How to Travel Scotland by Train: A Simple Guide for Visitors
Travelling around Scotland by train can be a lovely, stress-free way to see the country. You can sit back, watch the scenery roll past, and avoid worrying about narrow roads or driving on the left. Scotland’s rail network connects all the major cities and many beautiful smaller towns, making it a solid option for many itineraries.
This guide explains how train travel in Scotland actually works, where it’s practical, where it’s not, and how to use it confidently when planning your trip.
Is travelling around Scotland by train a good idea?
It depends on your route.
Trains are excellent for:
- Edinburgh ↔ Glasgow
- Edinburgh ↔ Stirling
- Edinburgh ↔ Inverness
- Glasgow ↔ Fort William
- Edinburgh ↔ Dundee / Perth
- Trips along the east coast
They are less practical for:
- Isle of Skye
- The Outer Hebrides
- Remote Highland villages
- Anywhere far from a station
If your trip focuses on cities and larger towns, trains work very well and you can absolutely get around Scotland without a car. If your dream is remote landscapes and hidden viewpoints, you’ll probably need to combine trains with buses, tours or car hire.
What are Scottish trains like?
Trains in Scotland are generally clean, reliable and easy to use.
You can expect:
- Comfortable seating
- Toilets on most longer routes
- Luggage storage areas
- Free Wi-Fi on many services (though not always reliable)
- Power sockets on some trains
They are not luxury trains, but they’re perfectly comfortable for travel days of a few hours.
Who runs the trains in Scotland?
Most train services are operated by ScotRail, which is the main train company for Scotland. Some routes (especially cross-border services to England) are also run by companies like LNER, Avanti West Coast and TransPennine Express.
For visitors, this mostly doesn’t matter much — you can search all routes using the same tools.
The easiest sites to use are:
- National Rail (for all UK trains)
- ScotRail’s website
- Trainline (popular with visitors and very user-friendly)
Popular train routes for visitors
Here are some routes that work especially well for travellers.
Edinburgh to Glasgow
- Around 50 minutes
- Frequent services (every 15–30 minutes)
- Very easy day trip
Edinburgh to Inverness
- Around 3.5–4 hours
- Scenic as you head north
- Great for Highland itineraries
Glasgow to Fort William
- Around 4 hours
- One of the most scenic train journeys in the UK
- Passes lochs, mountains and wild landscapes
Edinburgh to Stirling
- Around 1 hour
- Perfect for Stirling Castle and Wallace Monument
These routes are simple, comfortable and ideal even if it’s your first time using trains abroad.
The famous scenic train journeys in Scotland
If you enjoy slow travel and beautiful views, Scotland has some genuinely stunning rail routes.
West Highland Line (Glasgow to Fort William and Mallaig)
This is often described as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. You’ll see:
- Loch Lomond
- Remote moorland
- Mountains
- The Glenfinnan Viaduct (from the Jacobite steam train route)
Kyle Line (Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh)
A quieter route with wide-open landscapes and lochs, finishing near the Isle of Skye.
These journeys are worth considering not just as transport, but as experiences in themselves.
Can you reach the Isle of Skye by train?
Not directly.
The nearest train station to Skye is Kyle of Lochalsh, which connects to Skye via a bridge. From there you still need:
- A bus
- A taxi
- Or a hire car
Public transport on Skye itself is limited, so most visitors exploring Skye rely on hiring a car or joining organised tours.
How much do trains cost in Scotland?
Prices vary depending on:
- How far you’re travelling
- How early you book
- Time of day
- Whether you travel peak or off-peak
Very roughly:
- Edinburgh to Glasgow: £10–£20 one way
- Edinburgh to Inverness: £30–£60 one way
- Glasgow to Fort William: £25–£50 one way
Booking in advance almost always gives you a better price.
Should you book Scottish train tickets in advance?
For short routes (like Edinburgh to Glasgow), you can often buy tickets on the day without much price difference.
For longer routes (like Inverness, Fort William, or cross-border travel), it’s better to book ahead.
Advance tickets:
- Are cheaper
- Are tied to a specific train
- Can sell out on popular routes
Flexible tickets:
- Cost more
- Allow you to take any train that day
If your plans are fixed, advance tickets are usually the best value.
What about rail passes?
If you’re taking multiple long train journeys, a pass might save money.
Options include:
- Spirit of Scotland Travelpass
- BritRail Pass (for international visitors)
These passes can be good value if you plan to:
- Travel across several cities
- Take longer scenic routes
- Use trains on many consecutive days
But for shorter trips or only one or two journeys, individual tickets are usually cheaper.
Luggage on trains in Scotland
There are no strict luggage rules like on airlines.
You can bring:
- Suitcases
- Backpacks
- Small bags
- Folded pushchairs
You are simply expected to:
- Carry your own luggage
- Store it in luggage racks
- Avoid blocking aisles
If you’re travelling with very large suitcases, try to board early so you can secure space.
Is train travel easy if English isn’t your first language?
Yes — and this is one of the biggest advantages of trains.
- Stations are clearly signed
- Platform numbers are displayed on screens
- Announcements are frequent
- Staff are generally helpful if you ask
You don’t need perfect English to use trains in Scotland successfully.
Pros and cons of travelling Scotland by train
Advantages
- No need to drive
- Relaxing and scenic
- Easy between major towns
- Good for solo travellers
- Environmentally friendly
Disadvantages
- Limited access to remote areas
- Can be expensive for long routes
- Requires planning around timetables
For many travellers, a mix of train + short car hire + occasional tour works best.
Final thoughts: trains are ideal for the right trip
Train travel in Scotland is comfortable, straightforward and often very scenic. It works especially well for:
- City-based itineraries
- First-time visitors
- Travellers who don’t want to drive
- Shorter trips
But it’s also important to be realistic: trains won’t take you everywhere. If your dream is empty beaches, tiny villages and wild mountain roads, you’ll eventually need to leave the rail network behind.
Used well, though, trains can form the backbone of a brilliant Scotland itinerary.
