The Train Hacker

Saving You Money on Train Travel

Cheap & FREE UK Train Tickets for Over 50s & Senior Adults

By Chris P King

over 55 train travel scotland

Seniors and adults over 50 can get cheap and FREE rail tickets for journeys across the UK in 2023.

The deals are harder to find, so we’ve worked hard to give you a comprehensive guide to the best senior rail discounts.

Making the most of Railcard offers, train company discounts, and regional and local concessionary fares can save you £££s.

Cheap & FREE UK Train Tickets for Over 50s & Senior Adults – Quick Links

Senior railcard – 1/3 off train travel in britain for over 60s, other railcard discounts – two together, family & friends & network railcards, 60+ london oyster photocard – free rail travel in london, scotrail club 50 – 20% discount on off-peak and advance tickets.

  • C2C – Senior Rover Travel from Only £7

UK Regional, Urban and Local FREE Senior Rail Travel & Discounts

Cheap rail tickets for over 50s and senior adults in britain – recommendations.

Railcards for Over 50s and Senior Adults

A few Railcard options are available to those over the 50s – travel in pairs Two Together Railcard, travel with grandchildren Family & Friends Railcard, for flexibility to travel on your own get a Senior Railcard – Image credit: Street Photography Addict

Senior Railcard

Senior Railcards are available for anyone over 60.

And you can get money off the card before travelling in 2023.

  • SAVE £20 three-year Senior Railcard
  • 10% OFF one-year Senior Railcard (there are often better deals available)

SAVE money with Senior Railcard discounts

* Senior Railcard discounts are not available on peak time services Monday to Friday wholly within the London & South East Network Railcard area .

Other railcard options for seniors may work out cheaper, depending on your circumstances.

Two Together Railcard – 1/3 OFF Train Travel

  • 10% OFF one-year Two Together Railcard (there are often better deals available)

SAVE money with Two Together Railcard discounts

Family & Friends Railcard – 1/3 OFF Train Travel

  • SAVE £20 three-year Family & Friends Railcard
  • 10% OFF one-year Family & Friends Railcard (there are often better deals available)

SAVE money with Family & Friends Railcard discounts

* Family & Friends Railcard discounts are unavailable during peak services within the London & South East Network Railcard area on Monday to Friday morning.

Network Railcard – 1/3 OFF Train Travel

Adults get 1/3 OFF and children 60% OFF all services after 10.00 in the London & South East Network Railcard area.

SAVE money with Network Railcard discounts

‘Picture yourself in a boat on a river…’ And why not enjoy a day out in Richmond travelling there for FREE with your 60+ London Oyster Photocard – Image credit: © The Train Hacker images/Chris P King

You must be over 60 to be eligible.

What’s the 60+ London Oyster Photocard Deal?

The 60+ London Oyster Photocard costs £20 and gives FREE travel on:

  • London Overground
  • TfL (Transport for London) Rail
  • some National Rail services

Over 60-year-olds living in a London borough. Anyone eligible for a Freedom Pass can’t get this offer.

You can use the 60+ London Oyster Photocard anytime on London Overground and TfL Rail services. Anytime or after 09.30 on some National Rail services.

As well as all London Overground and TfL Rail services, you can use the 60+ London Oyster Photocard on some National Rail services on the:

  • Chiltern Railway
  • Great Northern
  • London Midland
  • Greater Anglia
  • Southeastern

No further railcard or promotional discounts are available with the 60+ London Oyster Photocard.

Where can I buy 60+ London Oyster Photocard?

Buy 60+ London Oyster Photocards from:

  • Online, Post Office & Post

Get a 60+ London Oyster Photocard and SAVE on London rail travel

Scotrail Club 50 membership gets discounts on travel throughout Scotland; why not visit Glasgow? – Image credit: © The Train Hacker images/Chris P King

Scotrail Club 50 is a great way to get savings on train journeys in Scotland for those who aren’t yet eligible for a Senior Railcard .

What’s the Scotrail Club 50 deal?

Scotrail Club 50 members enjoy:

  • 20% OFF selected Off-Peak and Advance fares when bought via the ScotRail website
  • 10% OFF selected Off-Peak and Advance fares when purchased at a train station or over the phone
  • FREE hot drink when travelling with a Club 50 ticket on a route with catering facilities
  • occasional special offers and promotions that save you money

Scotrail Club 50 is open to anyone aged 50 or over.

