best places to visit scotland by train

How to Tour Scotland by Train

Scotland has several train lines that are perfect for exploring the country, including the Kyle Line, the Far North Line, the West Highland Line, the Carlisle Line, the Stranraer Line, and the Borders Railway. Discover everything you need to know about how to tour Scotland by train in this ultimate guide, which includes information about the main train lines and an itinerary for an 8-day train tour of Scotland.

The Best Train Journeys in Scotland

Scotland doesn’t waste an inch of its landscapes when it comes to impressing visitors. From the dramatic coastal railway that runs between Stranraer and Glasgow to the stunning scenery of the West Highland Line, you’re never far from amazing experiences when you hop on board a train.

The sights you’ll see vary in each part of the country so you might consider combining a few routes into one holiday, or if you’re pushed for time maybe just choose your favourite line and base yourself somewhere along it.

A top tip here would be Edinburgh, where you’ve got city attractions on your doorstep and the Highlands just a couple of hours train ride away if you fancy a day in the mountains, with the Scottish Borders less than an hour away in the opposite direction. Alternatively, you could head over to the west coast and explore Glasgow before setting off south on the Carlisle and Stranraer lines, both of which offer vastly different scenery from the standard tourist hotspots in the Highlands.

Whatever you choose, whether it’s a visit to Loch Ness to see the monster , a tour of Scotland’s whisky distilleries or an excursion into the rugged scenery of the west coast, getting there by train makes it just that wee bit more pleasurable.

The following list of scenic railway journeys in Scotland will give you an overview of each line along with recommended places to stop and visit.

Map of Train Lines in Scotland

The West Highland Line

Start and end points: Glasgow to Mallaig. Journey time: 3 hours 50 minutes. Highlights: The Highland town of Fort William. Glenfinnan and the spectacular viaduct.

Download the route map from ScotRail .

The West Highland Line – or at least the section of it from Fort William to Mallaig – has gained legendary status among Scotland’s tourists.

Everybody knows the scene in the Harry Potter films where the Hogwarts Express transports the young wizard to the magical wizardry school across a multi-arched viaduct. But not everybody knows that this is actually set in the village of Glenfinnan which in addition to the viaduct features gorgeous views from the Glenfinnan Monument across the shores of Loch Shiel.

The section of the railway track as it winds its way north towards Mallaig has been repeatedly voted the best railway journey in the world, and having taken The Jacobite Steam Train myself I have to say it lives up to the title, and then some.

The Jacobite is a 1930s steam locomotive that puffs its way on the 84-mile return journey past a series of stunning Highland vistas. Unlike the other railways, which use modern diesel and electric locomotives with brand-new carriages, the Jacobite pulls restored 1960s carriages, which makes the whole experience feel very special indeed.

The line starts near Ben Nevis (the highest mountain in Britain) before heading towards Arisaig (the furthest-west train station), passing Loch Morar (the deepest freshwater loch) and skirting the River Morar (the shortest river in Britain) before arriving at Mallaig near Loch Nevis (the deepest seawater loch in Britain).

Once at Mallaig, you can take a boat trip around the coastline to see Britain’s largest birds – sea eagles – which hunt from the surrounding clifftops, or you can take a ferry over to the Isle of Skye and its extraordinary landscapes. Or, of course, you can just head back to Fort William on a return journey.

If you’d like to take this amazing train ride I recommend using Get Your Guide which is one of the biggest and best booking websites for activities and tours in Scotland.

The Borders Line

Start and end points: Tweedbank to Edinburgh. Journey time: 1 hour. Highlights: The Borders countryside. The mighty Arthurs Seat in Edinburgh’s Holyrood Park .

The Borders Railway is one of the newest stretches of track in Britain and the first to be built in Scotland in over 100 years. This is a route that’s best used to explore Edinburgh and the Lothians, though I have to admit the Borders are a lovely part of Scotland as well.

The scenery isn’t mountainous and dramatic like you’ll find in the Highlands but it’s certainly picturesque, crossing lowland fields, woodland, and quaint country villages along the way.

Much of this line passes through former mining villages which admittedly don’t have much to offer visitors, but there’s a good tourist attraction in the town of Gorebridge that showcases one of the former mines with a guided tour. Having visited the mine myself I have to say it’s well worth the trip, so check out the National Mining Museum website for the current times and prices.

Once past Gorebridge, you’ll pass open farmland before stopping at Galashiels and Tweedbank. I’d personally give Galashiels a miss and get out at Tweedbank instead as you can take a short walk to visit Abbotsford House which was the ancestral home of Scottish author Sir Walter Scott.

Scott was one of the greatest writers of his time and was so revered that after his death the city of Edinburgh built the Scott Monument as a dedication to him.

You can’t fail to miss the Gothic masterpiece Scott Monument in Edinburgh’s Princes Street (it’s not far from Waverley train station) and it has to be one of the highlights of a visit to the city. The monument is the largest ever created in the world for a writer, and it features an internal winding staircase that allows visitors to look at the cityscape from several viewing platforms

Sticking with the Scottish Borders, another attraction not far from Tweedbank is the historic market town of Melrose which is a lovely quaint wee place that’ll give you a good taste of rural Scotland. It’s also home to Melrose Abbey which is a fascinating ruined abbey close to the River Tweed.

The only negative I have about the Borders railway is that it gets incredibly busy with Edinburgh commuters at peak times which means there’s often standing room only, but travel outside those hours and you’ll have a very relaxed journey.

The Carlisle Line

Start and end points: Carlisle to Glasgow. Journey time: 2 hours 30 minutes. Highlights: Gretna Green , home of untold marriage proposals. Glasgow and its fantastic shopping malls and restaurants.

Just like the Borders Line, the Carlisle Line starts in the countryside of the Scottish Borders, only this time it’s on the other side of the country and finishes in Glasgow instead of Edinburgh.

The similarities between the railway lines continue along the length of this journey as it’s mostly low-lying farmland broken up by the occasional country town, but it does have a couple of stages that make it stand out from the other lines in this list. The first of these has to be Gretna Green which is the second stop after Carlisle.

If you’re an international visitor and are unfamiliar with this place it’s one of the most famous villages in Britain where tens of thousands of young couples fled to get married after England tightened marriage laws in the 1700s.

There’s a decent tourist attraction at the Gretna Green Blacksmiths Shop – the original site of those impromptu marriages – that includes a restaurant, museum, shops and a lover’s maze, and it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re romantically inclined or looking to surprise your other half with a proposal.

After Gretna Green, you’ll pass the town of Dumfries a little further up the track which is a historic market town with a lovely river cutting through it (the River Nith) and a museum dedicated to Scotland’s national poet Robert Burns . It’s worth spending extra time in this area as a little further away lies Caerlaverock Castle and the Solway Firth which are both great places to visit, especially if you’ve got children in tow.

Continuing along the Carlisle Line takes you through rolling countryside which is nice enough but not exactly jaw-dropping, but it does at least finish in Glasgow which in my opinion is one of the most exciting cities in Britain.

Glasgow has way too many attractions to list in this article so you might like to check out The Best Places To Visit in Glasgow for a few ideas on what you can do in Scotland’s biggest city. The museums are fantastic and there are more parks, galleries, restaurants, and shopping malls than you’ll ever be able to fit into a single visit, with the bonus being that all the best attractions are completely free to enter.

The Far North Line

Start and end points: Inverness to Wick. Journey time: 4 hours 30 minutes. Highlights: The historic town of Wick. The photogenic Dunrobin Castle.

Possibly the remotest railway in Scotland, the Far North Line runs from the city of Inverness to the (almost-but-not-quite) most northern point of the country at Wick.

Wide-open and desolate, much of the scenery that glides past the window is barren grassland interspersed with the occasional mountain, and it’s not surprising that this part of Scotland is one of the least inhabited regions in Europe outside of the steppes of Russia. But that’s not to say the journey isn’t worth making as there are several sights that more than make up for the apparent desolation.

Starting in Inverness the line sweeps up the northeast edge of Scotland in a gently sweeping arc, crossing the Cromarty Firth and Invergordon along the way. To be honest, I’d give Invergordon a miss, but the Cromarty Firth is lovely in the summer and makes a great starting point for cyclists keen to follow the tourist road up the NC500 towards John O’ Groats .

If cycling isn’t your thing you can continue the train ride to Tain (home of Glenmorangie whisky) and Dunrobin Castle which is arguably the finest castle in Scotland. The train station is just a short distance from this historic attraction so you may as well stop and visit it as it’s a real gem with stunning architecture that faces a drop-dead gorgeous coastline.

The Far North Line continues past Dunrobin for the majority of its journey along the northeast coast till it finally makes a diversion west to Thurso before doubling back on itself at Wick.

Thurso is an ok town and while I’ve only visited it once it was raining so it came across as being a bit… grey. Wick isn’t that much better on the looks front but it has a lot of history to be proud of because at one time it was one of the biggest herring fishing ports in the world.

They’re certainly proud of their heritage in Wick which is clearly displayed in the excellent Wick Heritage Museum that’s hidden away at the far end of the harbour. It’s an absolute Tardis in there so don’t get put off by the unassuming frontage as you’ll easily spend a couple of hours exploring the exhibits.

Finally, no train journey on the Far North Line is complete without taking a short detour to Scotland’s most northerly point at John O’ Groats . This is quite a busy little attraction that looks out across the sea to Orkney in the distance, and a selfie in front of the famous signpost is an absolute must if you’re visiting the area.

My advice after wandering around the (slightly gimmicky) tourist area is to take a short walk up the coastline to see the mighty Duncansby Stacks, which are enormous rock formations set against the backdrop of very dramatic cliffs.

The Stranraer Line

Start and end points: Stranraer to Glasgow. Journey time: 2 hours 30 minutes. Highlights: The beach at Ayr. The city of Glasgow.

I’d say the Stranraer Line is probably the least-used by visiting tourists, mainly because this corner of southwest Scotland doesn’t have as many attractions as the rest of the country. While the Solway Firth to the south draws visitors from far and wide who admire its attractive bays and nature reserves, the stretch of coastline further north tends to go a little unnoticed, even though it gets more attractive the further north you go.

This railway branches off at several points, but the main line from the fishing port of Stranraer to Glasgow is the focus of the journey, with the coastal towns of Ayr and Troon offering a pleasant contrast to the farmland that so inspired the poet Robert Burns .

Both towns have decent enough beaches but not much else, although Ayr is notable for the river running through it and the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum . Troon, meanwhile, is worth visiting for the views across the Firth of Clyde towards the Isle of Arran and Royal Troon, which is a large golf course that regularly hosts the Open Championship.

The town is also a quick 5-minute train ride from Prestwick International Airport, so if you’re visiting and have a few hours to kill before the next flight, it makes a decent place to get some fresh air before getting onboard that stuffy plane.

From Troon, the track curves inland past Lochs Semple, Barr, and Kilbirnie before sweeping further inland past Paisley and onwards into the heart of Glasgow. One attraction you might like to visit before the final stop in Glasgow city centre is Pollock Country Park .

This is the largest park in Glasgow and features lots of woodland and riverside walks, play parks and walled gardens, and as it’s just a few minutes bus ride from the Cardonald train station you can easily get there if you fancy a break from the busy city.

The Kyle Line

Start and end points: Inverness to the Kyle of Lochalsh. Journey time: 2 hours 40 minutes. Highlights: The Torridon Peaks, Achnashellach Forest, Ben Wyvis.

The Kyle Line stretches across North Scotland from Inverness – the capital of the Highlands – to Loch Alsh on the west coast. This is one of the most scenic train journeys in this list and it’s a firm favourite with visitors thanks to the stunning scenery.

You’ll start your journey in Inverness which is easily reached from all the main stations in Scotland, though it might take a little while to get there as the country’s other cities are either located on the east coast or much further south. Expect the train ride from Glasgow and Edinburgh to take around 4 hours to reach Inverness and around 2 hours from Aberdeen.

From Inverness, the train passes the Beauly Firth (a body of water that connects the River Ness to the Moray Firth) and Dingwall where you’ll see the hulking mass of Ben Wyvis. This sprawling mountain dominates the landscape and it’s a recommended hill-walking destination, with the undulating ridge running 3 miles to its highest point at Glas Leathad Mor which has an elevation of just over 3,400 feet.

From Dingwall, the line passes through a mountainous Highland region near Loch Garve where you’ll see the peaks of Torridon before entering a region of thick forest as the track makes its way to Loch Luichart.

There are several points on this journey where the rail track closely follows a relatively busy road (the A835) but once it gets near the loch it runs alongside much quieter roads to the final destination at the Kyle of Lochalsh. From there, you’re just a stone’s throw from the Isle of Skye so you may as well hire a car and cross the Skye bridge to explore this famous west coast island.

There’s a car hire company close to the Kyle Line end terminal if you want to extend your journey and if you do I suggest you take a short drive (about 10 miles) towards the spectacular Eilean Donan Castle while you’re in the area. This stunning castle is situated at the meeting point of lochs Long, Duich, and Alsh (one of the prettiest viewpoints in Scotland) and it’s an absolute must-do if you’re visiting the area.

One-Week Scotland Train Tour Itinerary

Now that we’ve looked at the main railway lines in Scotland, you might be wondering how to put it all together for an extended tour of the country. A quick look online shows lots of opinions about where to go and in what order to see each region, but almost all itineraries involve visiting Edinburgh, Glasgow, The Highlands, and the Isle of Skye.

Concentrating on those areas will show you the best of Scotland – from historic cities to wild mountainous landscapes – on a tour that should take around one week to complete.

Rather than just regurgitate what every other travel writer says, in the following section I’m going to show you the same train tour I took a couple of years ago which I’ve no hesitation in saying was one of the best experiences of my life.

To begin, I bought a Spirit of Scotland rail pass (details further down this page) that gave me unlimited rail travel across the country for 8 days and pre-booked hotels in the middle of each area. I then used each hotel as a base and either took public transport or hired a car to go sightseeing.

By booking everything myself I managed to get the total cost down to around £800, which admittedly isn’t the cheapest holiday in the world but it’s a lot cheaper than most of the specialist package holiday dealers are asking (£2000+ for a week-long train tour of Scotland. Ouch!).

Day 1: Edinburgh

Edinburgh needs no introduction as it’s one of the most-visited tourist cities in Europe and is full of so many world-famous attractions it simply has to be included in a train tour of Scotland.

A single day really isn’t enough to see all of Edinburgh, but because the city is so compact you can walk between the top attractions without ever feeling like you’re getting lost. To start your day I recommend walking from Waverley train station in the city centre to Princes Street Gardens which is home to The Scott Monument and the National Galleries of Scotland.

From the gardens, head to Edinburgh Castle (be aware you could easily spend most of the day at this single attraction), and then soak up the atmosphere of The Royal Mile before taking a look inside St. Giles Cathedra l. If you have time, continue down The Royal Mile to Holyrood Palace , or perhaps stretch your legs in Holyrood Park where you can climb to the top of Arthur’s Seat for unparalleled views of the city.

To be honest, you’ll never fit all of that into a single day unless you fly around everything, so you’ll have to pick what interests you most. I recommend Edinburgh Castle (a must-do), The Royal Mile and the cathedral, followed by Holyrood Palace and Holyrood Park if you have any time before the sun sets.

As far as getting around the city goes, you could walk and hope to stumble across all the main sights, but I can tell you from personal experience you’ll have a much more enjoyable time by using a hop-on hop-off tour bus to visit the top attractions.

Day 2: Central Scotland

Day 2 centres around Fife, Perthshire, and Angus in Central Scotland. This is a less-visited part of Scotland but it features the gorgeous east coast, the forests of Perthshire’s ‘big tree country’, and the possibility of exploring the historic St. Andrews and Scone Palace.

On my tour, I based myself in Dundee, saw the city in the morning, and then took a train ride to Perth in the afternoon. Dundee is a historic city that borders the estuary of the River Tay and the North Sea, and it has a couple of very good attractions in the city centre.

My recommended itinerary is to book accommodation near Dundee train station and walk to the V&A Design Museum and the RRS Discovery, or get a taxi to the superb McManus Museum . Alternatively, take a train to Leuchars (20 minutes) and then take a bus to St. Andrews which is an exceptionally pretty historic town that has a lovely beachfront with a castle, St. Andrews Aquarium , and St. Andrews Cathedral .

From Dundee it’s another short train ride (20 minutes) to the city of Perth which offers lovely riverside walks along the River Tay, the Black Watch Castle and Museum, and the stunning Scone Palace (you’ll need to book a 20-minute taxi from Perth city centre to get to it). If you don’t feel like heading to Perth, another very good historic attraction is the 600-year-old Glamis Castle, which is a 30-minute taxi ride from the centre of Dundee.

Day 3: The Cairngorms National Park

From Dundee, it’s a 2-hour train ride to Aviemore which will take you into the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. The park is situated in the heart of the Scottish Highlands and is the largest national park in the UK, so if you’ve any interest in exploring the wilds of Scotland this is your best opportunity.

Aviemore is often called the gateway to the Highlands and you’ll no doubt find yourself sharing the experience with lots of walkers, cyclists, and skiers thanks to the Cairngorm Mountain Centre which is a 20-minute taxi ride from the town centre.

The centre allows visitors to walk partway up Cairn Gorm mountain where they’ll have breathtaking views across the Highlands landscape at the Coire Cas viewpoint, or they can take the easier option on a funicular railway that glides up and down the mountain slopes.

Other attractions in the area are Loch Morlich (home to the highest beach in Britain), the beautiful Glenmore Forest Park, and the wonderful Cairngorm Reindeer Centre where you can say hello to the UK’s only herd of wild reindeer.

If you have time, a 20-minute drive south of Aviemore takes visitors to The Highland Wildlife Park which features a mini safari around enclosures that house some of the animals that live in the world’s remotest cold regions (including polar bears!).

This is a fantastic tourist attraction and is highly recommended if you have children with you, as is the beautiful Rothiemurchus Estate which offers fun activities in the Highland landscape including pony trekking, quad biking, mountain biking, and white water rafting.

Day 4: Inverness and Loch Ness

This is a short train ride at around 45 minutes but it’s very pretty, so keep your camera at the ready.

Once in Inverness (the unofficial capital of the Highlands), you’ll find lots of attractions in the surrounding area, but the one essential place to visit has to be Loch Ness . Inverness sits at the northern end of the loch, where it transitions into the River Ness, which opens out onto the Beauly Firth.

A search on Get Your Guide will bring up lots of tour operators that run excursions to the Loch, or alternatively, hire a car as you’ll be able to explore the loch in your own time (try Travel Supermarket for good car hire deals).

Highlights of Loch Ness are visiting the historic Urquhart Castle and taking a boat tour to see the loch from the water (it’s the best way to see the infamous Loch Ness monster).

To get to either you’ll need to travel along the A82 which is very scenic and presents several spots to pull the car over and admire the body of water with a picnic in hand – but make sure Nessie doesn’t steal your sandwiches.

Heading back to Inverness you’ll find it’s a rather attractive city but there aren’t many attractions in the centre. However, a short (30-minute) taxi ride will take you to Fort George which is a huge 18th-century military base that overlooks the Moray Firth.

The fort features museums, a military chapel, barrack blocks, a munitions depot and much more, but the highlight has to be standing on the gunnery platform and looking across the sea to Chanonry Point which is home to Britain’s only permanent resident dolphin pod.

Day 5 and 6: The Isle of Skye

This part of the tour sees visitors hopping back on the train and heading to Dingwall before swapping onto the Kyle Line which finishes at Kyle of Lochalsh.

Before heading to Skye, I recommend heading to Eilean Donan Castle which is located a 15-minute taxi ride from Kyle of Lochalsh on the A87. The castle is one of, if not the , most picturesque castles in Scotland, so if you haven’t been to a castle by this point Eilean Donan is the place to go.

After the castle, it’s time to cross the Syke Bridge to spend time on the stunning Isle of Skye, though be aware that even two days is not enough time to see all of the island. If you do, you’ll find a hire car (Travel Supermarket) is an absolute necessity, as although it’s possible to use buses and taxis on Skye, they’re few and far between.

A car, meanwhile, means you can drive to stunning places like the Fairy Glen (a natural landscape of strange earthworks), the Fairy Pools (a series of pools and waterfalls), and the Quiraing (a dramatic landscape formed by an ancient landslide).

Other highlights of Skye are Dunvegan Castle on the island’s northwest tip, the pretty village of Portree, and the huge rock landmark of the Old Man of Storr . There are also lovely beaches surrounding the island, lots of walks into the Black and Red Cuillin mountains, and ferry trips over to the secluded Isle of Raasay.

There’s a lot to see, so if you do find yourself wondering where to go I recommend at least the Fairy Pools, Portree, the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing, and Dunvegan Castle. After finishing your sightseeing tour you’ll need to travel down to the southwest tip of the island to Armadale and then catch a ferry to Mallaig on the mainland where you can continue your journey on the iconic West Highland Line.

