Great Train Journeys in Scotland

The Jacobite steam train, Glenfinnan Viaduct, Scotland. VisitBritain/Colin Roberts

With a magnificent landscape of mountains and lochs, the Scottish countryside is not to be missed. And the best way to see much of it may just be by train. In this post, we explore some of the best ways to see Scotland by train. We offer tips for railway journeys and the highlights you can see along the way.

Scotland by Train via ScotRail

Scotland’s rail network with its distinctive blue trains operates under the ScotRail brand name. ScotRail offers a variety of routes that allow you to easily hop on a commuter trip to the next town or to embark on a more adventurous multi-hour journey across the country. To make the most of the latter option, the Spirit of Scotland travel pass can be used on all ScotRail trains, as well as buses, coaches, and ferries. The pass is available for purchase online or at any station ticket office. It costs either £139 (valid for eight consecutive days and allowing travel on any four of those days) or £179 (for eight days of travel over 15 consecutive days).

Possible routes include:

Stanraer. Starting in Glasgow, this 2 hour 25 minute journey crosses to Ayr and then heads down the west coast to the port of Stanraer. Pass through scenery that inspired Robert Burns — Baltersan Castle and the ruins of Glenluce Abbey. Keep an eye out for the incredible bird sanctuary at Ailsa Craig, home to 36,000 pairs of gannets. If you don’t want to travel all the way to Stanraer, disembark at Ayr to catch the ferry to Belfast.
Borders. In just under an hour, you can get from Edinburgh to the Borders. Farmland, valleys, and market towns dot your route which ends in Tweedbank. Nearby is Abbotsford House, once the home to Sir Walter Scott. Many leisure travellers along this route like to time their journey to coincide with the sunset to make the most of the views.

Borders Railway, Scotland. ScotRail Alliance and Devlin Photo Ltd.

Far North. If you want to get out into the remote Scottish north, the Far North Line may be just the thing for you. One of ScotRail’s longer routes, this starts in Inverness and ends four and a half hours later in Wick, once a busy fishing port. Or you might choose to disembark half an hour earlier at Thurso. From here, hop on a bus to John O’Groats or catch a ferry to the Orkney Islands. Whether you stop at Thurso or Wick, you’ll be passing whisky distilleries and rich wildlife habitats as you make your way there.
West Highlands. Film fans will love this trip from Glasgow to Mallaig for its role as the trainline to Hogwarts in the Harry Potter series, but there is lots more to enjoy on this five and a half hour journey. With views of such Scottish icons as Loch Lomond and Ben Nevis, not to mention purple moors, majestic deer, and the Trossachs National Park, this is justifiably considered one of the greatest railway routes in the world. If you prefer to head to Oban and the Hebrides instead of Fort William or Mallaig, the line splits at Crianlarich.

Scotrail 156 super sprinter crosses the head of Loch Awe on the Glasgow-Oban line. Dennis Hardley.

Carlisle. Some of ScotRail’s routes cross the border into England, which means Glasgow to Carlisle is on our list. Don’t miss the famous border town of Gretna Green, renowned as a marriage spot and Dumfries, a favourite spot of Robert Burns. We recommend this trip as a wonderful way to end your exploration of Scotland and begin your entry to the Lake District.
Kyle. The Kyle Line is another delightful way to experience the Highlands. Cross from Inverness on the eastern side of Scotland to Kyle of Lochalsh on the western coast. Mountains, lochs, moors, wildlife, remote villages — you’ll pass them all before the magnificent sight of the Isle of Skye signals the end of the line. Hamish Macbeth fans will also recognise the town of Plockton, used as a location in the popular TV series.

Crossing the Mamore Viaduct heading for Mallaig from Fort William. Dennis Hardley.

Taking the Sleeper Train

The trip between London and Scotland might seem rather daunting and time-consuming. So why not consider an overnight ride on a sleeper train? While travelling by night isn’t going to guarantee a stunning view, it will allow you to arrive at your destination refreshed and ready to get out and about.

ScotRail’s Caledonian Sleeper runs nightly (except Saturdays and Christmas Day) between London’s Euston Station and Scotland. Choose from two routes: the Lowlander runs from London to Glasgow or Edinburgh, while the Highlander travels to Fort William, Inverness, and Aberdeen. As of spring 2019, a new fleet of trains will enter service, ensuring an even higher level of comfort. Private first-class rooms and standard twin rooms include a bed, sleep pack and en suite wash facilities. First-class passengers also enjoy breakfast and priority access to the lounge car. If travelling on a tighter budget, passengers can opt for a sleeper seat.

And just because you’re travelling at night, don’t completely discount the scenery. You might be treated to a fabulous sunrise.

A suite aboard the new Caledonian Sleeper.

On Board for Luxury

Sometimes we want to travel in a manner that is on the more extravagant side and that’s when it’s time for a trip aboard the Royal Scotsman. Billed as a “Scottish country house on wheels”, the Royal Scotsman offers a truly luxurious experience. Excursions begin in Edinburgh and range in length from two to seven days. Enjoy a taste of the Highlands, follow the Whisky Trail, or perhaps take a Grand Tour of Britain, seven nights aboard the train while taking in Snowdonia, Bath, York, Culloden Battlefield, and more. All meals are provided and with only 36 passengers, a trip on the Royal Scotsman is an opportunity to make friends. Remember to pack your evening wear for the formal dinners.

The Royal Scotsman on the line from Perth to Inverness at Dalnaspidal. David Noton Photography.

Gathering Steam

Finally, don’t discount a step back in time on a steam train. The Jacobite is one of several steam trains in operation in Scotland and allows a chance to relive Harry Potter with even more accuracy. Fans will recognise the train and the route from the films.

The 84-mile round trip begins and ends in Fort William. It winds its way through the countryside across the Glenfinnan viaduct to the historic port town of Mallaig. There, passengers have an hour and a half to explore before it’s time to head back. Why not enjoy high tea or champagne and artisan cheeses as you admire the view?

The Jacobite runs from April to the end of October. Return and single fares are available.