All Single and Return tickets. Anytime at weekends. Off-peak services Monday to Friday. Restrictions on train services arriving into Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen before 09.30.

Scotrail Club 50 is available on services across the Scotrail and TransPennine Express networks.

No further railcard or promotional discounts are available with the Scotrail Club 50.

How can I buy Scotrail Club 50 tickets?

To get discounted Scotrail Club 50 tickets, you must be a Club 50 member . This only costs £15; you’ll need a photo and email address.

Scotrail Club 50 ticket discounts

Discounts for Scotrail Club 50 members, depending on where you buy your tickets:

  • Online – 20% discount
  • Ticket offices and telephone – 10% discount

Get Scotrail Club 50 membership and save on train tickets in Scotland

Enjoy unlimited one-day travel and visit places like Southend with a c2c Senior Rover ticket – Image credit: Bernie Lampert

c2c – Senior Rover Travel from Only £7

The Senior Rover ticket is an excellent deal for those over 65s to explore Southend, London, The Thames Estuary and everywhere on the c2c network .

What’s the c2c Senior Rover deal?

The c2c Senior Rover allows senior travellers unlimited travel across the c2c network. It costs just £7, or £10, including London destinations.

c2c Senior Rover tickets are available to anyone aged 65 years and over.

All travel from Mondays to Fridays after 09.30, excluding trains within London Travelcard (Zones 1 to 6) from 16:00 to 18:59.

c2c Senior Rover discounts are available at all stations on the c2c rail network. London rail travel on other networks isn’t included, and you can’t use it on London Underground.

You can’t combine the c2c Senior Rover offer with any railcards.

Where can I buy c2c Senior Rover tickets?

You can only buy c2c Senior Rover tickets from ticket offices and bring your passport or driving licence for ID.

Find out more about c2c Senior Rover tickets

There are even more rail discounts for older adults at the regional and urban levels. And in many cases, rail travel is FREE for senior travellers.

England – FREE and discounted senior rail travel

  • Scotland – discounted senior rail travel
  • Wales – discounted senior rail travel
  • Northern Ireland – discounted senior rail travel

Take advantage of UK regional, urban and local FREE and discounted rail travel schemes – Image credit: © The Train Hacker images/Chris P King

Most people know that seniors in England get FREE bus travel but can also get selected FREE and discounted rail travel.

English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS)

The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) covers senior travel discounts in England. ENCTS passes – commonly known as senior bus passes – are issued locally but give cardholders FREE bus travel throughout England.

The ENCTS bus pass also allows FREE and discounted rail travel in some regional and local areas.

Recent age change in England for senior travel concessions

You must now be 66 to get your ENCTS to pass in England. Find out if you’re eligible for FREE bus and train travel .

London – Freedom Pass

The Older Persons Freedom Pass allows FREE travel on most London rail services between 09:30 and 04:30 the following morning. Eligibility is based on age and if you’re a resident of Greater London.

Get FREE senior rail travel with London Freedom Pass

Greater Manchester – £10 per year

Senior travellers who qualify for a state pension get annual off-peak rail travel in Greater Manchester for £10 per year. It includes all trains in Greater Manchester after 09:30 Monday to Friday and anytime at weekends and public holidays. Eligibility is based on age and residency in Greater Manchester.

Get senior rail travel for £10 per year in Greater Manchester

Merseyside – Over 60s Travel Pass

People aged 60 and over get FREE rail travel in Merseyside after 09:30 Monday to Friday and anytime on weekends and public holidays. The first pass costs £10, but after that, they’re FREE. Eligibility is based on age and residency in Merseyside.

Get FREE senior rail travel in Merseyside

South Yorkshire – Senior Travel Pass

Senior travellers aged 66 years and over get 50% OFF rail fares within South Yorkshire between 09:30 and 23:00 Monday to Friday and anytime at weekends and public holidays. Eligibility is based on age and residency in South Yorkshire.

Get 50% OFF senior rail travel in South Yorkshire

Tyne and Wear – Senior Travel Pass

English National Concessionary Travel Pass (CT Pass) holders in Tyne and Wear combined with a Metro Gold Card (£12 per year if you live in Tyne and Wear) get FREE Northern Rail journeys between Newcastle and Sunderland. Eligibility is based on age and residency in Tyne & Wear.

