Photo credit : Tony Hardley Photography - A ScotRail train on the West Highland Line and the famous Glenfinnan viaduct
Want to explore Scotland by train? You've come to the right place. Between the simplicity of travel and short journey times (compared to the car), the comfort of ScotRail trains, the incredible network of the Scottish company ScotRail (over 300 stations), and above all, the splendid landscapes to be discovered along Scotland's lines, the train is an integral part of the experience!
From the spectacular scenery of the Highlands to the cultural effervescence of Glasgow, from the picturesque charm of Inverness to the elegance of Edinburgh: we present our favorite itineraries for discovering Scotland by train. These are 100% return train tours from France, for 7 days, 10 days or 15 days of travel, without planes or cars. Spoiler: we take no responsibility if you get the urge to pack your bags for Scotland... Follow the guide!
And for answers to all your practical questions about trains in Scotland (rail passes, ticket types...), see the last part of this article.
If you've only got a week to spare, you've still got plenty of time to explore Scotland by train! That's what Benjamin and Alexis have done for you. On the program: emblematic sites, hikes, cultural discoveries and gourmet breaks!
After a first train to London (2h20 by Eurostar from Paris), then an overnight train from London to Inverness (via the Caledonian Sleeper) via Edinburgh, the journey begins in the capital of the Highlands”! After a hearty breakfast, it's off for a bucolic afternoon exploring the River Ness and the Ness Islands. Then it's off to the Eden Court theater, after a detour to Inverness Castle overlooking the river (FYI: you can visit the castle and enjoy the gardens and view, but the new attraction won't open until the end of the year, probably late summer 2025). Benjamin and Alexis's recommendations: for lunch, The Castle Tavern or River House, and for a delicious dinner, Mustard seed, before a convivial night at Bazpackers.
© Alexis Calvignac - Stroll on the Ness Islands
Another advantage of the train: Inverness is linked to several iconic places, giving you access to a number of excursions. On this second day, we're heading for the historic sites of Culloden and the Clava Cairns, world-famous thanks to the Outlander serie! The battlefield of Culloden will take you back to 1746, at the end of the Jacobite uprising, while the stones of Clava Cairns will plunge you into Scottish prehistory. In the afternoon, discover Loch Ness and its mythical landscapes. Between waterfalls, peaceful beaches and views over the lake, the excursion is well worth the detour. For dinner, you can try one of the places that Benjamin and Alexis have spotted (Rocpool, Perk Coffee...), or simply relax in a typical pub (like the Black Isle Brewery, ideal for sampling a local beer). Return to Bazpackers and spend the night there, where the youth hostel atmosphere promises some great encounters.
© Alexis Calvignac - The mysterious Clava Cairns site
Early morning departure for Pitlochry, a charming little town nestled in the heart of Perthshire. After strolling the streets or stopping off at a café, head for Loch Dunmore and Faskally Forest for an immersion in Scottish nature (where the colors are magical in autumn)! Then hop back on the train for the short round trip to Blair Atholl from Pitlochry. Blair Atholl is home to Blair Castle, seat of the Dukes of Atholl since the 13th century! Return to Pitlochry for dinner and overnight. For dinner in Pitlochry, Benjamin and Alexis recommend Victoria's Restaurant, Fern Cottage Restaurant or The Old Mill Inn, renowned for their local cuisine and friendly atmosphere. For the night, head to McKays Hotel, where you can recharge your batteries after a busy day.
© Alexis Calvignac - The picturesque village of Blair Atholl in the heart of Perthshire
Start the day with a visit to Blair Athol Distillery, where you'll discover all the secrets of Scotch whisky making.
© Alexis Calvignac - Tasting 100% Scotch whisky!
Then head off to see the Black Spout Waterfall, a magnificent waterfall in the heart of the forest. For lunch, you can make a detour to The Bakery: the perfect address for a pizza, a sandwich on the go or a homemade pastry (Benjamin and Alexis particularly recommend the cinnamon roll). Continue with an instructive stroll to the nearby hydroelectric dam (a rather impressive structure that allows you to understand how the development of hydroelectricity brought electricity to the Highlands), before stopping off at Wee Choo-Choo Thai, an unusual restaurant housed in a former train carriage (even used for the filming of Mission Impossible 7!).
