrounding it are expansive landscaped gardens and wild woodlands. Back on board, enjoy an informal dinner followed by entertainment.

Day six. Edinburgh. Breakfast is served as the train wends its way back to Edinburgh, where your journey ends.

2024: May 17. September 13

2025: June 6. September 5

Twin / double cabin from £12,000 + Bellini Benefits

Grand Suite from £29,100 + Bellini Benefits

Heritage Homes and Gardens (4 nights)

Montrose (Brechin Castle Gardens) - Kyle of Lochalsh - Invergordon, (Foulis Castle) - Torridon mountains, Achnashellach forest and Loch Carron - Attadale (Water Garden, Japanese Garden and Sunken Garden) - Isle of Skye (Clan Donald) - Dingwall (Ballindalloch Castle)- Boat of Garten - Rothiemurchus - Dunkeld (Ruthven House and Pitmuies Garden) - Edinburgh

The Heritage Homes and Gardens itinerary provides an insight into some of Scotland's finest country estates and house. The guided tours are often conducted by the clan chieftains and estate owners themselves.

Hosts on board: photographer Patsy Floyd (who owns the English country house Chalfield Manor ) and gardening writer Susan Chivers .

Day one: Edinburgh. Depart early afternoon. The train heads north, crossing the splendid Forth Railway Bridge. Disembark at Montrose to visit Brechin Castle Gardens, one of the finest private gardens in Scotland.

Day two: Kyle of Lochalsh. During a leisurely breakfast, the train makes its way to Inverness and north to Invergordon, where guests alight for a visit to the 18th-century Foulis Castle, seat of the Clan Munro. Mrs Munro of Foulis and her son, Hector, the Clan Chief, welcome you, after which you can explore the grounds and courtyard garden. Alternatively, join Hector in the drawing room for a whisky tasting.

Return to the train for lunch as you travel towards Kyle of Lochalsh past the Torridon mountains, Achnashellach forest and Loch Carron. Disembark at Plockton for a visit to Attadale on the west coast, this magnificent estate boasts a Water Garden, Japanese Garden and Sunken Garden among other treasures. The night is spent in Kyle of Lochalsh, where an informal dinner is served followed by coffee and liqueurs in the Observation Car.

This evening disembark to visit Ballindalloch Castle, one of Scotland's most romantic castles, with its wonderful walled gardens. Rejoin the train at Boat of Garten on the private Strathspey Railway.

2024: June 3

2025: June 2

Twin / double cabin from £8,900 + Bellini Benefits

Grand Suite from £22,300 + Bellini Benefits

Prices quoted are ex Club Discount . Contact us for Club Price and Offers

Grand Western Scenic Wonders Westbound (7 nights)

Edinburgh, Kyle of Lochalsh, Isle of Bute, Keith, Kyle of Lochalsh, Boat of Garten, Rothiemurchus, Edinburgh

8 days/7 nights. A combined tour of Scotland's Classic Splendours + Western Scenic Wonders. The itineraries are as in the separate journeys listed above, under those titles. Visits include: Glen Ord Distillery, Eilean Donan Castle, Ballindalloch Castle, Glamis Castle, Rothiemurchus Estate, Morar Sands, Glenfinnan Monument, Inverlochy Castle, Mount Stuart House.

2024: April 19. May 3,10. July 26. August 9. September 6. October 4

2025: April 18. August 29. September 12. October 3

Twin / double cabin from £14,000 + Bellini Benefits

Grand Suite from £38,300 + Bellini Benefits

Grand Western Scenic Wonders Northbound (7 nights)

Edinburgh, Kyle of Lochalsh, Boat of Garten, Rothiemurchus, Edinburgh, Glenfinnan, Isle of Bute, Edinburgh

8 days/7 nights (or 7 days/6 nights). A combined tour of Western Scenic Wonders + Scotland's Classic Splendours. The itineraries are as in the separate journeys listed above, under those titles. Visits include: Glen Ord Distillery, Eilean Donan Castle, Ballindalloch Castle, Glamis Castle, Rothiemurchus Estate, Morar Sands, Glenfinnan Monument, Inverlochy Castle, Mount Stuart House.

2024: May 6. July 8,26

2025: July 7. August 4,18. September 29

Grand Taste of the Highlands (5 nights)

Edinburgh, Keith, Spean Bridge, Fort William, Isle of Bute, Edinburgh

6 days/5 nights. A combined tour of Taste of the Highlands + Western Scenic Wonders . The itineraries as in the separate journeys listed above, under those titles. Visits include: Rothiemurchus Estate, Culloden Battlefield, Strathisla Distillery, Morar Sands, Glenfinnan Monument, Inverlochy Castle, Mount Stuart House, Royal Yacht Britannia.

Dates and Prices: 2024/2025

2024: July 12

2025: August 8

Twin / double cabin from £10,400 + Bellini Benefits

Grand Suite from £27,300 + Bellini Benefits

Royal Scotsman General Information

Travel & Health Advice. Here are t ravel and health advisories links to national governments and health agencies , including the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Included. State cabin accommodation, daily meals, all alcoholic and other beverages, entertainment, sightseeing excursions as shown in the itineraries, all applicable taxes. Not included: insurance, gratuities, souvenirs.

About the Accommodations on Royal Scotsman. Double Bed or Twin Beds options. Dressing tables, full length wardrobes, private bathroom with shower, high quality toiletries and bath robes, hairdryers etc., along with individual heating controls and panoramic windows. Each beds has one feather & one foam pillow plus feather duvet. 14 Twin Bed Suites, 2 Double Bed Suites & 4 Single Suites.

Dynamic Pricing. Belmond operate a dynamic pricing system, with FROM prices. Prices given on this site are generally the lowest, but can change upon booking depending on what is available . Prices are subject to confirmation on booking and are per person based on two people sharing a compartment.

Dress Code. During the day whilst relaxing aboard the train and for excursions we recommend comfortable clothing. Low-heeled, soft-soled shoes are especially important for walking comfort during visits. Scottish weather is unpredictable and rain is possible during any season so we would advise passengers to pack with a degree of flexibility in mind. For informal dinners a jacket and shirt is the norm for gentlemen, except at times of unusually hot weather. Formal dinner means tuxedo or kilt for gentlemen and cocktail dress, or similar for ladies. Royal Scotsman recommends a kilt hire company if guests wish to dress in traditional attire, at an additional charge. Kinloch Anderson : Tel: +44(0) 131 555 1390 or by e-mail: [email protected] . This hire company is an alternative: 8 Yards, Tel: +44 (0)131 337 3333 or email: [email protected] .

Beds. There are Extra Long bed lengths in cabins, O, P and Q: 6ft 8 inch or 20.0. Availability checked at time of booking.

Luggage. Cabins have limited space. One suitcase and one carry-on bag/suit carrier are recommended. Twin State Cabins have luggage storage space under each bed which is 28" wide x 9" high (71cm x 23cm). If necessary, facilities are available at The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh for storage of extra luggage during your Royal Scotsman journey. However should you be staying at an alternative hotel, please ask the Hotel Manager.

Timings. Belmond Royal Scotsman operates within the constraints of the railway network. As such timings, routes and associated itineraries are therefore subject to change.

Catering. Special diets can be accommodated with our Chef. Please be sure to tell us in advance of any allergies, food related or not.

Edinburgh Station & Balmoral Hotel. The Balmoral is very close to the station. Here is the plan of the station. Take the exit for Princes Street – there are escalators all the way to the top and the hotel is on the right. Check in for the train is in the hotel. Train staff will take your luggage to the train.

Passport and Visas. If you are not a UK citizen, you must have a valid passport that will remain valid beyond the duration of your journey. Depending on which country issues your passport, you may need a visa for entry into the UK. Please check with your travel agent or government agency before travelling to the UK.

Offer. Belmond Offers may be removed at any time without notice; subject to availability; offers cannot be combined and are only valid for new bookings; complimentary hotel accommodation offer is based on double occupancy. Single travellers please contact our reservations offices for availability.

Belmond Gift Cards are accepted by the Luxury Train Club towards the price of any Belmond train, hotel or river cruise. Belmond Gift Cards can be redeemed for a delightful afternoon tea or a relaxing massage, a fascinating masterclass or used towards the trip of a lifetime. Go here for Belmond Gift Card terms and conditions.

Unforeseen events/changes: itineraries, routes and times may change at any time for reasons outside the control of the train company. Every effort will be made by train staff to minimise any impact; the Luxury Train Club cannot accept any responsibility for any changes. The Club aims to keep itineraries as up to date as possible.

Coronavirus Notice : Go here for general travel and health advice from governments, WHO and other organisations. Go here for information about Belmond Covid-19 cleaning processes. The Belmond Royal Scotsman health and safety booklet is here. Belmond Flexible Covid Terms are here .