Find out about reduced senior rail tickets in Tyne & Wear

West Midlands – Older Person’s Travel Pass

Senior citizens eligible for FREE bus travel in England get FREE rail travel in the West Midlands inner Blue Zone from 09:30 to 11:59. Eligibility is based on age and residency in the West Midlands.

Get FREE senior train travel in West Midlands

West Yorkshire – Senior Pass

Older people get 50% OFF off-peak rail fares within West Yorkshire Monday to Friday and anytime at weekends and public holidays. Eligibility is based on age and residency in West Yorkshire.

Get 50% OFF rail travel in West Yorkshire

English Local Councils – Senior Rail Travel Discounts

Living outside England’s largest urban areas may still benefit from discounted rail fares for older people.

Find your local council’s website and see if they offer rail deals for seniors.

Scotland – Discounted Senior Rail Travel

Senior adults in Scotland are eligible for FREE bus travel and reduced rail fares throughout Scotland.

National Entitlement Card (NEC)

The National Entitlement Card (NEC) allows older people in Scotland to get travel discounts. Although you get your NEC locally, they let anyone living in Scotland access all discounted travel schemes throughout Scotland.

To get an NEC card, you must be 60 years old and resident in Scotland.

Get a Scottish 60+ National Entitlement Card (NEC)

Rail Discounts in Edinburgh and Glasgow for the Over 60s

Scotland’s largest cities offer the following rail travel discounts:

  • Glasgow – discounted rail travel on journeys within Strathclyde and Glasgow Subway
  • Edinburgh – FREE tram journeys in Edinburgh

Rail Discounts Around Scotland

Reduced train fares for 60+ NEC holders are also available in other parts of Scotland. Find out from your local authority or Transport for Scotland .

Wales – Discounted Senior Rail Travel

You can get FREE bus travel if you live in Wales and are 60 or over. But some don’t realise that FREE rail travel is available in areas where bus travel is limited.

Welsh Concessionary Travel Pass

The Welsh Government Concessionary Travel Scheme covers travel discounts for older people in Wales. It offers FREE bus travel throughout Wales to residents aged 60+. Also, depending on the route, you get FREE and discounted rail travel.

Find out more about discounted senior rail travel in Wales

Northern Ireland – Discounted Rail Travel

SmartPasses cover travel discounts for senior citizens in Northern Ireland. These allow FREE bus and rail travel within Northern Ireland and throughout Ireland.

60+ Smartpass

If you’re between 60 and 64 and a permanent Northern Ireland resident, you can get a 60 Plus SmartPass. It entitles you to FREE bus and rail travel throughout Northern Ireland.

Senior (65+0 SmartPass

If you’re over 65 and a permanent Northern Ireland resident, you can get a Senior SmartPass. It entitles you to FREE bus and most rail travel throughout the whole of Ireland.

Find out about how to apply for SmartPasses

Senior rail travellers in the UK have plenty of options to get cheap train tickets, while others will be delighted to get them for FREE – Image credit: Nicolas Alejandro

If you’ve reached 50, you can benefit from cheaper rail tickets in Scotland. To make the most of the deals, you’ll need to weigh the costs of train tickets plus Club 50 or Senior Railcard membership.

You can still get deals in other parts of Britain if you’re 55 and over. Most run through the latter half of autumn and during the winter months.

It only takes travelling a few times a year for a Senior Railcard to save you money. These are available only for those over 60s.

Another option if you regularly travel with a partner or friend is to buy a Two Together Railcard , where you both save. A Family & Friends Railcard offers excellent savings if you like to take the grandchildren on trips out.

And don’t also forget to take advantage of regional and local council deals. London, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland residents can start benefiting from FREE or discounted rail travel when they’re 60. People throughout the rest of England have to wait until they’re 66, but there are still deals for those that look.

Image credits: Street Photography Addict , Bernie Lampert, Nicolas Alejandro

Concessionary travel

Cheaper travel with the National Entitlement Card scheme.

Minister for Transport Fiona Hyslop and Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings and Active Travel and Tenants’ Rights Patrick Harvie holding up a cardboard Young Scot card along with Wester Hailes High School students.

100 million free bus journeys made by under 22s

More than 100 million free bus journeys have been made since the Scottish Government introduced free bus travel for under 22s.

Our concessionary travel schemes make getting about easier and cheaper for people in Scotland. And by making more sustainable travel choices easier to access, we can help to tackle the climate emergency as well.