© Alexis Calvignac - The Black Spout waterfall
To round off the afternoon, walk to the Highland Fling Bungee, through Faskally Forest and superb views of the River Tummel or the Col de Killiecrankie (the view from Garry Bridge is one of the most photographed in Perthshire). And if you want your adrenaline fix, you can even try bungee jumpingi! In the evening, take the train to Perth.
Here you are in Perth, a charming city in Perthshire! Start the day with a stroll around town. We recommend breakfast on the terrace at Hinterland (Benjamin and Alexis recommend their excellent chai latte!). Next, visit the Perth Museum, which offers an immersive experience based around the famous Stone of Destiny, highly symbolic of Scottish history. Immediately afterwards, take a tour of the Black Watch Museum, a pretty castle which, once inside, will teach you more about this legendary regiment of the British army.
© Alexis Calvignac - The pretty city of Perth
In the afternoon, set off on a hike to Kinnoull Hill and Tower. After a two- or three-hour walk, you'll have a splendid view of Perth and the River Tay, ideal for watching the sunset at the end of the day!
© Alexis Calvignac - The magnificent view from Kinnoull Hill and Tower
© Alexis Calvignac - Honestly... Isn't it worth the detour?
In the evening, we return to the station to board our train for Glasgow. That's the beauty of train travel: in just over an hour, you'll find yourself immersed in a completely different atmosphere, after enjoying the beauty of the sunset from your window. On arrival, as you're already in the heart of the city, you can enjoy a good meal in the lively city streets before heading back to your hotel for the night.
It's off to vibrant Glasgow. Start with a visit to the University of Glasgow and the Kelvingrove Museum, renowned for their architecture and varied collections. Then take a stroll through the city center to admire the cathedral, George Square and the shopping streets. If you're looking for a good spot for a brunch or coffee, we recommend The Wilson Street Pantry or Singl-end Merchant City!
© Alexis Calvignac - The imposing Kelvingrove Museum
In the afternoon, set sail for Linlithgow, a charming little historic town: stroll through the old town, along the canal, and explore Linlithgow Palace (just a 6-minute walk from the station!) - a superb 15th-century palace with the look of an Italian castle, favorite residence of Stuart kings and queens and used as a filming location for the TV series Outlander! - or its local museum.
© Alexis Calvignac - A bird's eye view of the superb Linlithgow Palace
Then take the train back to Edinburgh, where you'll board the Caledonian Sleeper at around 11.40pm. This is your last night on the rails, in comfort and cosiness!
Wake up gently on the train, arriving in London Euston at around 7:15 a.m., giving you time to stretch your legs in the English capital before hopping on the 11:31 a.m. Eurostar to Paris. And so ends this 7-day journey through Scotland, where you'll have been able to appreciate the diversity of the landscape, the warm welcome of the locals and the accessibility of an entire rail network designed to criss-cross the country comfortably and responsibly!
And if you're looking for a slower, more flexible way to get around Edinburgh and Glasgow, we've put together an alternative version. The ideal option if you want to adapt your stopovers to suit your mood and the weather!
The complete itinerary from Paris (also accessible from other French cities: see the end of our guide to Scotland to discover them!)
For full details of the itinerary (links for booking train tickets and recommendations for accommodation and restaurants):
Welcome to the Scottish capital!
For this second day, you're spoilt for choice:
Linlithgow Palace, Mary Stuart's birthplace, from the inner courtyard
In the evening, return to Edinburgh and enjoy a little more of the capital's atmosphere.
Continue your discoveries by train from Edinburgh:
The sumptuous abbey of Dunfermline
In the evening, return to Edinburgh for one last night before setting off again.
In the morning, take a final stroll through the streets of Edinburgh, then board the train for Glasgow, Scotland's largest city. On arrival, discover the city's electric atmosphere: Victorian architecture, thriving music and art scenes, trendy cafés and traditional pubs. Don't miss the famous Buchanan Street for shopping, or museums and galleries such as Kelvingrove and the Burrell Collection, easily accessible by train.
