11 Unforgettable train tours in Scotland

Swap Edinburgh's busy city streets for the green valleys and rolling countryside of Midlothian and the Scottish Borders. Stop at Newtongrange, where the National Mining Museum brings the region's mining heritage to life. Or why not visit Abbotsford, Sir Walter Scott's home? Wander through its lush gardens, admire the flowers in bloom and follow the peaceful woodland paths towards the river.

Route: Edinburgh to Tweedbank

Journey time: 1 hour 

Highlights: rolling countryside, historical gems, family attractions.

Explore the Scottish Borders by train 

Sit back and relax as your train travels through the towering steelwork of the Forth Bridge, with wonderful views across the Firth of Forth towards the neighbouring bridges. Look down to see boats bobbing on the water and seagulls soaring overhead as you cross one of Scotland's most recognisable landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hop off at North Queensferry to wander through its cobbled lanes and feel the breeze off the water.

Route: Edinburgh to North Queensferry 

Journey time: 20 minutes 

Highlights: the incredible views when crossing the bridge. 

Travel over the Forth Bridge

Admire the majestic Cairngorm mountains from the comfort of your carriage as you travel along the Strathspey Steam Railway. Indulge in afternoon tea on board or stop off at Boat of Garten to look out for ospreys and other wildlife. Watch the billowing steam, hear the noise of the engine and admire the shiny carriages on this trip back in time. 

Route: Aviemore to Boat of Garten and Broomhill 

Journey time: 1 hour 45 minutes 

Highlights: family adventures, vintage steam train journeys and wildlife watching. 

Take the Strathspey steam train

Travel along the Kyle Line between Inverness and Kyle of Lochalsh, taking in sweeping views of mountains, forests and lochs. Along the way, you'll pass through charming Highland villages such as Achnasheen and Plockton. Keep an eye out for herds of deer as rugged Highland landscapes, the magnificent Torridon Peaks and the picturesque ruins of Strome Castle come into view.

Route: Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh 

Journey time: 2 hours 40 minutes

Highlights: rocky shorelines, wild mountain landscapes, red deer. 

Hop on board the Kyle Line

Step aboard the glamorous Royal Scotsman and settle in for a once-in-a-lifetime journey through Scotland. See the Highland mountains towering beyond your window, sip a glass of bubbly in sumptuous surroundings, savour fine dining and experience world-class service as you travel. Step off along the way to discover unique experiences and excursions that bring you closer to Scotland.

Route: departs from Edinburgh and travels through the Scottish Highlands and the West of Scotland

Journeys: itineraries from 2 to 7 nights

Highlights: luxury travel, stunning scenery, first-class service, exquisite food and drink.

Embark on a luxurious train journey

Discover the unspoiled landscapes of Scotland's far north, including the Flow Country, a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a day of adventure, sit back and relax as remote landscapes roll past your window and keep an eye out for wildlife along the way. Travel north from Inverness to Thurso in around four hours or Wick in around four and a half hours. 

Route: Inverness to Thurso or Wick 

Journey time: 4 hours 30 minutes 

Highlights: dramatic coastline, open countryside, whisky distilleries.

Travel on the Far North Line

Hop aboard the Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway for a family day out and watch the scenery roll by as you travel past Kinneil Nature Reserve, Kinneil Estate and Museum and through Birkhill's vintage station. Check the railway's website for the latest special events including the Santa Steam Train or the Afternoon Tea on a Steam Train. Keep the adventure going with a visit to the Museum of Scottish Railways in Bo'ness, where you can learn more about Scotland's railway heritage or climb on board their vintage Glasgow Subway car.

Route: Bo'ness to Kinneil, Birkhill and Manuel Junction, Whitecross

Journey time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Highlights: a family day out, Museum of Scottish Railways, Kinneil Estate.

Experience the Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway

Step aboard a vintage train on the Royal Deeside Railway and admire the countryside surrounding the winding River Dee. Take in the landscapes that captivated Queen Victoria, then browse local craft shops and art galleries or explore the grounds and attractions at nearby Crathes Castle.

Route: Milton of Crathes to Birkenbaud Crossing

Journey time: 20 minutes

Highlights: the award-winning Victorian station and railway carriage tearoom.

Explore the Royal Deeside Railway

Travel through dense pine forests, the River Isla valley and rolling fields on an 11- mile (17.7 km) journey on board the Keith and Dufftown Railway. Gaze out the window and keep your eyes peeled for red squirrels darting between the trees, buzzards soaring overhead and deer appearing among the grass.

Route: Dufftown to Drummuir, Towiemore, Keith Town

Journey time: 40 minutes

Highlights: special events, including The Ghost Train, Santa Specials and Hogmanay Special.

Discover the Keith and Dufftown Railway

The West Highland Line is one of the world's most scenic rail journeys. Travel from Glasgow to Crianlarich, where you can head west past Loch Awe to Oban or continue north through Rannoch Moor to Fort William and Mallaig. Or why not experience both routes?

Between Fort William and Mallaig, watch the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct come into view as the train makes its way across the arches. Take in sweeping views of Loch Shiel, Loch Eilt and the towering slopes of Ben Nevis, while admiring the landscapes that brought the Harry Potter films to life.

The Jacobite Steam Train operates seasonally and services for the 2027 season are still to be confirmed. Please check the West Coast Railways website for the latest updates.

Route: Glasgow to Oban or Mallaig

Journey time: 5 hours 30 minutes

Highlights: Glenfinnan Viaduct, the Jacobite Steam Train and epic Highland landscapes.

Experience the West Highland Line

Climb aboard and discover the countryside around Leadhills and Wanlockhead, Scotland's highest villages. Journey through the Lowther Hills and past the historic mine workings at Glengonnar as you uncover the area's fascinating mining heritage. At Leadhills station, wander among the collection of historic locomotives and delve deeper into its railway heritage.

Route: Leadhills to Glengonnar 

Journey time: 30 minutes 

Highlights: the collection of locomotives at Leadhills station, seasonal events. 

Discover the Leadhills and Wanlockhead Railway

Discover Scotland by train and enjoy unlimited travel with the Spirit of Scotland Travelpass.  

Buy the Spirit of Scotland Travelpass 

Find information about accessible journeys with ScotRail  

For memorable journeys that uncover the scenery and history of Scotland, book a tour with the Scottish Railway Preservation Society.