Over 2 million people across Scotland can travel for free by bus, and eligible islands residents can access free ferry vouchers too.

Find out more about the free and discounted travel on offer.

Two girls getting on a bus for free due to the Under 22's scheme.

Under 22s free bus travel

Young people and children in Scotland who are aged 5-21 can apply for a card to access free bus travel.

Two people who are aged 60 and over, enjoying access to free bus travel.

60+ or disabled free bus travel

People in Scotland who are aged 60 and over, and disabled people who meet the eligibility criteria can apply for a card to access free bus travel.

over 55 train travel scotland

Ferry vouchers

Eligible islands residents who have a National Entitlement Card can get two free return ferry journeys to the mainland each year.

A person scanning a Young Scot card on a bus for free travel.

Other concessionary travel and discounts

Find out about other concessionary travel schemes and discounted travel in Scotland.

The Transport Scot Pass Collect app on a mobile phone.

The Transport Scot Pass Collect app

Find out more about the Transport Scot Pass Collect app and how to use it.

A graph report.

Reporting misuse

How to report concerns about misuse of the concessionary travel schemes for investigation.

Getting and using your card

How to apply.

  • Apply online at getyournec.scot
  • Find contact details to apply through your local council

Using your card

  • Find out about using your NEC on other transport modes

Help with travelling

  • Find out more about the Thistle Assistance Card

Concessionary travel and smart ticketing privacy policy

Our concessionary travel and smart ticketing privacy policy outlines how we use, store and share the personal information we hold about you in connection with our national concessionary travel schemes.

ScotRail Club 50 Smartcard

Scotrail club 50.png.

ScotRail Club 50 smartcard

The ScotRail Club 50 smartcard offers discounted rail travel tickets for people over 50.

As the Club 50 smartcard is ITSO-enabled you can load travel tickets from other transport operators and modes onto it. However, if you wish to take advantage of the discounted rail travel, you must present the Club 50 smartcard upon purchase and travel, so Club 50 tickets should not be loaded onto other smartcards.

Getting Around Scotland by Train FAQs

All aboard! Travelling around Scotland by train is often a rewarding way to see the very best of the country. Once aboard a train, you can sit back and enjoy your journey to some incredible destinations.

over 55 train travel scotland

Bridge of Orchy train

© VisitScotland / Luigi Di Pasquale

over 55 train travel scotland

A group of friends at Perth Train Station

Getting Around by Train Faqs

Top tip for train travel: you can regularly get cheaper travel by booking your tickets in advance.

over 55 train travel scotland

Trains at the platforms of Glasgow Central Station

WHERE CAN I GO BY TRAIN?

There are rail connections to each of Scotland's eight cities. The rail network links many of towns and villages across the country with main lines running north and south through the east and west, but you'll find it is most dense in the central belt.

You can buy tickets at:

  • Train stations
  • From major travel agents
  • Over the phone and online with a credit or debit card.

If the ticket office at the station is closed, there is usually an automatic ticket machine, but you can also buy a ticket on board from the inspector using cash or a credit/debit card. However, the inspector cannot always issue discounted or special offer tickets.

There are seven different types of  train tickets  available for most journeys:

  • Anytime tickets are unreserved standard class tickets which can be used at all times of the day.
  • Off-Peak tickets allow for cheaper travel during specific hours when the trains are not as busy.
  • Super Off-Peak tickets is a great way to save on your train fare and is valid between 11:00 and 14:59, and after 20:00, Monday to Friday.
  • First Class tickets allow for travel in carriages with extra space, electrical sockets for laptops etc, and sometimes include complimentary refreshments.
  • Advance train tickets allow you to buy online or from a ticket office around twelve weeks before you travel. The earlier you book your tickets, the more money you'll save.
  • Groupsave tickets allow for cheaper travel if you're travelling with a group of 3 or more.
  • Kids for a Quid tickets are valid at the weekend or on any off-peak service. For every paying adult, up to four children can travel for just £1 return.

Be sure to check the  luggage, bicycle and animal guidelines  in advance if you wish to use these facilities.

A couple enjoying an afternoon aboard the Borders steam train

A couple enjoying an afternoon aboard the Borders steam train

© VisitScotland / David N Anderson

DISCOUNT FARES AND PASSES

ScotRail trains offer ticket discounts which are available based on various categories including age, group travel, advance bookings, and time of travel.