Glasgow from above
You have two options from Glasgow:
Stirling's impressive hilltop castle
Get back to Glasgow at the end of the day, when you can enjoy the nightlife in the city's bars and concert halls.
Looking for wide-open spaces? Two top destinations to get away from it all:
The lush green of Loch Lomond
Back to Glasgow for the evening: an opportunity to try out one last pub or restaurant before packing your bags.
You can take an early train to London, then a Eurostar to Paris, or opt for the Caledonian Sleeper the night before to arrive in London in the early hours. For full itinerary details and booking links, click here.
The program includes some of Scotland's most beautiful scenery, a glimpse of city life in Glasgow and Edinburgh, and a rail adventure to the farthest reaches of the Highlands and West Coast.
The complete itinerary from Paris (also accessible from other French cities: see the end of our guide to Scotland!)
For full details of the itinerary (links for booking train tickets and recommendations for accommodation and restaurants):
After a 2-hour 20-minute high-speed train journey to London, then around 4 hours 20 minutes to Edimburgh, you're in the Scottish capital! Take time to stroll along the Royal Mile, the historic thoroughfare linking the famous Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, climb Calton Hill to admire the neoclassical monuments and enjoy a breathtaking view of the city, and discover the lively pubs of Grassmarket or the cosy cafés of Stockbridge.
The magnificent Scottish capital (with views of Calton Hill)
Head for Inverness aboard the Highland Main Line, which will take you to the wilds of Scotland. On this journey, keep your eyes riveted on the scenery as it unfolds before you: mountains, rivers and lush green valleys. When you arrive in Inverness, the “capital of the Highlands”, take a stroll along the River Ness, then immerse yourself in the warm atmosphere of the town by exploring its typical pubs, stores and restaurants. If you have time, you can even make a detour to the Ness Islands, small wooded islets offering a walk full of magic.
View of the River Ness and Inverness Cathedral
A day dedicated to discovering Inverness and the surrounding area. Start in the town center, with its narrow streets lined with artisanal cafés and small Scottish shops. Then, why not take a trip to Loch Ness for a glimpse of the famous monster? And if you're interested in history, head for the Culloden battlefield, the emblematic site where the end of the Jacobite uprising was played out in 1746.
© Alexis Calvignac - Loch Ness, birthplace of so many legends
Then head west on the Kyle Line, one of Scotland's most beautiful rail routes (featured here!), between sparkling lochs and majestic mountains! You'll arrive in Kyle of Lochalsh, a small coastal town facing the Isle of Skye. Take the opportunity to admire the sea views, and don't hesitate to enjoy one of the harbor cafés.
Credit: Tony Hardley Photography - The sublime Kyle Line (we dare you to take your eyes off the window)
On this fifth day, get ready for a multi-transport adventure! From Kyle of Lochalsh, take a bus to Armadale on the famous Isle of Skye. The journey itself is already magnificent, allowing you to admire the island's wild landscapes. Then take a ferry to Mallaig, a small fishing port. From there, continue by train on the West Highland Line, famous for its exceptional panoramas, to Fort William. Expect to be amazed, especially as you pass over the Glenfinnan viaduct (made famous by the Harry Potter films).
Credit: Tony Hardley Photography - A ScotRail train on the West Highland Line and the famous Glenfinnan viaduct
Spend the day exploring Fort William and the surrounding area. If you're looking for adventure, Ben Nevis is just waiting to be climbed (beware, the weather can be fickle and the hike demanding). For a gentler approach, explore Glen Nevis or enjoy a cruise on Loch Linnhe, a picture-postcard landscape that will give you the impression of being at the end of the world, between rugged relief and calm waters. At the end of the day, take a seat in a local pub and sample Scottish hospitality over a tasty local dish.
Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the UK!
Back on board the West Highland Line, we once again travel through these magnificent landscapes. On arrival in Glasgow, the atmosphere changes, with Victorian architecture, renowned museums and lively pubs! Take advantage of this first evening to soak up the warm atmosphere of the city's central districts.
Credit: Tony Hardley Photography - The magnificent West Highland Line!