Royal Scotsman Booking & Reservations

All luxury train ticket prices are at publicly-quoted rates. Members get Club discount and any valid train promotion.

Contact us UK : +44 (0)1249 890205 or [email protected]

Other Itineraries not shown above include: Heritage Homes and Gardens Journey; Grand Taste of the Highlands (previously Grand West Highland Journey); Grand Western Scenic Wonders Northbound or Westbound (ex-Grand North Western); The Grampians And Beyond (ex-Grampian Discovery), Clans, Castles & Isles , Scotch Malt Whisky Trail .

Details of the other Belmond trains are here .

Royal Scotsman Train and Carriage Plans

Who Owns Belmond?

Here is the press release about the sale of Belmond to LVMH.

About Orient Express luxury train tickets

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Western Scenic Wonders

Taste of the highlands, clans, castles & isles, scotland’s classic splendours, grand western scenic wonders - northbound, grand western scenic wonders - westbound, informations.

The most epic overnight train journeys in the world

Sep 20, 2021 • 5 min read

Night trains not only save a night in a hotel, but they are better for the environment than flying © Flystock / Shutterstock

There’s something enduringly romantic about train travel. The slower pace, the gentle rhythm, the ability to surrender responsibility and just gaze out of the window. It’s true of all – well, most – rail journeys. But it’s especially true of the sleeper train, the hotel-on-wheels aboard which you can bed down in one country and wake up in another. 

Romance aside, train travel is also far less damaging to the planet: it releases the least amount of greenhouse gasses of all forms of transportation. You’re better able to understand the connections that exist between places on a rail trip, watching the scenery change as cities become suburbs, which become farmland, which become foothills or deserts or plains.

There’s a variety of experiences to choose from when booking overnight train travel, from the budget to the luxe. Here are some of the most epic overnight train journeys to take for those looking for a dream of a ride.

Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Nicknamed the Reunification Express when it resumed service after the Vietnam War, this 1072-mile (1726km) ride between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City  runs the length of the country , providing a perfect Vietnamese diorama: historic towns, bustling suburbs, rice paddies, emerald hills and the glittering South China Sea.

How:  Choose from hard seat (cheapest) or soft, hard berth (six-bed compartment), soft berth (four-bed) or VIP cabin (two beds; book in advance). Tickets can be booked online . 

Duration: About 35 hours.

Chicago to San Francisco, USA

On its epic 2400-mile (3900km) journey, the California Zephyr tackles sheer gorges, hot desert, snowy mountains and a tonne of tunnels and switchbacks. In 1869, these tracks were the first to cross the Continental Divide, linking the Atlantic and the Pacific.

How:  The Zephyr leaves Chicago at 2pm daily. Book early for the lowest fares and best availability; tickets can be booked up almost a year ahead.

Duration: The entire journey to San Francisco takes 52 hours non-stop.

Kapiri Mposhi to Dar es Salaam, Zambia and Tanzania

A sleeper train? Or a rolling two-day safari? The Tazara Railway crosses rivers, gorges and some impressive feats of railway engineering while trundling through the enormous, wildlife-filled expanse of Selous Game Reserve , Tanzania . You might spot elephants, rhinos, lions and more from your window.

How:  Tickets can’t be bought online ; buy them at stations in Dar es Salaam or Kapiri Mposhi or via a local travel agency.

Duration: About 44 hours.

Brisbane to Longreach, Australia

Most of Australia 's overnight trains are multi-day journeys across the continent, such as the Ghan that runs through Australia's "Red Centre" between Darwin and Adelaide , and the Indian Pacific that links Perth and Sydney . The Spirit of the Outback , however, is just over a day-long jaunt from Brisbane to Longreach. After flirting with the coast the train turns inland to reveal a changing landscape as it heads into the outback.

How:  The tickets can be booked online . The train departs Tuesdays at 6:10pm and Saturday at 1:55pm.

Duration: The 1325km journey takes 26 hours.

Rome to Syracuse, Italy

To get from the Italian capital  to the historic Sicilian city of Syracuse , this overnight loco has to board a boat. Having traced the Calabrian coast, it’s lifted on to a ferry to cross the Straits of Messina, before being lifted back off to continue on its way.

How: Two sleeper trains leave Rome nightly at around 9.05pm and 11pm. Tickets can be ordered  online .

Duration:  About 12 hours, including 30 minutes at sea.

Caledonian Sleeper, London to Scotland

There are actually two overnight sleeper trains that run under the umbrella of Caledonian Sleeper. One that runs the “Highland route” making stops between London and Aberdeen , the other runs the “Lowland route” from London Euston to Glasgow or Edinburgh . Rooms include either double beds or bunk beds with all the amenities of a hotel, including wifi, room service and ensuite bathrooms. There’s also a Club Car for those interested in meals outside of their rooms. 

How : Trains run six times a week, with boarding times and schedules varying depending on the particular route, however both timetables and tickets are always available online . 

Duration : 8 hours

Red Arrow, St. Petersburg to Moscow

The Red Arrow or Krasnaya Strela, is possibly Russia’s most famous train. It first launched in 1931 when it was used to transport Russian elites. The glamorous retro interior of the train harkens back to this era with plush red seats and elaborate matching curtains on the windows. There’s a dining car on board and meals are included for passengers riding in either first class or the VIP car. 

How : The train runs every day, leaving from both Moscow or St. Petersburg at 11:55pm and arriving at the opposite end in the morning at 7:55am. Tickets can be purchased online .

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Paris to Venice

Perhaps the most luxurious, and most famous, of the overnight sleeper trains, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is nothing short of a legend. There are several different routes guests can take on this historic train, but the most iconic is the one from London to Venice . The train itself is a throwback to the 1920s, with a restored art deco interior and luxury dining options included. 

How: Venice Simplon-Orient-Express runs several times per month. Check the website for specific dates and times as well as to book. 

Duration: 31 hours

You might also like Climb aboard for the USA's 6 most amazing train journeys Europe's best night trains 10 of the world's most amazing train journeys

This article was first published December 2019 and updated September 2021

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The Man in Seat 61

A beginner's guide to

Train travel in europe.

• Buy train tickets
• Buy ferry tickets
• Book a hotel
• Privacy & cookies
•   Home

Train travel UK & Ireland...

Train travel in europe..., train travel in asia..., train travel in africa..., train travel in america..., train travel in australasia.

Breakfast in London, dinner in Barcelona

There's no need to fly within Europe.  It's surprisingly easy, quick and comfortable to travel by train from London to almost anywhere:  Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Greece, Prague, Helsinki, wherever.  The difficult bit is finding out how to do it and where to buy tickets.  That's where Seat 61 comes in.

This website explains the best routes, train times & fares from London to major destinations all over Europe, and between major European cities.

It explains the best way to buy tickets for your specific journeys, whether you live in the UK, mainland Europe, the USA, Australia, wherever.

Train times & tickets

If your journey starts in the UK , select your destination country in the upper drop-down box to see the best routes, train times, fares & how to buy tickets.

If your journey starts in another European country , select the city where your journey starts in the lower drop-down box - if it isn't listed, select one nearest to it in the same country.

Return to this page for general information & advice about European train travel.

Planning your trip

How to buy tickets, luggage, bikes, dogs & cars, about specific trains & routes, station guides, how to check train times.

If you only remember one European train travel resource

Apart from seat 61 of course - make it int.bahn.de .  This has an excellent online timetable for the whole of Europe, probably the most useful European train travel resource on the net.  Ask it for Palermo to Helsinki or Lisbon to Moscow and you'll see what I mean.  These tips may help:

Place names

It recognises English-language place names & prompts with station or city names.

If you don't know which station to select

The safest option is to select the plain city name, often in capitals, for example PARIS or BERLIN.  The system will work out which is the relevant station for your journey.

If it only offers specific stations, try to select the main station in that city, which may be shown as main station or (in Italy) Centrale , in the Netherlands as Centraal , in Germany or Austria as Hauptbahnhof, Hbf or HB (= main station in German), Hlavni in Czech or Glowny (Gl.) in Polish.

In Brussels, Brussels South Station is the main station, also known as Brussels Midi or Brussel Zuid .  In Barcelona, select Barcelona Sants .  In Verona, select Verona Porta Nuova .  In Turin, the main terminus station is Torino Porta Nuova , but the TGV trains to/from Paris use Torino Porta Susa , which many trains leaving from Porta Nuova heading for Venice or Rome also call at.  In Venice, Venice Santa Lucia is on the Grand Canal in central Venice, Venice Mestre is on the mainland.  In Lisbon, select Lisbon Santa Apolonia .