ScotRail also offer flexible travel passes and other passes for the benefits of travellers. These include:

  • Spirit of Scotland Travelpass  - gives unlimited train travel within Scotland. The pass is also valid on some buses in certain regions, on all Caledonian MacBrayne ferries and gives discounts on Northlink ferries to Orkney and Shetland.
  • Highland Rover  and  Central Scotland Rover  - flexible tickets offering unlimited train travel and travel on other modes of public transport. 
  • Rail and Sail tickets  - combines rail and ferry tickets for great value in one ticket and can be purchased from ScotRail.

GLASGOW'S SUBWAY

Scotland's only  subway  is located in Glasgow and is known as 'the Clockwork Orange' due to its bright exterior. It's a cheap and efficient way to travel around the city and several stations also provide a park & ride facility.

Singles, returns, all day and 7-day tickets are available from all Subway ticket offices and automatic machines, whilst other tickets and passes covering multiple days can be purchased online from the  Strathclyde Partnership for Transport .

The Borders Railway

The Borders Railway

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

TRAIN TRAVEL AROUND THE UK AND ON TO EUROPE

If Scotland is only a part of your itinerary, there are a range of  passes  are available that allow unlimited travel across Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales.

You can purchase a  BritRail pass  before you leave your own country, through local travel agents or online. Look out for various discounts available for young travellers under the age of 26 or over the age of 60, and for families.

If you've been resident in a European country other than the UK for at least 6 months, an  InterRail pass , allowing unlimited train travel within Britain, could save you money, if you're visiting Scotland as part of a longer European trip.

Plan a Scenic Train Trip

Travel in style on the Scottish railways and make the journey part of the adventure.

over 55 train travel scotland

Glenfinnan Viaduct

Scenic Railway Journeys in Scotland

Experience some of the world's most scenic train routes right here in Scotland. 

Useful Information

Find out which destinations are on the rail network and get routes, timetables and tickets with ScotRail, as well as accessible train travel info.

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Book train tickets with ScotRail

Find out which destinations are on the rail network and get routes, timetables and tickets.

National Rail Accessible Travel

It's possible to reserve a seat which is accessible, or even book assistance at a train station. See accessibility information.

over 55 train travel scotland

ScotRail Accessible Travel

ScotRail is dedicated to assisting disabled customers and those people who need extra help.

over 55 train travel scotland

Acessible Travel Hub

The Accessible Travel Hub is here to provide you with information and resources about accessible travel in Scotland.

over 55 train travel scotland

Thistle Assistance App

Download the Thistle Assistance app to help you during your journey.

over 55 train travel scotland

At some train stations in Glasgow and Stirling you can pick up bicycles at nextbike at any time of the day.

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Trains and the subway

Concessionary train travel.

Some local councils offer over-60 and disabled people free or discounted train travel. Visit the National Rail Enquiries website to check if this is available in your area.

Only holders of National Entitlement Cards can get concessionary train travel. Visit Transport Scotland to find out how to apply.

Senior Railcard

With a Senior Railcard, anyone aged 60 or over can save a third on standard and first class train fares throughout Great Britain.

You can buy a Senior Railcard online or at mainline train stations.

Disabled Persons Railcard

If you have a disability that makes travelling by train difficult, you might qualify for the Disabled Persons Railcard. You'll get a third off most train fares throughout Great Britain. If you're travelling with an adult companion, they can get the same discount.

You can buy a Disabled Persons Railcard online or at mainline train stations.

Rail travel assistance for disabled passengers

Train companies usually arrange for staff to meet you at your departure station, accompany you to the train and see you safely on board.

Similar arrangements can be made at your destination station and other stations if you need to change trains. For example, ramps can be provided for wheelchair users.

For further information, visit the ScotRail website.

The Subway (Glasgow)

The Subway in Glasgow has some accessibility features:

  • wheelchairs are allowed in the subway if folded
  • guide dogs and hearing dogs are welcome
  • ticket offices have amplification equipment for customers with hearing problems

Further information on mobility and access is available via the SPT website.

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Out About Scotland Logo

How to Tour Scotland by Train

Tour Scotland Train

Scotland has several train lines that are perfect for exploring the country, including the Kyle Line, the Far North Line, the West Highland Line, the Carlisle Line, the Stranraer Line, and the Borders Railway. Discover everything you need to know about how to tour Scotland by train in this ultimate guide, which includes information about the main train lines and an itinerary for an 8-day train tour of Scotland.

