Explore Scotland by train in just one week on this Scottish rail itinerary featuring castles, lochs and mountains as you travel from Edinburgh and Glasgow to the Highlands and Isle of Skye.
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Travel across Scotland by train from the lowlands to the highlands, with historic cities, ruined castles, deep blue lochs, mountain peaks and wild moorland along the way. This one-week railway journey takes you from the cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow and heads north into the Scottish Highlands, crossing to the magical Isle of Skye before finishing in Inverness – and includes two of the UK’s most spectacular rail routes.
The Scenic Scotland by train one-week itinerary will show you which trains to take, how much they cost, how to book and what to see, do and where to stay along the way.
One-week scenic Scotland by train itinerary
Day 1: Edinburgh
Start your Scotland by train trip with a full day in Edinburgh. Visit the historic highlights of the Old Town – listen to bagpipers on the cobbled streets of the Royal Mile, learn about Scotland’s history at the National Museum of Scotland, hear the One O’clock Gun being fired at Edinburgh Castle, take a tour of the Queen’s Scottish residence the Palace of Holyroodhouse, or follow in the footsteps of Harry Potter on Victoria Street.
Alternatively head across to the wide Georgian streets of the New Town to admire the artworks at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, climb to the top of the Scott Monument, wander along the leafy Water of Leith or watch the sun set from Calton Hill.
Or why not check out some of Edinburgh’s more unusual attractions? You can go underground to the buried streets of Mary King’s Close, visit the gory Surgeons’ Hall Museum (if you’re not too squeamish) or take an evening ghost tour.
Edinburgh’s an unexpected gem for foodies, with a range of food and drink tours where you can try local delicacies – from handmade chocolates and Scottish cheeses to whisky tasting at the Scotch Whisky Experience* and distillery tours at Edinburgh Gin.
Where to stay in Edinburgh: Splash out on a stay on the Royal Mile at the gloriously over-the-top Witchery by the Castle*. This 16th-century Gothic hotel has nine suites with four-poster beds and rolltop baths, eclectically decorated with antiques, artworks, gilt and velvet. It’s full of old-school glamour, with one of the city’s most romantic restaurants.
Read more: Visiting Edinburgh on a budget
Day 2: Edinburgh > Glasgow
Next morning, catch a train from Edinburgh Waverley to Glasgow Central/Queen Street (a short walk from each other). The journey only takes an hour and trains run frequently, so you can decide how early you want to leave. Then spend the rest of the day in Glasgow.
Where Edinburgh is all about history, Scotland’s second city has a bit more of an edge, and has transformed itself from an industrial centre to a city of art and culture. Admire the Art Nouveau designs of Glasgow’s famous son Charles Rennie Mackintosh at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum or over afternoon tea at the Willow Tea Rooms.
Or explore some of the city’s more contemporary artworks on the City Centre Mural Trail, a self-guided walk through Glasgow which links 25 works by different local artists.
Take a walk along the River Clyde past the modern architecture of the SSE Hydro and Armadillo to the quirky Riverside transport museum, where you can take a tour of the Glenlee, a restored tall ship that’s one of just a few built on the Clyde that are still afloat.
Or visit Scotland’s oldest museum, the Hunterian, on the campus of the University of Glasgow, and explore the city’s medieval cathedral and atmospheric hillside Necropolis.
Where to stay in Glasgow: The Grasshopper Hotel* couldn’t be better located for train travellers – right next door to Glasgow Central Station, close to Merchant City’s shops, bars and restaurants. Rooms are smart and comfortable, with penthouse views over the city and special touches like handmade wallpapers, vintage cameras and free cupcakes.
Read more: A weekend in Glasgow: A 48-hour Glasgow itinerary
Day 3: Glasgow > Fort William
Then head north on the 3 hour 45 minute journey to Fort William in the Scottish Highlands, departing Glasgow Queen Street at 08.22 and arriving in Fort William at 12.08.