It only holds data for the main rail operators

Plus some smaller operators, not for all trains everywhere.  Notably it does not cover:

- Some private open-access operators such as Italo in Italy.

- The Circumvesuviana Railway, Naples-Herculaneum-Pompeii-Sorrento.

- Euskotren in Spain, operating narrow gauge local trains between Hendaye, San Sebastian & Bilbao.

- FEVE in Spain, who run narrow gauge local trains along the north coastal towns.

- Spanish suburban routes including Barcelona to Latour de Carol and Barcelona to Portbou & Cerbère.

- It doesn't always hold complete or 100% accurate data for the Balkans or Greek domestic trains.

For British train times it's better to use www.nationalrail.co.uk as this will show any engineering work alterations.

Timetable changes in June & December

It usually holds data only until the next Europe-wide timetable change , which happens twice a year at midnight on the 2nd Saturday in June & December.  So don't be surprised if it shows no trains running in late December if you ask it in August, that's beyond the December timetable change.  Data for dates after the December timetable change usually starts to come online by mid-October and isn't 100% reliable until early December.  Also note that data for French, Italian & Spanish trains will only be held for the next few months, not for the whole timetable period.

This system is very good, but some railways (typically the Spanish, Hungarians, Polish & Balkan railways) can be late in supplying data, and data can be unreliable in some parts of the Balkans, for example.  If you get strange results you can try the railway operator's own website instead, for example www.renfe.com for Spain or www.ose.gr for Greece.  There's a complete list of rail websites on the useful links page .

You can adjust transfer time

By default the system allows the minimum time to change trains, whether changing into a local train that runs every 30 minutes or into a sleeper train which you can't afford to miss.  It won't suggest impossible connections, it always allows enough time to walk from one train to the other if the first train is on time, but it doesn't take into account the possibility of the first train running 20 minutes late. 

It's a good policy to allow more time for transfers, so click in the From box to open the details panel, then change Transfer time from Normal to (say) at least 40 minutes .

On a through ticket you're legally entitled to later onward travel if a delay means a missed connection ( more info on that here ), but with separate non-refundable train-specific tickets the risk is yours so you should allow more than the minimum, see more about how long to allow for connections here .

You can specify a route or add stopovers

Click Stopovers to set one or two via stations if you want to find journeys via a particular route.  By adding a duration in hours and minutes you can specify stopovers at these stations.

Fares & tickets

int.bahn.de will show train times for virtually any journey in Europe, but will only show fares and sell tickets for journeys to, from or within Germany, plus a few cross-Germany routes such as Belgium/Netherlands to Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden, Poland, Czech Republic.  To check fares for other journeys, see the How to buy European train tickets page .

DB Navigator is a free online train timetable app for all of Europe, the app version of the German Railways all-Europe online timetable at bahn.de.  It provided a journey planner, train details, and calling points, though it needs a WiFi or mobile data connection.  To download, go to int.bahn.de/en/booking-information/db-navigator (please let me know if that link stops working).

Railplanner is a free offline train timetable app that you can download onto your phone to check train times & train calling points on the move without the need to be on WiFi or to use mobile data .  It's blisteringly quick and covers almost all the train covered by the DB Navigator app.  The whole European timetable sits on your phone, with updates automatically downloaded every month.  It's created with Eurail and Interrail passholders in mind, but is useful for anyone. Download for iPhone or Android at www.eurail.com/en/plan-your-trip/rail-planner-app - please let me know if the link stops working!

Station arrivals & departures

Click here & enter a station to check scheduled train departures or arrivals at almost any station across Europe.  This is an online equivalent of the printed departure posters displayed at stations.  It shows real-time information for stations in Germany if you pick today's date, but for 'real time' information in other countries, see the real-time section below .

The European Rail Timetable

The world-famous European Rail Timetable is the train traveller's bible, with route maps and up-to-date timetables for trains, buses and ferries for all European countries, plus trains in Asian Turkey and Russia including the Trans-Siberian railway, ferries to North Africa & the Mediterranean islands.

Published since 1873, it had just celebrated 140 years of publication when Thomas Cook pulled the plug on their entire publishing department, and the August 2013 edition was the last to be published by Thomas Cook.  The good news is that the dedicated ex-Thomas Cook team set up a private venture and a reborn European Rail Timetable continues to be published.  Remarkably, the timetable has now survived its parent company, as Thomas Cook collapsed in 2019.  What does it contain?

Buy online at www.europeanrailtimetable.eu for around £16.99 with shipping worldwide.

If you live in the UK you can also buy from www.amazon.co.uk , it's eligible for Amazon Prime next-day delivery.

Back to top

How to check fares & buy tickets

This section has turned into a bit of an essay .  If you just want to know how to buy tickets, skip this section, go to the How to buy tickets page , select a specific journey and I'll tell you how to book it.  If you're interested in how European train booking works (or doesn't), read on.

Reality check:  No single website sells tickets for all trains in all countries

Although you can look up train times almost anywhere in Europe using int.bahn.de , there isn't a single website that can show fares & sell tickets for every European train in every country.

So you can't go to europeanrailways.com (there's no such site) and buy a Stockholm to Alicante ticket (there's no such ticket).  It's perfectly possible to travel by train from Stockholm to Alicante, but we're talking 6 trains run by 5 different operators ticketed with at least 4 separate tickets.  Ah, I see from the look on your face that realisation is beginning to dawn...

Each country has its own national operator with its own website

Each national train operator has its own website and its own ticketing system.  Then there are various private operators, either genuinely independent such as Italo , Regiojet or Leo Express , or pseudo-independent such as TGV-Lyria created by the relevant national rail operator(s) to run specific international routes.

In fact, Europe has over 50 different rail operator websites selling train tickets for their own trains, even before considering third-party ticket resellers.  You need to use the right website for the right journey.  So which is the relevant operator for your journey?

If you go to the How to buy tickets page , select your starting city, and on the next page select your destination, you'll find my advice on how to book that specific route.

However, as a rule of thumb, if there's a named operator such as Eurostar or Regiojet you'd go to that operator's website, in this case Eurostar.com or Regiojet.com.  If it's a normal international train jointly run by the relevant national rail operators, your starting assumption should be to use the national rail operator website for the country where your journey starts, then check the one where it ends.

The pseudo-independent operators can also be booked at the owning national operator sites

Eurostar is owned by French Railways (SNCF) and others, and Eurostar tickets can also be bought at SNCF's website www.sncf-connect.com .  TGV-Lyria is owned by SNCF & SBB (Swiss Railways) and can also be booked at www.sncf-connect.com or www.sbb.ch.  The national operator sites can of course book other trains in their respective countries too, in connection with Eurostar or TGV-Lyria.  So London to Avignon by Eurostar & onwards French train can be booked as one transaction at French Railways www.sncf-connect.com , for example.  It can be useful to know that!

International trains can usually be booked at the national operator website at either end

For international journeys, your starting assumption is to book them at the national rail operator website for the country where the journey starts.  But if a train can be e-ticketed, you can also book using the destination country's national train operator website.

For example, Berlin-Prague trains are run jointly by German & Czech national railways, and can be booked at either German Railways int.bahn.de or Czech Railways www.cd.cz with print-your-own tickets.

Now it gets interesting, as this is one of the routes where each partner operator manages advance-purchase price levels independently.  So the price at bahn.de might be €39 (with cheaper €19 & €29 tickets sold out), whilst €19 tickets remain available for the same train at cd.cz.  It pays to check both!

In fact, even the fixed-price full-flex fare can differ between partner operators.  As I write this, Austrian Railways (ÖBB) charge €64 for a full-flex on-the-day ticket from Vienna to Prague, but even if you were in the ÖBB ticket office at Vienna Hbf, it'd be cheaper to whip out your phone and buy exactly the same ticket for the same trains from Czech Railways for €42.

But a word of warning:  Check ticket delivery carefully if buying from the operator at the destination end.  For example, Austrian Railways oebb.at issues print-your-own tickets for Vienna-Venice trains so can be used for either direction.  Trenitalia.com can also book these Vienna-Venice trains, but you must collect a hard-copy ticket from a Trenitalia ticket machine or ticket office in Italy - not much help if you're starting in Vienna!

There are exceptions to this rule, of course.  The Paris-Milan Frecciarossas enter France on an open-access commercial basis, so can only be booked at Trenitalia.com, not SNCF-connect.com.  Whilst the competing Paris-Milan TGVs enter Italy on an open-access commercial basis and can only be booked at SNCF-connect.com, not Trenitalia.com.

