Scotland by train
Flight-free made easy
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Journeys you’ll love
Created by sustainable travel experts
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Getting booked up
Scotland and especially the Isle of Skye have limited availability in summer, try Oban, Arran or the Cairngorms instead.
Alternatively, check dates after September.
Scotland holidays by train
Cities, lochs and hills
Fort William, Portree, Inverness and Edinburgh
Soak up arts, culture and awesome scenery on this adventure through the Highlands to the Isle of Skye, and onto vibrant cities of the east coast.
Gateway to the Isles
Glasgow and Oban
Spend a few nights in lively Glasgow before staying in the seaside town of Oban, the perfect base to explore the many surrounding islands.
Scotland in miniature
Brodick and Glasgow
Take in sweeping coastlines, secluded bays and impressive peaks on your sustainable holiday to the Isle of Arran.
Isle of Skye odyssey
Edinburgh, Perth, Pitlochry, Inverness
Immerse yourself in nature on this trip to traditional towns, historic cities and highland hubs, surrounded by spectacular landscapes.
The Cairngorms
Kingussie, Aviemore and Inverness
Paddleboard, cycle, hike and even ski in the mountain landscapes on your train holiday to the Cairngorms National Park.
Short breaks in Scotland
East Highlands
Pitlochry, Inverness and Grantown-on-Spey.
Visit the Cairngorms and Speyside, the spiritual home of whisky in Scotland. A dram of single malt is the perfect end to a day's walking.
A break in Ballater
Aberdeen and Ballater
Pausing in Aberdeen, spend three nights in Royal Deeside in the Victorian village of Ballater. Hire a bike or grab your walking boots and discover the grassy mountains.
Northern adventure
Inverness by sleeper train
Settle down for the night as you’re whisked away to Inverness. Enjoy riverside strolls, boat trips on the famous Loch Ness and discover crumbling castles, charming bookshops and cosy pubs.
Scotland’s cities of art
Edinburgh, Dundee and Glasgow.
First take the London to Edinburgh train to stay in the ancient city before crossing the water to Dundee, a UNESCO City of Design, and finishing in cosmopolitan Glasgow.
Trending route:
West Highland Line
Experience wild landscapes on this one-of-a-kind Scotland trip by train as you travel along both branches of the West Highland Line, skirting lochs, snaking through glens and crossing the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct.
How long does it take?
Here’s the minimum time you’ll need for a relaxed round trip starting from London. We do other departure stations, too!
Scotland holiday by train: 8 Scottish cities to explore
Scotland by train is a wonderful slow travel adventure all year round. In the summer of festivals and wild swimming in lochs, the sun sets later here than anywhere in the UK, and in the winter there’s cosy firesides in warm pubs and skiing in the Cairngorms close to Inverness. The Scotland holiday by train “Scotland cities of art” takes in three of these city destinations in Scotland.
Edinburgh
Hop on a train from London to Edinburgh and immerse yourself in historic charm and a vibrant atmosphere, exploring the iconic Edinburgh Castle, strolling the Royal Mile, and treating yourself to Scottish food like cullen skink, cranachan (a delicious dessert) and haggis (vegetarian haggis is well worth trying, too). Don't forget to hike up Arthur's Seat for stunning views.
Aberdeen
The granite city is a perfect choice for Scotland holidays near beaches, though more for salty air and walks, than a dip. Explore 19th-century buildings like the university and set out to the quiet streets of Old Aberdeen. The train to Aberdeen from the south is an adventure in itself, with stunning views of a dramatic coastline.
Glasgow
Scotland’s second city brims with creativity in architecture, music and art. Make the most of your Scotland holiday by taking a leisurely walk along the River Clyde and exploring neighbourhoods like Finnieston and its cool bars and restaurants. Regular trains to Glasgow leave from all major UK cities.
Dundee
Creativity and innovation intertwine in rejuvenated Dundee. Start your weekend break in Dundee by visiting the waterfront, home to the striking V&A Dundee, before exploring independent art galleries and studios tucked away in the vibrant West End.
Stirling
In central Scotland, Stirling has a rich history and sits in a breathtaking landscape surrounded by hills. Known for the imposing Stirling Castle and the historic Battle of Stirling Bridge, visiting Stirling by train is easy from Edinburgh, Glasgow or Aberdeen.
Perth
On the banks of the River Tay, a stroll around the small city of Perth uncovers vintage boutiques, artisanal chocolatiers and the manicured gardens of Branklyn Garden. Take the train from London to Perth, or from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness or Aberdeen.
Inverness
Welcome to the gateway to the Highlands. A train holiday to Inverness is a delightful prospect, particularly if you arrive or depart on the Caledonian Express with its dramatic views of Cairngorms National Park and Rannoch Moor. Take a slow cruise along the Caledonian Canal or a leisurely stroll along the banks of the River Ness.
St. Andrews
A medieval city of major importance, today St Andrews is technically a town, despite having the oldest university in Britain (plus a lot of golf courses and a glorious coastline). The closest train station to St Andrew is Leuchers (6 miles away) but take the train from London to Dundee and then the short bus ride.