Maybole, South Ayrshire, Scotland, KA19 7EW, United Kingdom
Brora, Highland, Scotland, KW9 6NX, United Kingdom
Table of Contents
Getting To Scotland By Train
Scotland is easily accessible by train, there are two main ways into Scotland by train, either via the West coast from England or the East coast line. Both take a similar amount of time to get to Scotland, although it just depends which is cheaper and whether you want to finish in Glasgow or Edinburgh. Admittedly you can easily get the train between Glasgow and Edinburgh too, so it’s more down to cost!
London To Edinburgh Trains
Most people travelling to Scotland by train arrive here via a train from London. There are frequent trains to Edinburgh, with around 44 trains per day, the average journey time being approximately 4 hours and 56 minutes. There are plenty of places to stop if you want to break up the journey, with York or Newcastle being great stops on the way.
Prices start at £35 for advance bookings, cheaper if you have a railcard too.
Caledonian Sleeper
If you are looking for luxury train travel to Scotland, the Caledonian Sleeper is the one for you. A luxury sleeper train taking you from London to Edinburgh, or further North from London to Inverness.
If you are looking for an even more luxurious train ride you can also check out the Royal Scotsman, by Belmond. This luxury train has cabins starting at £4000 per person for a train tour of Scotland.
London To Glasgow By Train
It’s easy to travel to Glasgow by train from London. Take the Avanti West coast mainline from London Euston up along the West of the UK. Stop at Lancaster for an excellent history lesson and visiting Lancaster Castle. Oxenholme in the Lake District is perfect for some pretty walks and fresh air. Then Carlisle is the next stop on the railway, it also has lots of interesting places to visit, including a small part of Hadrian’s wall!
The Main Routes
There are so many stunning train trips in Scotland, you are really spoilt for choice! It depends whether you want to head up to the Scottish highlands, the Western islands, or into Southern Scotland’s rolling hills. Have a read of some of the routes below and the highlights of each route.
The West Highland Line To Mallaig
This route was voted most scenic railway line and best rail journey by Wanderlust Travel Awards. Which is amazing as it’s up against the Andes in Peru, Swiss Alps railways and Canadian Rockies railway journeys! Bu that does show it’s up there with the best train journeys in the world. This is also the train line to head to if your are a fan of the Harry Potter films. You’ll recognise the Glenfinnan viaduct from the scenes with the flying car!
Many people want to visit this line simply to go on the Jacobite Steam Train across the Glenfinnan viaduct. However, if you choose to do this you’ll have to note that it IS a tourist train and you can’t pay for one way or get off the train anywhere but Mallaig. And that is only for an hour or so. That’s absolutely fine if you’re happy to stay in Fort William and just visit on a return journey with the Jacobite. But you will be missing out on lots of amazing places if you don’t stop along the way!
How To Get There
For this route you just need to buy tickets from Glasgow Queen Street to Mallaig, there’s no changes. There are normally 3 trains a day, or 1 on Sunday’s to Mallaig. Plus an extra train between Fort William and Mallaig.
Although it is easy to go straight from Glasgow to Mallaig, there are a lot of amazing stops on this line. So why not take a break to explore or even stop for a day or so at different places. Highlights on this route are riding along the track at the North end of Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, a vast, bleak bog, which appears incredibly remote. The following station, Corrour, is even more remote, although there is a cafe and accommodation at the station. Corrour is the UK’s most remote station and just a little way along the track is the sign fro Corrour summit at 1350 ft above sea level!
After Fort William (where you may even spot Scotland’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis) you will head out towards the West coast. It’s here that you get to travel along the beautiful Glenfinnan Viaduct (aim to get seats on the left hand side of the train for the best views). You can also stop at Glenfinnan Station to visit the museum and take a walk back to look at the viaduct in all its glory. The train terminates in Mallaig, where you can travel onward by ferry to the isles. Or stop and explore some of the best beaches between Mallaig and Arisaig.
The West Highland Line To Oban
This line begins the same as the route to Mallaig above, however, it turns off towards the West at Tyndrum. From here the train will travel along the edge of the beautiful Loch Awe. You can even choose stop at Loch Awe for an explore or stay a few nights at the Loch Awe railway carriage turned into self catering accommodation. A short rail journey on this track will take you to Falls of Cruachan, only open in the summer season. There is nothing at this station! It’s used by walkers to climb the hills in the summer, but a nice stop on a sunny day for a picnic nearby and look at the falls.
The final stop is of course Oban. The train station is right beside the ferry terminal, so if you are travelling onward to the isles you can do this in one day. Oban also has plenty of nearby smaller islands to visit on day trips from the town, including Kerrera and Lismore. You can also take a bus to Dunstaffnage Castle or explore the local area in Oban.