One day isn't enough to explore Glasgow. Discover the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the Burrell Collection, or the Finnieston and West End districts, known for their trendy cafés and independent boutiques. Take a detour to Buchanan Street to admire the architecture and enjoy the bustle of the city. In the evenings, the pubs of Merchant City or Sauchiehall Street will provide you with a festive atmosphere, in keeping with the city's reputation for its thriving music scene!
Sublime Glasgow at the golden hour
For the day, treat yourself to an escape from the city, heading for the Loch Lomond region and the Trossachs National Park (just an hour away by train): a veritable jewel of nature where you can hike, take a cruise on the lake or simply breathe in the fresh air. In the evening, head back to Glasgow to enjoy a bit more of its nightlife.
The mystical atmosphere of Loch Lomond in the early hours of the morning
And finally, back to France after a Glasgow-London train (approx. 5 hours), then a London-Paris train (approx. 2 hours), with your head full of memories... For full details and booking links for the itinerary, click here.
On the program: breathtaking Highlands scenery, one of the world's most beautiful railroad lines, loch tours by boat, cultural immersion in Glasgow, Scottish castles and immersion in the capital!
The complete itinerary from Paris (also accessible from other French cities: see the end of our guide to Scotland!)
For full details of the itinerary (links for booking train tickets and recommendations for accommodation and restaurants):
To reach Scotland from France, take the Eurostar to London (approx. 2 hours 20 minutes from Paris), before boarding the Caledonian Sleeper at 8:30 p.m. in London Euston, to wake up the next morning in Scotland (arriving in Fort William at 10 a.m.). If you wake up early enough, we advise you to open your eyes wide as the journey begins on the rails: glistening lochs, misty hills and typical little villages... Then welcome to Fort William, known for the beauty of its natural landscapes and spectacular Highlands! In the distance, the imposing Ben Nevis (the highest peak in the UK) will give you a foretaste of what's to come.
From Fort William, board the train to Mallaig. This section is part of the famous West Highland Line, one of the most beautiful railway lines in the world (featured here!). Expect breathtaking views (including the Glenfinnan viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter films). Once you're in Mallaig, take advantage of the opportunity to dine in one of the harbor's small restaurants. We highly recommend a boat trip: you might even catch a glimpse of seals and dolphins! At the end of the day, return to Fort William by train.
On your third day, take time to explore Fort William and the surrounding area! If you fancy stretching your legs, there's no shortage of hiking trails in the area: nearby Glen Nevis is ideal for a leisurely stroll along the river. If you're feeling sporty, you can also climb Ben Nevis. And for something more relaxing, we recommend a cruise on Loch Linnhe. After your explorations, you can take a trip to the local stores to pick up a tartan plaid or sample a typical Scotch whisky in a Scottish pub.
Head for Glasgow, once again via the famous West Highland Line, where you'll discover superb scenery along the way, from crystal-clear lakes to lush green valleys and majestic mountains... On arrival, the atmosphere changes with Glasgow's Victorian architecture, lively pubs and vibrant culture!
It takes two days to get a taste of the charm of Scotland's largest city. Its “grid” architecture has earned it the title of New York's movie stand-in (Indiana Jones, World War Z, The Batman...)! On site, you're spoilt for choice: visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum or the famous House For An Art Lover, nestled in a park, take a detour down Buchanan Street and George Square to soak up the architecture and lively atmosphere, take a break in one of the city's many parks (such as Glasgow Green), discover Scottish designers in artisan boutiques, sample the rock, folk and indie music scene in a concert hall or pub...
Glasgow “by night”
Early in the day, take the train to Stirling, often considered the historic heart of Scotland. You won't want to miss the famous Stirling Castle, perched on its rocky outcrop and offering breathtaking views over the region. You can also climb the steps of the National Wallace Monument, dedicated to the memory of Scotland's 13th-century national hero William Wallace. In the afternoon, continue by train to Inverness, the “capital of the Highlands”.
