The 6 Best Scottish Rail Journeys

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

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

Ride the Jacobite steam train, explore Skye, and see Glencoe, Loch Ness, and Eilean Donan on a well-planned three-day tour from Edinburgh.

“Isle of Skye is a gorgeous area .....lots of scenery (especially when it's sunny.... we were very lucky!) Our driver was very knowledgeable and friendly, despite the fact that she had only been driving this route for @ 6 months! Despite the long distance riding in a bus, I would definitely recommend this trip as a way to get out of the city and see the spectacular countryside of Scotland!”

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2.Scotland in 5 Days Including Jacobite Steam Train from Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 341 reviews · from $1,330

Review of a five-day Scotland tour from Edinburgh with the Jacobite Steam Train, Isle of Skye, Loch Ness, castles, hotels, and breakfasts.

“Our host Caroline was amazing! Totally exceeded my expectations! Definitely worth every penny! You will not regret such a wonderful experience!”

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

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

Ride the Jacobite Steam Train from Edinburgh through the Highlands, with Harry Potter sights, Mallaig, Glenfinnan, and Pitlochry.

“To be honest, the moments on the bus with Brendan (or Brandon I don't know anymore) were a thousand times more fun than those spent in the Jacobite. An old, stinking train whose smoke suffocates the lungs, we wonder why we pay so much for travel. Listen to me, there is NOTHING reminiscent of Hogwarts Express, no compartment, blue seats, NOT red, some goodies that are found everywhere else, it is NOT worth it. A picture in front of the train or on the Glennfinnan is more than enough. Even the view is spoiled by the dirt of the windows. There is NO effort to immerse yourself in the world…”

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

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

Review of a 3-day Isle of Skye tour from Inverness with the Jacobite Steam Train, Fairy Pools, castles, whisky, and Culloden.

“Torquil was a phenomenal guide through the highlands providing anecdotes and additional details from growing up in the highlands! He added so many additional details and stops throughout of fun things to look at that are easy to miss when you’re driving through. Would absolutely book again, Torquil made the trip!”

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

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

Review of the 4-day Isle of Skye and Jacobite Steam Train tour from Edinburgh, with Highland scenery, castles, B&Bs, costs, and practical tips.

“John is professional, nice and helpful. He told us history of Scotland and brought us to additional secret spots. Under his proper arrangement, everything went smooth and all of us enjoyed. We would love to meet with John again if we visited Highland in the future.”

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6.Aberdeen Airport/Train/Harbour transfer & Private Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1 reviews · from $232Best value

Review of Aberdeen’s private airport, train, and harbour tour, with Old Aberdeen, Dunnottar Castle, flexible routing, costs, and practical tips.

“Malcolm was fantastic! My husband and I both have Scottish ancestry and have talked of a trip to Scotland for a long time, so when we booked a rail tour of the country, I knew I wanted to go to Dunnottar Castle, my ancestral home. The tour operator didn't have an excursiRead more”

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