To Inverness
This train journey can begin at either Glasgow or Edinburgh. The Inverness trains join the same track at Stirling, which just so happens to be another awesome city to visit! Stirling Castle is one of the best castles to visit in Scotland, an interesting history, plenty of information boards, or guides available and some fantastic actors in the palace to ask as many questions as you want. The Stirling jail is also particularly interesting and interactive and if you can get a guided tour of old Stirling then there are some great stories to be heard.
After Stirling the train heads further North to Perth and Dunkeld, Dunkeld has some great walks. The Hermitage is a particularly favourite walk and nearby Birnam Arts Centre has some great shows for all the family. Continue heading North and you’ll eventually get to Aviemore. Here there are lots of fantastic outdoor activities, from cycling and skiing in Cairngorms National Park to high ropes courses and archery. It’s also a good place for a steam train journey on the Strathspey Railway.
Not too much further North and you arrive at Inverness. The perfect place to explore Loch Ness, find Nessie on a boat trip and various castles. It’s also not too far to visit Culloden Battlefield from Inverness, you can book Culloden tours here.
Inverness To Kyle of Lochalsh
Inverness is a great place to stop for a break in your rail journey, before heading further North or West. The Kyle Line takes you from Inverness all the way to Kyle of Lochalsh. Kyle of Lochalsh is a short bus or taxi journey from the Isle of Skye, so a great way to get one of the most famous Scottish islands. This route is only around 2 hours 40 minutes from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh. However, there are a few potential stops along the way to break the journey up. Attadale is a great stop on a beautiful day to visit the Attadale Gardens and Plockton is a gorgeous little village that has been on BBC series Hamish Macbeth.
If you are looking for onward travel to the Isle of Skye, then just hop on a bus in Kyle of Lochalsh. You can also take a bus down to Eilean Donan Castle, just outside Kyle of Lochalsh, it’s a fun castle to explore.
Inverness To Thurso (access to Orkney)
The far North line from Inverness heads North toward Thurso. There are plenty of great stops on this coastal route North, you can easily stop for day trips or a bit longer. The train heads North from Inverness along to the coast, past distilleries and salmon rivers. Consider stopping at Invergordon to explore the mural trail, showing stunning paintings of the towns past and present. Both Golspie and Brora are great places to stop for a night or two, with plenty of accommodation, eateries and beautiful beaches to enjoy. Just North of Golspie (before Brora) is Dunrobin Station. Alight here to visit the beautiful Dunrobin Castle, seat of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland.
The train then heads inland to the remote and bleak moorlands of the Northern highlands. There are plenty of small stations to stop at for short walks, including at Forsianrd and Altnabreac. The train finally arrives at Thurso a short while later, then finishes it’s journey toward the East at Wick.
If you are looking at visiting the Orkney Isles, Thurso is the best way to get there. You can catch a taxi to the ferry at Scrabster (buses are not recommended, as they aren’t always reliable) and head to Stromness on Orkney. It’s only a short trip on the ferry, but from Stromness you can catch a bus to Kirkwall and either use public transport, rent bikes or a car to explore. Many of the Orkney islands are accessible by ferry from Kirkwall.
Glasgow To Stranraer
From Glasgow Central Train Station you can get to Stranraer in just 2 hours and 25 minutes! It’s easy for a full day trip, or spend a few days to explore the area. Glasgow itself has lots to do, from the Rover side Transport museum and Science Centre, to Kelvingrove and plenty of shopping! Take the train from Glasgow to Irvine, stop here to visit the Scottish Maritime Museum. Next is Ayr, where you can visit the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum and take a walk along the beach. The village of Maybole is a good stop to visit Culzean Castle, although it’s 4 miles from the station so you will need a taxi or bus.
Finally you arrive at Stranraer. The town of Stranraer itself isn’t too exciting, but if you are looking to go to Northern Ireland then you can get a bus to Cairnryan to catch the ferry to Belfast.
Edinburgh to Aberdeenshire
This route starts in Edinburgh city centre, so take some time to visit the Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace and Edinburgh Castle before going North. The train from Edinburgh to Aberdeen goes across the Forth Rail Bridge, so you get an awesome view if you’re in a window seat! Some particularly good stops include Dundee. Here you can visit the RRS Discovery – the famous ship that went all the way to Antarctica and back with a crew including Captain Scott and Shackleton. The V&A museum in Dundee may also be worth a visit.
Hop back on the train from here and continue North. Just before Aberdeen is Stonehaven, a lovely little Scottish seaside town. Explore the front, try out the outdoor lido and an ice cream from Betty’s. You can also catch the land train up to Dunnotar Castle to explore too.
Last stop is Aberdeen, otherwise known as the Granite City. It’s a university city with an interesting old town all around Aberdeen university and the botanic gardens. Worth wandering around if you have time. Other places to visit include the Aberdeen Science Centre, Maritime Museum and watching dolphins at the harbour from Torry Battery. There are also plenty of quaint areas of Aberdeen, including Fittie near the harbour and Brig O Balgownie.
