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One-week scenic Scotland by train itinerary

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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One-week scenic Scotland by train itinerary

Travel across Scotland by rail 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.

Our 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

One-week scenic Scotland by train itinerary map
Scenic Scotland by train map

Day 1: Edinburgh

Start your Scotland by train trip with a full day in Edinburgh. See 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, 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.

Colourful buildings on Victoria Street in Edinburgh
Victoria Street

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: The ultimate weekend in Edinburgh itinerary

Calton Hill in Edinburgh at sunset
Calton Hill

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.

Artwork on Glasgow's City Centre Mural Trail
Artwork on the City Centre Mural Trail

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, part of the campus of the University of Glasgow. And explore the city’s medieval cathedral and atmospheric hillside Necropolis.

Where to stay in Glasgow: The five-star Kimpton Blythswood Square* is a luxurious conversion of a Georgian terrace which was once home to the Royal Scottish Automobile Club. There are 113 stylish rooms – with a rooftop penthouse if you want to splash out – plus an underground spa, private cinema, restaurant and bar with evening wine hour.

Read more: The ultimate weekend in Glasgow itinerary

The Riverside Museum of transport in Glasgow
The Riverside Museum

Day 3: Glasgow > Fort William

Then head north on the 3 hour 50 minute journey to Fort William in the Scottish Highlands, departing Glasgow Queen Street at 08.22 and arriving in Fort William at 12.12.

The West Highland Line is one of the world’s most scenic train trips. It runs along the banks of Loch Lomond, around the arching Horseshoe Curve at Ben Dorain, past the UK’s highest altitude train station in Corrour (which 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.

Bridge of Orchy on the West Highland Line in Scotland by train
The train through the Highlands

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 great things to do in Fort William and Glencoe

The ruins of Old Inverlochy Castle near Fort William in Scotland
Old Inverlochy Castle

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 08.15 you arrive in Mallaig at 09.38.

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 from Mallaig takes 45 minutes to Armadale in Skye. From Armadale you can catch the Stagecoach 52 bus to Portree. Note buses don’t run very often and you may need to change in Broadford in low season. So it may be worth taking a taxi if there are a group of you – it takes an hour and costs £90–£100, but you need to book well in advance.

The Jacobite steam train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct
The Jacobite steam train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct

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

Portree harbour on the Isle of Skye
Portree harbour on Skye

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 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. There’s a small group day tour* (£90 per person) which 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.

The Fairy Pools waterfalls in the Isle of Skye, Scotland
The Fairy Pools

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 11.36.

Or if you’d like to visit nearby Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most photographed castles, you can catch the earlier 07.30 bus from Portree to Dornie, arriving at 08.48. Then travel back to Kyle of Lochalsh (15 minutes away) by bus or taxi after visiting the castle.

Take the 13.46 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.

Views from the Kyle Line train to Inverness, Scotland by train
Views from the Kyle Line

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: 2-day itinerary

Bridge in Inverness Scotland
The River Ness

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 Stagecoach 11 bus in 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.

Sunset at Urquhart Castle by Loch Ness
Sunset at Urquhart Castle

More time?

If you have more time, you could head north to John O-Groats – most northerly point of mainland Britain – Dunrobin Castle and Wick 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.

West Sands Beach, St Andrews Scotland
West Sands Beach in 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 tickets 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 tickets are valid on any train outside weekday peak hours.
  • Anytime tickets are most expensive but can be bought on the day and used on any train.
Greyfriars Bobby's statue in Edinburgh
Greyfriars Bobby’s statue and his namesake pub

Using the cheapest Advance fares, the cost of trains on this route starts at £69 per person:

  • Edinburgh > Glasgow: from £15.60
  • Glasgow > Fort William: from £21.20
  • Fort William > Mallaig: from £8.90 (£69 for The Jacobite)
  • Mallaig > Armadale (by ferry): from £6.00
  • Kyle of Lochalsh > Inverness: from £17.30

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.

Deer in the woodland near Glencoe
Highland wildlife

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 £207 for adults, £174 for youths aged 12–27 or £186 for seniors in second class.

The Old Man of Storr on the Isle of Skye
The Old Man of Storr in Skye

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 is 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.

Note The Jacobite steam train is privately owned so isn’t covered by any rail passes.

Outside Inverness Castle and statue of Flora MacDonald in Scotland by train
Inverness Castle

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 Rail Europe* for a small fee.

Don’t want to do it yourself? You can also book a custom trip based on this Scenic Scotland by train itinerary through our partners Byway,* the flight-free holiday platform, including train travel and accommodation.