Day 7: The West Highland Line and Glasgow

I already covered the West Highland Line earlier in this article so I won’t repeat myself here, other than to say it is, without doubt, the most scenic railway in Scotland.

By far the best way to experience the route is on the restored Jacobite steam train which runs from Fort William to Mallaig and back in a single day, but sadly the train doesn’t offer one-way tickets so you can’t join it from Mallaig. Instead, visitors can clamber aboard the regular ScotRail carriages to make this journey which isn’t as historic but is certainly quieter and comfier.

The entire journey from Mallaig to Glasgow takes 5-6 hours depending on the time of travel, but there are a couple of places to break it up if you’d like to add an extra day onto the itinerary.

The first is the town of Fort William which is a superb place to base yourself for hikes up nearby Ben Nevis. Climbing Britain’s highest mountain is a dream of many people, but as the return route takes 7-8 hours on average it needs a full day to plan, complete, and recover from. The second place to take an extra day on the West Highland Line is Oban which opens up opportunities for exploring the western isles.

Depending on the ferry times I recommend sailing from Oban to Craignure on Mull as the crossing takes less than an hour and there are usually at least 3 ferries every day.

Returning to the West Highland Line and its endpoint in Glasgow, you probably won’t want to do too much sightseeing when you arrive, but there are plenty of nighttime activities to enjoy thanks to the city’s unmatched collection of bars, restaurants, late-night shopping malls and cinemas.

The best place for families to go on an early evening outing is the city centre around Queen Street and Argyll Streets as there are dozens of family-friendly places to eat, but couples might prefer to head to the Finnieston Strip which is livelier and has more traditional bars.

Highlights have to be the Riverside Museum of Transport on the River Clyde, The Tall Ship (a restored sailing ship) that’s moored outside, and the Glasgow Science Centre that’s located almost directly opposite.

History lovers will no doubt enjoy wandering around the grand Glasgow Cathedral and the Necropolis (a vast Victorian cemetery), while anyone who enjoys museums will have a blast at Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum and the Hunterian Museum at the University of Glasgow .

Day 8: Edinburgh and the Borders Line

Following a busy day of sightseeing in Glasgow, it’s now time to return to Edinburgh with another train journey that takes less than an hour door to door. The bonus here is that you’ll have plenty of time to see everything you couldn’t fit into day one of this train tour, or alternatively, you could venture outside the capital.

If that interests you I have two options to recommend.

The first is to book yourself onto a Get Your Guide tour that will take you to fascinating places like Rosslyn Chapel , and the second is to take a ride on the Borders Railway. This train line opens up the pretty countryside south of Edinburgh where quaint villages and enormous medieval abbeys appear to lie around every corner.

The Scottish Borders is a very underrated region in my opinion, and watching it glide past the window in a train carriage is, without doubt, the nicest way to see it.

My advice for places to visit on the Borders Railway is to ride it to the last station at Tweedbank and then take a taxi to Abbotsford House which is a stunning Victorian mansion set in an incredibly scenic location. The house was built by famed Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott and is full to the brim with collections of books, artefacts from Scott’s travels, curios, and vintage books, while the extensive grounds outside offer pleasant walks through manicured gardens.

The Borders Line takes an hour each way from Edinburgh to Tweedbank and Abbotsford House has enough things to see to keep visitors busy for around 4 hours, making this wee adventure a nice relaxed end to a busy week of touring Scotland by train.

Resources for Scotland Train Tours

The Trainline : The Trainline is the UK’s favourite train ticket booking service, mainly due to the fact they make the process so easy.

Once you’ve registered you can enter your credit card details and book your tickets online with the minimum of fuss, and being able to reserve a ticket when you’re late is an absolute godsend. Not only that but you’ll usually get a big discount by purchasing your ticket through them – sometimes up to 60% or more compared to buying at the station.

ScotRail : ScotRail is Scotland’s main train operator that provides the majority of the routes detailed in this article. While you’ll frequently hear weary commuters complaining about the service, I have to admit I’ve never had any problems using any train in Scotland whether it’s been for work or pleasure.

As a whole the carriages are clean and they’re usually on time. Not to Japanese or Swiss ultra-efficient standards or anything, but never more than a few minutes deviation from the stated time (again, this is purely based on my personal experience here in Edinburgh).

ScotRail gets top marks for its website which seems to offer more and more information the deeper you delve into it. It’s a great resource for rail travel in Scotland and it’s a website that you should definitely bookmark if you’re a new visitor to this country.

Traffic Scotland : Where would the humble commuter be without Traffic Scotland ? Probably gnawing their steering wheels in frustration at being stuck in yet more roadworks I’m guessing, or seething at the fact the fast lane has been closed for repairs AGAIN.

Traffic Scotland distributes real-time information about closures, delays, accidents, and general annoyances on the country’s road network, but it also provides information on the rail network.

It’s not the easiest website to navigate admittedly and the design looks like it’s straight out of 1995, but the information is reliable nonetheless. For rail travel, click the Further Travel Information > Travel information Links section in the sidebar and then the ‘Are you interested in air, rail…’ link at the top of the next page.

You’ll find links to all the main train stations in Scotland along with details of any line closures and whether the next train is on time or not.

Traveline Scotland : The one website I go back to time and time again when planning a train journey is Traveline Scotland . This website has a very useful journey planner that you can access from their homepage which allows you to enter a beginning and endpoint along with a departure time, after which it displays the travel time and train route on a big map.

It really helps to be able to see the journey you’ll be taking and makes it a breeze to see which attractions are located around each station – which is essential when planning a whistle-stop tour of Scotland. Take my advice and bookmark it ASAP.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to see on a train tour of scotland.

The Borders Line : The Borders countryside and Arthurs Seat in Edinburgh’s Holyrood Park . The Carlisle Line : Gretna Green and Glasgow city centre. The Far North Line : The historic town of Wick and Dunrobin Castle. The Stranraer Line : The beach at Ayr and Glasgow city centre. The Kyle Line : The Torridon Peaks, Achnashellach Forest, Ben Wyvis. The West Highland Line : Fort William and Glenfinnan.

Which train tickets can I buy in Scotland?

Off-peak  tickets are restricted for use between the morning and evening peak times. Anytime  tickets are valid for use at any time of the day and are usually more expensive than off-peak tickets. First-class  tickets are more expensive than the other two types but offer a higher standard of service, including free Wi-Fi and refreshments.

Which railcards can I use in Scotland?

Two Together Railcard : Gives a third off all rail travel on off-peak journeys for any two people over the age of 16 when they travel together. 26-30 Railcard : Gives a third off all rail travel on off-peak journeys for people aged between 26 and 30 years. Senior Railcard : Saves a third off train fares for anyone aged over 60 years. Highland Railcard : Offers a 50% discount for people who live in the Scottish Highlands.

What are the best rail travel planning websites?

The Trainline is the UK’s favourite train ticket booking service. ScotRail is Scotland’s main train operator and operates the majority of the lines in the country. Traffic Scotland distributes real-time information about closures, delays and accidents. Traveline Scotland has a journey planner that displays the travel time and train route on a map.

What is the best train journey in Scotland?

The most beautiful train journey in Scotland is The Jacobite from Fort William to Mallaig which has been described as one of the most scenic railway journeys in the world.

What is the nicest way to travel to Scotland by train from London?

The most luxurious train journey is the Caledonian Sleeper train to Scotland which operates overnight between London and multiple destinations between Edinburgh and Inverness. It is called a sleeper train because it has sleeping compartments where passengers can sleep while the train is in motion. Some of these compartments have double beds and en-suite bathrooms.

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Craig Neil is the author, photographer, admin, and pretty much everything else behind Out About Scotland. He lives near Edinburgh and spends his free time exploring Scotland and writing about his experiences. Follow him on Pinterest , Facebook , and YouTube .

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5 Scenic Trains for Exploring Scotland's Dramatic Highlands, Sparkling Lochs, and Coastal Towns

The best train rides in Scotland will have you witnessing the drama of the Scottish Highlands, exploring charming castles, and chasing some of the world's best whisky. You’ll be treated to sweeping vistas of some of the most beautiful landscapes in the United Kingdom. Imagine chugging past glittering lochs, breathtaking glens, and vast moors, all while enjoying a meal in a stately dining car or relaxing in a plush cabin. 

Around the world, train journeys are experiencing a great revival , with travelers realizing they’re a scenic, eco-friendly, and affordable mode of transportation. In Scotland, riders can also snag a  discounted rail pass from  ScotRail , which can save a third off the price of an already inexpensive journey. 

And if you would rather have your train tour planned for you, there are a growing number of companies that will book and curate a rail-based adventure in Scotland for you or a group, like  Vacations by Rail .

The most difficult part of your Scottish train travels will be selecting which of these spectacular lines you want to take. Here are five of the best train rides in Scotland—plus, where to stay and what to do along the way.

The West Highland Line takes passengers from Glasgow to either Oban or Mallaig, both picturesque coastal towns in Scotland.

The West Highland Line

Arguably one of the most visually stunning  parts of Scotland , the Highlands are filled with dramatic peaks and valleys, craggy hilltops, and glassy lochs. The West Highland Line starts in Glasgow and runs more than 180 miles to either Oban or Mallaig, two tiny picturesque fishing ports that are resort towns in their own right, as well as departure points for travel onward to the surrounding Scottish Isles. 

Along the way, you’ll cruise by charming towns and villages until the line splits at Crianlarich: One branch of the route heads by Loch Awe to Oban, the other towards the coastline through Highland forest and onto Fort William to the train route's final stop: the petite bustling port town of Mallaig.

Many travelers consider the Fort William to Mallaig portion as the nicest section of The West Highland route. The hills of Fort William, a town in Lochaber, set the scene for many iconic films and shows like Starz’s  Outlander . On this leg of the route, travelers can spot the ruins of Old Inverlochy Castle on the right just before crossing the River Lochy, the Glenfinnan Viaduct as seen in the ‘Harry Potter’ movies. Halfway between Tyndrum and Bridge of Orchy stops, there is another famous looped viaduct known as the Horseshoe Curve. On the northbound routes, sit on the left-hand side of the train for the best views and on the right side on southbound trains.

For a taste of Highland hospitality, spend a night or two at the charming  Ballachulish Hotel in Glencoe along the way from Glasgow to Fort William. Pop into the Ben Nevis Distillery for a quick whisky tasting and tour. (Fort William station is only 10 minutes walk from the bottom of the tourist track up Ben Nevis, Scotland's highest peak).

Tickets for the West Highland Line start around $30.87 (£25.40) from Glasgow to Mallaig on  ScotRail for a single fare in a standard cabin but vary depending on how far they are booked in advance and length of the trip.  

The Kyle Line runs through mountain ranges and past tranquil lochs

Kyle Line from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh

The most distinctive mountain ranges in Scotland, the Torridon Peaks, loom north along the Kyle Line to Kyle of Lochalsh. Depart from Inverness to take on even more breathtaking scenery of the Highlands. Passengers glide past sleepy coastal villages and hulking mountains towering over tranquil lochs. The Kyle line draws a wide curve from Inverness along the coast south to the shores of Loch Alsh, with views of the Isle of Skye at the line's end. 

On the less than three-hour journey to Kyle of Lochalsh from Inverness, keep an eye out for the snow-capped Ben Nevis mountain, the country's tallest mountain that sits 4,411 feet above sea level, between Muir of Ord and Dingwall stops. Then glimpse the rolling Torridon Hills to the west before the Achnashellach Forest stop. Ride the line along Loch Carron to the Plockton stop, a charming town dotted with palm trees that was used for BBC series  Hamish Macbeth and  The Wicker Man .

At the end of the line at Kyle of Lochalsh, catch a quick cab ride to tour the spectacular 13th-century Eilean Donnan castle, one of Scotland’s most widely recognizable castles that sits on a small island where three sea lochs converge. 

If returning to Inverness, travelers can stay at the 19th century  Ness Walk , a five-star property on the banks of the River Ness or  Kingsmills Hotel , a four-star luxury spa hotel that mixes contemporary design with historic period features. Make sure to grab a wee dram at  The Malt Room , Inverness’ first whisky bar, followed by  Hootananny , a ceilidh cafe for live traditional Scottish folk music (even Mumford and Sons have played here). 

Kyle Line fares start around $18.48 (£15.20) from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh on  ScotRail for a single fare in a standard cabin but vary depending on how far they are booked in advance and length of the trip. 

The Royal Scotsman is a luxurious journey that begins in Edinburgh and takes passengers up into the Scottish Highlands.

The Royal Scotsman, a Belmond Train

The only true luxury train on the list, the Royal Scotsman is a sleek nine coaches, clad in Burgundy and operated by Belmond. First launched in 1985, the all-inclusive train offers exquisite accommodations reminiscent of an Edwardian country house and fine-dining cuisine. Each of the train cars are refurbished 1960s Pullman coaches. 

Tours start at the Edinburgh Waverley station, where ticket holders follow a bagpiper dressed in traditional Scottish garb from the first class lounge to the platform. Once on board, passengers can settle into plush armchairs in the observation car lounge—complete with coffee tables and a bar that serves a wide assortment of Scottish whisky —while enjoying the gorgeous scenery of the Highlands. 

Meals are cooked on board and served in mahogany-walled dining cars that feature Scottish produce, meats, and seasonal fish alongside wines, liqueurs, and malt whiskies. Private wood-paneled cabins feature beds fitted with soft Scottish wools and tartans and also include an en suite shower, toilet, desk, table, wardrobe, toiletries, bathrobes, and slippers. The train also includes two spa cabins.

Itineraries range from two to seven days long and include sightseeing stopovers and overnight hotel stays. New routes are scheduled to start from April 2023 onwards, but bookings are selling out fast. Tickets start at $4,789 (£4,000) for single occupancy on Belmond’s  site or through  Vacations by Rail.  

The Far North Line connects Inverness with the northern reaches of the Highlands

The Far North Line

Take a four-hour journey on Britain’s most rural railway through hundreds of miles of peatland bogs, tiny hamlets, golf courses, quaint train stops, and salmon rivers. The single track Far North Line connects Inverness with destinations Thurso and Wick at the northern limits of the Highlands. It’s remote, rugged, and spectacularly wild.

The route is the same as the Kyle of Lochalsh line up until Dingwall, where the lines split. Passengers shimmy up the coast until the Tain stop, where the line then plunges into the lands of Sutherland and Caithness, across peat bogs and Flow Country, whilst crossing salmon fishing rivers. Flow Country is a vast wetland blanket bog and peat habitat, an important environmental landscape for preventing climate change and a proposed UNESCO  World Heritage site . 

Passengers can spot a few castles from the train route after departing Inverness: Just after the Tain stop is the glorious and exclusive Skibo Castle (formerly frequented by Andrew Carnegie) across the sea inlet Dornoch Firth, followed by the hilltop (and supposedly haunted) Carbisdale Castle after the Culrain stop. Then cruise past the thick and mysterious Balblair Wood, midway between the Rogart and Golspie stops on the shores of Loch Fleet. And if you fancy one more castle, the train will take you to the Dunrobin Castle station, where you can stop off and show your train ticket for discounted entry to the gigantic “home” (with more than 189 rooms, this castle is one of Britain's oldest continuously inhabited houses).

For a stay along the way, the  Glenmorangie House off the Tain stop is a boutique hotel set amongst breathtaking Highland scenery, near the  Glenmorangie Distillery . The award-winning  Mackays Hotel in Wick is just a three-minute walk from Wick stop, run by the same family for over 60 years. It’s welcoming, warm, and cozy.

Tickets for the Far North Line start around $14 (£17.02) from Inverness to Thurso and Wick on  ScotRail for a single fare in a standard cabin but vary depending on how far they are booked in advance and length of the trip. 

The Borders Railway Line whisks passengers from Edinburgh to Tweedbank

The Borders Railway

Explore the “land of Sir Walter Scott” on The Borders Railway line, through former mining towns, wide open farmland, and lush valleys.

Departing from Edinburgh , take in the breathtaking landscapes of the rocky slopes and cliffs of Salisbury Crags in Holyrood Park. You can’t miss Arthur’s Seat, a massive, grass-covered hill that is the remains of an ancient extinct volcano jutting out from the crags. Then pass through the Midlothian. Time it right and you can catch beautiful sunsets between the Gorebridge and Stow stops. Then onto the hills, lochs, farmlands, and cairns (manmade stone piles) of the Scottish Borders to Tweedbank. Tweedbank is also the stop of Abbotsford House, the home of Sir Walter Scott, and the historic market town of Melrose that includes the famous abbey ruins—a quick taxi or bus ride from the station. 

Despite being the longest new domestic railway to be built in over 100 years, the line only takes an hour from Edinburgh to Tweedbank.

Start or end your journey in Edinburgh with a stay at the incredible new  Virgin Hotel Edinburgh , on colorful and curved Victoria Street in the Old Town, one of the most photographed locations in the city. If looking for something along the Borders Railway line, try the  Schloss Roxburghe at Kelso, off the Galashiels stop, the penultimate station on the route. This elegant hotel is part of a historic estate in the Scottish Borders, with a championship golf course, spas, heated swimming pool, and restaurant that offers “Scottish bistronomy.”

Fares for the Borders Railway start around $14.46 (£11.90) from Edinburgh to Tweedbank on  ScotRail for a single fare in a standard cabin but vary depending on how far they are booked in advance and length of the trip.

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Touring Scotland by Train: 9 Steps to Perfect Train Trip Planning

• Published on: January 18, 2022

Touring Scotland by train is a great way to explore the country. From the dramatic landscapes of the Highlands and Aberdeen’s cobbled streets to historic castles and dramatic coastlines, there’s a train journey for everyone. With Scotland being a country that is fairly small, it’s hard to go wrong with a train trip. You can use the below steps to help you plan your trip of a lifetime

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Planning your train itinerary

There’s a certain pleasure in just bumming around without having really planned ahead. Some of the best trips are those at least a little planned. 

Not planning brings its own rewards, but as you’ll quickly understand, touring Scotland by train without planning can be trouble. 

Even if money is not an object, it’s still a good idea to plan in advance and book in advance . Missing a train in Edinburgh isn’t a big deal, but missing one when you’re in Kyle of Lochalsh is very frustrating and troublesome. 

9 steps to perfect train trip planning

Prepare a budget .

Plan for each expense (i.e. accommodation, insurance, food), in addition to extras like seat reservations or travel supplements – these are essential when planning to tour Scotland by train.

Then allow a bit more of a budget for incidentals, e.g., unexpected expenses you might have whilst abroad.

Adapt your expectations to your budget

If you’re on a budget, consider accommodations with the option of cooking your own meals at home. Swap paid attractions for free attractions and walk the city.

Stay away from expensive downtown restaurants and opt for the ones in the suburbs instead. They’re usually cheaper and with quality food and service. Book your train tickets in advance.

Touring Scotland by train _Plan your budget

Determine your accommodation type and costs

Accommodation prices vary depending on the property – it’s worth looking around to get a good price. In Scottish cities, accommodation is more expensive.

High-end places like Skye or Islay often have a minimum 2-night stay requirement.

When you’re planning out your itinerary, always take this into account! Know what type of accommodation you want to stay in. There are various types of accommodation available in Scotland, depending on how much time you have and what type of experience you want.

You can stay in a hotel or B&B, rent a house or apartment, or camp out in the wilds

Beware of the packed itinerary

The biggest mistake made by first-timers when they visit Scotland is to not try to plan ahead too much.

There are so many places to explore so it’s all too easy for your mind to wander. As a matter of fact, planning your itinerary in advance can help you have a much better time in Scotland! 

Know your itinerary: You can either choose a set route for your train trip like Great Scenic Rail Journeys or you can decide on the destinations and create your own itinerary .

A two night stop is hugely rewarding than one night in a new place. Three nights is even better.

Stay two or three nights at each destination – space your travel days with the chance to explore the local area. Our train itineraries provide plenty of tips for walks or local excursions that don’t need you to drive.

If you opt for a 14 day of one night stay in Scotland, changing the pace every day or night, then Scotland will collapse in a mishmash of blurred memories.

Careful planning will help make touring Scotland by train much more enjoyable.

Urban or rural

What kind of Scotland would you like to explore? Would you prefer to focus on cities or would you like to explore some rural Scotland, too?

Combining these different parts of the country will give you an amazing journey. Exploring Scotland by train is a great way to do some slow travel!

There are plenty of scenic routes and the views from the window are always spectacular. You should really take the time to enjoy all that touring Scotland by train can offer.

We do not yet have high-speed trains like Germany and France, so you will be able to savour those journeys.

Money matters

Take on board that in some places in Scotland you can pay only by card or only by cash.

Having said that, it seems more and more contactless cards are being rolled out by retailers across Scotland, but in some remote places, it is likely you’ll have to pay by cash.

There is a £100 spending limit for contactless cards. Remember that £50 notes are not common in use and shops can refuse to accept the notes.

