Scotland's most beautiful train journeys
Photo credit : Tony Hardley Photography
Whether it's for its majestic Highlands, its iconic castles, its UNESCO World Heritage megalithic sites, its Celtic and Viking influences, its legendary Loch Ness monster or its Edinburgh International Festival... There are a thousand and one reasons to visit Scotland. But if there's one that's sure to appeal to all nature lovers, it's its wild landscapes, from misty lochs to towering mountains!
In this article, we present the country's most beautiful railroad lines for you to discover. It's an opportunity to combine business with pleasure: cross Scotland with ease and take in the sights, from the Lowlands to the Highlands, via spectacular coastlines and wild inland regions...
1. The West Highland Line: Glasgow to Mallaig or Oban
Let's start with a lesser-known train route than the famous Jacobite Steam Line, but a much more cost-effective one - the same line for a third of the price! A more affordable alternative, it links Glasgow to Mallaig via Fort William, crossing some of the Highlands' most emblematic landscapes.
Its itinerary
The line has two main branches:
- Glasgow → Fort William → Mallaig
- Glasgow → Oban
La ligne des West Highland est desservie par deux opérateurs ferroviaires : ScotRail, qui assure un service régulier de jour depuis Glasgow, et Caledonian Sleeper, qui assure le service de train de nuit de Londres à Fort William.
Considered one of the most picturesque and beautiful railroad lines in Europe, it offers spectacular scenery and total immersion in Scotland's rugged beauty. In particular, it skirts Loch Lomond, crosses Rannoch Moor and passes over the famous Glenfinnan viaduct (famous for its appearance in the Harry Potter films!).
Credit: Tony Hardley Photography - The famous Glenfinnan viaduct (which you must have seen in the Harry Pott films).er) : une portion de la West Highland Line !
Practical info
Where can you book your tickets?
- Directly on the mobile app or on scotrail.co.uk.
- By telephone on +44344 811 0141
- At the station, at a cash dispenser or counter.
When should you book your tickets?
As early as possible! The earlier you book, the cheaper the tickets will be, especially if you're traveling during the tourist season (May to September).
How much does it cost?
Glasgow - Oban or Glasgow - Fort William costs around £40 for a round trip in off-peak periods, and Glasgow - Mallaig around £50, but prices can of course vary. You can also take advantage of passes and discount cards (we'll explain everything at the end of the article!). In any case, keep an eye out: ScotRail regularly offers special fares, especially for off-peak journeys!
Our top tips for the road
- Choose your seat carefully: of course, we encourage you to get on the left-hand side of the northbound train for the best views of the Clyde Sealochs and Glenfinnan Viaduct. Get your camera ready - you're in for an eyeful!
- Take advantage of the stops: why not stop off in Glasgow, Oban, Fort William and Mallaig to explore Scotland?
- If you want to travel with a bike, it's possible! The Highland Explorer, a carriage specially designed for cyclists, is available on certain routes (reservation of a bike space is compulsory).
2. The Kyle Line: Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh
More confidential but no less picturesque is the Kyle Line, or Inverness Line, which links Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh via the Scottish Highlands. With over 100 km of track (a total journey time of around 2 hours 40 minutes), you'll enjoy spectacular views of rugged mountains, sparkling lochs and the west coast of Scotland.
Its itinerary
4 trains run daily in each direction. It links Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh via Beauly, Muir of Ord, Conon Bridge, Dingwall, Garve, Lochluichart, Achanalt, Achnasheen, Achnashellach, Strathcarron, Attadale, Stromeferry, Duncraig, Plockton and Duirinish.
Opened in 1897, the line is considered one of the most beautiful in the UK. It offers splendid views of the mountains of the Isle of Skye on the horizon, as you arrive at Kyle of Lochalsh!
Credit: Tony Hardley Photography - The magnificent scenery all around the Kyle line!
Practical info
Where can you book your tickets?
- Directly on the mobile application or on scotrail.co.uk.
- By telephone on +44344 811 0141
- At the station, at a cash dispenser or counter.
When should you book your tickets?
Tickets are generally available 12 weeks before departure. Ideally, we advise you to book 2 to 3 months in advance (especially if you're leaving in summer, during the high season).
How much does it cost?
A one-way ticket will cost you £20 to £30 (around €23 to €35), but prices vary according to when you book. As always, we advise you to book as early as possible to make the most of the low fares!