The West Highland Line is one of the world’s most scenic train trips, which runs along the banks of Loch Lomond, around Horseshoe Curve at Ben Dorain, past the UK’s highest altitude train station in Corrour (as featured in the film Trainspotting) and across remote Rannoch Moor on a line suspended above a peat bog.
Fort William is set on the banks of Loch Linnhe in the shadow of the UK’s highest mountain – Ben Nevis – making the town a real hub for hikers, bikers and other adventure-seekers. The climb to the top of Ben Nevis takes five–seven hours, weather permitting, so you might have to add in an extra day to your trip if you want to tackle the peak.
If you fancy something more sedate, it’s a pretty 1.5-mile walk along the River Lochy to the ruins of 13th-century Old Inverlochy Castle and the Ben Nevis Distillery, where you can do a tour and tasting of their whiskies. You can also learn more about the history of the Highlands (and see Rob Roy’s sporran) at Fort William’s West Highland Museum.
Where to stay in Fort William: Spend the night behind bars in former police station The Garrison* in the centre of town. Choose from a modern en-suite room, or an original cell that’s been converted into compact double or bunk room with shared bathroom.
Read more: 13 things to do in Fort William and Glencoe
Day 4: Fort William > Isle of Skye
The following day, reboard the West Highland Line for the 1.5-hour journey from Fort William to Mallaig across the curving Glenfinnan Viaduct and past lochs and the sandy beaches of Morar. If you depart Fort William at 08.30 you arrive in Mallaig at 09.53. Or from April–October you can also ride the Jacobite steam train, better known as the Hogwarts Express (departs Fort William at 10.15 and arrives Mallaig at 12.26).
Then swap the train for the ferry to the Isle of Skye. Ferry times vary throughout the year, with 8–10 sailings a day in summer. If you have time for lunch before you sail, try locally caught prawns or fish and chips at Mallaig’s Fishmarket Restaurant.
The ferry takes 45 minutes to reach Armadale in Skye. From there you can catch the 52 bus to Portree (changing in Broadford), but buses are slow and infrequent so it may be worth booking a taxi if there are a group of you – it takes an hour and costs around £85.
Portree is the capital and largest town on the Isle of Skye, set around a picturesque harbour with pastel-painted houses and surrounded by hills. It’s the hub of transport and tours for the island, and a good place to shop for souvenirs, with local producers including the Isle of Skye Soap Co, Skyeskyns and Isle of Skye Distillers all having shops in town.
Where to stay in Portree: The Cuillin Hills Hotel* is half a mile outside of Portree but comes with knockout views across the Bay of Portree to the Cuillin Mountains from its 15-acre gardens. Inside are traditional Scottish touches, from tartan fabrics to local seafood in the restaurant and a malt whisky bar with over 130 varieties to choose from.
Read more: Isle of Skye itinerary: The best of the island in 3 days
Day 5: Isle of Skye
Today you have the whole day to explore the Isle of Skye – buses connect Portree with many parts of the island, but it’s easier option to either hire a car for the day (book in advance as availability’s limited) or take a guided day tour of Skye’s highlights. A small group day tour* (£54 per person) departs Portree at 9am and returns at 6pm.
The Isle of Skye is known for its magical landscapes, with dramatic rock formations around the Quiraing which look like something from another planet (and are a film location favourite). Admire the 200-foot Old Man of Storr and the steep cliffs at Kilt Rock. Visit the lighthouse at Neist Point and look out for dolphins and whales, or tour imposing lochside Dunvegan Castle, the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland.
Skye has plenty of myths and legends – get away with the fairies at the Fairy Glen, a grassy glen with rock spirals and ancient trees dripping with moss. Or follow the 1.5-mile path to the Fairy Pools with their clear green waters and cascading waterfalls.
Day 6: Isle of Skye > Inverness
The next day, catch the CityLink bus from Portree to Kyle of Lochalsh, where you pick up the train for the journey to Inverness. There are a couple of different options – the number 915 bus from Portree Square departs at 10.35 and arrives in Kyle at 11.34.
