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Train holidays in Scotland - getting around by rail
You’ll find some of the world’s most iconic railway journeys and train holidays in Scotland. Plus a Scottish railway journey is one of the best ways to take in the stunning landscapes. From scenic train routes through the Scottish Highlands to short steam train rides, Scotland's train tours can offer unforgettable journeys with great service and amazing views.
The following list was created by VisitScotland to showcase a range of experiences. It isn’t ranked in any specific order.
- 1
The Borders Railway
Edinburgh to Tweedbank
The Borders Railway, Stow
© VisitScotland / Airborne Lens
Time: 1h
Look out for: rolling countryside, historical gems, family attractions.
The Borders Railway will take you through the engaging landscapes of Edinburgh, Midlothian and the Scottish Borders, giving you easy access to some rich history and thrilling outdoor activities.
- 2
The Far North Line
Inverness to Thurso or Wick
Inverness Castle and the River Ness
Time: 4h 30 mins
Look out for: varied coastline, pleasant farmland, traditional distilleries.
The far north of Scotland is home to unspoiled landscapes perfect for a relaxing break, but it's still easy to get there by train. Trains run north from Inverness to Thurso and onto Wick in just four and a half hours.
- 3
The Strathspey Steam Railway
Aviemore to Boat of Garten and Broomhill
The Strathspey Railway is a traditional steam powered train, based in Aviemore.
Time: 1h 45 mins
Perfect for: a fun family day out, vintage steam train trips, wild birds of prey.
See the majestic Cairngorm mountains from the comfort of a plush carriage on a trip along the Strathspey Steam Railway. Tuck into afternoon tea or a three-course Sunday lunch on board the train or stop off at Boat of Garten to spot ospreys and other wildlife at the nearby RSPB reserve.
- 4
The Kyle Line
Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh
ScotRail train on the Kyle of Lochalsh line
© Scotrail / Tony Hardley
Time: 2h 30 mins
Look out for: the magnificent rocky shoreline, wild mountain vistas, red deer.
Travel along the Kyle Line between Inverness and Kyle of Lochalsh for amazing views of mountains, forests and lochs. You’ll also pass by charming Highland villages, such as Achnasheen and Plockton.
- 5
The Forth Bridge
Edinburgh to North Queensferry
The Forth Bridge seen from North Queensferry.
© VisitScotland/ Kenny Lam
Time: 20 mins
Look out for: the incredible views when crossing the bridge.
The Forth Bridge is an iconic structure which connects Edinburgh with Fife across the Firth of Forth. It is a recognised UNESCO World Heritage site.
Enjoy amazing views of the Firth of Forth and the other bridges as you speed across on the train. You can take the train from Edinburgh and get off at either Dalmeny or North Queensferry to admire the bridge from below.
- 6
The Belmond Royal Scotsman
Starts from Edinburgh
The Glenfinnan viaduct on the West Highland Line.
© VisitScotland / Airborne Lens
Time: 2-7 nights
Perfect for: luxury travel, stunning scenery, first-class service, exquisite food and drink.
If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure on a luxury train in Scotland, then treat yourself to a trip aboard the truly glamorous Belmond Royal Scotsman. This ultra-exclusive train offers fine-dining and 5-star hospitality as guests are whisked away on breaks around the country, stopping off along the way for unforgettable experiences and excursions.
- 7
The Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway
Bo-ness to Kinneil, Birkhill and Manuel Junction, Whitecross
The Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway
© Visit Falkirk / Vaas Media
Time: 1h 10 mins
Perfect for: a family day out.
The route passes by the local nature reserve, estate and museum at Kinneil and the charming vintage railway station at Birkhill. Book a special trip with Thomas the Tank Engine for young kids, while all the family can climb aboard heritage locomotives at the Museum of Scottish Railways in Bo'ness after the trip.
- 8
The Royal Deeside Railway
Milton of Crathes
Ballater Railway Station
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Time: 20 mins
Look out for: the award-winning Victorian station and railway carriage tearoom.
Take a journey through the beautiful Royal Deeside countryside, as this heritage railway runs for a mile alongside the River Dee. Explore the Milton of Crathes complex for craft shops, a restaurant and art gallery or discover the grounds and attractions at nearby Crathes Castle.
- 9
Leadhills and Wanlockhead Railway
Leadhills
Wanlockhead
© South of Scotland Destination Alliance / Duncan Ireland
Time: 30 mins
Look out for: the collection of locomotives at Leadhills station.
This railway runs between Scotland’s highest villages, Leadhills and Wanlockhead in Dumfries & Galloway. This round trip takes you through the mining area. You can request to get off at Glengonnar Halt and walk into the village of Wanlockhead to visit the Museum of Lead Mining.
- 10
Keith and Dufftown Railway
Dufftown to Drummuir, Towiemore, Keith Town
The Glenlivet Distillery
© North East 250 / Damian Shields
Time: 40 mins
Look out for: the special events including Santa Specials and a Ghost Train.
This heritage railway runs for 11 miles (17.7 km) through dense pine forests, the valley around the River Isla and rolling fields. Try and spot the local wildlife from the window including red squirrels, deer, buzzards and other birds of prey.
- 11
The Aberdonian
Edinburgh to Forth Bridge, Perth, Dundee, Aberdeen
A train crossing the Forth Bridge.
© The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust
Time: All day
Look out for: the off-train trips including a whisky distillery.
This train runs along the coast of Fife before heading up to Perth and along the coast again to Dundee, through Angus and up north to Aberdeen. There are bookable off-train excursions to a castle or whisky tasting. You can enjoy fine Scottish produce on-board served by a friendly team.
- 12
Museum of Scottish Railways
Bo'ness, near Falkirk
Museum of Scottish Railways
© @museum_of_scottish_railways
Time: 2 hours
Good to know: this isn't a train tour, but a chance to find out more about trains in Scotland.
Railway locomotives, carriages and wagons – there’s plenty to keep all explorers entertained at the fascinating Museum of Scottish Railways at Bo’ness, near Falkirk.
- 13
West Highland Line
Glasgow to Oban or Mallaig
Credit: Tony Hardley Photography
Time: 5h 15mins
Look out for: the Jacobite Steam Train* and its Harry Potter connections.
The West Highland Line is one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world. It runs from Glasgow up north to Crianlarich. One route then goes west past Loch Awe to Oban or continues north through Rannoch Moor to Fort William and Mallaig. Or you can do both!
This route is known to millions for taking Harry Potter from Platform 9¾ all the way to Hogwarts. As the train heads west, it passes over the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct and offers breath-taking views of locations such as Loch Shiel, Loch Eilt and Ben Nevis, many of which can also be seen in the films.
* Please note that the Jacobite Steam Train is running with reduced capacity. Please check directly for the latest availability.
General tickets and travel information
Look out for the Spirit of Scotland Travelpass, which gives you:
- 4-days unlimited travel over 8 consecutive days for £155
- 8-days unlimited travel over 15 consecutive days for £196
Buy the Spirit of Scotland Travelpass
Find out more on accessible travel on ScotRail’s website
For unforgettable journeys that uncover the scenery and history of Scotland, look no further than the Scottish Railway Preservation Society.
Other things you might like
Train tours in Scotland
Driving in Scotland - Practical information
Iconic driving routes & road trips in Scotland
Sustainable & responsible tourism in Scotland
Airports & flights in Scotland
Getting around Scotland by ferry
Passports, visas & customs
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