Check beforehand with your accommodation provider, especially small B&B, what method of payment they accept. 

Think about luggage

Always keep your luggage light if possible. Heavy luggage & touring Scotland by train is not easy to deal with. Your itinerary usually decides how much you need to take with you when you travel.

Consider the seasons before packing clothes too-Winter clothes would be dumb to take in the Summer, for example. Always plan for potentially unpleasant climates before packing anything extra

A small amount of luggage, never more than you can comfortably carry without assistance, can be a wonderful asset. More just become a terrible burden.

Space is limited aboard trains for storage of baggage and few stations offer porterage so make sure you can carry your own luggage on and off the trains and for short distances.

How much luggage can I take on board a train?

For the most part, you can take up to three items of luggage on trains in Scotland. You can usually fit 2 suitcases and one smaller item like a purse or laptop bag.

If you want to bring something else with you, it’s subject to space availability. For peace of mind, it’s best to contact the train company ahead to make sure you can travel with these extra items

Can I leave my luggage at the station?

Yes. In some major train stations in Scotland like Edinburgh Waverley or Glasgow Central there may be places where you can store your luggage.

While some smaller stations don’t have this facility, to find out which stations have luggage storage facilities click here . 

Touring Scotland by train_Think about luggage

Buy insurance

Scotland is generally a safe place, but it’s good to have insurance. Accidents happen and sometimes you regret not having it.

Weather watching

This depends on the time of the year, particularly the winter. Also the region you travel to. On some occasions, storms and strong winds can disrupt the journey. So bear it in the mind. 

My name is Kate and I created Scotland Itinerary Planning to give you those life-changing experiences right in the beautiful country I call home.

I’m proud to live in Edinburgh, Scotland , one of the world’s most beautiful capital cities. Living in Edinburgh has provided me a base to explore extensively around this magical little country.

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This Epic Train Journey Through Scotland Is the Best Way to Experience the Country's Stunning Landscapes, Rich History, and Tasty Whisky

The best way to experience Scotland may be by rail.

There’s something I love about train travel : Even while sitting still, you don’t miss a moment. And when it comes to Scotland , the best way to experience the country is by rail. Picture undisrupted rolling hills, rivers, and highland cows for your viewing pleasure as you dunk your customary shortbread into a cup of tea. This trip is about the journey, not just the destination.

I traveled with Vacations By Rail , a rail travel and tour operator that offers memorable adventures through Scotland, whether you're traveling as a group or solo.

Holly-Marie Cato

I began my tour of Scotland in Edinburgh. From London, you can catch the train from King's Cross St. Pancras, bringing you right into the heart of Edinburgh in under five hours. I checked into the spacious Apex Waterloo Place Hotel , complete with beautiful views of the city that enticed me to go out and explore.

The sound of bagpipes followed me around the city center, with men dressed in traditional Scottish kilts. It didn't matter what plans I had made in advance, I couldn’t help but stop and enjoy the music.

Having hiked Arthur’s Seat on my first visit, I chose the family-friendly walk up Calton Hill, which offers a great view of the city and the chance to explore one of Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage sites. There, you'll find the Nelson Monument — built in 1816 and with 147 steps to the top, you can experience an epic panorama looking out over Edinburgh. You'll also see National Monument, a semi-complete Greek Parthenon-like structure that even in it’s undress is altogether beautiful.

I also went on a walking tour of the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle with Mercat Tours , learning about the medieval alleyways, why the town crier still reads important news three days after an event, and how the Stone of Destiny — used to inaugurate Scottish kings — was stolen by university students.

My favorite meal in Edinburgh was at Luckenbooths . I I tried the haggis and beef shin bon bons, Cullen skink, a traditional Scottish smoked haddock and cream soup, and whisky-glazed smoke salmon. (Don't worry, I was sharing.) Even better, I learned all the food is locally sourced.

A stone's throw from the Apex Waterloo is the Waverley train station, where I caught the train to Fort William, via Glasgow, organized by Vacations By Rail.

A short drive later, I checked into Ballachulish Hotel in Glen Coe and was greeted by complimentary chocolates and the hotel's small-batch production of gin.

The best thing about Glen Coe is the landscape. I woke up early to savor the crisp autumn air. It's worth hiring a local tour guide to show you the lay of the land. Most locals have a deep and prevalent knowledge of their history, as well as where Harry Potter scenes were filmed (we went to the location of Dumbledore's house).

A 30-minute drive from Ballachulish Hotel is Ben Nevis Distillery, a must-visit during any visit. This award-winning small-batch distillery has created some of the smoothest whisky from the waters of the Ben Nevis mountain. My favorite was the 10-year-old, peat-smoked single malt, though I also liked their sherry casked Scotch — all descriptors and flavors I learned during a whisky-tasting tour.

If you're looking for an adventure, take the train down to Mallaig, a small, sleepy port with the best local fish and chips and a pleasant hiking trail. It's worth stopping here for lunch before catching a ferry over to the Isle of Skye . (I'm making it my mission to visit the island on my next Scottish venture.)

The Isle of Skye is clearly visible from the Mallaig train station. I boarded the West Highland line to Fort William, and then headed back to Glen Coe for one more night.

I traveled in style on the West Coast Railways steam train, resting against classic upholstered seats in first class and enjoying an onboard service of afternoon tea with scones, jam, and clotted cream while taking in the spectacular Highland landscape. For Harry Potter fans, listen for when the train conductor announces the Glenfinnan Viaduct is approaching, as it's seen in the Hogwarts Express.

I joined the famous Jacobite cruise and voyaged along the legendary waters of Loch Ness. The boat’s audio guide shared details about the mythical legend of the monster in the loch, as well as offered a deep dive into the Jacobite uprising and Bonnie Prince Charlie, who escaped the English army searching for him and traveled to the Isle of Skye, all with the help of a woman named Flora MacDonald in the 1700s.

From the Loch Ness to Eilean Donan Castle, there are plenty of beautiful historic sites to experience in the Highlands. Situated on a small tidal island, in the Western Highlands of Scotland and only accessible by a footbridge, Eilean Donan Castle stands proudly against the rugged landscape. 

Roaming the castle walls, you can learn how this fortified stronghold of the Clan Mackenzie was blown up by the English government in 1719 during the Jacobite rebellion. It was left in ruins for 200 years, until it was painstakingly restored in the early 1900s by their allies Clan MacRae and friends.

You'd be hard-pressed to make it to the Highlands without learning about the Jacobite uprising. Scottish history is seared into the minds of every countryman.

I ended my Scotland trip in Inverness. Even toward the final leg of the journey, I struggled to sleep in late while traveling, so I took the opportunity to walk through the city's quaint streets in the early morning. I stopped at Cup & Cone with a friend to enjoy one of the best oat cappuccinos and pastries.

As someone who doesn’t drive, I thought Scotland would be largely inaccessible to me, especially the Highlands, which is why traveling with Vacations By Rail has been so transformative. Suddenly, nothing about visiting Scotland feels daunting. I’ve sailed breezy costal waters, sipped drams of whisky in local distilleries, indulged in haggis and neeps and tatties, danced to bagpipes, bundled up in Highland wool, and strolled around a castle. The best part? Knowing I'll be back to Scotland soon.

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One-week scenic Scotland by train itinerary

Posted on Last updated: July 8, 2024

Explore Scotland by train in just one week on this Scottish rail itinerary featuring castles, lochs and mountains as you travel from Edinburgh and Glasgow to the Highlands and Isle of Skye.

* This site contains affiliate links , where I get a small commission from purchases at no extra cost to you.

Travel across Scotland by train from the lowlands to the highlands, with historic cities, ruined castles, deep blue lochs, mountain peaks and wild moorland along the way. This one-week railway journey takes you from the cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow and heads north into the Scottish Highlands, crossing to the magical Isle of Skye before finishing in Inverness – and includes two of the UK’s most spectacular rail routes.

The Scenic Scotland by train one-week itinerary will show you which trains to take, how much they cost, how to book and what to see, do and where to stay along the way.

Day 1: Edinburgh

Start your Scotland by train trip with a full day in Edinburgh. Visit the historic highlights of the Old Town – listen to bagpipers on the cobbled streets of the Royal Mile, learn about Scotland’s history at the National Museum of Scotland, hear the One O’clock Gun being fired at Edinburgh Castle, take a tour of the Queen’s Scottish residence the Palace of Holyroodhouse, or follow in the footsteps of Harry Potter on Victoria Street.

Alternatively head across to the wide Georgian streets of the New Town to admire the artworks at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, climb to the top of the Scott Monument, wander along the leafy Water of Leith or watch the sun set from Calton Hill.

Or why not check out some of Edinburgh’s more unusual attractions ? You can go underground to the buried streets of Mary King’s Close , visit the gory Surgeons’ Hall Museum (if you’re not too squeamish) or take an evening ghost tour.

Edinburgh’s an unexpected gem for foodies, with a range of food and drink tours where you can try local delicacies – from handmade chocolates and Scottish cheeses to whisky tasting at the Scotch Whisky Experience * and distillery tours at Edinburgh Gin.

Where to stay in Edinburgh: Splash out on a stay on the Royal Mile at the gloriously over-the-top Witchery by the Castle *. This 16th-century Gothic hotel has nine suites with four-poster beds and rolltop baths, eclectically decorated with antiques, artworks, gilt and velvet. It’s full of old-school glamour, with one of the city’s most romantic restaurants.

Read more: A weekend in Edinburgh: 2-day Edinburgh itinerary

Day 2: Edinburgh > Glasgow

Next morning, catch a train from Edinburgh Waverley to Glasgow Central/Queen Street (a short walk from each other). The journey only takes an hour and trains run frequently, so you can decide how early you want to leave. Then spend the rest of the day in Glasgow.

Where Edinburgh is all about history, Scotland’s second city has a bit more of an edge, and has transformed itself from an industrial centre to a city of art and culture. Admire the Art Nouveau designs of Glasgow’s famous son Charles Rennie Mackintosh at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum or over afternoon tea at the Willow Tea Rooms.

Or explore some of the city’s more contemporary artworks on the City Centre Mural Trail , a self-guided walk through Glasgow which links 25 works by different local artists.

Take a walk along the River Clyde past the modern architecture of the SSE Hydro and Armadillo to the quirky Riverside transport museum, where you can take a tour of the Glenlee , a restored tall ship that’s one of just a few built on the Clyde that are still afloat.

Or visit Scotland’s oldest museum, the Hunterian, on the campus of the University of Glasgow, and explore the city’s medieval cathedral and atmospheric hillside Necropolis.

Where to stay in Glasgow: The Grasshopper Hotel * couldn’t be better located for train travellers – right next door to Glasgow Central Station, close to Merchant City’s shops, bars and restaurants. Rooms are smart and comfortable, with penthouse views over the city and special touches like handmade wallpapers, vintage cameras and free cupcakes.

Read more: A weekend in Glasgow: A 48-hour Glasgow itinerary

Day 3: Glasgow > Fort William

Then head north on the 3 hour 45 minute journey to Fort William in the Scottish Highlands, departing Glasgow Queen Street at 08.21 and arriving in Fort William at 12.08.

The West Highland Line is one of the world’s most scenic train trips, which runs along the banks of Loch Lomond, around Horseshoe Curve at Ben Dorain, past the UK’s highest altitude train station in Corrour (as featured in the film Trainspotting ) and across remote Rannoch Moor on a line suspended above a peat bog.

Fort William is set on the banks of Loch Linnhe in the shadow of the UK’s highest mountain – Ben Nevis – making the town a real hub for hikers, bikers and other adventure-seekers. The climb to the top of Ben Nevis takes five–seven hours, weather permitting, so you might have to add in an extra day to your trip if you want to tackle the peak.

If you fancy something more sedate, it’s a pretty 1.5-mile walk along the River Lochy to the ruins of 13th-century Old Inverlochy Castle and the Ben Nevis Distillery, where you can do a tour and tasting of their whiskies. You can also learn more about the history of the Highlands (and see Rob Roy’s sporran) at Fort William’s West Highland Museum.

Where to stay in Fort William: Spend the night behind bars in former police station The Garrison * in the centre of town. Choose from a modern en-suite room, or an original cell that’s been converted into compact double or bunk room with shared bathroom.

Read more: 13 things to do in Fort William and Glencoe

Day 4: Fort William > Isle of Skye

The following day, reboard the West Highland Line for the 1.5-hour journey from Fort William to Mallaig across the curving Glenfinnan Viaduct and past lochs and the sandy beaches of Morar. If you depart Fort William at 08.15 you arrive in Mallaig at 09.38.

Or from April–October you can also ride the Jacobite steam train , better known as the Hogwarts Express (departs Fort William at 10.15 and arrives Mallaig at 12.26).

Then swap the train for the ferry to the Isle of Skye. Ferry times vary throughout the year, with 8–10 sailings a day in summer. If you have time for lunch before you sail, try locally caught prawns or fish and chips at Mallaig’s Fishmarket Restaurant.

The ferry from Mallaig takes 45 minutes to reach Armadale in Skye. From Armadale you can catch the 52 bus to Portree (changing in Broadford), but buses are slow and infrequent so it may be worth taking a taxi if there are a group of you – it takes an hour and costs around £90–£100, but you do need to book taxis well in advance.

Portree is the capital and largest town on the Isle of Skye, set around a picturesque harbour with pastel-painted houses and surrounded by hills. It’s the hub of transport and tours for the island, and a good place to shop for souvenirs, with local producers including the Isle of Skye Soap Co, Skyeskyns and Isle of Skye Distillers all having shops in town.

Where to stay in Portree: The Cuillin Hills Hotel * is half a mile outside of Portree but comes with knockout views across the Bay of Portree to the Cuillin Mountains from its 15-acre gardens. Inside are traditional Scottish touches, from tartan fabrics to local seafood in the restaurant and a malt whisky bar with over 130 varieties to choose from.

Read more: Isle of Skye itinerary: The best of the island in 3 days

Day 5: Isle of Skye

Today you have the whole day to explore the Isle of Skye – buses connect Portree with many parts of the island, but it’s easier option to either hire a car for the day (book in advance as availability’s limited) or take a guided day tour of Skye’s highlights. A small group day tour * (£80 per person) departs Portree at 9am and returns at 6pm.

The Isle of Skye is known for its magical landscapes, with dramatic rock formations around the Quiraing which look like something from another planet (and are a film location favourite). Admire the 200-foot Old Man of Storr and the steep cliffs at Kilt Rock.

Visit the lighthouse at Neist Point and look out for dolphins and whales, or tour imposing lochside Dunvegan Castle, the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland.

Skye has plenty of myths and legends – get away with the fairies at the Fairy Glen, a grassy glen with rock spirals and ancient trees dripping with moss. Or follow the 1.5-mile path to the Fairy Pools with their clear green waters and cascading waterfalls.

Day 6: Isle of Skye > Inverness

The next day, catch the CityLink bus from Portree to Kyle of Lochalsh, where you pick up the train for the journey to Inverness. There are a couple of different options – the number 915 bus from Portree Square departs at 10.35 and arrives in Kyle at 11.36.

Or if you’d like to visit nearby Eilean Donan Castle, catch the earlier 07.30 bus from Portree to Dornie, arriving at 08.48. Spend a few hours at the castle before travelling back to Kyle of Lochalsh on the 11.44 service (which takes around 15 minutes).

Then catch the 13.46 train from Kyle of Lochalsh for the 2 hour 40 minute journey to Inverness, arriving at 16.27. The Kyle Line is another of the UK’s top scenic train routes. Opened in 1870, it runs through remote landscapes, following the coast with views of Syke, across moorland and past the Torridon Peaks – keep an eye out for deer on the way.

Spend the evening in Inverness – capital of the Highlands. Follow the path along the River Ness to the Ness Islands, a group of tree-covered islands connected by elegant Victorian footbridges. Or head up to Inverness Castle to watch the sun set over the city, before checking out some of Inverness’ live music scene at pubs like Hootananny.

Where to stay in Inverness: End your trip in style with a night at the five-star Rocpool Reserve *. This Georgian house has been converted into a lavish boutique hotel with bar and restaurant. Its luxurious rooms come with Egyptian cotton bedding, emperor-size beds and 24-hour room service – and some have outdoor hot tubs, saunas or balconies.

Read more: A weekend in Inverness: A 48-hour Inverness itinerary

Day 7: Inverness

Spend the final morning of your Scotland by train trip seeing more of Inverness. Learn about the history and culture of the Highlands at the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery and shop for secondhand books at Leakley’s. Or if you have time you can take a half-day trip out to either Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle , or the battlefield at Culloden.

Then if you’re flying back home, Inverness Airport is 10 miles north of the city. The two are connected by the 11 bus, which takes around 35 minutes. Or if you’re travelling back to Edinburgh, the train journey from Inverness takes 3.5 hours. There’s also the Caledonian Sleeper overnight train which connect Inverness to London in around 11 hours.

If you have more time, you could head north to John O-Groats – most northerly point of mainland Britain – Caithness and the Cromarty Firth on a day tour * from Inverness. Or catch the train south to Aviemore in the Cairngorms National Park for mountain hikes in summer, skiing in winter and the Strathspey Steam Railway. There are also plenty more Scottish cities to discover nearby, including Dundee, Aberdeen and St Andrews .

How much does it cost?

When you’re planning a Scottish rail trip, you can either book individual tickets or get a railpass, which can be a better deal if you’re under 28/over 60, want more flexibility or are booking late. Here’s how prices break down for the two different options on this route.

Individual tickets

Ticket prices depend on how early you book and if you’re booking a specific train or want to be flexible. There are three main fare categories: Advance, Off-Peak or Anytime. Advance are cheapest and can be booked 8–12 weeks in advance, but are non-transferable so you’re tied to a specific train. Off-Peak services are valid on any train outside weekday peak hours. And Anytime are most expensive but can be bought on the day and used on any train.

Using the cheapest Advance fares, the cost of trains on this route starts at £69 per person:

• Edinburgh > Glasgow: from £14.70
• Glasgow > Fort William: from £26.60
• Fort William > Mallaig: from £8.20 (£65 for The Jacobite )
• Mallaig > Armadale (by ferry): from £3.20
• Kyle of Lochalsh > Inverness: from £15.90

You can also save a third on all rail fares with a Railcard *. These cost £30 with different versions for 16–25s, 25–30s, Seniors and Disabled People. You can also get a Two Together railcard for two named adults travelling together, or a Friends and Family Railcard for up to four adults and four children. Both UK and overseas residents are eligible.

The railpass option

There are various rail passes available, and which you’re eligible for depends on where you live. If you live outside the UK, you can can get a InterRail/Eurail pass (InterRail is for European residents and Eurail is for non-European residents).

For the Scotland by train itinerary, the best InterRail / Eurail option is the One Country Great Britain pass for 4 travel days within 1 month , which costs £199 for adults, £167 for youths aged 12–27 or £179 for seniors in second class.

ScotRail also offers its own rail passes, which are available to both UK and overseas residents. The best option for this itinerary is the Spirit of Scotland Pass for 4 days within 8 days , with unlimited travel by train, ferry and coach. It costs £149 for adults and is half price for children aged 5–15, with discounts for Railcard holders.

Passholders are recommended to make seat reservations – though it’s probably only worth doing for long-distance services or at busy peak times so you’re guaranteed a seat – which you can do for free at any UK train station up to two hours before departure.

Please note The Jacobite steam train is privately owned so isn’t covered by any rail passes.

How to book

There are a variety of websites where you can book UK train journeys, but some charge a booking fee. To avoid fees you can book direct with ScotRail and either use a mobile ticket on your phone or collect them from a ticket machine or a counter at the station. Or if you have an international credit card you can book with The Trainline for a small fee.

Don’t want to do it yourself? You can also book a custom trip based on this Scenic Scotland by train itinerary through our partners Byway ,* the flight-free holiday platform, including train travel and accommodation.

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Steve & Sally Barkley

Tuesday 30th of July 2024

Hello- We are seniors from the US and would like to start a train tour in Inverness to Skye, then Skye to Glasgow with an overnight stay at Cameron House on Loch Lamond on 9/21. Would we take to train to Glasgow and then find transportation to Cameron House? We would return to Glasgow for a night then a train to Edinburgh. Would you recommend the Spirit of Scotland pass for this travel? Can you advise the best train routes. We would start in Inverness on Sept. 20 and would need to be in Edinburgh by 9/24. Is this workable? Thank you in advance for your help.

Lucy Dodsworth

Monday 5th of August 2024

Hi there, I think the first part of the trip would be very tight if you don't leave Inverness on the 20th Sept and need to be in Loch Lomond on the 21st as you wouldn't have any time to see Skye (there are no trains on Skye and the buses are limited so I would usually recommend 2/3 days minimum to make the connection to Glasgow).