Some trains aren't bookable online at all

Another reality check:  Slovenian, Croatian, Bulgarian & Turkish railways don't sell international tickets online, for example.  Trains between Slovenia or Croatia & Germany can be booked online in either direction at German Railways int.bahn.de .  Trains between Slovenia or Croatia & Austria can be booked online in either direction at Austrian Railways www.oebb.at .  But the only way to buy tickets from Ljubljana to Zagreb or Zagreb to Belgrade or Sofia to Istanbul, is at the station.

Longer journeys often need to be broken down into stages

Many international journeys involve a change of train, often this means a change of operator.  Operator websites may not be able to sell tickets for such journeys.  Nice to Milan can't be booked at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com , because SNCF can't access prices or tickets for the Trenitalia train between Ventimiglia & Milan (Ventimiglia is the border station where you change trains).  And the Trenitalia website can't book you from Nice to Milan either, because it can't access prices or tickets for the SNCF train between Nice & Ventimiglia.  You need to book Nice-Ventimiglia at www.sncf-connect.com and Ventimiglia-Milan at Trenitalia.com .  Two tickets, two bookings, on two different websites, such is the reality of Europe's rail network in the 21st century.  But there are two specialist retailer sites that resolve this.

Introducing www.raileurope.com & www.thetrainline.com

Two ticket retailer websites deserve a special mention, www.raileurope.com & www.thetrainline.com .  These connect to multiple operators, allowing tickets for trains across much of western Europe to be booked in one place.

They have their own journey planning logic, so (for example) they can work out a suitable journey from Nice to Milan using an SNCF train from Nice to Ventimiglia and a Trenitalia train from Ventimiglia to Milan, they then source the Nice-Ventimiglia ticket from SNCF and the Ventimiglia-Milan ticket from Trenitalia, and add them together to provide you with a Nice-Milan journey as one seamless transaction.

I often recommend www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com as they allow you to book tickets together in one place for journeys that would otherwise require multiple bookings on different websites.  They are designed for international users, so happily accept overseas payment cards (some national train operator sites struggle) and are written in plain English (some national rail operator sites slip back into local language or use poor English translations).  The downside is that they charge a small booking fee, but it's often worth paying that.

Raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com currently connect to the following national railways: Great Britain (National Rail), France (SNCF), Spain (Renfe), Italy (Trenitalia), Germany (Deutsche Bahn), Austria (ÖBB).  They also both connect to private operator Italo .  www.thetrainline.com also connects to Swiss Railways (SBB), the Benelux ticketing system (SNCB, NS & CFL) and private operators Regiojet & Westbahn .

Raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com come as close as you'll get to a pan-European train booking site, but even they don't yet connect to the Portuguese, Czech, Slovakian, Slovenian, Croatian, Hungarian, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish, Bulgarian, Turkish, Greek, Romanian, or Polish Railways ticketing systems.  So for a €15 Lisbon-Porto ticket you still need to go to Portuguese Railways www.cp.pt and the only place you'll find a €21 Prague-Budapest ticket is Czech Railways www.cd.cz.  You get the picture?

More about who Thetrainline are .  More about who Raileurope are .

Incidentally, you might also come across Omio.com .  Omio has similar connectivity, but at the time I write this it doesn't have any journey planning logic.  So although it can sell you a Nice-Ventimiglia ticket using its connection to SNCF if you ask it for Nice to Ventimiglia, and it can sell a Ventimiglia-Milan ticket using its connection to Trenitalia if you ask it for Ventimiglia to Milan, if you ask it for Nice to Milan it will say there are no trains (and will suggest a flight) because it lacks the capability to plan the journey itself and combine multiple tickets.  It also says there are no trains for journeys where it lacks the necessary connectivity.  For example, Omio says there are no trains from Budapest to Zagreb and suggests a bus, but you can easily buy a train ticket from €19 from Hungarian Railways at www.mavcsoport.hu .  So it's important to understand a site's limitations.  Omio does have some extra connectivity, for example it connects to Swedish Railways sj.se so can be useful to book Swedish trains if sj.se rejects your credit card, and to Portuguese Railways cp.pt which no other site does.

So which website should you use to buy tickets?

Don't worry!  On seat61.com I'll tell you the right website(s) to use for any given European journey (well, almost).  Go to the How to buy European tickets page and select your starting city.  On the next page, select your destination city.  I'll then explain the different ways you can make that specific journey and which website(s) to use to buy tickets.

To check fares & buy tickets in one country

You can check fares & (usually) buy tickets for domestic journeys at each country's national rail website, see the links page for a complete list .

To check fares & buy tickets for international journeys

The national rail websites listed above sometimes sell international tickets to neighbouring countries as well, but often only in a limited way, for example tickets for direct trains.  However, you'll find detailed advice on how to book specific international journeys on the How to buy European tickets page .  Here are some general rules of thumb.

Rule-of-thumb 1, try www.raileurope.com & www.thetrainline.com .

These connect to the British, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Austrian, Benelux systems and can easily book journeys including multi-operator journeys to, from and within those countries.

Be aware of their limitations:  You still need to use other sites for journeys not covered, for example they don't connect to the Portuguese, Norwegian, Finnish, Croatian, Bulgarian, Czech or Hungarian ticketing systems.  They also charge a small booking fee, you can avoid paying any fee by buying direct from train operator websites, using the following rules of thumb.

Rule-of-thumb 2 , if you know that the train you want is run by a specific operator, go to that operator's website:

- www.eurostar.com for Eurostar trains between London & Paris, London & Brussels or anywhere in Belgium.

- www.tgv-lyria.com or www.sncf-connect.com for TGV-Lyria high-speed trains between Paris & Switzerland.

- www.regiojet.com for Regiojet trains between Vienna & Prague or Prague & Bratislava.

Rule-of-thumb 3 , otherwise, simply go to the national train website for the country where your journey starts.  Although there are many exceptions to this rule, as you can see below:

- For journeys starting in London : 

   www.eurostar.com for Eurostar to Lille, Paris, Brussels or anywhere in Belgium.

   www.nsinternational.nl or www.b-europe.com for journeys to Rotterdam, Amsterdam or anywhere in Belgium or the Netherlands.

   www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com for journeys to anywhere in France, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Milan, Turin, Germany. 

- For journeys starting in Paris & France :

   The French Railways site www.sncf-connect.com sells many journeys from Paris & French cities to neighbouring countries.

   For journeys from Paris to Germany, it's better to use German Railways int.bahn.de .

   For journeys from Paris & France to Italy, Spain, Portugal, Austria it's better to use www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com .

- For journeys starting in Brussels, Bruges or Belgium :

   The Belgian Railways international site www.b-europe.com will handle journeys to neighbouring countries.

   For journeys from Belgium to Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden, Czech Rep. it's better to use German Railways int.bahn.de .

   For the Nightjet sleeper from Brussels to Vienna it's better to use Austrian Railways www.oebb.at or www.thetrainline.com .

- For journeys starting in Amsterdam & the Netherlands:

   The Dutch Railways international site www.nsinternational.nl will handle journeys to neighbouring countries.

   For journeys to Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Czech Rep., Sweden it's better to use German Railways int.bahn.de .

   For the Nightjet sleeper train from Amsterdam to Munich, Innsbruck & Vienna use Austrian Railways www.oebb.at or www.thetrainline.com .

- For journeys starting in Switzerland :

   The Swiss Railways site www.sbb.ch can book journeys to neighbouring countries, for example Paris.

   For journeys to Paris you can also use French Railways www.sncf-connect.com , it's worth checking prices there too.

   For journeys to Italy, it's better to use Italian Railways www.trenitalia.com as SBB can't sell Trenitalia's cheap fares beyond Milan.

   For journeys to Germany, Benelux & Denmark it's better to use German Railways int.bahn.de .

   For journeys to Austria you'll often find cheaper prices at the Austrian Railways site www.oebb.at .

   For the sleeper train from Zurich to Prague sleeper, book using Czech Railways www.cd.cz as Sbb.ch can't sell it.

   For the sleeper trains from Zurich to Vienna, Budapest, Hamburg & Berlin use Austrian Railways www.oebb.at or www.thetrainline.com .

- For journeys starting in Italy :

   The Italian Railways site www.trenitalia.com can book many international trains from Italy, but not the French-run trains Milan-Turin-Paris.

   For journeys from Milan or Turin to Paris, use French Railways www.sncf-connect.com .  Add connecting tickets from other cities at www.trenitalia.com .

   It's better to use Austrian Railways www.oebb.at for Venice-Vienna day & sleeper trains, Rome-Florence-Vienna/Munich sleeper trains.

- For journeys starting in Germany : 

   German Railways int.bahn.de sells through tickets to most neighbouring countries. 

   For travel to Austria, it's often cheaper to use Austrian Railways www.oebb.at , so check this too.