The Best Train Journeys in Scotland

Glenfinnan Train

Scotland doesn’t waste an inch of its landscapes when it comes to impressing visitors. From the dramatic coastal railway that runs between Stranraer and Glasgow to the stunning scenery of the West Highland Line, you’re never far from amazing experiences when you hop on board a train.

The sights you’ll see vary in each part of the country so you might consider combining a few routes into one holiday, or if you’re pushed for time maybe just choose your favourite line and base yourself somewhere along it.

A top tip here would be Edinburgh,, where you’ve got city attractions on your doorstep and the Highlands just a couple of hours train ride away if you fancy a day in the mountains, with the Scottish Borders less than an hour away in the opposite direction. Alternatively, you could head over to the west coast and explore Glasgow before setting off south on the Carlisle and Stranraer lines, both of which offer vastly different scenery from the standard tourist hotspots in the Highlands.

Whatever you choose, whether it’s a visit to Loch Ness to see the monster , a tour of Scotland’s whisky distilleries or an excursion into the rugged scenery of the west coast, getting there by train makes it just that wee bit more pleasurable.

The following list of scenic railway journeys in Scotland will give you an overview of each line along with recommended places to stop and visit.

Map of Train Lines in Scotland

Scenic Railways Map

The West Highland Line

Start and end points: Glasgow to Mallaig. Journey time: 3 hours 50 minutes. Highlights: The Highland town of Fort William. Glenfinnan and the spectacular viaduct.

Download the route map from ScotRail .

Glenfinnan Jacobite Train Carriages

The West Highland Line – or at least the section of it from Fort William to Mallaig – has gained legendary status among Scotland’s tourists.

Everybody knows the scene in the Harry Potter films where the Hogwarts Express transports the young wizard to the magical wizardry school across a multi-arched viaduct. But not everybody knows that this is actually set in the village of Glenfinnan which in addition to the viaduct features gorgeous views from the Glenfinnan Monument across the shores of Loch Shiel.

The section of the railway track as it winds its way north towards Mallaig has been repeatedly voted the best railway journey in the world, and having taken The Jacobite Steam Train myself I have to say it lives up to the title, and then some.

The Jacobite is a 1930s steam locomotive that puffs its way on the 84-mile return journey past a series of stunning Highland vistas. Unlike the other railways, which use modern diesel and electric locomotives with brand-new carriages, the Jacobite pulls restored 1960s carriages, which makes the whole experience feel very special indeed.

The line starts near Ben Nevis (the highest mountain in Britain) before heading towards Arisaig (the furthest-west train station), passing Loch Morar (the deepest freshwater loch) and skirting the River Morar (the shortest river in Britain) before arriving at Mallaig near Loch Nevis (the deepest seawater loch in Britain).

Once at Mallaig, you can take a boat trip around the coastline to see Britain’s largest birds – sea eagles – which hunt from the surrounding clifftops, or you can take a ferry over to the Isle of Skye and its extraordinary landscapes. Or, of course, you can just head back to Fort William on a return journey.

If you’d like to take this amazing train ride I recommend using Get Your Guide which is one of the biggest and best booking websites for activities and tours in Scotland.

The Borders Line

Start and end points: Tweedbank to Edinburgh. Journey time: 1 hour. Highlights: The Borders countryside. The mighty Arthurs Seat in Edinburgh’s Holyrood Park .

The Borders Railway is one of the newest stretches of track in Britain and the first to be built in Scotland in over 100 years. This is a route that’s best used to explore Edinburgh and the Lothians, though I have to admit the Borders are a lovely part of Scotland as well.

The scenery isn’t mountainous and dramatic like you’ll find in the Highlands but it’s certainly picturesque, crossing lowland fields, woodland, and quaint country villages along the way.

Much of this line passes through former mining villages which admittedly don’t have much to offer visitors, but there’s a good tourist attraction in the town of Gorebridge that showcases one of the former mines with a guided tour. Having visited the mine myself I have to say it’s well worth the trip, so check out the National Mining Museum website for the current times and prices.