Sunday 21st of January 2024

Hi Lucy, Thanks a lot for this itinerary, looks great. We are actually planning a week in Scotland in May. We are not really interested in Glasgow and we were thinking about making our first stop after Edinburgh at Tarbet (have a cruise on the Loch and walk around) Can you let me know your opinion and any suggestion ? Thanks a lot. Serge

Monday 22nd of January 2024

Hi Serge, yes you could definitely swap that in. It's 2.5 hours by train from Edinburgh to Arrochar and Tarbet (with a change in Glasgow), so if you took a morning train on Day 2 you could do a boat trip in the afternoon and stay the night there, then catch the train to Fort William the next day which is 2.5 hours and carry on the itinerary from there.

Monday 15th of January 2024

Great itinerary! I am considering taking the train from Glasgow to Mallaig, ferry to Armadale and bus to Portlee in one day next month. How do the buses run from Armadale to Portlee this time of year? Are there tours of Skye running in February? I'm planning on a three day stay in Portlee. Any suggestions?

Hi Tim, there are buses Stagcoach 52 buses between Armadale and Portree but they're not very frequent this time of year to you would need to time it carefully (timetable here: https://tiscon-maps-stagecoachbus.s3.amazonaws.com/Timetables/North%20Scotland/Highlands/Skye%20Revised%202022.pdf). You would probably need to take a private tour in February – try Real Scottish Journeys who do winter tours.

Sunday 7th of January 2024

Hi, Great itinerary. Would like to go Glasgow to Oban, Oban to Fort William. What is the best way Oban to Fort William. Additionally, recommend a stop between Inverness and Edinburgh. Thanks

Sunday 4th of February 2024

@Karen, Thank you Lucy for your insight. Any thoughts on the Spirit of Scotland pass? In short,we are two seniors traveling, Edinburgh to Glasgow,train, to Oban,train,to Ft. William,bus,to Skye,train,taxi to Dorrie,bus,Kyle of Lock to Inverness,train, Inverness to Edinburgh,train. In April. I tried to add up separate fares,still confusing.Need flexibility in case of changes.Also, is it advisable to reserve a seat on the Ft. William to Mallaig , ferry section. Would appreciate your guidance

Hi, Oban to Fort William is slow by train (4 hours) but you can take the West Coast Motors 918 bus instead which is less than two hours. It does only run a couple of times a day though (https://passenger-line-assets.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/westcoastmotors/WCMO/918-timetable-20220815-14e38acb.pdf). Between Inverness and Edinburgh you could stop off in Aviemore to see the Cairngorms, or do a short diversion to Leuchars to visit St Andrews which is a lovely city.

Saturday 6th of January 2024

Thank you for your helpful ideas. We will be touring Scotland by train in late April using a very similar itinerary. We plan to purchase the Spirit of Scotland Rail pass. Once I purchase that, am I able to reserve seats for the various legs of the train journey? We live in the US, so I need to do everything I can online. On the Scotrail website, it looks like I need to buy individual tickets in order to get a seat reservation online. If we can't make seat reservations, do we just arrive early to help guarantee we get on the desired train? Thank you for any insight on reserving seats with the Spirit of Scotland Rail pass!

Hi, you don't need to make seat reservations with the Spirit of Scotland pass, and a lot of trains don't take reservations. The ones that do on this route are Glasgow > Fort William and Inverness > Edinburgh – you can't reserve online using the pass but you can do it at stations, so could make reservations when you first get to Scotland, or call 0344 811 0141 when you arrive in the UK.

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7 of the best places to visit in Scotland by train

3rd February 2023

With exciting cities, crumbling castles and wild scenery, Scotland is one epic adventure after another.  Well-connected by rail, Alba (as the locals say) is easy to discover by train, with some of the most scenic routes in Britain waiting to be explored. 

Not only is it better for the environment, but with a Railcard, you can save money, too. Here are 7 of the best places in Scotland to visit by train. 

Edinburgh 

Edinburgh has everything you want for a city break. There’s world-class culture in its museums and festivals, history at every turn along the narrow Old Town alleys, and fine restaurants and traditional pubs making sure you’ve had your fill. 

At the heart of it all, Edinburgh Castle looms over the city. All towering spires and battle-scarred walls, it sits atop a dormant volcano at the end of the Royal Mile, Edinburgh’s medieval spine. For epic views of the castle, be sure to climb Arthur’s Seat. 

Stations: Edinburgh Waverley, Edinburgh Haymarket 

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs 

Picture Scotland in your mind and there’s a good chance it looks a lot like Loch Lomond and The Trossachs. A long, winding lake dotted with wild islands and hemmed in by snow-capped mountains, Loch Lomond is a vast chunk of wild Scotland, just an hour’s train ride from Glasgow. 

This area has adventures on tap, with hiking – the park is packed with well-signposted routes for all levels of difficulty – kayaking, outdoor rock climbing, cycling and fishing to keep you busy.  

Station: Balloch 

Far North Line and Orkney 

One of Britain’s greatest rail routes, the Far North Line follows an old fishing trail from Inverness to the very tip of Scotland’s north. Along the way you’ll pass untouched beaches, mighty rivers filled with salmon, and jagged mountain peaks.  

Besides the dramatic scenery, Scotland’s far north is famed for its whisky. At the very end of the route, you’ll find Pulteney in Wick, the most northerly distillery in mainland Scotland. From here, you can also set sail for Orkney, an archipelago of wild islands. 

Stations: Inverness to Thurso or Wick 

Dundee 

Dundee is a city on the up. A billion-pound regeneration scheme has transformed this once faded port city into a hub of art, creativity and entertainment. At the heart of it all stands the V&A Dundee, a world-class museum of art, photography and design. 

But it’s not all about the V&A. The McManus has 8 epic art galleries to explore, while Verdant Works tells the story of Dundee’s rich jute-manufacturing past. With pubs, restaurants and venues aplenty, this coastal gem makes for a great city break by rail. 

Station: Dundee 

Cairngorms National Park 

The Cairngorms is pure mountain country. 5 of the 6 tallest peaks in the UK stand here, alongside 55 smaller mountains over 3,000ft (known as Munros). There are 100s of walking trails and paths across the park, from beginners’ treks to serious mountain summits. 

Given the park’s remote location, the Cairngorms is one of the UK’s best spots for stargazing. Head to Tomintoul and Glenlivet – Cairngorms Dark Sky Park – for spectacular constellations and stars. If you’re lucky, you might even see the Northern Lights. 

Stations: Aviemore, Dalwhinnie, Carrbridge, Kingussie and Newtonmore 

Inverness and Loch Ness 

Go on a monster hunt in Scotland’s legendary Loch Ness. While you might not see Nessie, a boat trip across the lake and a tour of the ruins of Urquhart Castle will provide plenty of adventure. 

In Inverness, dip into the city’s history with a tour of Inverness Castle, an ancient fort which dates back to the 11th century. Round off your trip with a visit to Inverness Museum and Art Gallery where exhibitions tell of life and culture in the Highlands. 

Station: Inverness 

Glasgow 

With world-class culture and a lively nightlife, Glasgow burns the candle at both ends. 

The Gallery of Modern Art and the Kelvingrove Gallery lead the charge for museums. Both house masterpieces, while the latter adds a quirky dose of natural history, cultural artifacts from around the world and Scottish history. 

After a day of culture, hit the West End for some evening entertainment. There are loads of bars and restaurants around Ashton Lane, with regular live music and a picture house. 

Stations: Glasgow Queen Street, Glasgow Central 

Discover Scotland by train and save when you use a Railcard – you can save up to 1/3 off your fares and enjoy average annual savings of up to £140. 

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These 8 Scenic Train Rides Have The Most Stunning Views In Scotland

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I spend a lot of time traveling around Scotland and I never tire of the incredible views, but sometimes it’s how you travel that’s important. For many reasons, train travel is a great way to travel around this rugged and beautiful country. Apart from the environmental benefits of train travel versus other modes of travel like cars and air travel, traveling by train creates a more relaxing journey and a brilliant way to see some of the scenery as you make your way from A to B.

Quiet coastlines, dramatic mountains and castles, and still and calm lochs all glide past your window as you sit back and breathe in these stunning landscapes. I’ve taken most of these train rides myself, though The Royal Scotsman is still on my must-do list! Here are eight scenic train rides with the most stunning views in Scotland.

1. Royal Scotsman

Various routes across scotland, between 2 and 7 days.

I’m starting with a train journey that’s as much about the train itself as it is about the scenery and the journey. Royal Scotsman train tours are operated by Belmond, who operate luxury train vacations around the world. This is much more than just a train ride — it’s a luxury hotel on rails. If you want to get a taste of traditional Scotland while riding through some breathtaking Scottish scenery, this is a great way to do it.

The Royal Scotsman’s 10 carriages feature double en-suite rooms, a regal-looking dining car, an observation car, and two spa rooms. All train tours on The Royal Scotsman depart from Edinburgh Waverley station and travel to various locations including Ben Nevis, Loch Lomond, and The Isle of Bute. Enjoy Scottish cuisine and taste a few whiskies while the countryside rolls by. You can choose from two all the way up to seven-day train journeys on this incredible luxury train.

2. The West Highland Line

Glasgow to mallaig.

I’m a lot more familiar with the east side of Scotland than I am with the west, but this train journey through the West Highlands shows that this side of the country has some truly stunning scenery and though very different to the east side, is equally beautiful. Often said to be one of the most visually incredible train journeys in the world, The West Highland Line begins at Glasgow and travels through Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park and on to Fort William.

It’s a beautiful ride, showing you parts of the landscape you can’t see in any other way. This unique perspective on the land and its features, like castles and coastlines, makes this a must for train lovers and anyone who loves a great view.

3. The Far North Line

Inverness to dunrobin castle.

The Far North Line is Britain’s most rural railway, which won’t surprise anyone who knows the north of Scotland even a little. If you like your landscapes rugged, wild, and remote, this is the train ride for you. Beginning at Inverness, the journey takes you through peatland and Flow Country, which is a wetland blanket bog and an important environmental area. It’s incredible to see, but it’s not somewhere you’d go walking, so seeing it from the train is a real privilege. You can spot castles along the way and stop off for some whisky tasting at one of the distilleries in this area.

4. The Kyle Line

Inverness to kyle of lochalsh.

If you like views of rugged and majestic mountains, this train ride is perfect. The Kyle Line offers views of The Torridon Peaks and other imposing mountains that create a backdrop to the quiet lochs and the sleepy villages that dot the landscape. It’s a largely untouched area, and though you’ll pass beautiful sandy beaches on this coastline, you won’t see many people out on them.

It often feels like you’ve entered another world, and if you opt to take one of the steam trains that use this line, organized by one of the heritage train companies, you’ll really feel like you’ve stepped back in time. At the end of the line you reach the village of Kyle of Lochalsh, the gateway to The Isle of Skye, which you can travel onto from here.

5. Strathspey Steam Railway

Aviemore to broomhill.

The Strathspey Steam Railway is a short train ride, but it’s more of an event in itself than simply a train journey. For a start, you have the steam element. Traveling on a steam train has a certain kind of nostalgia about it and it’s a special way to enjoy the views in this part of the country. Sometimes you’re allowed up to the footplate at stops, which the train makes so travelers can enjoy the views and take photos.

Many people hop off at stops to explore a little, but it’s so nice on the train many opt to view from the viewing areas and windows. You’ll pass by the Cairngorm Mountains and the River Spey, and “Osprey Village,” an RSPB nature reserve where you can do a little bird spotting. Depending on when you travel, Sunday lunch and afternoon tea are served onboard the train.

6. ScotRail Commuter Line

Edinburgh to inverness.

Unlike the other train journeys on this list, this one is a commuter line, a train ride taken by ordinary people going about their daily lives rather than a train ride for leisure, but it’s still a strikingly beautiful journey. Beginning in Edinburgh, the line hugs the east coast, where you can sit back and enjoy the views of the sea and the small untouched beaches.

But before that, on leaving Edinburgh, passengers get to marvel at the beauty and the engineering of the red Forth Bridge, built in 1889. If you like bridges, this is a treat. From the pretty east coast stretch of the line, the train takes you through Perthshire and The Cairngorms National Park, with views of the parkland you can’t gain any other way. The line ends in Inverness, near Loch Ness, where you can explore the historic city and the loch.

7. The Borders Line

Edinburgh to tweedbank.

The highlands of Scotland are very impressive, there’s no doubt, but the borderlands also have their charms and don’t get as much love as they perhaps should. This train ride is a great way to explore this area of Scotland and a great introduction to the borderlands.

It’s a short train ride, but even before you’ve left Edinburgh you’ll get to view attractions like Arthur’s Seat, a grassy hill loved by hikers that covers an extinct volcano. From here you’ll travel through Midlothian and then the small villages, farmlands, lochs, and hills of the Borders. The line ends at Tweedbank. There’s a lot to explore in the village of Tweedbank, including Abbotsford House, the former home of Sir Walter Scott.

8. The Bo’ness And Kinneil Railway

Bo’ness return journey.

This one is for railway lovers and is perfect for taking the grandkids to, but it’s equally fascinating for anyone with just a passing interest in the railways. The Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway journey is best taken as part of a wider railway-themed day out. The Museum of Scottish Railways is located at the beginning of this ride, and as you might expect for a rail enthusiasts attraction, you can take this journey by steam train.

The railway line goes through some beautiful scenery, but most people take this journey for the experience of the steam train. There are added attractions like a day with Thomas the Tank Engine for children, afternoon tea onboard, or a murder mystery train ride for adults.

Always book your tickets in advance. Train journeys in the UK are fun, but can be expensive if you buy your tickets on the day of travel. Always check your train is running and on time before you travel. If a train is canceled or late you can waste time waiting at the station.

Related Reading:

• 6 Tips For Taking The Train From London To Amsterdam
• Europe Is Getting Some Fantastic New Sleeper Trains, Plus 11 Others Not To Miss
• 9 Essential Tips For Train Travel In Europe

Travel writer, author, and playwright, Samantha loves historic buildings, quirky hotels, woodland walks and literary trails, specializing in food and drink, luxury travel, retreats, spas, and anything arts based. Samantha is based in Yorkshire, the UK, where she lives with her artist partner. Learn more on her website .

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6 scenic train journeys in Scotland: see the stunning pictures

Travelling through Scotland by train is nothing short of a privilege. These are the very best journeys to take, all experienced first-hand by our man in Glasgow – including insider tips.

THE BELMOND ROYAL SCOTSMAN

Something of a marvel, this. A wonder. The outfit that runs it, Belmond , used to be called Orient-Express. You have probably heard the name. As well as the familiar Venice Simplon affair, Belmond operates lots of other similarly glamorous rail routes, together with some of the world’s top hotels , including the Cadogan in London , the Cipriani in Venice and the Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro . The lusciousness quotient of these places is replicated aboard the Royal Scotsman; the main difference between those bricks-and-mortar hotels and this hotel on wheels is a difference of scale. Belmond offers half a dozen or so different itineraries across Scotland , varying in route and duration. All involve excursions off the train to visit castles, whisky distilleries , seal colonies and whatnot. But for the present writer the loveliest moments were often the least complicated ones, sitting at the back of the Observation Car, gazing at the slowly unspooling Highland landscape.

LOOK OUT FOR:

The cows at Ballindalloch Castle. Ballindalloch is one of the many castles you are likely to get a chance to poke around during the trip. It is home not only to the Macpherson-Grant family but also to the oldest herd of Aberdeen Angus cows in the world. The current owners, Clare and Oliver, are charming. ‘Oliver had never set foot in Scotland before he met me,’ Clare said. ‘When he got me, he got the castle and the cows too.’ ‘Admission to the castle is free,’ came Oliver’s reply. ‘But the bull may charge later! Haw haw haw!’

INSIDER TIP:

Don’t forget to pack your penguin suit or ball gown, as appropriate. People really do wear these things. The fun of dancing a reel in your glad rags, late at night on an empty station platform somewhere in the Highlands, with a group of similarly gussied-up fellow travellers, is not to be underestimated.

THE WEST HIGHLAND LINE

Winding north out of Glasgow , skirting the western shores of Loch Lomond, meandering across the lonely wilds of Rannoch Moor, past the looming hulk of Ben Nevis, to Fort William, before striking out at last to the remote coastal village of Mallaig, ferry terminal for the Isles of Skye , Muck, Rum and Eigg. Every now and then someone or other declares this The Best Train Journey in the World . Certainly it provides a marvellous introduction to the severe loveliness of the western Highlands. I am particularly fond of the approach to Glencoe, which, in addition to its great beauty, has about it a peculiar melancholy, an air of inconsolable sorrow, that is almost spooky. You would feel and be moved by this, I think, even if you were a first-time visitor from some distant corner of the globe – a sunkissed, carefree atoll in the South Pacific, perhaps – and cheerfully ignorant of Glencoe’s murderous past.

Harry, Ron and Hermione.

Since its appearance in the first of the Harry Potter movies , the Glenfinnan Viaduct has become a powerful muggle magnet. In the summer months you can book a special ticket to complete the last leg of the journey – from Fort William to Mallaig, which includes the picturesque viaduct – by steam train, for the full Hogwarts Express experience.

PERTH TO INVERNESS

A counterpart to the West Highland Line, though on the whole less dramatic, better behaved and more subdued. With one notable exception: the relatively short but quite magnificent section of the journey near the Drumochter Pass, before you get to Dalwhinnie, on the south-western edge of the Cairngorms. In winter the dark rocky hillsides dolloped with bright snow seem otherworldly in their black-and-white starkness. It is like swimming with orcas in outer space.

Blair Castle, seat of the Clan Murray and Dukes of Atholl since the 13th century, is clearly visible as you arrive at Blair Atholl station (on the right-hand side of the train if you are travelling north, the left-hand side if you are travelling south). Can a castle be perky? This one always strikes me as having a perky look about it. Good feng shui or something.

If you travel in first class, you can stuff your face with as much shortbread as you want at no extra charge. Shortbread always tastes better on the train.

THE FAR NORTH LINE

From Inverness up to Thurso then across to Wick. You are going it some by the time you get up here – Thurso is the most northerly railway station in the British Isles and an oatcake’s throw from John O’Groats. There are a few seasonal or request-only stops along the way, a reminder of statelier times when people who had their own castles also had their own train stations. You might care to stop at Dunrobin Castle, for example, one of the oldest continuously inhabited houses in Britain , home to the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland for nearly 750 years. It underwent a spectacular Loire Valley-château-inspired makeover in the 19th century – a prosperous period for the Sutherlands, following their controversial role in the Highland Clearances. Statelier times, then, but not necessarily gentler ones.

If you do alight at Dunrobin Castle, note the length of the platform. Impressive, don’t you think? A 1903 article in Railway Magazine explains: ‘As a rule the platforms of private stations are very small, but this one at Dunrobin is an exception. It is very long, for often the family at the Castle will entertain three or four hundred guests at a time, when important fêtes or events are taking place there.’

Not a tip as such, and really only a guess, but it occurs to me that this route may very well pass more castles and whisky distilleries than any other comparable railway line in Scotland. Even if that is not statistically correct, it would still make for a jolly trip if you were to celebrate both of those legendary Scottish phenomena by knocking back a dram every time you saw a castle.

THE STRATHSPEY STEAM RAILWAY

I imagine this must be a glimpse of heaven for vintage-train obsessives. And it is not without a certain kind of Wallace and Gromit charm for the rest of us. Not without a pleasant dining car, either, come to that. The train is composed of lovingly done-up carriages drawn by a proper old-fashioned locomotive, which puffs and whistles its way from Aviemore to Boat of Garten and Broomhill and, er, back again. Just the three stops, not very far apart from one another, but all extremely shortbread-tin-worthy.

Ospreys. There are thought to be about 250 breeding pairs of ospreys left in Britain. The RSPB Osprey Centre is at nearby Loch Garten and your chances of spotting one of these majestic birds are better here than just about anywhere else.

If you’ve got the time and you’re good at coordinating train timetables, you could treat the Strathspey route as a little east-west interlude on a longer north-south trip. Let’s say you were heading from Glasgow or Edinburgh up to Inverness. You could break your journey at Aviemore and hop onto the Strathspey steam train – out to Broomhill and back, clickety-clack – then resume your journey from Aviemore.

THE WEST COAST MAIN LINE, JUST NORTH OF CARLISLE

A sentimental choice. The area on either side of the border between Scotland and England was always my favourite section of the trip in the years when I was travelling more or less weekly between Glasgow and London on the West Coast Main Line. It did not matter which way the train was going – I was equally happy to cross over from Scotland into England or from England into Scotland. Historically this was reiver or bandit country. Elopement country, too, for English couples eager to get hitched in haste under Scotland’s more relaxed marriage laws (no parental consent or advance notice required). Gretna Green, a few miles north of Carlisle, became the destination of choice for ‘runaway marriages’ in the 18th century following the construction of a toll road that made it the easiest Scottish village to get to from England. Speaking of aisles, I recall an occasion when, late one night, a power failure caused the Glasgow-bound train I was on to come to a standstill near Gretna Green and the interior lights to die. A well-refreshed party in my carriage swiftly devised a competition to keep spirits high in the face of this inconvenient disruption to our journey. A golf club was repurposed as a hobby-horse and liquored-up jockeys undertook individual time trials along the length of the aisle, galloping from one end to the other as if it were the Straight Mile at Redcar. These thunderous feats of athleticism, rather romantically illuminated by mobile-phonelight, were met with frantic cries of encouragement and hysterical hoots of mirth.