Or if you’d like to visit nearby Eilean Donan Castle, catch the earlier 07.30 bus from Portree to Dornie, arriving at 08.48. Spend a few hours at the castle before travelling back to Kyle of Lochalsh on the 11.44 service (which takes around 15 minutes).
Then catch the 13.45 train from Kyle of Lochalsh for the 2 hour 40 minute journey to Inverness, arriving at 16.27. The Kyle Line is another of the UK’s top scenic train routes. Opened in 1870, it runs through remote landscapes, following the coast with views of Syke, across moorland and past the Torridon Peaks – keep an eye out for deer on the way.
Spend the evening in Inverness – capital of the Highlands. Follow the path along the River Ness to the Ness Islands, a group of tree-covered islands connected by elegant Victorian footbridges. Or head up to Inverness Castle to watch the sun set over the city, before checking out some of Inverness’ live music scene at pubs like Hootananny.
Where to stay in Inverness: End your trip in style with a night at the five-star Rocpool Reserve*. This Georgian house has been converted into a lavish boutique hotel with bar and restaurant. Its luxurious rooms come with Egyptian cotton bedding, emperor-size beds and 24-hour room service – and some have outdoor hot tubs, saunas or balconies.
Read more: A weekend in Inverness: A 48-hour Inverness itinerary
Day 7: Inverness
Spend the final morning of your Scotland by train trip seeing more of Inverness. Learn about the history and culture of the Highlands at the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery and shop for secondhand books at Leakley’s. Or if you have time you can take a half-day trip out to either Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle, or the battlefield at Culloden.
Then if you’re flying back home, Inverness Airport is 10 miles north of the city. The two are connected by the 11 bus, which takes around 35 minutes. Or if you’re travelling back to Edinburgh, the train journey from Inverness takes 3.5 hours. There’s also the Caledonian Sleeper overnight train which connect Inverness to London in around 11 hours.
More time?
If you have more time, you could head north to John O-Groats – most northerly point of mainland Britain – Caithness and the Cromarty Firth on a day tour* from Inverness. Or catch the train south to Aviemore in the Cairngorms National Park for mountain hikes in summer, skiing in winter and the Strathspey Steam Railway. There are also plenty more Scottish cities to discover nearby, including Dundee, Aberdeen and St Andrews.
How much does it cost?
When you’re planning a Scottish rail trip, you can either book individual tickets or get a railpass, which can be a better deal if you’re under 28/over 60, want more flexibility or are booking late. Here’s how prices break down for the two different options on this route.
Individual tickets
Ticket prices depend on how early you book and if you’re booking a specific train or want to be flexible. There are three main fare categories: Advance, Off-Peak or Anytime. Advance are cheapest and can be booked 8–12 weeks in advance, but are non-transferable so you’re tied to a specific train. Off-Peak services are valid on any train outside weekday peak hours. And Anytime are most expensive but can be bought on the day and used on any train.
Using the cheapest Advance fares, the cost of trains on this route starts at £67 per person:
- Edinburgh > Glasgow: from £16.10
- Glasgow > Fort William: from £24.50
- Fort William > Mallaig: from £7.80
- Mallaig > Armadale (by ferry): from £3.20
- Kyle of Lochalsh > Inverness: from £15.20
You can also save a third on all rail fares with a Railcard*. These cost £30 with different versions for 16–25s, 25–30s, Seniors and Disabled People. You can also get a Two Together railcard for two named adults travelling together, or a Friends and Family Railcard for up to four adults and four children. Both UK and overseas residents are eligible.
The railpass option
There are various rail passes available, and which you’re eligible for depends on where you live. If you live outside the UK, you can can get a InterRail/Eurail* pass (InterRail is for European residents and Eurail is for non-European residents).