   For travel to Prague, it's often cheaper to use Czech Railways www.cd.cz , so check this too.

   For Nightjet sleeper trains within Germany & to Switzerland & Austria, it's better to use Austrian Railways www.oebb.at .

- For journeys starting in Austria:

    Austrian Railways www.oebb.at can book journeys to most neighbouring countries.

   For travel to Germany, also check German Railways int.bahn.de as they can occasionally be cheaper for the same train.

   For travel to Prague, check prices at Czech Railways www.cd.cz too as they can be cheaper than ÖBB for the same train.

- For journeys starting in Prague :

    Czech Railways www.cd.cz can book journeys to most neighbouring countries.

  For journeys between Prague & Brussels, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Stockholm also try German Railways int.bahn.de .

- For journeys starting in Budapest :

   Hungarian Railways www.mavcsoport.hu can book journeys to most neighbouring countries.

   For journeys to Germany, you can also check prices at German Railways int.bahn.de , but the Hungarians are usually cheaper.

   For journeys to Austria, you can also check prices at Austrian Railways www.oebb.at , but the Hungarians are usually cheaper.

   The sleeper trains from Budapest to Zurich & Munich can also be booked at www.oebb.at .

- For journeys starting in Slovenia or Croatia

  Zagreb or Ljubljana to Germany can be booked at German Railways int.bahn.de .

  Zagreb or Ljubljana to Austria can be booked at Austrian Railways www.oebb.at .

  Other international journeys (e.g. to Belgrade or Budapest) cannot be booked online, you have to go to the station.

- For journeys starting in Poland :

   Polish Railways haven't yet enabled online booking for international trains, except for than Berlin-Warsaw.

   You can book from Warsaw or Krakow to German cities at German Railways int.bahn.de and print out your ticket.

   The sleeper train from Warsaw & Krakow to Vienna can be booked at Austrian Railways www.oebb.at as you can print your own ticket.

   All other international tickets starting in Poland can be arranged through reliable ticketing agency www.polrail.com .

- For journeys starting in Copenhagen :

   Danish Railways www.dsb.dk can't sell international tickets.

   German Railways int.bahn.de can sell tickets from Copenhagen to Germany, Brussels, Amsterdam, Prague, Switzerland.

- For journeys starting in Stockholm & Sweden :

   Omio.com (formerly GoEuro) or www.sj.se can sell tickets to Oslo or Copenhagen or within Sweden. 

   German Railways int.bahn.de can sell tickets from Stockholm, Gothenburg & Malmo to anywhere in Germany.

   German Railways int.bahn.de can also sell tickets from Stockholm, Gothenburg & Malmo to Amsterdam, Brussels, Switzerland & Prague.

Rule-of-thumb 4 , break the journey down

I have lost count of the times I've advised travellers to split the booking and book each section of the journey, or if necessary, each individual train, at the relevant operator's website.

For example, int.bahn.de comes up with silly-money €246 prices if you ask it for Paris to Vienna, a journey which passes through Frankfurt, but it will happily sell you a Paris-Frankfurt ticket from €39 and a Frankfurt to Vienna ticket from €29 if you break the journey down.

Similarly, Prague to Venice can't be booked online anywhere, but the Czech Railways site www.cd.cz/eshop will happily sell you a Prague to Vienna ticket from €14 and Austrian Railways www.oebb.at will book the Vienna-Venice sleeper from €59 with couchette.

There are endless examples of this all over Europe, some creative thinking is often required!

Rule-of-thumb 5 , some trains cannot be booked online

Remember that some trains simply cannot be booked online so will need to be booked by phone or at the station.  For example Zagreb to Belgrade, Belgrade to Montenegro, or Sofia to Istanbul.

I'll say it again, for advice on which website to use for which specific European train journey, see the How to buy European train tickets page .

It matters whom you call!  Some agencies are better for some journeys than others because of the ticketing systems they use.

You'll find a list of agencies with advice on who to call on the How to buy train tickets by phone page .

Maps of the European rail network

Free online rail maps.

This free online rail map of Europe is a good basic overview of the extent of the European railway network.  It's intended for people using a Eurail or Interrail pass so leaves out many routes in non-Interrail/Eurail countries such as Russia & Ukraine, and leaves out many smaller lines even in countries covered by these passes.

For more detail, try the zoom-able online map of European (and indeed, world) railways at www.openrailwaymap.org .

You can also try the Swiss Railways all-Europe online map at maps.trafimage.ch .  Zoom in for more detail.

For the best (and official) map of the UK rail system, click here .

For an online map of the French rail network click here .

For an online interactive map of the German rail network click here .

For the best (and official) map of the Swiss rail system, click here .

But for a decent map of all European train routes, you really need to buy one of the printed rail maps listed below.

Rail Map Europe:  Buy here

Travellers' railway map:  buy here, rail atlas of europe by ian allan:  buy here.

Ian Allan Publishing do an excellent hardback rail atlas of Europe for around £21, available through Amazon.co.uk .  You can also buy it in the USA at Amazon.com .

Rail Atlas of Europe by M Ball:  Buy here

There's another highly-detailed European Railway atlas covering the whole of Europe, europeanrailwayatlas.com , price £24.95 in 122-page paperback book form covering 23,000 locations with free PDF version for your computer, tablet or phone.

Real-time train running information

Are the trains running on time?  Delays, incidents, strikes or disruptions?

London to Paris or Brussels by Eurostar

Changing trains in paris.

Train journeys from the UK into Europe often involve a change of train and station in Paris.  Eurostar arrives at the Gare du Nord , which is an easy 7 minute 500m walk from the Gare de l'Est but a metro or taxi ride from the other Paris stations including the Gare de Lyon .

See the Changing trains & stations in Paris page for advice on metro, RER and taxi travel, and an easy route guide.

The Paris metro website is www.ratp.fr .

If you want to spend some time in Paris, by all means take an earlier Eurostar on the outward journey or a later one on your return.  There are left luggage lockers at several Paris rail stations if you need to leave your luggage somewhere.

You can avoid the hassle of crossing Paris when travelling to many French destinations, by changing at Lille , see the London to France page .

Changing trains in Brussels

The ferry alternatives, london to paris by train & ferry.

London to Paris 'sleeper' option via Portsmouth-Caen:   There's an overnight train-ferry-train option where you can leave London Waterloo around 18:30, sleep in a comfortable cabin with en suite shower & toilet 22:45-06:45 on Brittany Ferries' overnight sailing from Portsmouth to Caen, then take a train from Caen to Paris St Lazare arriving around 11:05.  This is not a bad option if you need an alternative to Eurostar.  Times, fares & info for travelling from London & Portsmouth to Paris by overnight train & ferry are shown here .

London to Amsterdam by train & ferry

Uk to spain by ferry, other useful ferry routes.

DFDS Seaways ( www.dfds.com ) sail overnight from Newcastle to IJmuiden near Amsterdam, see the Newcastle-Amsterdam page .

Should you go 1st or 2nd class?

2nd class is absolutely fine for most travellers.  There's no need to pay for a 1st class ticket to travel in comfort these days, especially on the fast modern air-conditioned express trains.  So if you're on a budget, don't bother with 1st class unless you are offered prices that make it silly not to upgrade.

For most of us, 2nd class is the norm unless the Company is paying.  If you're visiting Europe from overseas, rest assured that there are very few peasants and chickens in 2nd class these days.

What more do you get in 1st class? 

First class gets you wider seats, plusher seats, more leg and elbow room, and fewer passengers per coach.  In most cases, assume that is all.  Luggage room is the same, perhaps with fewer passengers per coach using it, but this is not a sensible reason for paying a 1st class fare as there's always room for luggage in any class.

On a few premier trains including Eurostar , Spanish AVE trains & Lyria , some 1st class fares include an at-seat service of food & drink, but these are the exceptions.  Unless you're told otherwise, you should assume that a 1st class ticket simply gets you a nicer seat with more leg and elbow room, surrounded by more business travellers with laptops and fewer families with kids.  On German ICEs and Austrian railjets , food & drink is not included but in 1st class a steward will take orders and serve you at your seat, in 2nd class you have to go to the bistro or restaurant car.

Tables for two & solo seats:   First class cars generally have seats arranged 2+1 across the width of the car (two seats abreast, then the aisle, then one solo seat), hence the wider seats with more elbow room compared to 2+2 seating in 2nd class.  So in a typical first class car you'll find face-to-face tables for two and solo seats as well as tables for four - if you're a couple, facing each other across an intimate table for two, both of you getting a seat that's both window and aisle, is a key advantage of going 1st class.  As is booking a solo seat if you're travelling alone, a seat that's both aisle and window, where you aren't sitting next to anyone else.