You can also catch the ferry from Aberdeen to the Orkney Isles and Shetland Isles.
Scottish Borders Railway
The Borders railway is the longest new railway to be built in Scotland in 100 years. It’s also less than an hour to get from Edinburgh Waverley to Tweedbank, the final stop. Buy your train tickets in Edinburgh and explore some of the capital city, including the picturesque Victoria Street, Arthur’s Seat for a short walk and picnic or a tour of old Edinburgh for Harry Potter fans.
This railway takes you into Sir Walter Scott country, with his home at Abbotsford House only a short drive by taxi from Tweedbank station. You can also visit Galashiels for an explore of the Historic town too.
10 Days Itinerary of Scotland By Train
Let’s start with saying that you will NOT be able to visit ALL of Scotland by train in just 7 days. So this itinerary just takes you to a few of the highlights of Scotland on an amazing train trip. Rail travel is the perfect way to discover the country! You can also choose a Spirit of Scotland rail card that can save money on travel, including either a 4 or 8 day trip of unlimited travel on rail and bus. Further information can be found on the Scotrail site.
Day 1 Glasgow to Arisaig
Start at Glasgow Queen Street and take the train North, you will want the Mallaig train (NOT Oban!). Stop at Corrour for a lunch break, there’s a great restaurant here, but make sure you book your table in advance. It gets busy! Get the next train heading to Mallaig (note there are only 3 a day, so plan well!). Look out for crossing the Glenfinnan viaduct, sit on the left hand side for a good view. Arrive in Arisaig and settle into your accommodation.
Day 2 Arisaig
Spend the day exploring the local area. Catch a bus or train back to Glenfinnan to see the museum and watch The Jacobite steam train travel over the viaduct. Take a bus or arrange a taxi to the stunning white sands of Camusdarach beach or Traigh Sands. If you prefer to head further afield you can also go for a day trip out to the small isles via the Arisaig passenger ferry. You can get a couple of hours to explore Eigg or Muck before catching the ferry back!
Day 3 Arisaig to Plockton
Today it’s time to move again! Catch the first train to Mallaig (you may have a little time to explore the shops) and then the ferry over to Armadale (book in advance), on Skye. From Armadale it’s a bus journey to Broadford and then to Kyle of Lochalsh. Stock up on food supplies at the little Co-op in either Broadford (if time allows) or Kyle of Localsh. The last part is back on the train again, a short hop from Kyle of Lochalsh to the pretty village of Plockton. Stay somewhere near the front at Plockton, there are plenty of eateries nearby.
Day 4 Plockton
A day exploring Plockton. Visit the craft shops, walk along the beach with an ice cream or head out on a boat trip to look for seals. You can also take a few walks to admire the views or shell finding at Plockton’s coral beach. But mostly it’s a great place to relax and enjoy the village.
Day 5 Plockton to Inverness
It’s only a short hop from Plockton to Inverness. So make sure you plan in a stop at Attadale Gardens if the weather is nice. It’s right next to the railway line and if you show them your train tickets you get a free guide book with £6. After Attadale jump back on a train to Inverness. Stay the night in Inverness and have a tasty dinner at one of the cities many restaurants.
Day 6 Inverness
In Inverness you can take a tour of Loch Ness and Urqhuart Castle. Or explore the city itself, its museums and castles or take a bus to Culloden battlefield to explore more Scottish history. There really are endless things to do and places to go from here.
Day 7 Inverness to Aviemore
The following day take another short train journey from Inverness down to Aviemore. It doesn’t take long to get there! Spend the afternoon on a smaller railway – The Strathspey Railway. You can even book an afternoon tea on the train if you time it right.
Day 8 Aviemore
Spend the day at Rothiemurchus Estate trying out various activities and walking around the beautiful Loch an Eliean. Or take the bus to Loch Morlich and hire a canoe to go out onto the loch and then visit the Cairngorm reindeer herd. You’ll find plenty to keep you occupied around Aviemore.
Day 9 Aviemore to Stirling
From Aviemore take the train down to Stirling. Catch an early one so you can have plenty of time to visit Stirling Castle and Stirling Jail. You could even take a tour around the old town of Stirling, the graveyard is particularly interesting!
Day 10 Stirling to Glasgow or Edinburgh – Scotland By Train
It’s your last day, head back to Glasgow or Edinburgh from Stirling, they are both about the same distance from Stirling. You can catch your train back South or stay a few days in Edinburgh to explore Princes Street, The National Gallery, Edinburgh Castle and the National Museum of Scotland.
If you have a little more time you can also stay a bit longer at Arisaig and visit some of the small Isles – Muck, Eigg and Rum. Or explore Skye by bus and taxi after you take the ferry across from Mallaig.
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