For the Scotland by train itinerary, the best InterRail/Eurail option is the One Country Great Britain pass for 4 travel days within 1 month, which costs €218 for adults, €189 for youths aged 12–27 or €196 for seniors in second class.
ScotRail also offers its own rail passes, which are available to both UK and overseas residents. The best option for this itinerary is the Spirit of Scotland Pass for 4 days within 8 days, with unlimited travel by train, ferry and coach. It costs £149 for adults and half price for children aged 5–15, with discounts for Railcard holders.
Passholders are recommended to make seat reservations – though it’s probably only worth doing for long-distance services or at busy peak times so you’re guaranteed a seat – which you can do for free at any UK train station up to two hours before departure.
How to book
There are a variety of websites where you can book UK train journeys, but some charge a booking fee. To avoid fees you can book direct with ScotRail and either use a mobile ticket on your phone or collect them from a ticket machine or a counter at the station. Or if you have an international credit card you can book with The Trainline* for a small fee.
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Roberta McCaw
Sunday 13th of March 2022
Thank you for this post! Does this itinerary work well in reverse? We are starting in Edinburgh and flying out of Glasgow. Thank you for letting me know.
Lucy Dodsworth
Monday 14th of March 2022
Yes that should work fine – you'll need to rejig the train/ferry times a bit for the reverse though, but all the details are on the National Rail website and Calmac ferries to help you plan.
Gordon
Saturday 12th of February 2022
Debi - The West Highland line branches at a place called Crianlarich: if you have a rail pass, take the train from Fort William to Crianlarich and then change there for a train to Oban. If you don't have a rail pass, take a bus south from Fort William (Fort Bill, as the locals say) to Oban. The bus is actually faster since the train has to travel south to Crianlarich, then west to Oban. There's not much to do in Crianlarich. From Oban you can take the train south to Glasgow: in summer, usually at the weekend only, ScotRail runs a direct train from Edinburgh, otherwise you have to change in Glasgow or one of the intermediate stations to get to Edinburgh. If you are traveling on a budget, the main bus operators (Stagecoach/City Link & First) offer area tickets for multiple days. Also, ScotRail offers a Glasgow area pass (covers trains, some buses and the Glasgow Subway) and a pass that offers travel between Glasgow to Fife, the Borders and as far north as Stirling. These passes, called Rovers, can be found on the ScotRail web site. There are restrictions on travel time to avoid commuter hours. (I grew up in Scotland and travel there regularly - I take the public transport when visiting.)
Lucy Dodsworth
Friday 18th of February 2022
Thanks for the extra info!
Debi
Wednesday 17th of November 2021
Your Blog is so valuable. thank you!! We are traveling Scotland with public transportation in late July. We are wanting to take the train from Glasgow to where we can catch a bus or take the ferry then a taxi or bus to Portree. You describe it so well that I think it is possible. We would like to stop in Oban on the way back to Glasgow. We would so appreciate any details you can give us in planning what we can do.
Mary Brigid
Tuesday 26th of October 2021
Will I be able to get to the Culloden Memorial with this train itinerary?
Lucy Dodsworth
Tuesday 26th of October 2021
Yes you should have time on Day 7 if you have a late afternoon flight or train home – Culloden is about 6 miles outside of Inverness and takes about 30 mins by bus or 15 mins by taxi.
Josephine faler
Sunday 29th of August 2021
Glad we found your site! We are visiting our daughter in London for 2 weeks, and wanting to do some train travel up to Scotland. We will be there in mid October, are the colors all gone, what’s the weather like? Once we arrive at the towns/cities you have outlined, can we walk to explore or can we Uber?
Lucy Dodsworth
Monday 6th of September 2021
Hi Josephine, you should still get some autumn colours in mid-October (if you click through to my posts from the Isle of Skye the photos there were taken around that time). Most places you can easily get around on foot (though you might want to take a tour to explore Skye) bu Edinburgh and Glasgow have Uber too (and Glasgow has a small subway) .