Train seat numbering plans :  Click here for train seating plans

1st class can be an affordable treat

Don't decide until you see the price!  Most train operators have airline-style variable pricing, you might find 2nd class costs €40 and 1st class only €45 because of the way the price quotas have worked in each class.  In which case you'd be crazy not to pay an extra €5 to upgrade!

On sleeper trains, class is irrelevant

On sleeper trains, whether you have a 1st or 2nd class ticket is almost irrelevant, as your comfort depends on the type of sleeping accommodation you pay for:  Seat, couchette, or sleeper.  A 2nd class couchette is more comfortable (and more secure) than a 1st class seat.  A 2nd class sleeper is more comfortable than a 1st class couchette (where such things exist).  In fact, on most routes only a 2nd class ticket is now needed for a 2-bed sleeper.  On nightjet sleeper trains , for example, all accommodation is now classified as 2nd class, even deluxe sleepers with shower.  The options for travelling on overnight trains are explained here .

Should you make a seat reservation ?

Local, suburban & regional trains in most countries don't have seat reservations.  You just get on and sit where you like, like the London Underground or New York Subway.

Long-distance trains in France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Sweden & Poland are usually all-reserved and every ticket comes with a seat reservation automatically included, free of charge.  The same goes for international trains to, from or between these countries including Eurostar , TGV-Lyria , Paris-Barcelona TGVs , Paris-Milan TGVs , Paris-Milan Frecciarossas and Paris-Germany TGV/ICE trains .  Such trains often don't have any displays showing which seats are reserved and which free because it's assumed that all passengers have a reserved seat.

Long-distance trains in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark & much of central Europe are usually reservation optional .  You can travel without a reservation (the risk is you may have to stand at busy times) or you can pay a small fee to reserve a seat.  If you don't have a reservation you can sit in any empty unreserved seat - an electronic display above each seat (or on older trains, a little printed slip in a slot) show which seats are reserved.

Making a short journey mid-week in February as a solo traveller I might not bother making a reservation, especially if I'm joining at the station where the train starts so will have my pick of the seats.  But if you're making a long journey or travelling on a busy Friday or Sunday afternoon or travelling with your family or in a small group, I strongly recommend making a reservation to be sure of a seat.  You are usually offered the option of adding a seat reservation when buying a ticket online, if you fail to add one you can sometimes make a separate seat reservation only booking later, the German, Austrian & Czech railway websites can do that, but not all websites.

Forward-facing seats

I know from experience that American visitors in particular (if you'll forgive me for saying so) are obsessed with facing forwards.  Europeans less so, as we are used to trains with half the seats facing one way, half the other, and we know that it's no big deal as trains run smoothly on rails - think cruise liner restaurant, where half the diners are going backwards at 18 knots without noticing!

On most European trains you cannot specify which way your seat faces.  The reservation system knows the carriage seat layout, but it cannot predict which way round the train will enter service that day.  Indeed, on some routes the train reverses en route, for example on a journey from Rome to Venice, seats which are backward-facing from Rome to Florence will be forward-facing from Florence to Venice as the train changes direction at Florence SMN which is a terminus.  Similarly, trains from Zurich to Innsbruck, Salzburg & Vienna change direction at Buchs, before the Austrian border.

There are a few cases where a forward-facing seat can be requested.  Some operators including Eurostar keep their trains a particular way round, for example on Eurostar car 1 is always at the London end, car 16 at the Paris end.  You can often select your seat from a seat map when you book such trains direct with the relevant operator, the direction of travel is often indicated on the plan so you can see which seats face which way.  On a few TGV routes in France a clever dual numbering system allows the correct set of numbers to illuminate depending which way round the train is, which in turn allows the reservation system to offer a choice of forward-facing seat if you book at www.sncf-connect.com or www.thetrainline.com .  In the UK, we have traditionally had a much simpler low-tech system.  Two seats facing each other have the same number, say 15, the one facing is 15F and the one going backwards is 15B.

Remember that on trains where reservation is optional (domestic trains in Benelux countries, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, and much of Eastern Europe) you can sit where you like, and if you find your reserved seats not to your liking just sit elsewhere.  However, in France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Sweden, all long-distance trains are all-reserved so you usually have to stick with your reserved seats.

My favourite arrangement in first class on most European trains is a face-to-face table for two.  Both of you get a window seat, and both an aisle seat, and one seat is always facing forwards.  My wife usually gets that!  It also means you get the full length of a window to look out of, not half a window.

Which side of the train?

On some routes the best scenery is on a particular side of the train, for example the left hand side going south along the Rhine Valley from Cologne to Mainz, or the right hand side from Switzerland into Austria through the Arlberg Pass.  I try and mention which side to sit on the relevant pages of this site, if it matters.

However, many reservation systems won't let you choose which side of the train to sit as the train or carriage could enter service either way round.  Only in some cases is direction of travel shown.  On trains where reservation is optional (domestic trains in Benelux countries, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, much of central Europe) you can sit where you like so can move if your reserved seat is on the 'wrong' side.

First class lounges at stations

There are first class lounges at some major stations, usually with complimentary tea, coffee, soft drinks or even beer and wine, plus WiFi and charging points.  Sometimes the lounge is for anyone with a first class ticket (which may or may not include first class Eurail or Interrail passes), in other cases the lounges are only for holders of the most expensive premium-fare first class tickets or who have that train operator's frequent traveller loyalty card. Here's a quick guide:

Eurostar business lounges at London St Pancras, Paris Nord & Brussels Midi

Eurostar has a business lounge opening off the departures hall after security at London St Pancras , Paris Nord & Brussels Midi with complimentary tea, coffee, soft drinks, wine & spirits, beer and snacks.  The lounge has toilets, free WiFi and charging points.  The London and Paris lounges also have a free cocktail bar, open afternoon until evening.

The business lounges are open to holders of Business Premier tickets or holders of Eurostar's top-tier Carte Blanche loyalty card.  They are not open to holders of Standard Premier tickets or railpass holders. 

Paris & France

Anyone with any 1st class ticket for TGV-Lyria trains from Paris to Switzerland can use the SNCF Salon Grand Voyageur at Paris Gare de Lyon in Hall 3 with free WiFi, hot drinks and water.

Apart from this, the Salon Grand Voyageur is only open to travellers with SNCF loyalty cards or the most expensive full-price 1st class Pro tickets.  You can use it with any 1st class ticket if you have a Eurostar Carte Blanche loyalty card.

All the other major Paris termini and many big city stations across France have an SNCF Grand Voyageur lounge with free WiFi, hot drinks and water, but these are only for passengers with SNCF loyalty cards or the most expensive full-price 1st class Pro tickets.  You can use them with any 1st class ticket if you have a Eurostar Carte Blanche loyalty card.

Brussels & Belgium

Eurostar (formerly Thalys) has its own lounge at Brussels Midi, only for Eurostar (formerly Thalys) passengers who have the most expensive Premium class tickets.  Not open to holders of Comfort class (= regular 1st class) tickets or to railpass holders.

Apart from this there is no first class lounge at Brussels Midi , but I consider the bar at the Pullman Hotel to be the best VIP waiting room for the price of a beer.

Amsterdam & the Netherlands

There is an NS International Lounge at Amsterdam Centraal at the western end of platform 2 and there are similar lounges at Schiphol & Rotterdam Centraal .  You can use these lounges with any type of 1st class international ticket including 1st class Eurail & Interrail passes.

Follow the signs for NS International Lounge, check www.nsinternational.nl for opening times.  Tea, coffee, soft drinks and snacks available. 

Switzerland

Unfortunately, SBB closed their first class lounges at Zurich & Geneva at the end of 2016, citing lack of use.

Trenitalia has Freccialounges at major city stations.  These are only for holders of the most expensive Executive class tickets or who have Trenitalia's own frequent-traveller loyalty card.

Competitor Italo also has lounges at major city stations, branded Club Italo.   These are only for holders of the most expensive Club class tickets or who have Italo's own frequent-traveller loyalty card.

There is a Renfe Sala Club lounge at Madrid Atocha , Madrid Chamartin , Barcelona Sants , Malaga Maria Zambrano, Seville Santa Justa, Cordoba, Valencia, Alicante, Girona, Zaragoza Delicias, Valladolid and several other stations. 

The Sala Club is open to anyone who has paid the Premium fare, or who has a 1st class ticket for an international AVE (but not TGV ) to France.  Typically open from 06:00 to 22:00 every day.  You can use them from 2 hours before your train leaves until departure.

Tea, coffee, soft drinks, beer and snacks available.  For details search www.renfe.com .