Once past Gorebridge, you’ll pass open farmland before stopping at Galashiels and Tweedbank. I’d personally give Galashiels a miss and get out at Tweedbank instead as you can take a short walk to visit Abbotsford House which was the ancestral home of Scottish author Sir Walter Scott.

Scott was one of the greatest writers of his time and was so revered that after his death the city of Edinburgh built the Scott Monument as a dedication to him.

scott monument

You can’t fail to miss the Gothic masterpiece Scott Monument in Edinburgh’s Princes Street (it’s not far from Waverley train station) and it has to be one of the highlights of a visit to the city. The monument is the largest ever created in the world for a writer, and it features an internal winding staircase that allows visitors to look at the cityscape from several viewing platforms

Sticking with the Scottish Borders, another attraction not far from Tweedbank is the historic market town of Melrose which is a lovely quaint wee place that’ll give you a good taste of rural Scotland. It’s also home to Melrose Abbey which is a fascinating ruined abbey close to the River Tweed.

The only negative I have about the Borders railway is that it gets incredibly busy with Edinburgh commuters at peak times which means there’s often standing room only, but travel outside those hours and you’ll have a very relaxed journey.

The Carlisle Line

Start and end points: Carlisle to Glasgow. Journey time: 2 hours 30 minutes. Highlights: Gretna Green , home of untold marriage proposals. Glasgow and its fantastic shopping malls and restaurants.

over 55 train travel scotland

Just like the Borders Line, the Carlisle Line starts in the countryside of the Scottish Borders, only this time it’s on the other side of the country and finishes in Glasgow instead of Edinburgh.

The similarities between the railway lines continue along the length of this journey as it’s mostly low-lying farmland broken up by the occasional country town, but it does have a couple of stages that make it stand out from the other lines in this list. The first of these has to be Gretna Green which is the second stop after Carlisle.

If you’re an international visitor and are unfamiliar with this place it’s one of the most famous villages in Britain where tens of thousands of young couples fled to get married after England tightened marriage laws in the 1700s.

There’s a decent tourist attraction at the Gretna Green Blacksmiths Shop – the original site of those impromptu marriages – that includes a restaurant, museum, shops and a lover’s maze, and it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re romantically inclined or looking to surprise your other half with a proposal.

After Gretna Green, you’ll pass the town of Dumfries a little further up the track which is a historic market town with a lovely river cutting through it (the River Nith) and a museum dedicated to Scotland’s national poet Robert Burns . It’s worth spending extra time in this area as a little further away lies Caerlaverock Castle and the Solway Firth which are both great places to visit, especially if you’ve got children in tow.

Continuing along the Carlisle Line takes you through rolling countryside which is nice enough but not exactly jaw-dropping, but it does at least finish in Glasgow which in my opinion is one of the most exciting cities in Britain.

Glasgow has way too many attractions to list in this article so you might like to check out The Best Places To Visit in Glasgow for a few ideas on what you can do in Scotland’s biggest city. The museums are fantastic and there are more parks, galleries, restaurants, and shopping malls than you’ll ever be able to fit into a single visit, with the bonus being that all the best attractions are completely free to enter.

The Far North Line

Start and end points: Inverness to Wick. Journey time: 4 hours 30 minutes. Highlights: The historic town of Wick. The photogenic Dunrobin Castle.

Highland Train Station

Possibly the remotest railway in Scotland, the Far North Line runs from the city of Inverness to the (almost-but-not-quite) most northern point of the country at Wick.

Wide-open and desolate, much of the scenery that glides past the window is barren grassland interspersed with the occasional mountain, and it’s not surprising that this part of Scotland is one of the least inhabited regions in Europe outside of the steppes of Russia. But that’s not to say the journey isn’t worth making as there are several sights that more than make up for the apparent desolation.

Starting in Inverness the line sweeps up the northeast edge of Scotland in a gently sweeping arc, crossing the Cromarty Firth and Invergordon along the way. To be honest, I’d give Invergordon a miss, but the Cromarty Firth is lovely in the summer and makes a great starting point for cyclists keen to follow the tourist road up the NC500 towards John O’ Groats .

If cycling isn’t your thing you can continue the train ride to Tain (home of Glenmorangie whisky) and Dunrobin Castle which is arguably the finest castle in Scotland. The train station is just a short distance from this historic attraction so you may as well stop and visit it as it’s a real gem with stunning architecture that faces a drop-dead gorgeous coastline.

