Scotland by train
Train holidays to Scotland
Search rail holidays around Scotland designed by sustainable travel experts, including overland travel and accommodation..
Expertly routed
Powered by two million miles of expertise
Support, not supervision
Disruption replanning, journey guide and in-trip chat
More sustainable, by design
Land and sea journeys with locally-owned stays
Travel by night
Highlands by Caledonian Sleeper
Board the Caledonian Sleeper from London to the Scottish Highlands, for a taste of historic cities and outdoor adventure along the West Highland Line.
See tripScotland holidays by train
Gateway to the Isles
Oban, Glasgow
Spend a few nights in lively Glasgow before staying in the seaside town of Oban, the perfect base to explore the many surrounding islands.
Isle of Skye
Inverness, Portree, Isle of Skye, Fort William, 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.
The Cairngorms National Park
Inverness, Kingussie, Aviemore
Scotland’s Cairngorms are home to some of the UK’s biggest granite mountains, shrouded in pines and brooding moorland. Keep a look out for rare wildlife like red deer and golden eagles.
Scottish cities and the Isle of Skye
Inverness, Portree, Isle of Skye, Oban, Fort William, Glasgow
Immerse yourself in nature on this trip to coastal villages, historic cities and highland hubs, surrounded by spectacular landscapes.
East Highlands
Inverness, Pitlochry, 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.
Cities, lochs and hills
Inverness, Perth, Edinburgh, Pitlochry
Immerse yourself in nature on this trip to traditional towns, historic cities and highland hubs, surrounded by spectacular landscapes.
Short breaks in Scotland
A break in Ballater
Aberdeen, 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.
Inverness by sleeper train
Inverness
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.
Journal
Visiting Scotland: A Guide
Scotland has long captivated travellers, but what do you need to know before you visit? Read our guide to visiting Scotland covering where and when to go, things to see and do, and how to get around.
Read the guideHow 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!
Looking for something else?
Scotland holiday by train: 8 Scottish cities to explore
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.