Loved-up English youths heading north at speed from Carlisle towards Gretna Green with panicked parents in hot pursuit.

The views from both sides of the train are good during the daylight hours. (At night all you can see if you peer into the darkness is your own reflection in the window.) Choose your seat depending on the time of departure. If you are heading south in the morning, the sun will be in your eyes if you sit on the left of the train – better to sit on the right. There are only so many morning/afternoon, north/south, left/right combinations to worry about, but since the whole trip takes four and a half hours it is worth pausing to consider your options, especially if the weather is set fair.

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8-day best of scotland itinerary by public transport.

Want to avoid soaring petrol prices or travel more eco-friendly? No matter why you choose to travel by train and bus, use this version of my Best of Scotland itinerary by public transport to explore the best of Highlands, the Isle of Skye, Inverness, Edinburgh and Glasgow without a car!

This post contains affiliate links from which I may make a commission. Find out more here . All opinions are my own.

Soaring petrol prices, rental car shortages, greater climate awareness, a fear of driving on the left – there are many reasons for why you might want to travel Scotland by public transport.

The Best of Scotland itinerary is the most popular itinerary on my website. But it’s primarily designed for people who hire a car and go on a road trip.

This blog post will help you to figure out how to see the best of Scotland and follow my route from Glasgow through the Highlands, to the Isle of Skye, Inverness and Edinburgh by public transport.

Read on for:

• The pros and cons of train and bus travel in Scotland

Tips for using public transport in Scotland

• My most popular 8-day Scotland itinerary by public transport
• Some suggestions for alternative itineraries
• Some suggestions to extend the route to 10 or 14 days

You might also like: How to travel Scotland by Public Transport – A Practical Guide

The pros & cons of travelling Scotland by public transport

Going on a road trip with a (rental) car and travelling Scotland by public transport will give you very different experiences. Even though you can reach many of the same locations and follow roughly the same route, the end result will be wildly different.

Maybe you’re still weighing up your options, or maybe hiring a car is out of the question for whatever reason. Here are some things to consider when travelling Scotland by train and bus.

Pro – It’s more environmentally friendly : If traveling sustainably is important to you, that’s a biggie. Travelling by train and bus is a lot more eco-friendly and less harmful for the planet than hiring a petrol or diesel car. Especially if you travelled to Scotland by plane, continuing your journey on public transport can off-set some of your carbon emissions – or at least won’t add as much to your footprint.

You might also like: 14 tips for responsible tourism in Scotland

Con – It’s less flexible : Exploring Scotland by bus and train gives you less flexibility to explore – which is why my ready-made Scotland itineraries are all designed with a car in mind. You’re restricted to scheduled departure times and routes. This will dictate which places you can visit and now much time you have in each destination.

Pro – It’s cheaper than hiring a car : Another biggie. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, hiring a car has become incredibly expensive and now petrol prices are soaring too. Taking trains and buses around Scotland can be a lot cheaper, especially if you travel solo and purchase your tickets in advance.

Con – You can’t stop wherever you like : On public transport, you travel from A to B. If you get off at a stop in between, you have to wait for the next train or bus, and you have to take all your luggage with you. This means that it’s a lot harder (to impossible) to stop spontaneously along the way to visit an attraction or enjoy a viewpoint.

On the other hand, it means that you get all the time at your end destination. Being restricted also means that you don’t have to make as many choices which in turn can take out the overwhelm of trip planning. This is actually a hidden pro!

Pro – It’s more comfortable than driving : Taking trains and buses, you don’t have to worry about driving on narrow country roads through the Scottish Highlands. You don’t have to remember to drive on the left. You can just sit and enjoy the views. On trains, you can even walk around, so you’re not stuck sitting down for hours on end.

Pro – It’s great for solo travellers : You see, I’ve run out of cons… My Scotland itinerary by public transport is particularly great for solo travellers. It’s cheaper than paying for a rental car all by yourself, you don’t have to do all the tiring driving yourself, you’re reducing your environmental impact and some decisions are made for you by schedules and routes.

What more could you ask for?

How much do you know about Scotland? Take this Scotland quiz and test your friends!

Take a look at my full practical guide to using public transport in Scotland. It tells you everything you need to know about trains, bus companies and ferries in Scotland, where to buy tickets and lots of tips for planning a trip using public transport.

The tips below are specifically for following my Best of Scotland itinerary by public transport.

Should you get a travel pass?

ScotRail, the Scottish train company, offers different kinds of travel passes. The Spirit of Scotland pass is available for 4 travel days over 8 consecutive days for £149 or 8 travel days over 15 consecutive day for £189. It includes all ScotRail trains on the Scottish network (but not the Caledonian Sleeper or the Jacobite Steam Train), some bus routes that connect train stations and ferry ports, and all Calmac ferries on the west coast. See the complete route card here .

This pass also includes a few other perks, such as free travel on the Glasgow subway and Edinburgh tram, discounts on the City Sightseeing buses and on the Jacobite Loch Ness Cruise – just to name the ones relevant for this itinerary.

The Grand Tour of Scotland pass is also valid for 4 travel days over 8 consecutive days, but only includes trains and buses along a set route through Scotland. It can be used for most of the route described below, but it does not include the perks and discounts of the Spirit of Scotland pass. Additionally, on Skye, it only includes the bus route from Armadale to Kyle of Lochalsh, not up to Portree – you’d have to pay extra for that.

Either 4-day pass would work for this itinerary, travelling on days 2, 3, 5 and 6. Note that not all routes are included in the pass – the bus from Fort William to Portree and the bus from Portree to Inverness are not covered by the Spirit of Scotland pass. However, I have included alternative routes below that are included.

The bus company Citylink offers an Explorer Pass which covers their Scotland-wide network. The 5-day pass gives you unlimited bus travel on Citylink buses within 10 consecutive days. You can use this pass to follow. myBest of Scotland itinerary by public transport, but it does not include any train or ferry travel.

Should you book tickets in advance?

If you don’t get the Spirit of Scotland pass, book all train and bus connections in advance. Booking train tickets in advance ensures that you get the best available price. Booking bus tickets in advance, can give you a better price, but more importantly it guarantees you a seat. Buses have less capacity and therefore only sell a certain number of tickets. You can reserve seats on many trains, but not required.

If you get the Spirit of Scotland pass, you don’t have to book train tickets in advance – you can just board any train on the included routes. But you must book Citylink buses in advance. Find out how here .

If you get the Citylink Explorer Pass, you have to book seat reservations in advance. Seat reservations are free for Explorer pass holders, but subject to availability. Book as far in advance as possible to avoid disappointment.

Keep track of your travel memories with my Scotland Travel Journal !  

Packing & Luggage

Do your best to pack lightly. It will make boarding trains and buses, and walking to your accommodation a lot easier.

I prefer travelling with a backpack, because I like having my hands free when I travel by public transport.

If you bring a suitcase, get one with four wheels for better maneuverability.

Most hotels, B&Bs and hostels will be happy to store your luggage for a few hours on either side of your stay. Just ask in advance.

Alternatively, research luggage storage facilities. You’ll find lockers at the train stations in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Fort William ad Inverness.

Booking places to stay

Make sure you book accommodation within easy walking distance of bus and train stations.

Local transport

Research local taxi companies if you need help getting to and from your accommodation. Note that Uber only works in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Less is more

This Scotland itinerary by public transport covers the same route and destinations as my regular “Best of Scotland” itinerary which is designed for a road trip with a (rental) car. However you’ll soon see that it’s a fast-paced itinerary and you will spend a lot of time on buses and trains.

Consider slowing your itinerary down by adding additional days or removing a destination. This will relax your itinerary and means you’ll get more time in each destination. It might be nice not to move on every day or two if you have to carry all your stuff.

If you need help building a custom Scotland itinerary by public transport, get in touch !

The best of Scotland by public transport in 8 days

Now without further ado, let’s dive into the itinerary. In this blog post, I won’t go into great detail about what to do in each destination. You will find inspiration via the linked travel guides and resources below, or you can purchase my Best of Scotland itinerary for concrete suggestions and heaps of links.

Not sure if this is the best itinerary for you? Find out how to choose the ideal Scotland itinerary !

Day 1: Arrive & Glasgow

Arriving in Scotland: I recommend flying into Edinburgh international airport because it’s well-connected to both cities. There is a direct airport bus to Glasgow, and several options to go to Edinburgh. Glasgow airport is well connected to Glasgow, but a little trickier to get to from Edinburgh.

Things to do in Glasgow: Hopefully you land early in the day and can spend the rest of the day exploring Glasgow. Check out my ‘One Day in Glasgow’ guide . Take the hop-on, hop-off City Sightseeing bus to get an overview – with the Spirit of Scotland pass you’ll get a discount. My other highlights include visiting Glasgow Cathedral and the Necropolis, following the City Centre Mural Trail , exploring the University of Glasgow campus or heading to Pollok Park to see the Highland coos.

Where to stay: I recommend staying in the city centre, not too far from Buchanan Bus Station and Glasgow Queen Street train station. Try the Motel One , Moxy Merchant City or citizenM , or find some of my other recommended options here .

Day 2: Glasgow to Fort William

Take the morning train or bus from Glasgow to Fort William in order to have the afternoon to explore this town in the Highlands.

Getting from Glasgow to Fort William: The train leaves from Glasgow Queen Street station and takes just under 4 hours. This journey along the West Highland Line is one of the most scenic train journeys in Scotland. This route is included in the Spirit of Scotland/Grand Tour of Scotland pass.

Alternatively, take the Citylink bus from Buchanan bus station. The journey is a little shorter and also very scenic (you actually drive through Glencoe which is stunning), but the route is not included in the Spirit of Scotland pass.

Things to do in Fort William & where to stay: Check out my Fort William travel guide for my recommended things to do and places to stay in Fort William. I recommend hiring e-bikes to cycle out to Glen Nevis, visiting the West Highland Museum, going on a cruise or doing a water activity on Loch Linnhe.

Day 3: Fort William to the Isle of Skye

Spend the morning in the Fort William area and take an afternoon bus to the Isle of Skye, or spend the majority of the day on the road to go via Mallaig and Armadale.

Getting from Fort William to Skye: The quickest and easiest route is to take the Citylink bus from Fort William to Portree via Glen Shiel. This takes just under 3 hours, but is not included in the Spirit of Scotland/Grand Tour of Scotland pass.

The longer and arguably more scenic journey is to take the train from Fort William to Mallaig, the ferry to Armadale on Skye and then then bus to Portree. With changes and transfer times, this journey will probably take the majority of the day. The train takes the same tracks as the famous Jacobite Steam Train, so you will be crossing over the viaduct. This route is included in the Spirit of Scotland pass. The Grand Tour of Scotland pass does not contain the entire bus journey to Portree, so you’ll have to pay extra for that.

You can even take the Jacobite Steam Train to Mallaig, but be aware that you have to purchase a return ticket even if you only take a single journey. Note that the steam train is not included in any travel pass and must be booked well in advance. Space for luggage is subject to availability.

Where to stay on Skye: I recommend staying in Portree as most guided tours around the island and many activities leave from there.

Things to do in Portree: When you arrive, spend time exploring Portree. Walk around its beautiful harbour, climb the Apothecary Tower and browse the little shops in the village. Local buses on Skye are extremely limited, so once you’re in Portree, you’re there.

Day 4: Isle of Skye

Considering that local bus schedules on Skye are rather patchy – and local buses don’t run at all on Sundays – it’s best to book a guided tour or activity from Portree.

Guided group tours are usually offered in small mini-buses, so you won’t have to endure a huge coach tour. They are great to take you around the major sites and attractions on Skye such as the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing on the Trotternish Peninsula, Neist Point, the Fairy Pools and others. There are different routes and you can find some suggested companies here .

Outdoor Activities in Skye: If you want to try kayaking, canoeing, coasteering, wildlife watching or other boat trips, check out some options for outdoor activities here .

Day 5: Isle of Skye to Inverness

Travel to Inverness in the morning so you arrive in the early afternoon with time to explore the city and surroundings.

Getting from Skye to Inverness: The quickest and easiest route is to take the Citylink bus from Portree to Inverness. It takes roughly 3.5 hours, but the route is not included in the Spirit of Scotland/Grand Tour of Scotland pass.

Alternatively, take the Citylink bus to Kyle of Lochalsh on the mainland, just across the Skye Bridge, and then the train from there to Inverness. With changes and transfer times, this takes longer than the direct bus, but it’s a scenic railway journey. Additionally, this route is included in the Spirit of Scotland pass; with the Grand Tour of Scotland pass, you need to pay extra for the Portree-Kyle of Lochalsh bus.

Things to do in Inverness & where to stay: Use my Inverness travel guide to plan your time in the city and find my recommended places to stay. The hop-on, hop-off City Sightseeing bus is a great option because one of its routes heads out to Culloden Battlefield as well as the Caledonian Canal from where you can do a cruise on Loch Ness. With the Spirit of Scotland pass you’ll get a discount.

Day 6: Inverness to Edinburgh

Spend the morning exploring Inverness and take a midday or afternoon train or bus to Edinburgh. That way, you’ll arrive in the afternoon or evening, depending on how much time you want in the city.

Getting from Inverness to Edinburgh: The direct train takes just under 4 hours and is included in the Spirit of Scotland/Grand Tour of Scotland pass. Citylink and several other companies such as Megabus also operate direct buses which are slower but cheaper, and not included in the Spirit of Scotland pass.

Where to stay in Edinburgh: I recommend staying around Haymarket or in the New Town, so you don’t have to carry your luggage up into the Old Town – there are many steep staircases and old cobbled lanes in the medieval Old Town. The New Town is still historic (18th century), but less hilly and more modern infrastructure. That said, the Old Town is always just a short walk away. Find my recommended hotels, B&Bs and hostels here .

Day 7: Edinburgh

You have a full day in Edinburgh. There is a lot to do and see, but a day can give you a great overview.

Things to do in Edinburgh: Use my Edinburgh guide to put together your itinerary for the city and pick and chose some sites to visit and neighbourhoods to explore. You can also take the hop-on, hop-off buses to get an overview. With the Spirit of Scotland pass you’ll get a discount.

Some of my highlights include walking up and down the Royal Mile, exploring its narrow wynds, green courtyards, hidden gardens and historic closes, visiting the rooftop of the National Museum of Scotland, climbing to the top of Scott Monument or Nelson Monument for views, hiking Arthur Seat or Calton Hill for sunset, and restaurant and bar hopping in Leith or Stockbridge.

Day 8: Departure Day

From Edinburgh it’s an easy bus or tram journey to Edinburgh airport. If you fly from Glasgow airport, take the train to Glasgow and then the express bus out to the airport.

Alternative routes

Here are some suggestions for alternative routes, following roughly the same itinerary.

Swap Skye for Oban

The Isle of Skye is very popular and can be very busy during the summer months. Or maybe the idea of a guided group tour around the island puts you off? Consider swapping the Isle of Skye for Oban , a bustling seaside town on the west coast.

From Glasgow, take the scenic train journey to Oban and spend two nights there. Use my Oban travel guide and my list of suggested day trips from Oban for inspiration. My highlights include the organised bus and boat trip to the Isle of Staffa and the Treshnish Isles to see puffins (late April to early August), hiring and (e-)bike and cycling on the Caledonia Way , or visiting one of the small isles near Oban ( Kerrera or Lismore).

Then take the bus to Fort William and from there, another bus to Inverness. All these routes are included in the Spirit of Scotland pass.

Slow it down and eliminate a destination

If you think this Scotland itinerary by public transport is too fast-paced, I suggest slowing it down by eliminating a destination – either the Isle of Skye, Inverness or Fort William.

• If you eliminate Skye, add one or two nights in Glasgow, Fort William or Inverness to have more time there. You could also consider adding a night in Perthshire on your way from Inverness to Edinburgh – for example in Pitlochry, which is a stop on that train route.
• If you eliminate Inverness, flip the itinerary and go straight from Glasgow to Skye. There is a direct Citylink bus, but it’s not included in the Spirit of Scotland pass. After 2 nights on Skye, return by bus to Fort William and add a second night there. Then travel from Fort William to Edinburgh by train via Glasgow.
• If you eliminate Fort William, take the Citylink bus from Glasgow to Skye (not included in the Spirit of Scotland pass). Then continue as above via Inverness and add a second night in Inverness.

Extending your trip

Of course, you may want to extend your trip. I recommend spending more time in the existing destinations on the itinerary, rather than adding lots of other places.

• Make it 10 days and add a night in Glasgow and one in Fort William. Then take day trips in the local areas using my Glasgow day trip ideas and my Fort William travel guide .
• Make it 2 weeks and add nights in Oban and Perthshire as suggested above.

Of course, there are many other regions to explore in Scotland by public transport. Most of my ready-made Scotland itineraries can be done by public transport with a few adjustments.

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4 thoughts on “ 8-Day Best of Scotland Itinerary by Public Transport ”

This is the most fantastic guide! I am planning a trip to Scotland at the end of November and all of the information here was incredibly helpful. I am really looking forward to exploring the rest of this website for all this advice 🙂

I’m happy to hear it! If you need any personal feedback on your itinerary or help planning an aspect of your trip, you may be interested in my itinerary review service: https://watchmesee.com/itinerary-review-service/ Cheers, Kathi

Wow. Your post is so helpful to me!!! Thanks. Will be looking into each of your travel guides. So inspiring as I’ve been comparing an organised tour vs one by public transport vs renting a car (but we’ve never driven abroad, my daughter has though).

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Best Day Trips from Glasgow by train (+ logistics & tips)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: July 24, 2024

Discover the best day trips from Glasgow by train plus practical tips, logistical information and what to see along the route in our complete guide.

If you are based in Glasgow for a few days or more you may be considering adding a day trip or two to your itinerary. In this article, we cover the best day trips from Glasgow by train .

We have included details of various train routes from Glasgow with possible stops along the way (you may wish to spend the day in one of these destinations) plus details of the duration, ticket costs and what to see along the route plus tips to make the most of the trip once you arrive at your chosen destination.

Travel Scotland by train with our 14 day best of Scotland by rail itinerary. Includes logistics, what to see and do plus practical tips to make the most of your Scottish rail adventure.

Balloch (For Loch Lomond)

Crianlarich, inveraray castle, day trip to mull, iona and staffa, carrour (west highland line), what to look out for on the train journey from fort william to mallaig, skye and the western isles, guide to uk train travel ebook, what to see along the route, stirling (central scotland), alternative day trip options from glasgow central, britrail spirit of scotland, eurail global pass terms, conditions & exclusions, which day trip by train will you take from glasgow.

🚙 Considering a road trip around Scotland? Not sure if you’re up to driving in the UK? We recommend using a Tripiamo guide to familiarise yourself with it before your journey. Previous UK Travel Planning users have said this has made them feel much more comfortable getting behind the wheel. Find out more in our guide to renting a car in the UK 🚗

Glasgow to Oban, Fort William & Mallaig (West Highland Line, Scotland)

🛤 Perhaps the most picturesque or well-known of the scenic railway lines in Scotland, if not the UK

✅ Possible day excursion from Glasgow Queen Street station – however only up to 4 trains run daily in each direction 

❗️If you do this trip as a day excursion note that the day is spent mainly spent on a train in each direction. If you enjoy train travel and wish to observe the beautiful Scottish scenery in a comfortable setting this may be the day trip for you!

🛏 Consider an overnight stay in Fort William if time allows

⏱ Journey durations (all direct services) from Glasgow Queen’s Street

• Corrour – 3 hours
• Oban – 3 hours 10 mins
• Fort William – 3 hours 50 mins
• Mallaig – 5 hours 20 mins
• Balloch (Change at Dumbarton Central) – single journey £9.80, return journey £12.40.
• Corrour – single journey £35, return journey £57. 
• Oban – single journey £16, return journey £32.
• Fort William – single journey £35, return journey £57.
• Mallaig – single journey £43, return journey £51.

❗️ CHECK train times – Do not get caught out, remember there are only a few trains daily back to Glasgow, be sure of your train times for a return journey

❗️ If returning to Edinburgh and not Glasgow allow a minimum of 6 hours for the journey changing at Glasgow Queen Street. CHECK train times

Route Guide (+ What to see along the way)

From Glasgow Queen Street Station try to sit on the left side of the train as the train heads north for the best Loch views en route. 

• If you have booked seats and the train has spare seats move to a better seat.  Alternatively request a seat on the left-hand side if you reserve seats
• Seat reservations are generally not essential for these services

Direct from Glasgow Queen Street station, 50 mins, or change at Dumbarton Central or Ardlui.