There are DB Lounges at major stations, but only for holders of the most expensive DB Flexpreis tickets.  You cannot use the lounges if you have a 1st class Sparpreis or Super Sparpreis ticket or Eurail or Interrail pass.

They don't admit holders of tickets for regional trains or trains operated without DB involvement such as Eurostar (formerly Thalys) , Nightjet , European Sleeper or the Munich-Prague trains .

However, if you have a Eurostar Carte Blanche loyalty card you can use a DB Lounge with any ticket.

There are lounges at Berlin Hbf , Bremen, Dresden, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt am Main Hbf , Frankfurt Flughafen , Hamburg Hbf , Hanover, Cologne Hbf , Leipzig, Mannheim, Munich Hbf , Nuremberg, Stuttgart.  Typically open 07:00-21:00 daily, follow signs for DB Lounge , search int.bahn.de for opening times.

There are ÖBB Lounges at Vienna Hauptbahnhof , Vienna Meidling , Linz, Salzburg , Innsbruck , Graz & Klagenfurt.

These Austrian lounges are really useful because you can use them for up to 90 minutes before or after your journey with almost any type of 1st class ticket or with a ticket for any type of sleeper for Nightjet or EuroNight trains and with a 1st class Eurail or Interrail pass.

There's one exception:  You can use the lounge with a 1st class DB Sparpreis or Flexpreis fare, but not with a Super Sparpreis fare.

Typically open 06:00-21:00, for details see www.oebb.at & search for ÖBB Lounge .  Tea, coffee, soft drinks, snacks & free WiFi available.

Budapest & Hungary

Budapest Keleti has an excellent business lounge on platform 9 , open 06:00-21:30 daily.  This lounge is really useful as it can be used by anyone with a 1st class international ticket to, from or via Budapest, or a single or double sleeper ticket, or a 1st class Eurail or Interrail pass with a reservation for a train that day.  Unfortunately, there's no lounge at Budapest Deli or Budapest Nyugati.

Prague & the Czech Republic

CD (Czech Railways) has a lounge at Prague Hlavni with newspaper and free WiFi, but it's also open to 2nd class passengers with tickets for the higher categories of train such as EuroCity and SuperCity so it's more upmarket waiting room than 1st class lounge.  The excellent Fantova Kavárna upstairs in the historic station hall makes a better VIP waiting lounge for the price of a cup of coffee.

PKP Intercity used to have poorly-advertised lounges at Warsaw Centralna & Krakow Glowny , but strangely closed them in 2014 due to lack of users.

Copenhagen & Denmark

DSB Danish Railways have DSB1 lounges for first class passengers at Copenhagen , Aarhus and Odense.  Open Monday-Friday only.  Passengers with 1st class tickets for SJ trains to Stockholm or Intercity trains to Germany can also use it.  For details search www.dsb.dk and use Google Translate.

Stockholm & Sweden

SJ have a first class lounge at both Stockholm Central & Gothenburg Central open to all first class ticket holders   It's open Monday-Friday only morning until mid-evening, for details see www.sj.se .

Travelling overnight

Sleeper trains are a time-effective and romantic way to travel.  Huge distances can be covered while you sleep, using less daytime time than flying and often saving a hotel bill, too.

Forget about first and second class on sleeper trains, these terms become misleading.  The real classes on an overnight train are seat, couchette and sleeper.  In fact, all accommodation on nightjet sleeper trains is now technically 2nd class, even a deluxe single-bed sleeper with shower.  Although some operators still require a 1st class ticket for a single-bed sleeper.

Incidentally, trains don't have sterns or bows or port or starboard as they are not a ship.  They also don't have cabins , the correct term has always been a sleeper or couchette compartment .

Click for sleeper & couchette car berth numbering plans , this answers the typical worry We have berths 21 & 25, are we in the same 2-berth compartment?   Yes, you are!

...in a sleeping-car

A sleeping-car is the equivalent of a hotel :  A cosy bedroom, with comfortable beds, washbasin, and room service.  Sleepers come in 1, 2 & 3 berth varieties, depending on the route, whether you have a 1st or 2nd class ticket, and the price you want to pay.  For the daytime parts of a journey, the beds fold away to reveal a sofa.

If you are travelling alone and don't want to pay for a 1st class single room, you can normally book just one berth in a 2 or 3-berth room and share with other passengers of the same gender (though this is currently not possible in Italian domestic sleepers).

In addition to the normal lock, sleeper compartments have a security lock which cannot be opened from outside even with a staff key, so you'll be both safe and snug.  The most modern sleepers now have CCTV in the corridor, too.

On most sleeper train routes there are inclusive fares covering travel, sleeper & breakfast.  If you have an Interrail or Eurail pass, you can look up the additional cost of a sleeper on the Interrail & Eurail reservations page .

For more detailed information about what to expect when travelling by sleeper, see the Travelling by Sleeping-car or Couchette page or the information about specific sleeper trains, including:

- Nightjet sleeper trains linking Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland.

- Prague to Krakow sleeper train .

...in a couchette

A couchette is rail's answer to a youth hostel or pensione:   Economical and comfortable, it's an ordinary seating compartment for 4 or 6 people by day, with fold-out padded bunks for 4 or 6 people by night, each with sheet, rug & pillow which you arrange yourself.  Male and female passengers normally share the same compartment (although there are 'ladies only' compartments on most routes), and apart from removing shoes & jackets,  passengers do not normally undress.

A berth in a 6-berth couchette compartment costs around €20-€27 per berth per night, in addition to a 2nd class ticket or railpass.  A berth in a less-crowded 4-berth couchette compartment costs around €30-€37 per berth per night, in addition to a 2nd class ticket or railpass.

In addition to the normal lock, couchette compartments have a security lock or chain which cannot be opened from outside, even with a staff key, so you'll be quite safe.  1st class couchettes (4 berths per compartment) are rare, they pretty much only exist in on the few remaining French domestic overnight trains .

There's more detailed information about what to expect when travelling by couchette on the Travelling by Couchette or Sleeping-car page .  For more specific information, if your journey involves a nightjet, see the nightjet sleeper train page .  If your journey involves a French domestic Intercité de Nuit overnight train, see the Intercités de Nuit page .

...in a seat

Although it's the cheapest option, travelling overnight in an ordinary seat is a false economy.  It's not recommended however tight your budget, either for comfort or security, unless there's no other option.  There's no lock on the compartment door, and no staff on duty.  Think of it as the equivalent (almost!) of sleeping in a shop doorway.  Always budget for at least the couchette supplement for a comfortable night's journey. 

How early to be at the station?

There are some exceptions .  Major Italian stations now have a simple manual ticket check between concourse and platform circulating area.  In France some major stations have automatic ticket gates when boarding long-distance trains, scan the barcode on your ticket and they open, they're work until 2 minutes before departure.  But it's still nothing like air travel.

Train composition posters

Is there passport control before boarding, how long to allow for connections , it takes just minutes to change trains, if your onward train is a local one, if your onward train is all-reserved, if your onward train is a sleeper, if connecting out of a sleeper.

Example   You're catching the Cologne-Munich sleeper train, due to arrive in Munich at 07:10.  There are onward connections to Salzburg at 07:25 and 09:30, both with cheap fares available which are only valid on whichever specific train you choose.  Online systems and the European Rail Timetable suggest the 07:25.  But is this a safe connection?  No, it isn't.  Even this excellent sleeper train can arrive 20, 40 or 60 minutes late, and it pays to be on the safe side.  In this case I'd recommend booking the 09:30 and having a leisurely breakfast in Munich.

Through ticket or separate tickets?

Recommended connection times when changing stations in paris, travel tips, what happens if you miss a connection, if things go wrong ..., here's what you should know.

With a through ticket the international conditions of carriage (CIV) give you a cast-iron legal entitlement to travel on by later trains if a delay means a missed connection, so tight connections aren't necessarily a problem.

However, through tickets no longer exist for many journeys and you'll often be given separate tickets for each train.  Unfortunately, CIV protection only applies to connections within each ticket, not between tickets.

The good news is that rail staff will usually help you out if there's a delay, as connections between separate tickets and different operators are often covered by the Agreement for Journey Continuation (AJC) or RailTeam/HOTNAT , which I explain below.

If you miss a connection

If you are on a delayed Eurostar and you realise you're going to miss your onward connection, Eurostar train managers carry a HOTNAT / CIV stamp and will endorse your ticket.  They may walk through the train helping people with connections, or may announce that they are available in a particular car.  Similarly, staff on other European trains can usually endorse or stamp your ticket if their train is delayed.

Tip:  If crossing Paris by metro, buy a metro ticket in the Eurostar cafe-bar car to save vital minutes, you might still make your connection.

It's good to be aware of your rights under the international conditions of carriage or CIV and its limitations, and of AJC & HOTNAT .

