Our railway vacations in Scotland
There’s no finer, more agreeable, way to explore Scotland’s majestic natural beauty than by train. Our Scotland railway vacations follow iconic routes such as the West Highland Line, which can lead to car-free island-hopping in the Hebrides, or the Far North Line into the North Highlands. For convenience and companionship join a guided small group tour, or there are plenty of tailor made options allowing you to shape the route according to your own interests. Add the opportunity to overnight in family-owned accommodations and sample a range of locally sourced foods from Scotland’s famous ‘natural larder’, and going by rail is the obvious answer.
Our top Rail vacations in Scotland
Scotland by railway vacation
From
£1395 to £1525
8 days
ex flights
Experience authentic Scotland independently and car-free
Tailor made
Scotland guided rail tour, Skye & Glencoe
From
£2095 to £2200
7 days
ex flights
Visit Scottish castles and beautiful gardens by train
Small group2024: 28 Apr, 16 Jun, 1 Sep, 22 Sep
West Highland Line railway vacation in Scotland
From
£1175 to £1245
5 days
ex flights
Take the world's best rail journey to the Isle of Skye
Tailor made
Grand rail tour of Scotland
From
£2595
15 days
ex flights
A leisurely self-guided fortnight touring Highlands and islands
Tailor made
West Highlands guided rail tour in Scotland
From
£2325
7 days
ex flights
Discover Scotland's Highlands & distinctive islands by train
Small group2024: 12 May, 9 Jun, 14 Jul, 4 Aug, 15 Sep
Scotland island hopping vacation, car free
From
£1645 to £1745
8 days
ex flights
Explore three contrasting Scottish islands car-free
Tailor made
Rail tour in North Highlands & Orkney
From
£2345
7 days
ex flights
Scotland’s geographic extremities & ancient history by train
Small group2024: 12 May, 9 Jun, 23 Jun, 18 Aug, 1 Sep
Scotland highlights by train
From
£1195 to £1595
10 days
ex flights
Rail journey across mainland Scotland
Tailor made
Tour of Britain by train
From
£3745 to £3995
16 days
ex flights
Explore England and Scotland's cities & landscapes by train.
Tailor made
More about our Railway vacations in Scotland
West Highland Line rail vacation in Scotland
One of Scotland’s most renowned rail routes, the West Highland Line hugs the west coast, allowing easy access to the Isle of Skye, before heading deep into the Highlands and some of the country’s wildest places. You can complete the 260km journey in five hours – but why would you, when it can so easily be broken up into several sumptuous sections? The West Highland Line passes over the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct (you’ll recognise it from Harry Potter, if nothing else), stops at Fort William (the ‘adventure hub of the Highlands’), and goes through extravagant mountainous scenery, including Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.
Kyle Line railway vacation in Scotland
Linking the Kyle of Lochalsh on the west coast and Inverness on the northeast, the Kyle Line ushers you through dramatic Scottish landscapes. From Munros, ancient forests and peaty bogs where deer roam and eagles soar, to picturesque seaside villages such as Plockton and isolated mountain peaks – expect to be glued to your window. Just beyond the Kyle of Lochalsh lies the Isle of Skye, where excellent local guides are waiting to show you areas of this popular Hebridean island well away from the beaten tourist path.
Escorted or on your own?
With Scotland rail vacations you can either join a small group tour or travel independently while following a pre-determined route. Small group trips are accompanied throughout by a knowledgeable escort, with fixed dates and itineraries. You not only have a readymade set of traveling companions, but also somebody there to regale you with history and anecdotes about every destination while managing the logistics. Traveling on your own, your accommodation and train tickets will be arranged for you, but otherwise you’re left to your own devices – you can do as much or as little as you feel at every stop along the way.
Car free island hopping in Scotland
Car free island hopping, or rail ‘n’ sail, is a breeze in Scotland. From Mallaig station at the end of the West Highland Line, you can board a 45-minute ferry over to the Isle of Skye. Seals, dolphins and whales are common in these chilly waters. Oban is another good jumping-off point for the Inner Hebrides. And from Thurso you can extend your trip into the Orkney or Shetland archipelagos with their wondrous birdlife and many great walks. Our seasoned Scotland rail vacation partners know their way around a ferry timetable blindfolded and will ensure you make all the right connections.
[West Highland Line: Jack Anstey]
[Kyle Line:
Sorin Tudorut]
[Escorted or on your own?: © VisitScotland / Ian Rutherford]
[Car free island hopping: Simon Migaj]