• Balloch station is a short walk to the south end of Loch Lomond in the national park
• See the visitor centre and take a boat cruise across the Loch
• See also the views of Balloch Castle

• 1h 30 mins from Glasgow
• The train line splits with the line to Oban and the ongoing line to Fort William on the West Highland line
• The line heads north onto Rannoch Moor where the train line floats over peat bogs

After leaving Crianlarich the train passes breathtaking sights including Loch Lomond, Glen Lochy, and Loch Awe to the Pass of Brander before reaching Taynuilt on the shore of Loch Etive. Oban is the last station on the line.

• Oban train station is perfectly placed next to the ferry terminal for boat trips to the inner and outer Hebridian islands (Staffa, Mull and Iona)
• Popular landmarks and sights in Oban include McCaig’s tower and battery on the hill overlooking the town, also the Oban distillery and a short distance away Castle Stalker, Dunstaffnage castle, Loch Etive and Dunollie castle.

Popular day trips from Oban include Inveraray Castle and the Hebridean islands of Mull, Iona and Staffa etc

Inveraray is one of Scotland’s most popular castles and is located on the shore of Loch Fyne in Argyll and is the seat of the Dukes of Argyll.

• Open from April to October. 
• Located around 40 miles from Oban.
• The nearest train station is Dalmally 15 miles away.

If you plan to stay in Oban for a couple of nights a day trip to the Hebrides is very doable. There are day trip excursions by boat available to Mull, Iona and Staffa (for Fingal’s Cave) plus additional islands to see puffins and other bird life.

Note! This may not be for you If you suffer from sea sickness (I took a tour in summer and the sea was pretty rough sailing in a small boat from Mull to Staffa and then to Iona)

Carrour is the highest mainline UK railway station (at 1,339 feet) and perhaps the most remote. 

• It is not exactly a day excursion but more of a walker’s stop-off or set-off point, providing stunning landscape views of Rannoch Moor and Loch Ossian. 
• Nearby are the Rannoch Moor visitor centres and also the Glencoe Mountain resort.

Fort William & Mallaig (for the Jacobite Express or Harry Potter train )

On the approach to Fort William look out for Scotland’s highest Peak, Ben Nevis, 4,411 feet. 

There are lots of things to see and do in Fort William including taking a ride on the famous Harry Potter train (the Jacobite)

• The Jacobite train departs twice daily from Fort William train station. Morning runs from April to October and afternoon runs in addition from May to September.
• Operated by West Coast Railways. Check timetables for specific dates/times. 
• ❗️Book early as the tickets sell out very quickly.
• If you are planning a trip on the Jacobite we recommend arriving in Fort William the day before and staying the night so you can be at the train station in time for the departure the following morning. 
• It is possible if you catch the 1 st Jacobite service to return to Glasgow that day on the national rail service.
• Even without a ticket for the Jacobite, it is good to arrive a the station for a few photos/videos of the steam train and soak up the happy atmosphere.

Read – How to travel the Harry Potter train in Scotland

• The train travels over the famous Glenfinnan viaduct on the left-hand curve.
• Sit or look out on the right-hand side of the train to get the best views of the viaduct.
• Announcements are made on the train’s public address system to advise of the train’s approach to the viaduct. Sit/look out on the right-hand side on the return journey.
• Explore the restored station, signal box and railway museum as the train pauses at the Glenfinnan station.
• On the left side of the train Loch Eilt from Fort William train station.
• On the right look for Neptune’s Staircase which is the 8 locks on the Caledonian Canal, look carefully because it is easily missed (look for it on the way back as well, on the left side of the train).
• Look on the left for Loch Shiel and the Glenfinnan Monument and then on past Loch Eilt.
• On the approach to Mallaig look for the fantastic view of the Sound of Sleat as the line hugs the coast and offers views of the islands of Eigg and Rum and the White Sands of Morar.

Tip – For the best photos/videos of the train passing over the viaduct head out from Fort William to the Glenfinnan Visitor Centre where you can walk to the lookout viewing points. 

Good to know: Missed out on tickets for the Jacobite or travelling out of season? Don’t worry there is NO need to take the Jacobite to travel this route. The normal train service uses the same train line between Fort William and Mallaig!

Mallaig is a port on Lochaber and the terminus station of the West Highland railway line.

• Visit the heritage centre, try some of the local seafood at the numerous restaurants and cafes and wander around the harbour area and enjoy the spectacular views.
• Don’t miss a visit to the Harry Potter shop in Mallaig!
• There is a Mallaig circular walk that is around 3 km and takes about 90 mins. 

The ferry to Armadale on the Isle of Skye departs from Mallaig harbour.

• Foot passengers are permitted
• The ferry is operated by Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac)
• Also, from Mallaig are ferries to the Western Isles including Harris, Iona, Eriskay, Arran, Barra, Bute etc

❗️ Reminder – CHECK train times – Do not get caught out, remember there are only a few trains daily back to Glasgow, be sure of your train times for a return journey.

Glasgow to Edinburgh

🕘 Takes between 50 mins and 1 hour 30 mins in each direction depending on the selected service and route, some trains stop at more stations than others.

✅ Multiple daily trains.

✅ Direct service, no changes.

🎟 Approx. cheapest ticket (Dec 2022) is £17 in each direction or a return booked on the day is £28. Advance or Anytime tickets are available.

Helix Park and the Kelpies are on the left in direction of travel along the belt of Scotland. Read more about visiting the Kelpies.

Things to do in Edinburgh include visiting the world-famous castle and Royal Mile, climbing Arthurs Seat (an imposing volcanic Peak for spectacular views of Edinburgh and surrounding areas including the port of Leith and the Royal Yacht Britannia), and exploring the Royal residence of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Calton Hill, Botanic Gardens, the Scotch Whisky Experience and much much more!

Read – Best day trips from Edinburgh by train

Glasgow to Inverness (North East Coast Scotland)

✅ Easy day trip from Glasgow Queen Street station.

✅ Multiple services each day in both directions.

🕘 Takes approx. 3 hours 25 mins for the direct service.

🎟 Approx. cheapest ticket found (Dec 2022) £12.90 for each single journey. The cheapest option for a return ticket is another single ticket.  

🕘 Approx. 30 mins direct from Glasgow Queen Street

🎟 Approx. cheapest ticket found (Dec 2022) £15.40 for each single journey. The cheapest option for a return ticket is 2 x single tickets at £19.70

✅ Train station is in the city centre.

📍 See medieval Stirling castle, the National Wallace Monument (that commemorates the 13-century hero William Wallace) where from the top you can see the site of the 1297 Battle of Stirling Bridge, Battle of Bannockburn Experience, Deanston Distillery, The Old Town Jail and 1hour from Loch Lomond and close to the Battle of Bannockburn visitor centre.

❗️ Stirling is quite hilly to walk around so be prepared!

🕘 Approx. 1h from Glasgow Queen Street

📍 The city is located on the River Tay.  

🎟 Approx. cheapest ticket found (Dec 2022) £8.50 for each single journey. The cheapest option for a return ticket is 2 x single tickets at £17

Visit the Black Watch Castle and Museum, Kinnoull Hill and nearby the Scone Palace.

🕘 Approx. 1h 40 from Glasgow Queen Street) and Blair Atholl (next station, check train stops)

📍 Historic town on the River Tummel.

🎟 Approx. cheapest ticket found (Dec 2022) is £11.90 for each single journey. The cheapest option for a return ticket is 2 x single tickets at £21.10

Visit the dam and fish ladder, nearby Blair Athol Distillery, Edradour Distillery, falls of Bruar and Blair Castle and Gardens and the Queen’s view and visitor centre.

🕘 Approx. 2h 45 from Glasgow Queen Street

📍 Located in the Cairngorms National Park.

🎟 Approx. cheapest ticket found (Dec 2022) £18.30 for each single journey. The cheapest option for a return ticket is 2 x single tickets at £31.20

Famous for beautiful lochs and walks and also for skiing and winter sports. Also, for the Cairngorm brewery and the Strathspey Railway (steam trains from Perth to Broomhill, 92 miles and takes around 1h 45) if you want a leisurely excursion, try an afternoon tea too.

📍Inverness is the largest city in the Highlands and is located where the River Ness joins the Moray Firth.

Things to see in Inverness

• The 19 th Century cathedral
• Indoor Victorian market
• Inverness Castle
• Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
• Botanic gardens
• Leakeys bookshop
• Enjoy a 2-hour walk circuit walk along the River Ness and Ness islands.

Why not extend your trip and stay a few nights in Inverness ? It’s a fantastic base from which to explore the Scottish Highlands with some great day trip options including…

• Loch Ness and Castle Urquhart
• Culloden battlefield
• Clava Carins – Bronze Age Cairn
• Fort George- Artillery fortification

Glasgow Central Station to Rothesay on the Isle of Bute

Glasgow to Wemyss Bay train station then to Rothesay on the Isle of Bute by ferry.

🕘 Train journey to Wemyss Bay is around 50 mins with direct service.

🎟 Train ticket – Approx. cheapest single ticket (at date) £8.80 with a return cheapest buying two singles at £16.80.

⛴ The ferry is operated by Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) and has separate summer and winter timetables.

🎟 Ferry ticket – Approx. cheapest ticket (at date) £7 for a foot passenger for a return ticket.

🕘 Ferry takes about 35 mins and an hourly service (check timetables)

Read – Complete Guide to Scottish Islands

• Located on the Clyde coast.
• The train station is built on a pier opened in 1903, grade A architectural listed curved glass canopy with and mock-Tudor exterior and clock tower.
• The Ferry to Rothesay leaves from the same pier across the Firth of Clyde.
• An island in the Firth of Clyde is divided into the lowlands and highland areas.
• Tours cost approx. (at date) £12 per adult.
• A lovely Victorian seaside resort
• See the Bute Military Museum and the 13 th Century Rothesay Castle (currently access is restricted for masonry inspections).
• There are Alternative Trains and Ferry Options from Glasgow Central.
• 🕘 46 mins
• ⛴ Ferry to Dunoon
• Ardrossan Harbour train station is a branch line on the Largs train line
• 🕘 1 hour
• Ferries are operated by Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) Note that there are separate summer and winter timetables.

Glasgow to Stranraer (South West Scotland in Dumfries and Galloway)

The Stranraer Line is a scenic rail line that runs from Glasgow Central to Stranraer via Ayr where visitors need to change trains.

🕘 Takes around 2h 25 mins in total

✅ Up to 4 trains daily. 

❗️ No direct service to Stranraer

🎟 Approx. cheapest ticket (Dec 2022) £9.10 in each direction or 2 x purchased single tickets £18.20.

• South West out of Glasgow Central station keep a lookout for the 3 lochs of Castle Semple, Barr and Kilbirnie. Also, the famous golf course at Troon.
• The historic country town of Ayrshire. Change trains at Ayr or stop off to see Robert Burns’s birthplace museum or Greenan Castle
• The train line approaches the coastline with the best views on the right side of the train in the direction of travel. 
• Look out to sea for the views of the island of Alisa Craig. The island is famous for supplying the world with the stones used in the sport of curling.
• On the banks of Loch Ryan in Scotland’s South West. See the medieval castle of St John, the Stranraer museum and the Killantringan lighthouse.
• The fastest ferry takes around 2 hours 16 mins.
• ⛴ Ferry to Belfast ( Northern Ireland ) – As well as the day excursion on the beautiful train line visitors can also catch the Stenna Ferry from the ferry port at Cairnryan which is 12 -20 mins away by taxi or bus.

Glasgow to Dumfries (South West Scotland – Dumfriesshire)

📍Dumfries is located near the River Nith that flows into the Solway Firth.

📍Approx. 25 miles from the border with England.

🕘 Journey time is 1h 45 from Glasgow Central Station.

✅ Direct service

✅ No changes in each direction.

🎟 Dumfries direct services – Approx. cheapest ticket (Dec 2022) £21 in each direction or 2 x purchased single tickets £38.20.

🔄 Return journey on a different route via the West Coast Mainline back to Glasgow Central takes 1h 20.

• A walled city with a rich historic past.
• Additional costs if extending the trip to Carlisle.

• Pass over the 23-arch viaduct outside Kilmarnock before the line heads to the scenic Ayrshire hills and on down the Nith Valley to Drumlanrig tunnel. 
• Historic Dumfries is a busy growing market town with a rich history, tracing its heritage all the way back to the Roman era.
• See Dumfries Museum, the Camera Obscura, Robert Burns house arts centre and the Aviation Museum.

Best day trips from Glasgow by train FAQs – Train Passes

If you are planning to travel around Scotland by train it may be cost-effective to buy a BritRail Pass or Global Eurail pass to cover the costs of your rail adventure.

(*Note the  Eurail Global Pass  is available to non-Europe residents only. For those of you who reside in Europe the  Global Interrail Pass  is the equivalent pass.)

• The Spirit of Scotland pass is for those who want to discover the area north of the border with England.
• Ferry and coach services are included as well as trains.
• Passengers cannot use some trains before 9.15 am on weekdays.
• The pass covers the entire country of Scotland, from Berwick-upon-Tweed on the Northumbrian border right up to the highlands and islands.
• Only child discounts may be available on the Scottish pass.
• Depending on the type of pass travel for 2, 3, 4, 8, 15, 22 or 30 consecutive days or 2, 3, 4 or 8 non-consecutive days spread over a month; or for 15 days during a two-month period. 
• For use in 33 countries across Europe (unless otherwise stated)
• Non-European residents are eligible to buy the Global Eurail Pass   (European residents have the equivalent  Global Interail Pass )
• The first travel date can be up to 11 months after the date of purchase
• Discounts may be available for children, youths or seniors 
• Paper or M (mobile) pass
• Seat reservations are advised
• Passes entitle holders to special discounts on hotels , ferries, entrance fees, tickets, city cards and much more
• Great Britain is included on the Eurail Global Pass
• Depending on the type of pass travel for 15 or 22 consecutive days, or buy a pass valid for 1, 2 or 3 months or for 4, 5 or 7 non-consecutive days spread over a month; or for 10 or 15 days during a two-month period. 

Read more about the BritRail Pass and Eurail Global Pass

Whichever of these train trips you take I am sure you will have a wonderful time. Scotland is a beautiful country to explore!

We have more resources to help you plan your trip!

• Scotland Travel Guide
• Guide to 10 regions of Scotland
• 19 Beautiful places to visit in Scotland
• Guide to the Caledonian Sleeper
• Best day trips from Edinburgh

Related Content

Hop over to edinburgh, take the glasgow subway, 1. travel on the jacobite steam train:, 2. take the west highland line to oban:, 3. to the isle of bute:, 4. a day trip to arran:, 5. have afternoon tea on a steam train:, 6. to dundee & st andrews:, advance tickets to more distant destinations, travelling with children, book accommodation, exploring scotland with bookmundi, other ideas for seeing scotland by train:, other ideas for holidays by train in britain:.

Seeing Scotland By Train: Day trips from Glasgow

How to see the best of Scotland by train by taking fabulous day trips from Glasgow

If you want to see the best of Scotland by train, there are several good reasons for using its largest city as a base. Top of this list is the multitude of destinations and routes to choose from.

Glasgow is a magnet for Scottish rail journeys , with the majority of towns and attractions across the country accessible by direct trains. The city’s two main stations, Central and Queen Street , also have ultra-convenient city centre locations, which offer a wide choice of accommodation options, no matter what your budget.

Glasgow really has the edge over Edinburgh as base for exploring the best of scenic Scotland by train. It’s closer than the capital to the west coast islands and it’s the starting point for the incredible West Highland Line .

You don't have to travel far

Travel for less than 90 minutes by train from Glasgow and you can experience multiple great destinations:

Loch Lomond - by taking a train to Balloch, which depart every 30 mins from Charing Cross, Queen Street and High Street stations.

New Lanark – by taking the trains to Lanark, which depart every 30 mins from Central station and connecting to bus line/route 135 at Lanark station.*

Stirling Castle - take a frequent train from Glasgow Queen Street.*

The Falkirk Wheel *- take bus route/line 6 from Falkirk Grahamston station, which is served by 2 x trains per hour from Glasgow Queen Street - avoid the trains to Falkirk High station. (Both the castle and the Wheel can be easily be combined on one day trip, there are frequent trains between Falkirk and Stirling).

*These three destinations can all be accessed by using a Central Scotland Rover .

It’s also straightforward to experience all of the delights of Edinburgh while staying in Glasgow. For most of the day two trains per hour operate over the fastest route between the two cities, with a journey time of under 45 minutes; and the final train of the day back to Glasgow leaves Edinburgh just after 23:00.

The majority of Glasgow’s most popular attractions, for the days on which you don’t want to make a longer train journey, are outside the city centre, but have easy access by the Glasgow Subway . Though keep in mind that the subway closes after 18:15 on Sundays and the access to/from the trains isn't step-free at any of the subway stations.

Kelvinhall is the closest station to the Kelvingrove gallery and museum , while Hillhead is the nearest station to the Rennie Mackintosh Museum . Buchanan Street subway station is linked to Glasgow Queen Street and St Enoch subway station is a five-minute walk from the side entrance at Glasgow Central.

Govan station is a five-minute walk from the new Govan-Partick Bridge over to the splendid Riverside Museum of Transport .

Another easy route from the city centre to the museum is to take bus route / line 100 from a stop from George Square.

Fabulous ideas for long-distance day trips:

If you want to combine beautiful destinations and stunning scenery on easy longer adventures from Glasgow, here are six fabulous ideas for day trips by train, which tick every box.

If you want to head off to Arran or Bute, you’ll be taking a combination of train and ferry, but you don’t have to book in advance to save money – just make sure you leave Glasgow after 9:30 and book combined Rail + Sail tickets .

You also don’t have to book ahead to make a saving if you want to head to St Andrews, you can book Day Return tickets to Leuchars (the connecting station for St Andrews) after 09:30 at Queen Street station

Advance Tickets, which are discounted, are available if you book ahead online for the journeys to Mallaig (for The Jacobite), Oban, or to Aviemore for The Strathspey Railway.

Or if you want to head off on at least four of these suggested longer excursions and want the freedom to choose your departures on your travel date, a Spirit of Scotland rail pass enables spontaneity and should also save you money.

The Jacobite steam train makes majestic journeys between Mallaig and Fort William from late May to late October. Despite the distance from Glasgow, it’s surprisingly feasible to take this steam train when making a day trip from the city as long as you don't head off from the city on a Sunday.

For those adverse to rising too early, what’s good know is that the required train to Mallaig via Fort William usually departs from Glasgow Queen Street station, on Monday to Saturday only, at 08:22; and a little over five breath-taking hours later, you’ll arrive at your destination. You’ll have sufficient time for an excellent fish and chip supper, from the café right by Mallaig station, before the steam train departs for Fort William at 14:10.

The Jacobite will arrive back in Fort William with time to spare before the evening train leaves for Glasgow (it usually departs at 17:37). This means you’ll be back in the city before 21:30, well in time for a nightcap.

...includes the stunning journey on the West Highland Line

If the weather is fine, try and take your seats on the left-hand side of the train when boarding in Glasgow, as you’ll get the best views of the journey as far as Fort William on that side of the train.

Within 20 minutes of departure, you’ll be travelling along the north shore of the River Clyde.

Then, between Helensburgh and Tarbet, on your left, there are lovely views over Loch Gare and Loch Long.

When you depart from Tarbet, Loch Lomond will be over to the right, although, for most of the journey, it can only be glimpsed through the trees. If you’re travelling during the long summer days, it make sense to take in those views from the opposite side of the train when heading south from Fort William.

After your departure from Crianlarich, where the train heading to Mallaig separates from the train to Oban , there will be fewer trees getting in the way of these majestic views. After the train has crossed Rannoch Moor and called at Corrour station, another highlight, on the left, is the view of Loch Treig. Also on the left − between Tulloch and Spean Bridge stations − the railway shares a beautiful valley with the River Spean. Then, as the train nears Fort William, you’ll also see the spectacular peak of Ben Nevis.

On arrival at Fort William station it’s worth moving over to occupy seats on the other side of the train. The train will travel in the reverse direction upon departure, but the best of the views between Fort William and Mallaig are also on the left.

From Fort William the train will travel along the shores of Loch Eil and with some wonderful sea views after the departure from Lochailort (when heading to Mallaig, between Glenfinnan and Lochailort stations, the beautiful Loch Eilt is on your right).

If you want to capture an image of the train crossing the amazing Glenfinnan Viaduct when you’re heading back to Fort William, find a window on the right-hand side of the train when it arrives at Glenfinnan station.

You don’t have to travel so far, or leave so early in the morning to experience a stunning journey from Glasgow on the West Highland Line. On Monday to Saturday at 10:33/10:34 a train will usually depart from Queen Street station for Oban .