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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 | Scotland by train | Scotland by rail | Scotland rail trip | Scotland itinerary | Places to visit in Scotland by trainExplore 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 | Scotland by train | Scotland by rail | Scotland rail trip | Scotland itinerary | Places to visit in Scotland by train

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Tammy

Tuesday 25th of February 2025

Hi Luce!

I'm so glad I found this! My daughter and I will be arriving in late June. She's doing a study aboard in Ireland and I plan on meeting up with her at the end to do this trip. I'm using your itinerary to help us plan. I drove us around Ireland last year and want to enjoy the views while in Scotland, thus the train. I've read that Edinburgh and Glasgow are easy to get around for visiting the sights. Is Fort William similar or should I book a guide for the day? Most of the guides seem to be day trips from another city, Glasgow or Edinburgh. Any recommendations for a guide while at the Isle of Skye or Fort William? I am planning to stay for two or three nights on Skye.

Lucy Dodsworth

Friday 7th of March 2025

Hi Tammy, Fort William is fairly small (much smaller than Edinburgh and Glasgow) so you'll have no problem getting around. There's a day tour from Portree in Syke which you can take around the island (https://www.getyourguide.com/-t167618/?partner_id=AECWD5H) to see the main sights – and local buses if you have more time to explore.

Laurel

Thursday 19th of September 2024

I’m so happy to come across this! I am planning a solo trip to Scotland (from the US) next year and didn’t want to rent a car or rely on multi day tours. This is SO helpful and hits everywhere I wanted to go! My trip will be 10-12 days, excluding travel days to/from the US so I plan on extending in Edinburgh and maybe Fort William for some hiking.

Thank you!

Lucy Dodsworth

Wednesday 2nd of October 2024

Thanks Laurel, so glad it was useful!

Steve & Sally Barkley

Tuesday 30th of July 2024

Hello- We are seniors from the US and would like to start a train tour in Inverness to Skye, then Skye to Glasgow with an overnight stay at Cameron House on Loch Lamond on 9/21. Would we take to train to Glasgow and then find transportation to Cameron House? We would return to Glasgow for a night then a train to Edinburgh. Would you recommend the Spirit of Scotland pass for this travel? Can you advise the best train routes. We would start in Inverness on Sept. 20 and would need to be in Edinburgh by 9/24. Is this workable? Thank you in advance for your help.

Steve & Sally Barkley

Tuesday 6th of August 2024

@Lucy Dodsworth, Hi- Thank you for your advice and we agree. Thinking now to start in Glasgow, take the train to Mallaig and then return to Loch Lomond. After Loch Lomond travel to Inverness and then do a day trip to Kyle with a return to Inverness, then the next day travel to Edinburgh. Does this make more sense time wise and still provide the scenic travel?

Lucy Dodsworth

Monday 5th of August 2024

Hi there, I think the first part of the trip would be very tight if you don't leave Inverness on the 20th Sept and need to be in Loch Lomond on the 21st as you wouldn't have any time to see Skye (there are no trains on Skye and the buses are limited so I would usually recommend 2/3 days minimum to make the connection to Glasgow).

Serge

Sunday 21st of January 2024

Hi Lucy, Thanks a lot for this itinerary, looks great. We are actually planning a week in Scotland in May. We are not really interested in Glasgow and we were thinking about making our first stop after Edinburgh at Tarbet (have a cruise on the Loch and walk around) Can you let me know your opinion and any suggestion ? Thanks a lot. Serge

Lucy Dodsworth

Monday 22nd of January 2024

Hi Serge, yes you could definitely swap that in. It's 2.5 hours by train from Edinburgh to Arrochar and Tarbet (with a change in Glasgow), so if you took a morning train on Day 2 you could do a boat trip in the afternoon and stay the night there, then catch the train to Fort William the next day which is 2.5 hours and carry on the itinerary from there.

Tim Klein

Monday 15th of January 2024

Great itinerary! I am considering taking the train from Glasgow to Mallaig, ferry to Armadale and bus to Portlee in one day next month. How do the buses run from Armadale to Portlee this time of year? Are there tours of Skye running in February? I'm planning on a three day stay in Portlee. Any suggestions?

Lucy Dodsworth

Monday 22nd of January 2024

Hi Tim, there are buses Stagcoach 52 buses between Armadale and Portree but they're not very frequent this time of year to you would need to time it carefully (timetable here: https://tiscon-maps-stagecoachbus.s3.amazonaws.com/Timetables/North%20Scotland/Highlands/Skye%20Revised%202022.pdf). You would probably need to take a private tour in February – try Real Scottish Journeys who do winter tours.