Our top tips for the road
Choose your seat carefully: opt for a seat on the right-hand side (towards Kyle) for the best views! And if you want to take in the sights (and the camera), we advise you to travel early to take advantage of the beautiful morning light.
3. Far North Line: Inverness to Thurso and Wick
After the West, head north to Scotland on the Far North Line. This line will take you through spectacular scenery, from wild moorlands and Highland mountains to picturesque lochs and charming coastal villages. And if you want to take in the sights, you'll love Forsinard Flows Nature Reserve, one of Scotland's national treasures, with 21,000 hectares teeming with life.
© VisitScotland - The splendid Forsinard nature reserve
Its itinerary
With 4 trains a day, the line links Inverness to Thurso (northern branch) or Wick (eastern branch), passing through some twenty towns and villages.
Practical info
Where can you book your tickets?
- Directly on the mobile application or on scotrail.co.uk.
- By telephone on +44344 811 0141
- At the station, at a cash dispenser or counter.
When should you book your tickets?
Tickets are generally available 12 weeks before departure. Again, we advise you to book 2 to 3 months in advance.
How much does it cost?
A one-way ticket to Thurso costs around £30 (€35), but prices vary depending on when you book. As always, we advise you to book as early as possible to make the most of the low fares!
Our top tips for the road
- Choose your seat carefully: opt for a seat on the right-hand side (facing north) for the best coastal views!
- If you have the time, several towns on the line are worth a stop:
- Dingwall, a historic town with a rich Viking heritage (known as the “capital” of Ross-shire),
- Tain, Scotland's oldest royal burgh, famous for its Glenmorangie distillery,
- Golspie, a picturesque village near Dunrobin Castle (between April and October, when the station is open, we recommend a stop at the magnificent Dunrobin Castle, home of the Earls of Sutherland).
- Helmsdale, a historic fishing village known for its museum of Highland history,
- And of course Thurso, mainland Britain's northernmost surfing town, and Wick, home to Girnigoe Castle.
4. The Glasgow South Western line: the southwest coast of Scotland
The Glasgow South Western line, or Glasgow-Kilmarnock-Carlisle line, runs along the southwest coast, linking Scotland to England! Here again, you can expect splendid scenery, from the green Scottish countryside to the rolling hills of the Southern Uplands, river valleys and rural landscapes of southern Scotland and northern England.
Its itinerary
The line runs from Glasgow to Carlisle, England, passing through the historic town of Kilmarnock and its Dean Castle, Sanquhar (famous for the ruins of Sanquhar Castle, where the impressive Crawick Multiverse Land Art installation is just a 20-minute walk away) and the historic town of Dumfries (with its Robert Burns Museum).
© VisitScotland - The Crawick Multiverse's magnificent Land Art works
Practical info
Where can you book your tickets?
- Directly on the mobile application or on scotrail.co.uk.
- By telephone on +44344 811 0141
- At the station, at a cash dispenser or counter.
When should you book your tickets?
Tickets are generally available 12 weeks before departure, but international visitors can buy passes up to 12 months in advance (different from other train tickets). Again, we advise you to book 2 to 3 months in advance.
How much does it cost?
Prices vary according to time of day (peak or off-peak), ticket type and time of booking. But on average, you can expect the following fares:
- Glasgow to Carlisle: £20 - £40 (€23 - €46) one way
- Glasgow to Dumfries: £15 - £30 (€17 - €35) one way
- Kilmarnock to Carlisle: £15 - £35 (€17 - €40) one way
Our top tips for the road
- Choose your seat carefully: left-hand side going south for the best views of the countryside and hills, right-hand side for views of the coast beyond Dumfries. And for the best light, choose early morning or late afternoon trips.
- Look out for the scenery:
- After Kilmarnock: views of the hills of the Southern Uplands.
- Near Dumfries: glimpses of the River Nith.
- Approaching Gretna Green: picturesque border landscapes.
To find out more :
- Our complet Scotland guide
- Our favorite 100% train tours in Scotland
- Our favorite places in Scotland, in the footsteps of our favorite heroes
- Fanette's solo travel story to Scotland
This article was written in partnership with VisitScotland and ScotRail. To find out more, visit their websites: visitscotland.com and scotrail.co.uk !
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