The charming coastal town is pretty much the perfect location for a late lunch. On Mondays to Saturdays the train from Glasgow will arrive there at 13:43 and the trains back to Glasgow should be departing at 16:11 and 18:11.

As far as Crianlarich, you will experience the same stunning route described above, taken by the train to Mallaig.

At the next station Tyndrum, for the first part of the journey from there to Oban, the best of the views are again on the left.

From that side of the train there will be views over Lochan na Bi and then after Dalmeny the railway is by the shore of Loch Awe.

This lovely island in the Firth Of Clyde used to attract thousands of Glaswegian day-trippers, thanks mainly to its easy access by train and ferry, and it’s still straightforward to follow in their footsteps today.

Every hour, a train from Glasgow Central journeys to Wemyss Bay railway station, and this truly magical station occupies pride of place on the cover of Simon Jenkins’ book ‘ Britain’s 100 Best Railway Stations ’.

There will be time to take in its beauty before the ferry departs for Rothesay (in the summer, the boats connect with every train arrival).

This delightful ferry crossing takes around 35 minutes and, on arrival, you can see the best of Bute touring the island on an open-topped bus.

Trains from Glasgow Central station take less than 45 minutes to make the journey to Ardrossan Harbour station, where an easy transfer is available to the ferries that travel over to Brodick, the main town on the island of Arran It’s possible to depart Glasgow after 11:00 and see the best of the island on a straightforward day trip, but you should check the timetable and the ferry status ; sadly high winds were disrupting the timetable on the day that SMTJ planned to take our trip.

Though much of the train journey isn’t especially exceptional, it’s the ferry crossing and the bus trips around the island that offer the stunning views.

Due to the variety seen in its majestic landscape, Arran has been described as ‘Scotland in miniature’ and a network of local bus routes link the ferry terminal in Brodick to beauty spots across the island. Though the buses are timed to connect with the ferry arrivals, so it’s best to take time out to explore the charms of Brodick when arriving back in the village; before awaiting the ferry back to the mainland.

The Mondays to Saturday only schedule which SMTJ had intended to follow is:

• Depart Glasgow Central by train at 11:18
• Arrive Ardrossan Harbour at 12;05
• Depart Ardrossan Harbour at 12:30
• Arrive Brodick at 13:25
• Depart Brodick on bus/line route 324 at 13:40; the route goes along the island's north coast
• Arrive Blackwater at 15:02
• Depart Blackwater at 15:40 on bus/line route 322 , which takes the The String road through the mountains across the island
• Arrive Brodick at 16:08
• Depart Brodick at 16:40
• Arrive Glasgow at 18:50

During the summer, the final ferry of the day usually departs from Brodick at 19:20.

The beautiful Strathspey Railway is one of Britain’s most delightfully preserved steam railways, and it has easy access from Glasgow, as it shares the station in Aviemore with the mainline trains (although optimum connections aren’t available on Sundays).

An early start from Glasgow is required if you want to make the most of the day. You’ll need to take a train to Stirling, which leaves from Glasgow Queen Street station at 08:41, then on arrival in Stirling there will be a generously timed connection on to Aviemore.

Make that early start from Glasgow and you’ll have the opportunity to make two return trips up and down the line, having the optional tea on your second journey of the day, you’ll also have time to explore the charming Boat Of Garten station between trains!

Or if you just want to have afternoon tea whilst making the one return journey on the line, you can take a direct train to Aviemore from Glasgow at 10:07 or 10:10 depending on the day of the week.

The end-to-end journey between Glasgow and Aviemore takes around 2hrs 45mins, but the scenery is fabulous, particularly north of Perth.

Having enjoyed your steam railway adventure there is typically a direct train back to Glasgow which departs Aviemore at 18:08.

(The Strathspey Railway from Edinburgh)

Those trains on from Perth will have commenced their journeys in Edinburgh, so enjoying the Strathspey Railway makes for an easy day trip from the capital - the direct trains to Aviemore are usually scheduled to depart from Waverley station at 08:33 and 10:36.

At least once an hour, express trains depart Glasgow Queen Street for Dundee , and this lovely journey takes under 90 minutes.

If you want to take the time out to explore Dundee, the wonderful V & A Museum , which celebrates the best of Scottish design, is just across the street from the station. In Dundee, you’ll connect into trains heading to Leuchars, the next station to the south.

The journey to Leuchars from Dundee takes only 15 minutes, but few train journeys between adjacent stations are as spectacular as this. That’s because, for around three of those minutes, the train travels over the incredible Tay Bridge .

Frequent buses meet the trains at Leuchars station and the transfer into the centre of lovely St Andrews takes around 10 minutes.

Having explored the town, when you return to Leuchars station, you can either travel back to Glasgow via Dundee, or board a train heading towards Edinburgh. If you choose the latter option, take a seat on the left where you can marvel at the Fife coast scenery as you travel over the iconic Forth Railway Bridge .

Leave the train at Haymarket station and you can connect into one of four trains per hour from there, which will transport you back to Glasgow Queen Street.

Booking tickets

Off-Peak Day Return tickets will be money savers when travelling from Glasgow to multiple destinations including the island of Arran ; Bute ; Balloch for Loch Lomond ; Dundee, Edinburgh, North Berwick, Perth and Stirling Castle . Those tickets won't be any more expensive if you buy them at the station right before your journey.

And some great news is that ScotRail has embarked on a trial until June 28th , of abandoning peak travel periods - meaning that the cheaper Off-Peak prices are available on any train, on these routes and more. all day! This is terrific, because when using Off-Peak Day Return tickets to make day trips, they can be under £2 more expensive than booking single tickets.

When travelling from Glasgow on the suggested longer trips, to Aviemore, Fort William, Mallaig and Oban, the Advance type of tickets which are discounted if you book ahead of the travel date, are available. These Advance tickets also include seat reservations.

Though to save money by using these tickets you have to commit to taking a specific train on your travel day - so if the weather happens to be poor at the time you will making your trip, you won’t then be able to choose a different train or destination; without paying a £10 admin fee and the price difference with your original booking

Though something out of the ordinary, which is very much worth being aware of, is that ScotRail doesn't release Advance tickets for sale until 8 weeks ahead of the travel date. However, on the routes on which Advance tickets are available, the more expensive Anytime tickets will be placed on sale up to 3 months ahead. So if you look up a long-distance journey ticket on the ScotRail website more than 8 weeks ahead, you will only see the Anytime tickets.

ScotRail takes Advance tickets off sale at 18:00 (6pm) on the day prior to a travel date.

ScotRail also offers deals for when adults travel with children – which can impact on whether using the Spirit of Scotland Pass as a family will be a money saver. Up to four children aged 15 and under can travel off-peak for just £1 return each with an adult (aged 16 and over ) ticket holder - and until June 28th all ScotRail journeys are Off-Peak ! The ' Kids For A Quid ' offer also applies when booking Advance tickets on the long-distance routes. There's no need to book the offer ahead of travel, so if an Adult buys an Advance ticket ahead of the travel date, to save money - the ticket can then be presented at a station ticket office just before boarding, or shown to a conductor on the train, and the offer can then be purchased.

And at many attractions in Scotland, including Edinburgh Zoo, the RSS Discovery and Deep Sea World, one child travelling with the Kids For A Quid offer, can gain free entry !

The two main stations in the city, Central and Queen Street are conveniently located in the city centre, but staying in their neighbourhoods will make the going easier

By Glasgow Central

1: Use the map above to see which hotel rooms and Vrbo rentals, with easy access to Glasgow Central, are available.

2: Or click on these cherry-picked properties, offered by Stay 22 partner Booking.com , which are by Glasgow Central and have been selected on the basis of high guest ratings:

voco Grand Central Glasgow

Native Glasgow

Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow

YOTEL Glasgow

The Address Glasgow

Carlton George Hotel

ibis Styles Glasgow Centre George Square

3: Or see what's available with Stay 22's accommodation partners; which include, Expedia, Hotels.com and Trivago - by clicking here .

Stay 22 will 'shuffle' the booking services so that you can be automatically directed to its partner that currently has the optimum availability at this location.

By Glasgow Queen Street

1: Use the map above to see which hotel rooms and Vrbo rentals, with easy access to Glasgow Queen St, are available.

2: Or click on these cherry-picked properties, offered by Stay 22 partner Booking.com , which are by Glasgow Queen St and have been selected on the basis of high guest ratings:

AC Hotel by Marriott Glasgow

The Z Hotel Glasgow

Point A Hotel Glasgow

Simon Harper

I wanted to share my passion for train travel and explain how anyone can take the fantastic journeys I have taken.

This is one of more than 100 train travel guides available on ShowMeTheJourney , which will make it easier to take the train journeys you want or need to make. As always, all images were captured on trips taken by ShowMeTheJourney.

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The Most Scenic Train Rides From Edinburgh

Road-tripping in Scotland has long been a favoured holiday option for both staycationers and visitors from around the world. And while the open road is exhilarating, drivers can be all too frequently distracted by the head-turning landscapes. The solution is simple – let the train take the strain.

Given it’s the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is very well connected when it comes to railways , opening up large swathes of wild and rugged countryside that would otherwise be inaccessible. Stepping onboard a train idling at Edinburgh Waverley station is the beginning of an adventure – one that can take mere minutes to spirit you away to the nearby coast, or hours penetrating through some of the most beguiling and remote landscapes in the world. Here are just some of the most epic railway journeys you can embark on from Edinburgh.

Find your muse on the Borders Railway

The recent rebirth of the Borders Railway has been something of a labour of love. Suffering the same fate as many of Britain’s rural railways in the 1960s, the original line between Edinburgh and Carlisle withered and died away after the infamous Beeching cuts. Within minutes of boarding at stately Waverley station, you’ll be awed as the train snakes its way through the glens and rolling verdant hillsides of the Borders, one of Scotland’s most overlooked regions. Perhaps unjustly bested by the dramatic landscapes of the Highlands, the subtle elegance of towns like Galashiels, its historic ruined abbeys and not to forget, of course, its own brand of beauty all played muse to Scotland’s greatest author, Sir Walter Scott .

An off-peak return ticket to the line’s terminus at Tweedbank costs £11.80. There are two services an hour mid-week. It is reduced to hourly services on Sundays.

Cross history on the Fife Circle Line

When it officially opened, the Forth Bridge was the pinnacle of Victorian engineering and considered one of the industrial wonders of the age. Now approaching 130 years old, the rail bridge is as much a marvel today as it was then. Spanning the Firth of Forth, it remains the keystone of Edinburgh’s rail network, with some 200 trains between the Scottish capital and the north trundling across the red colossus every day. The experience of crossing this iconic landmark – its rivet-studded girders flashing by carriage windows amid the thunderous clickety-clack of wheels on railway joints – should be on every Scottish bucket list.

An off-peak return ticket to North Queensferry costs £5.80 and gives you the chance to enjoy two journeys across the bridge as well as the best vantage point to admire the whole bridge from the shoreline. Numerous services travelling north or around Fife and stopping in North Queensferry leave Waverley station every 20 minutes or so.

Hug the coast on the train to North Berwick

A former Victorian seaside resort may not be enough to entice you away from the sights of Edinburgh, but for city locals, a jaunt out to North Berwick on the train brings their childhood memories screeching back. The short hop to this postcard-worthy coastal town takes about 30 minutes, gliding past castle ruins, golf courses and farms along the way. As you get closer to the coast, the swaying fields of barley suddenly give rise to North Berwick Law, a tooth-shaped extinct volcano that looms over the town. This coastal hub is best known for its proximity to the Bass Rock, a beloved local landmark that is home to tens of thousands of gannets and guillemots.

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An off-peak return ticket to North Berwick will set you back £7.20. On weekdays and Sundays, there are hourly services out to the coast from Waverley, with half-hourly services at peak times mid-week and on Saturdays.

Whisky, glens and lochs on the Highland Main Line

The beauty of Scotland is that you are never far away from, well, natural beauty. While the Highlands may be a stretch for a day trip by rail, it is worth extending your trip by a few days so you can enjoy a quintessential Scottish experience. From Edinburgh, the train to Inverness takes three and a half hours and whisks you away north from urban sprawl in the capital through the dense forests of Perthshire, past mist-shrouded lochs and the snow-crested peaks of the Cairngorms. There are many stops on the way that would make an ideal extension to your trip, including the picturesque town of Pitlochry or the alpine-style resort of Aviemore. Keep your eyes peeled for the pagoda roofs of Dalwhinnie, Scotland’s highest whisky distillery.

There are six daily direct services to Inverness from Waverley. Off-peak return fares are priced at £55.20.

Capture movie magic on the West Highland Line

Perhaps due to its relative isolation, the west coast boasts some of Scotland’s most dramatic scenery. Getting there, though, is half the fun, especially when you take the train. Setting out from Edinburgh, head across the densely populated Central Belt until you see the tower blocks that dominate Glasgow’s skyline. After a quick change at Queen Street station, you’ll be wending your way northwards on the West Highland Line, considered one of the most scenic railways in the world. If you choose to go all the way to Mallaig, you’ll cross the expansive, ethereal wilderness of Rannoch Moor, reaching Fort William in the shadow of Ben Nevis – the UK’s highest peak – before trundling around the Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous in the Harry Potter films.

There are just three trains a day from Glasgow to Mallaig. Return tickets from Edinburgh are priced at £93. With a journey time of over five hours, it is impractical as a day trip but is a delightful excuse to extend your Edinburgh trip.

Helpful hints

Tickets can be bought at the station ticket office or from machines on the concourse at Edinburgh Waverley on the day of travel. However, booking at trainline.com can often make the fare cheaper. The National Rail Enquiries website has a handy itinerary planner, which you can also use to purchase your tickets.

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Scotland by Train - 8 Day Tour

This itinerary is perfect for those who enjoy travelling by train and who are perhaps not so keen on hiring a car or just looking for a more eco-friendly mode of travel.

The itinerary includes a number of the most spectacular train journeys in the UK (if not the world), starting off with the world famous West Coast line from Glasgow to Mallaig

• The spectacular West Highland Railway Line from Glasgow to Mallaig)
• Fort William
• Ben Nevis (UKs highest mountain at 4,409 ft)
• World famous Jacobite Steam Train 
• Ferry "over the sea to Skye"
• Isle of Skye (2 nights)
• Cuillin mountains
• 'The Kyle Line' to Inverness
• Cawdor Castle
• Culloden Battlefield
• Forth bridges

From £990 per adult

Departure days.

• W Wednesday

January — December

Contact details

• +44 (01786) 821816
• View tour details
• [email protected]

Tour information

• Stirling Area
• Archaeology
• Architecture
• Film and TV
• Food and drink
• Island Hopping
• Outdoor Activities
• Photography
• Religious Pilgrimage
• Walking/Hiking

Tour prices

From £990 Per Adult

Prices are subject to change depending on season

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Tour company information

Uniquely scotland.

Uniquely Scotland is a bespoke tour operator specialising in tailor-made holiday packages around Scotland for small groups of people. With our motto 'explore, embrace, learn, live', we strive to give our clients the opportunity to get to know the real Scotland and to embrace our history and culture, providing an exciting balance between the traditional and the contemporary. Our aim is to give you the holiday of a lifetime. Our services include tailor-made private driver guided tours for up to 6 people, tailor-made self-drive itineraries, tailor-made train itineraries.

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What Are the Must-See Sights When Visiting Scotland on Vacation?

Kade kistner | aug 14, 2024.

Scotland is a magical place, after all, the national animal is a unicorn! Seriously!

But for generations this ancient land has been the backdrop of some of the most incredible moments in history, from the birthplace of magic, to William Wallace and Robert the Bruce, to Highland clans and the Jacobite Rebellions of 1715 and 1745, this land attracts visitors.

None of that mentions its sheer beauty, diverse biospheres and its vibrant nightlife in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Plus, who can forget the incredible football (soccer) ?

Here are the must-see sites when taking an adventure to Scotland.

Edinburgh Castle

Most visitors will begin their trip with a flight into Edinburgh. It's an old, yet beautiful city. Of course, its castle sits atop the city looking down, only overshadowed by Arthur's Seat, an incredible hike.

Edinburgh Castle has been around since the Iron Age, and has been used for everything from a royal residence, to a garrison, treasury, and even a prison. In fact, it was heavily active in both the Jacobite Rebellions of 1715 and 1745, and then as a place to hold prisoners of war during the American Revolution.

This storied castle is now among the most protected buildings and monuments in Scotland as it sits in Old Town of Edinburgh.

After touring the castle, make sure to check out both sides of Edinburgh, Old and New Town, and the wonderful pubs, restaurants and shops that the city has to offer.

Cairngorms National Park

The Cairngorms National Park covers almost 1,750 square miles and is the largest national park in the United Kingdom. It is the quintessential Scottish Highlands experience as you can experience some of the most breathtaking hikes and scenery in the summer.

During the winter, visitors can ski, see the Northern Lights and even take a team of sled dogs out into the middle of the wilderness for one of the most breathtaking experiences of your life.

Year-round there is zip lining offered, as well as warm lodges and pubs in some of the more populous towns such as Aviemore. As few nights in the park is an absolute must if you want to fully complete your Scottish adventure!

Culloden Battlefield

Located just outside of Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, Culloden is where the famous Jacobite Rebellion of 1745 came to an end.

Bonnie Prince Charlie, after arriving on Scotland's shores and raising an army, marched all the way from the Highlands to England with the intent of taking back the English throne from the Hanoverian Dynasty.

Taking the British military by surprise, the Jacobite army made it all the way to Derby before turning back towards Scotland in retreat. They made their final stand in Culloden Moor, a highly disadvantageous position, especially after an incredibly arduous march beforehand.

It was here that the majority of the Jacobite army was slaughtered in under an hour's time. The ramifications saw Highland chiefs lose all power and authority, tartans and kilts were outlawed and the Highland culture was all but annihilated.

To say it is sacred ground for many Scots is an understatement.

Visitors can be spend about two hours here while true history buffs can spend up to four hours taking in the sights.

It was also an incredibly popular spot in Outlander, which has caused thousands to flock to the battlefield in recent years.

Just down the road from Culloden is the famous Loch Ness . Just south of Inverness, Loch Ness continues to attract thousands of visitors a year hoping to see "Nessie" make an appearence.

You can visit the Loch Ness Centre where you can get caught up on all the history of the Loch, Nessie and the surrounding area. On a clear day, it is truly one of the most naturally beautiful areas in Scotland. On a rainy day, it is one of the more ominous sights you can see.

Plus, one can enjoy the ruins of Urquhart castle while you're there, a really idylic scene over an incredible view.

Either way, it's well worth the 20 minute drive from Inverness to go see the legendary loch!

Your Favorite Distillery

Everyone has their preference of alcohol, but when it comes to Scotland its Whisky (no "e") or gin.

As with all taste palettes, where you want to visit will defer. Some of the very best whisky distilleries include The MacAllan in Speyside, Dalwhinnie in the foothills of the Cairngorms, Blair Athol near Blair Castle north of Perth, Lagavulin in Islay and of course, Johnnie Walkie blended scotch in Edinburgh.

As for gins, The Botanist in Islay, Hendricks in Ayrshire and Gordon's which is distilled in Fife.

Visitors will be taken on tours and taught why and how a whisky can become known as a scotch while also getting a detailed history of the lands that created the spirit.

One can't visit Scotland without seeing a mashtun and the spirit distilling process that has brought Scotland so much fame.

Blair Castle

Scotland is known for its castles but many are now in ruins or not quite... a "castle."

Blair Castle is the exception. Started in 1269, the castle has seen its fair share of history. Two Jacobite Rebellions, two World Wars, multiple royal visits to include Queen Victoria in 1844, and has been featured on many shows.

Entering into the castle, visitors are welcomed by multiple basket-hilt swords, muskets and medeval knight armor. From there, visitors will tour 30 rooms, highlighted by the dining room and the ball room, full of stag heads.

Additionally, the grounds are home to some of the UK's most beautiful gardens as well as one of the largest horse races in the country. The castle is open March 26 through Oct. 26. However, exclusive use of the castle for weddings is possible.

And from first-hand experience, the weddings at Blair Castle do not disappoint, especially when guests have exclusive use of the castle.

Scotland is a magical place, it's raw beauty, the culture, the kindness of its people and most of all, its history, sets this land apart from much of the world.

If you truly want to fall back into time and see what one of the most naturally ancient places on the earth feels like, make sure to head over to Scotland and stop by these must-see sites while on your adventure!

KADE KISTNER

The Best Cities to Visit in Europe by Train

Last Updated on March 4, 2024

Europe is home to some of the world’s most beautiful places, with many easily accessible by train. The continent’s extensive rail network takes you to picturesque countryside past scenic vineyards and into remote villages and bustling cities, providing a scenic journey. Train travel allows for immersive experiences, enabling you to witness the diverse scenery that Europe is known for. With efficient connections and high-speed trains, exploring Europe by rail is convenient, eco-friendly, and affordable.

