The 4 Best Train Journeys in Scotland

1.3-Day Isle of Skye, ‘Hogwarts Express’ Train and Highlands Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 972 reviews · from $926Our pick

Spend three days traveling from Edinburgh through Glencoe, Fort William, Mallaig, and the Isle of Skye. You will ride the Jacobite Steam Train, stay two nights in Portree, visit the Old Man of Storr and Dunvegan Castle, and return via Eilean Donan, Loch Ness, and Dunkeld. Guides such as Jada, Louise, Steve, and Alistair have led this route.

“Cliff was an amazing guide with lots of knowledge of the beautiful areas we saw on our trip. I would definitely book this again!”

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2.The Magical Highland Tour Including the Jacobite Steam Train Journey

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 179 reviews · 13 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $262Best value

Leave Edinburgh for a long Highland day by coach, then board the Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William to Mallaig. Your guide points out Harry Potter filming locations, and you stop at Glenfinnan Viaduct, Mallaig, and Pitlochry. The tour runs in English, carries up to 48 people, and includes a small packed breakfast.

“The tour guide Brendan was fabulous but no I don’t think the its worth the price the tour bus was great and Brendan was great but for me paid over 200 and most of my time was spent sitting on the bus just not worth the money but to each his own”

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3.3 Day Isle of Skye and Jacobite Steam Train Tour from Inverness

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 161 reviews · 3 days (approx.)

Travel from Inverness through Loch Ness, Glenfinnan, Mallaig, and Skye in a group of up to 16. Ride the Jacobite Steam Train, visit the Fairy Pools, Quiraing, Eilean Donan, Culloden, and Clava Cairns, with two breakfasts included. Guides such as Torquil, Duffy, and Harrison have been praised for adding local stories and extra stops.

“Excellent guide, Torquil, who was friendly and helpful and went out of his way to keep us safe and happy. The accommodation at The Skye Inn was comfortable and the staff friendly and happy to help in any way.”

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4.4-Day Isle of Skye & Jacobite Steam Train (train ride included)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 82 reviews · 4 days (approx.) · from $1,096

Spend four days exploring Loch Lomond, Glencoe, Loch Ness, Eilean Donan Castle, and the Isle of Skye in a group of up to 16. Your guide handles the Highland roads, breakfasts and B&B stays are included, and a one-way Jacobite Steam Train ride is included in summer.

“A great tour if you have 4 days and want to see everything. Key highlights are the boat ride on Loch Lomand ( didn’t see Nessie), the Steam Train, 2 Castles, the natural Beauty of the Isle of Skye, and feeding the Coo’s. But there were so many other sights that Craig pointed out or stopped at along the way. Craig was excellent both as a tour guide but also in how he ensured everyone was comfortable and taken care of for dinner and B&B’s.”

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