An example...   I was travelling from London to Bordeaux on a Eurostar running 40 minutes late.  It looked like I would miss my connection in Paris, and naturally my onward ticket was train-specific & non-changeable!  An announcement was made that the train manager was in the bar car to help passengers with connections.  He stamped my ticket and told me to go to the ticket office at Paris Montparnasse to get myself rebooked on a later train.  In the event, I bought a metro ticket from the Eurostar cafe-bar to save time at the metro station (important tip!), I walked to the front of the train as we approached Paris, I had allowed a little more than the recommended minimum 60 minutes to cross Paris in any case, and I made my connection!

If you miss a Eurostar due to a delayed train

If you miss a connection in brussels, your rights:   civ conditions of carriage.

Unfortunately, this CIV missed connection protection only applies within a single contract for carriage, in other words, within one ticket.

If you have a through ticket from A to C changing at B, your connection at B is protected if there's a delay.

But if you have a ticket from A to B and a separate ticket from B to C, your connection at B is not protected by the CIV as this is two separate contracts for carriage and CIV does not apply between contracts.  These days, many journeys have to be made using separate tickets.

For example, there are no through tickets between London and Germany, so if you book a journey from London to Berlin, even as one transaction on one website, you'll get a London-Brussels Eurostar ticket and a separate Brussels-Berlin DB (German Railways) ticket.  This is two separate contracts for carriage and CIV does not protect you for a missed connection in Brussels, between the two tickets.

The CIV were written when through tickets were the norm for almost all European journeys, these days many through journeys have to be made using multiple tickets.  Frankly, the CIV are no longer fit for purpose.  I have spoken at the EU Parliament in Brussels on the subject!

Railteam & HOTNAT

Agreement on journey continuation ( ajc ).

The signatories to the AJC are:

SNCF (French Railways), DB (German Railways), ÖBB (Austrian Railways), Trenitalia (Italian Railways), Renfe (Spanish Railways), SBB (Swiss Federal Railways), BLS (Bern-Lötschberg-Simplon Railway), CD (Czech Railways), SNCB (Belgian Railways), NS (Dutch Railways), CFL (Luxembourg Railways), DSB (Danish Railways), SJ (Swedish Railways), SZ (Slovenian Railways), ZSSK (Slovakian Railways). 

Eurostar signed up to the AJC in 2023, as did MAV (Hungarian Railways), PKP (Polish Railways), HZPP (Croatian Railways) & European Sleeper .

The AJC doesn't currently cover some open-access operators such as Italo, Westbahn, Regiojet, Leo Express.

To qualify for help under the AJC:

Both trains have to be run by signatories to the agreement.

You have to be making an international journey, not a domestic one.

You must have allowed reasonable period of time between trains, meaning at least the minimum applied by official journey planners.

You may need to get proof of the delay from the delayed operator, which they are obliged to give you.

Onward travel has to be on the same operator on the same route.  It is either the station staff or the train manager for the onward train you gives you permission, you should ask at the interchange station.

Remember that the AJC is a commercial agreement between operators, it's not a passenger right you can claim.  So politely remind staff about it if they don't seem to know about it.

A traveller's report

A traveller reports:   "I got to my local station and there were no trains going anywhere!  There had been an emergency that stopped all trains for half an hour or so in the early morning rush hour, just when I needed to get to London for the 8.30am Eurostar to Paris and TGV down to Toulon, with train-specific tickets all the way.  So what do you do?  I just went to the ticket office when I reached London - they had the emergency flagged up on their computer screens and just wrote me a docket/stamped and signed it and on I went.  At St Pancras, I did the same - went to the Eurostar ticket office and they stamped the unused tickets, issued new ones and off I went.   At Gare de Lyon, I went to the ticket office, showed them all the dockets, stamped, stapled and initialled tickets and again they just issued me a ticket for the next train."

Holidays & tours by train

Railbookers , railbookers.co.uk.

Railbookers can custom-make a holiday or short break by train to most European countries for you, with train travel & carefully-chosen hotels, for however long you like, leaving on any date you like.  If you tell them what you want, they'll advise you on the best trains, routes & hotels and sort it all out for you.  They look after their customers well and get a lot of repeat business, so I've no hesitation in recommending them.

Byway, byway.travel

Byway ( Byway.travel ) is a UK-based eco-holiday firm with a 5-star TrustPilot rating .  If you're nervous about booking train travel yourself, they'll book European trips for you as a package including hotels, starting from any British station.  Byway includes package protection, a 100% Covid refund guarantee, free disruption & re-planning and on-demand WhatsApp support while you're away.

To see pre-configured packages from the UK to various destinations, use the journey planner on their website .

Tip:   First book a one-way outward journey to your destination city on your outward date.  Then change the direction of the arrow and book an inward journey on your return date.  The journey back to the UK can be from a different location if you like, for example if you plan to travel around a bit before your return to the UK.

Alternatively they can build a trip to your requirements, email them or use the contact form .  Please say you heard about them from Seat 61.

Rail Discoveries , raildiscoveries.com

Great rail journeys , greatrail.com, general country guidebooks.

People sometimes think a guidebook is an unnecessary expense, but it's a tiny fraction of what you're spending on your whole trip.  You will see and understand so much more if you have a decent guidebook.  For the independent traveller, I think the best ones out there are either the Lonely Planet or the Rough Guide.  Both guidebooks are excellent, and you won't regret buying one!

Click the images to buy at Amazon.co.uk or buy in the USA at Amazon.com

H otels in europe, backpacker hostels.

www.hostelworld.com :  If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about the backpacker hostels.  Hostelworld offers online booking of dorm beds or ultra-cheap private rooms in backpacker hostels in most European cities at rock-bottom prices.

Car hire comparison:  www.carrentals.co.uk

The award-winning website www.carrentals.co.uk compares many different car hire companies including Holiday Autos.  That means not only a useful price comparison, but a wider choice of hire and drop off location.

Travel insurance & other tips

Always take out travel insurance.

You should take out travel insurance with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover from a reliable insurer.  It should cover trip cancellation and loss of cash & belongings up to a reasonable limit.  These days, check you're covered for covid-19-related issues, and use an insurer whose cover isn't invalidated by well-meant but excessive Foreign Office travel advice against non-essential travel. An annual policy is usually cheapest even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself.  Don't expect travel insurance to bail you out of every missed connection, see the advice on missed connections here .  Here are some suggested insurers, I get a little commission if you buy through these links, feedback always welcome.

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a European mobile data package and stay connected.  Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list .  There's no need to buy a physical SIM card!  Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data .

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate then add a foreign transaction fee on top.  A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month as I write this.  The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.  And you can get a Curve card for free.

How it works:   1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android .  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app.  You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader.  The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than getting a card out).  I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card , they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  Why you need a VPN

When travelling you may use free public WiFi which is often insecure.  A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi.  It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply.  See VPNs & why you need one explained .  ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using this link you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription.  I also get some commission to help support this site.

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, hotel bookings and Interrail or Eurail passes are often now held on your mobile phone.  You daren't let it run out of power, and you can't always rely on the phone's internal battery or on being near a power outlet.  I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over.  Buy from Amazon.co.uk or Buy from Amazon.com .

Touring cities?  Use hill walking shoes!

One of the best things I've done is swap my normal shoes for hill-walking shoes, in my case from Scarpa.  They're intended for hiking across the Pennines not wandering around Florence, but the support and cushioning for hiking works equally well when you're on your feet all day exploring foreign cities.  My feet used to give out first and limit my day, now the rest of me gives up before they do!

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Special Occasions

Celebrate onboard a luxury train

From Mother's Day to a Christmas lunch , we have a selection of luxury train experiences tailored specifically for special occasions.

If you are celebrating a special occasion and are looking to make a day out even more special for a friend or loved one, take a look through our special occasions luxury train experiences. With vintage train journeys created for occasions such as Christmas , Valentine's Day , Mother's Day , Fireworks Night and Burns Night, you know you can celebrate these special occasions in luxury.

Perhaps you are looking to celebrate a loved one’s birthday or maybe you are looking for a special way to propose, below you will find luxury train experiences that are suitable for these types of special occasions. If you are looking to make a marriage propose on a luxury train, feel free to add this to your booking notes and we can make extra special arrangements for you.

Typical special occasion luxury train experience highlights:

• A return journey on a luxury vintage train
• Welcome aboard drinks reception
• Silver service fine dining
• On board entertainment (dependant on selected journey)
• Bottle of wine per couple
• At least one fine dining meal
• A truly wonderful day

Timings are provisional and subject to network rail confirmation 7 days prior to departure.

Contact us, we're here to assist

Call us on 020 3640 8887 or email us below