Here are the best cities to visit in Europe by train.

Vienna, Austria

As one of the most culturally rich and historically significant European cities, Vienna is one of the best cities to visit by train. Traveling to Vienna by train is the best way to soak up the beauty of the Austrian countryside, passing through picturesque villages, rolling hills, and majestic mountains.

As you get off the train, Vienna will delight you with its grandeur, charm, and timeless elegance. The city’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site , invites exploration with its magnificent architecture, opulent palaces, and cobblestone streets lined with quaint cafes and boutiques.

Marvel at architectural masterpieces such as the majestic Schönbrunn Palace, the iconic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the splendid Belvedere Palace, each offering insights into Vienna’s rich cultural heritage and history.

Art and music lovers will enjoy Vienna’s vibrant cultural scene, with world-class museums, galleries, and concert halls showcasing the works of renowned artists and composers such as Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Food lovers can indulge in Vienna’s culinary delights, with traditional coffeehouses serving decadent pastries, cozy wine taverns offering regional specialties, and Michelin-starred restaurants specializing in Austrian cuisine.

Vienna’s blend of history, culture, and sophistication makes it a perfect destination to visit by train, allowing you to embark on a journey of discovery and enchantment amidst the city’s timeless beauty.

Florence, Italy

Often referred to as the “Jewel of the Renaissance,” Florence beckons for a luxurious vacation and is best seen by rail. Offering a seamless and scenic journey through the picturesque landscapes of Tuscany. Traveling to Florence by train provides a convenient and comfortable mode of transportation while soaking in the beauty of the Italian countryside, with its rolling hills, vineyards, and charming villages.

With its Renaissance architecture and artistic treasures, Florence will have plenty to delight visitors. The city’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to iconic landmarks, including the magnificent Florence Cathedral, the elegant Ponte Vecchio bridge, and the renowned Uffizi Gallery, housing masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci.

Wander through the narrow streets of Florence’s medieval quarters to discover hidden gems, artisan workshops, and bustling markets selling local delicacies and artisanal crafts. Art and culture enthusiasts can discover Florence’s rich cultural scene with visits to world-class museums, galleries, and churches showcasing the city’s unparalleled artistic legacy and cultural heritage.

Florence’s blend of history, art, and culture makes it a perfect destination to visit by train, where you can immerse in the timeless charm of one of Italy’s most beloved cities.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Amsterdam is one of the most delightful destinations to visit by train, offering a convenient and picturesque journey through The Netherlands’ scenic landscapes before arriving in the vibrant and culturally rich city. Traveling to Amsterdam by train provides a hassle-free and sustainable mode of transportation, allowing you to relax and enjoy the ever-changing scenery en route.

Upon arrival, Amsterdam welcomes you with its charming canals, historic architecture, and dynamic cultural scene. The city’s iconic canal belt, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a fun place to stroll around, with its picturesque waterways, charming bridges, and historic canal houses lining the streets.

Wander through Amsterdam’s bustling neighborhoods to discover hidden courtyards, lively markets, and trendy boutiques selling Dutch design and fashion. Amsterdam’s world-class museums and galleries are a delight to explore, especially the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Anne Frank House.

Don’t miss the chance to indulge in Amsterdam’s culinary delights by visiting cosy cafes, serving delicious Dutch pancakes, bustling street markets offering a variety of international cuisines, and traditional brown cafes serving local beers and snacks.

London, United Kingdom

Offering a seamless and scenic journey through the picturesque English countryside, London is an exceptional destination to visit by train and the perfect little UK getaway . Traveling to London by train provides an immersive experience, allowing you to witness the gradual transition from lush landscapes to the bustling heart of the British capital.

London will welcome you with its blend of history, modernity, and cosmopolitan energy. The city’s historic landmarks, including the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the Houses of Parliament, showcase centuries of British heritage and architectural splendour.

Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of London, each with its unique character – from the eclectic markets and street art of Shoreditch to the upscale boutiques of Mayfair and the cultural richness of Covent Garden.

Soak up London’s culinary scene on a gastronomic adventure, with diverse options ranging from traditional British fare at historic pubs to Michelin-starred dining experiences showcasing international flavors.

Paris, France

Paris is one of Europe’s most enchanting cities to visit by train, offering a romantic and scenic journey through the charming French countryside. Traveling to Paris by train is the best way to savor the beauty of the changing landscapes, from rolling vineyards to quaint villages, immersing in the quintessential French experience.

Paris fascinates with its timeless beauty, iconic landmarks, and romantic atmosphere. The city’s majestic landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum, epitomize centuries of art, history, and architectural brilliance.

Wander through the charming neighborhoods of Paris, each with a unique charm – from the historic streets of Le Marais to the bohemian vibe of Montmartre and the chic elegance of the Champs-Elysees.

Art and culture enthusiasts can revel in the city’s world-class museums and galleries, such as the Musée d’Orsay, Musée de l’Orangerie, and Centre Pompidou. Foodies can indulge in Parisian cuisine at charming cafes serving croissants and café au lait, bustling bistros offering classic French dishes, and Michelin-starred restaurants specializing in fine dining. 

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14 best beaches in Scotland and where to stay nearby

The loveliest stretches, from Hackley Bay to Minn Beach

In fact, if you're after sandy beaches , Scotland has plenty to explore, from the hidden gem that is Hackley Bay in Aberdeenshire to the Caribbean-like stretches of the isle of Tiree in the Inner Hebrides .

You'll find hidden coves, surfers' paradises, city beaches and remote shores that seem to stretch for miles. A break on Scotland’s coastline truly offers something for everyone.

With the wonderful summer weather at home, you might be happy to miss a holiday abroad and plan a trip to one of Scotland's best beaches for a staycation this season instead. No need to fuss around with foreign currencies, languages and expensive flights when you can simply hop onto a train and explore all that Scotland has to offer.

You could combine your trip to the beach with visits to pretty villages or lively days out in the city or experience fully immersing yourself in Scotland's nature and wildlife on a secluded escape . Another way to see Scotland's glorious coastline is by hopping from island to island, with various cruises available, such as Country Living 's luxury sailing experience, which departs in September and May .

Keep scrolling to discover some of Scotland ’s exceptional beach locations and the conveniently close accommodation to book for a holiday.

West Sands Beach, St Andrews

West Sands is on the eastern shores of the Kingdom of Fife, with two miles of sandy beach, backed by dunes and a world-famous golf course. It's a great spot for walking, running and swimming, and it has Hollywood approval, too: the beach was used in the opening scenes of Chariots of Fire .

West Sands Beach is about a 15-minute stroll from the historic centre of St Andrews, the famous 'home of golf' where you can visit the remains of the 12th-century cathedral, Scotland's first university, and enjoy a tour of the Old Course – or perhaps even a round.

Where to stay: The Fairmont St Andrews is a 520-acre cliff-top estate with views of the wild North Sea, two 18-hole golf courses, and a luxurious spa complete with aromatherapy steam room, sauna, Jacuzzi, experience showers and a host of restorative rituals and treatments.

Tresness, Orkney

The northern isles of Orkney have lots of magical coastline, but the dunes and beach at Tresness on the island of Sanday are some of the archipelago’s most spectacular.

The beach forms a thin peninsula, with the North Sea on one side and a sheltered tidal bay on the other. Sanday is one of Orkney’s bigger inhabited islands, with a population of around 550.

Where to stay: Backaskaill Farmhouse on Sanday is a beach-front self-catering cottage, with panoramic coastal views at every turn.

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Ganavan Bay, Argyll & Bute

This sheltered, sandy beach in Scotland offers beautiful views over the Isle of Mull and is perfect for shallow swimming, rock pooling and paddle boarding . The seaside town of Oban is nearby and is the perfect location to enjoy fish and chips after a day of getting active with water sports at the beach.

Where to stay: Barriemore , which overlooks Oban Bay, is situated between Ganvan Bay and Oban, allowing you to easily enjoy the benefits of the restaurants and shops in Oban while offering easy access to the beach. There are a variety of room options available, including suites with sea views and even a self-catering apartment that sleeps four which is perfect for families.

East Beach, Lossiemouth

Head to the seaside Moray town of Lossiemouth (aka, 'Lossie') to locate East Beach, a pebbly shore that’s popular with surfers. If you keep walking west, the pebbles become sand.

Visitors can look for birds and bottlenose dolphins, and there are attractive dunes to admire, too.

Where to stay: Just 700 metres from East Beach, Beachfront Lodge is a two-bedroom chalet with a terrace offering sea views, a fireplace and a flat-screen TV with streaming services. There's enough space for six people, making it a great option for families.

Hackley Bay, Aberdeenshire

Nestled away in the Forvie Nature Reserve and only accessible by foot along a cliff path, Hackley Bay is a true hidden gem. This golden sandy beach is still very much unspoilt, sheltered by cliffs, backed by high sand dunes, and home to a wonderful variety of wildlife – sea birds in particular.

A paradise for hikers, Hackley Bay is the perfect secret escape before a second stop in Balmedie to enjoy fish and chips on the golden shores of Balmedie Beach.

Where to stay: As this hidden gem is so perfectly tucked away, accommodation is found a short drive from the Forvie Nature Reserve. The Cock and Bull is a family run country inn and gastropub offering a seasonally changing menu that makes the most of locally sourced ingredients.

Tiree, Inner Hebrides

The isle of Tiree is an outstanding destination for those seeking sandy shores, with 15 beaches to choose from and the Gulf Stream bringing a warm climate to the area. The most westerly island of the Inner Hebrides, it's also well known for its traditional thatched houses, that use muran (grass) which grows on the sand dunes.

Fans of water sports will love the wind here too – Tiree offers the perfect environment for surfers in particular. Visit Blackhouse Watersports on Balevullin Beach to try out a spot of surfing for yourself, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro.

Where to stay: Tiree Lodge Hotel is a family run hotel with beautiful beach and sea views, located in Gott Bay. It also has a pub-style bar, and a separate bar and restaurant with fantastic vistas out across the bay.

If you're after a sustainable stay, be sure to check out The Reef Inn . It's a proudly eco-friendly hotel with a highly insulated, energy efficient build, including air source heat for the under-floor heating.

Alternatively, join Country Living to see the Hebrides' unspoilt coastlines during an eleven-day island hopping adventure .

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Waulkmill Bay, Orkney

Tucked away down a small side road before following steep steps to the shore, Waulkmill Bay is one of the biggest beaches in the islands. Here, you'll find a beautiful stretch of sand taking up the bay at low tide, leading towards the clear waters of Scapa Flow, which are shallow enough to make them ideal for paddling.

Where to stay: Lindisfarne Bed & Breakfast in Stromness offers views over Scapa Flow. The town of Stromness is only one mile away, while the beach is just a short drive.

Minn Beach, Burra, Shetland

One of Shetland’s most beautiful beaches, located on the southernmost part of West Burra, can be reached via a footpath which leads to both the beach and onto Kettla Ness Peninsula. This wild Atlantic-facing headland is home to a wide variety of breeding moorland and coastal birds, with sightings of seals a regular occurrence around the shoreline.

Where to stay: Minn Beach is just a 20 minute drive from Lerwick’s many accommodation options – including The Lerwick Hotel . This lovely hotel overlooks Brewick Bay and the island of Bressay, and is well located for coastal walks, as well as being just 10 minutes from town. There's an on-site restaurant specialising in fresh Shetland flavours, and if you're lucky you might even spot a seal, otter or killer whale from one of the windows.

Rockcliffe Beach, Dumfries and Galloway

Rockcliffe is located on the southern edge of Dumfries and Galloway, in what is known as the ‘Scottish Riviera’ where the effects of the Gulf Stream create a warm climate. It's part of a National Scenic Area, where you can enjoy the wooded coastal walkway running between sailing villages and the nearby ancient citadel, Mote of Mark , situated on a nearby rocky outcrop.

Where to stay: The Anchor Hotel Kippford is a traditional, family run coaching inn situated on the pretty banks of Urr Water, and a 10 minute drive from the beach. The Scottish breakfast here is a particular highlight, and will set you up perfectly for days spent exploring the local area.

Nairn Beach, Highlands

Located just half an hour's drive from the city sights of Inverness and directly next to the seaside town of Nairn, Nairn Central Beach is a long sandy stretch of coast backed by low sand dunes. It stretches from the Nairn Golf Club in the west end, to the harbour at Fishertown, with a great range of coastal walks in either direction.

Also nearby are Nairn East Beach and Nairn West Beach, offering plenty of coastline for visitors to enjoy. Wildlife lovers can look out for the resident dolphin pod in these waters, while enjoying spectacular views over the Moray Firth towards Cromarty.

Where to stay: The Bandstand is a family run pub with rooms, boasting panoramic sea views and located just a short walk away from Nairn Beach.

Pettycur Bay by Kinghorn, Fife

This sandy beach backed by dunes is located just 10 minutes from Kinghorn Railway Station, and offers stunning views across the Firth of Forth towards Edinburgh and The Lothians.

On a clear day it’s even possible to see Edinburgh Castle in the distance, making this beach perfect for calm reflection. At low tide, visitors can enjoy a costal walk from Pettycur over to beautiful and family friendly Burntisland Beach.

Where to stay: The Bay Hotel is a family run hotel with 28 rooms and a high-end feel. Here, you can enjoy views over Pettycur Bay and the Firth of Forth, as well as dinner at the smart Horizons restaurant and a dip in the leisure centre pool.

Calgary Bay, Isle of Mull

Just west of Dervaig, Calgary is the biggest and most easily accessible beach in the north of the Isle of Mull.

The coastline is backed by ‘machair’, a unique habitat found only in the west coasts of Scotland and Ireland, created by the calcium-rich sandy soil and rich in species of flowers and grasses.

The area is also home to 'Art in Nature', a woodland area with walks that meander between sculptures, carvings and art installations between the beach and Carthouse Gallery on the hill above. Explorers can also make their way up the footpaths on the north side of the Bay to see the ruined houses of Arin and lovely views across the Tiree Passage.

Where to stay: A 40-minute drive away, Glengorm Castle was built in the 19th century, with all of the turrets and towers you’d hope for in a Scottish fortress. Within the gorgeous grounds, you'll find self-catering apartments, a flat in the Castle and cottages scattered around the estate.

Ayr Beach, Ayrshire

In Scotland’s south west and on the western coastline of the country of Ayrshire, Ayr Beach is often said to be one of the most beautiful in the country – a considerable accolade given how many spectacular Scottish beaches there are.

Set up on the sandy shore for the day with a picnic and admire the views of Ailsa Craig, the Isle of Arran and, if it’s clear enough, Pladda. Families will also love the putting green, crazy golf, children's play area and café adjacent to the beach.

Where to stay: Marine Troon is the perfect pitstop for anyone coming to the area to play golf, visit Ayrshire’s ancient castles, or enjoy the sandy beaches and harbour. Opt for one of the rooms or suites with a sea view, if you can.

More breathtaking Scottish scenery awaits at Sanna Bay, on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula in the west Highlands and the most westerly point of mainland Britain.

There are white sandy shores and turquoise waters, with views of the surrounding isles, and dolphins and whales often swimming by. You’ll also be able to keep watch for sea eagles, otters and the rarely spotted pine martens.

Where to stay: Mingary Castle is a lovely restaurant with rooms located in a 13th century building on the coastal edge of the 30,000-acre Ardnamurchan Estate.

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Britain’s Violent Riots: What We Know

Officials had braced for more unrest on Wednesday, but the night’s anti-immigration protests were smaller, with counterprotesters dominating the streets instead.

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By Lynsey Chutel

After days of violent rioting set off by disinformation around a deadly stabbing rampage, the authorities in Britain had been bracing for more unrest on Wednesday. But by nightfall, large-scale anti-immigration demonstrations had not materialized, and only a few arrests had been made nationwide.

Instead, streets in cities across the country were filled with thousands of antiracism protesters, including in Liverpool, where by late evening, the counterdemonstration had taken on an almost celebratory tone.

Over the weekend, the anti-immigration protests, organized by far-right groups, had devolved into violence in more than a dozen towns and cities. And with messages on social media calling for wider protests and counterprotests on Wednesday, the British authorities were on high alert.

With tensions running high, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s cabinet held emergency meetings to discuss what has become the first crisis of his recently elected government. Some 6,000 specialist public-order police officers were mobilized nationwide to respond to any disorder, and the authorities in several cities and towns stepped up patrols.

Wednesday was not trouble-free, however.

In Bristol, the police said there was one arrest after a brick was thrown at a police vehicle and a bottle was thrown. In the southern city of Portsmouth, police officers dispersed a small group of anti-immigration protesters who had blocked a roadway. And in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where there have been at least four nights of unrest, disorder continued, and the police service said it would bring in additional officers.

But overall, many expressed relief that the fears of wide-scale violence had not been realized.

Here’s what we know about the turmoil in Britain.

Where has the unrest taken place?

Protesters over the weekend took to the streets of a dozen cities across Britain, most of them in England. Trouble broke out from Aldershot in the south to Sunderland in the north and Liverpool in the west. Belfast, in Northern Ireland, was also drawn into the fray.

In some cases, the protesters were merely unruly, but in others the violence was more pronounced.

Where arrests have been reported

On Sunday, rioters set upon a hotel that was housing asylum seekers in the town of Rotherham, in northern England, breaking windows before surging inside as the police struggled to control them. No guests were injured in the melee, the police said.

In Middlesbrough, a group of rioters, some masked, hurled bottles and rocks at officers. Cars were set on fire, and at least nine people were arrested. On Saturday, a library and a food bank were set ablaze in Liverpool as groups damaged and looted businesses, and in Hull, fires were set and storefronts smashed in the city center.

Dozens of police officers were injured, including some who required trips to the hospital.

What set off the protests?

The unrest began after a teenager wielding a knife attacked a children’s dance class early last week in the seaside town of Southport, which is near Liverpool. Three children were killed, and eight were wounded.

The suspect was born and raised in Britain, but online rumors soon circulated that he was an undocumented immigrant. To counter those false claims, the authorities took the unusual step of publicly identifying him. The BBC has reported that the suspect’s parents are from Rwanda. The police have not disclosed a motive for the stabbing attack.

But with migration a flashpoint issue in Britain, especially on the far right, the rumors were all it took to set off violence.

Extremist groups urged their followers to take to the streets, and on the day after the stabbings, they began to do so, starting in Southport.

How have the authorities responded?

The weekend riots prompted a heavy police response. Nearly 4,000 additional officers were deployed, a law enforcement association said. And a government order gave officers in some places special powers to disperse any gatherings or “antisocial behavior,” the police said in a statement .

More than 400 people have been arrested, and about 100 have been charged, Mr. Starmer said after an emergency cabinet meeting on Tuesday — the second in two days.

The prime minister, who has characterized the riots as “far-right thuggery,” encouraged prosecutors to name and shame those convicted to dissuade others from joining the violent rampages.

“I’m now expecting substantive sentencing before the end of the week,” Mr. Starmer said. “That should send a very powerful message to anybody involved, either directly or online, that you are likely to be dealt with within a week and that nobody, but nobody, should involve themselves in this disorder.”

BJ Harrington, the head of public order for Britain’s National Police Chiefs’ Council, said that online disinformation had been “a huge driver of this appalling violence.”

Intelligence teams, detectives and neighborhood officers, Mr. Harrington said, were working to identify the people fomenting the violence.

“They won’t win,” he said.

How are the authorities handling online incitement?

Social media has acted as an accelerant throughout the protests, with disinformation fueling far-right and anti-immigrant groups . Britain and other democracies have found that policing the internet is legally murky terrain, with individual rights and free speech protections balanced against a desire to block harmful material .

In his remarks on Tuesday, Mr. Starmer said that some arrests involved people accused of inciting violence online.

The first person to be convicted over online posts since the riots, according to the Crown Prosecution Service , was a 28-year-old man from Leeds who posted messages on Facebook about attacking a hotel that housed asylum seekers. It said that the man, Jordan Parlour, had pleaded guilty and been convicted of using threatening words or behavior to stir up racial hatred.

Mr. Starmer has called out social media companies over misinformation on their platforms, but holding them accountable could be tricky. Britain adopted a law last year that requires social media companies to introduce protections for child safety and to prevent and quickly remove illegal content like terrorism propaganda and revenge pornography. The law is less clear about how companies must treat misinformation and incendiary language.

What are the political implications?

The riots are the first political crisis for Mr. Starmer, who took office a month ago after his Labour Party defeated the Conservatives, who had been in government for 14 years.

While in power, the Conservatives tried to capitalize on public unhappiness over immigration, vowing to reduce it (though failing to do so). But in recent days they joined Labour in condemning the violent protests.

Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, now the opposition leader, said the unrest had “nothing to do with the tragedy in Southport.” The police, he said, have “our full support to deal with these criminals swiftly.”

Megan Specia contributed reporting.

Lynsey Chutel covers South Africa and the countries that make up southern Africa from Johannesburg. More about Lynsey Chutel