Day 7 sees us immersed in Inverness, a veritable concentration of the Highland soul. Start with a stroll around the Ness Islands, the small wooded islets that dot the river, offering a green refuge in the heart of the city. You can then follow up with a visit to the Culloden battlefield, where the end of the Jacobite uprising was played out in 1746 (which you may have discovered in the Outlander serie!).
© Alexis Calvignac - Culloden battlefield
Embark on a journey to Aberdeen, the “granite city”. We highly recommend a stop at Stonehaven (south of Aberdeen) to visit Dunnottar Castle, perched on a rocky promontory above the North Sea. Fun fact: it inspired Princess Merida's castle in the Disney animated film Rebelle! In the afternoon, take the train to Dundee, a former industrial town in the midst of a cultural revival. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, a breath of fresh air after the hustle and bustle of the big cities.
In Dundee, you can visit the V&A Dundee (the only V&A Dundee design museum outside London), and admire the imposing RRS Discovery (the ship used by Captain Scott for his Antarctic expeditions), both of which (V&A Dundee and RRS) are just a 2-minute walk from the station! If you like street art, you'll love the city's many colorful murals. And if you want to understand the town's industrial heritage (and its role as a world center for jute production in the 19th and early 20th centuries), head to the Verdant Works site and museum. At the end of the day, we suggest you enjoy the sunset on the banks of the River Tay for a peaceful moment before your next stop.
From Dundee, travel to St Andrews (ten minutes by train to Leuchars, then ten minutes by bus to St Andrews), a small coastal town renowned for its prestigious university, legendary golf course and ruined cathedral overlooking the North Sea. After this stopover, it's on to the Scottish capital (about 10 minutes by bus to Leuchars, then 1h15 by train to Edinburgh)!
The ruins of St Andrews Cathedral
Although the city itself would require a short trip, these three days will give you a taste of the capital's richness. From the neoclassical monuments of Calton Hill to the colorful facades of Victoria Street, from the big bowl up to Arthur's Seat to contemplate the panorama over the city and its surroundings to Edinburgh Castle perched on a volcano, from the traditional pubs of Grassmarket to the little cafés of Stockbridge or Leith, from the National Gallery of Scotland to the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, not forgetting Edinburgh's concerts and festivals of all kinds... You shouldn't have time to get bored. And for more recommendations, take a look at our Edinburgh guide!
The charm of the capital
And finally, a return to France after an overnight train from Edinburgh to London, followed by a trip from London to Paris, with your head full of memories... For full details and booking links for the itinerary, click here.
© VisitScotland - Edinburgh's pretty Waverley station: a final farewell before returning to France
If you've decided to explore Scotland by train, we can't blame you! Whether it's for its easy access to iconic sites (with over 350 towns served by ScotRail trains, there's no need for a car), for its unique panoramas from the window (between lakes, mountains and wild coastlines) for its efficiency (discounted tickets) or its comfort (spacious seats, Wi-Fi... and no stress of driving on the left!), the reasons for choosing the train are endless.
© Alexis Calvignac - ScotRail trains, serving the whole of Scotland
The easiest way to get to Scotland by train from France is to travel to London (from Paris, you can get there by Eurostar in about 2 hours 20 minutes), then on to :
To discover all our itineraries and 100% rail tours between France and Scotland, go to the end of our guide to Scotland! 👇
And for more practical info, check out this VisitScotland article!
With over 350 stations in Scotland, ScotRail connects cities like Edinburgh, Glasgow, the Highlands and the Islands, giving you easy access to castles, distilleries and cultural sites. A chance to do it all without a plane or a car! There are five types of train ticket to choose from:
The BritRail Pass is designed for non-resident international travelers in the UK. It offers unlimited travel on the British rail network for a given period.
They are specifically designed for travel in Scotland and offer unlimited travel on the ScotRail network for a given period.
We also recommend downloading the ScotRail app to buy your tickets and plan your journey, with real-time updates on train services and timetables.In practice, you can buy standard day trip tickets (via the app) or Rover passes (on the scotrail.co.uk website) for regional tours lasting several days.
ScotRail offers various tickets to explore specific regions of Scotland:
To find out more :
This article was written in partnership with VisitScotland and ScotRail. To find out more, visit their websites: visitscotland.com and scotrail.co.uk!