The Far North Line continues past Dunrobin for the majority of its journey along the northeast coast till it finally makes a diversion west to Thurso before doubling back on itself at Wick.

Dunrobin Castle

Thurso is an ok town and while I’ve only visited it once it was raining so it came across as being a bit… grey. Wick isn’t that much better on the looks front but it has a lot of history to be proud of because at one time it was one of the biggest herring fishing ports in the world.

They’re certainly proud of their heritage in Wick which is clearly displayed in the excellent Wick Heritage Museum that’s hidden away at the far end of the harbour. It’s an absolute Tardis in there so don’t get put off by the unassuming frontage as you’ll easily spend a couple of hours exploring the exhibits.

Finally, no train journey on the Far North Line is complete without taking a short detour to Scotland’s most northerly point at John O’ Groats . This is quite a busy little attraction that looks out across the sea to Orkney in the distance, and a selfie in front of the famous signpost is an absolute must if you’re visiting the area.

My advice after wandering around the (slightly gimmicky) tourist area is to take a short walk up the coastline to see the mighty Duncansby Stacks, which are enormous rock formations set against the backdrop of very dramatic cliffs.

The Stranraer Line

Start and end points: Stranraer to Glasgow. Journey time: 2 hours 30 minutes. Highlights: The beach at Ayr. The city of Glasgow.

robert burns

I’d say the Stranraer Line is probably the least-used by visiting tourists, mainly because this corner of southwest Scotland doesn’t have as many attractions as the rest of the country. While the Solway Firth to the south draws visitors from far and wide who admire its attractive bays and nature reserves, the stretch of coastline further north tends to go a little unnoticed, even though it gets more attractive the further north you go.

This railway branches off at several points, but the main line from the fishing port of Stranraer to Glasgow is the focus of the journey, with the coastal towns of Ayr and Troon offering a pleasant contrast to the farmland that so inspired the poet Robert Burns .

Both towns have decent enough beaches but not much else, although Ayr is notable for the river running through it and the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum . Troon, meanwhile, is worth visiting for the views across the Firth of Clyde towards the Isle of Arran and Royal Troon, which is a large golf course that regularly hosts the Open Championship.

The town is also a quick 5-minute train ride from Prestwick International Airport, so if you’re visiting and have a few hours to kill before the next flight, it makes a decent place to get some fresh air before getting onboard that stuffy plane.

From Troon, the track curves inland past Lochs Semple, Barr,, and Kilbirnie before sweeping further inland past Paisley and onwards into the heart of Glasgow. One attraction you might like to visit before the final stop in Glasgow city centre is Pollock Country Park .

This is the largest park in Glasgow and features lots of woodland and riverside walks, play parks and walled gardens, and as it’s just a few minutes bus ride from the Cardonald train station you can easily get there if you fancy a break from the busy city.

The Kyle Line

Start and end points: Inverness to the Kyle of Lochalsh. Journey time: 2 hours 40 minutes. Highlights: The Torridon Peaks, Achnashellach Forest, Ben Wyvis.

Inverness

The Kyle Line stretches across North Scotland from Inverness – the capital of the Highlands – to Loch Alsh on the west coast. This is one of the most scenic train journeys in this list and it’s a firm favourite with visitors thanks to the stunning scenery.

You’ll start your journey in Inverness which is easily reached from all the main stations in Scotland, though it might take a little while to get there as the country’s other cities are either located on the east coast or much further south. Expect the train ride from Glasgow and Edinburgh to take around 4 hours to reach Inverness and around 2 hours from Aberdeen.

From Inverness, the train passes the Beauly Firth (a body of water that connects the River Ness to the Moray Firth) and Dingwall where you’ll see the hulking mass of Ben Wyvis. This sprawling mountain dominates the landscape and it’s a recommended hill-walking destination, with the undulating ridge running 3 miles to its highest point at Glas Leathad Mor which has an elevation of just over 3,400 feet.

From Dingwall, the line passes through a mountainous Highland region near Loch Garve where you’ll see the peaks of Torridon before entering a region of thick forest as the track makes its way to Loch Luichart.

There are several points on this journey where the rail track closely follows a relatively busy road (the A835) but once it gets near the loch it runs alongside much quieter roads to the final destination at the Kyle of Lochalsh. From there, you’re just a stone’s throw from the Isle of Skye so you may as well hire a car and cross the Skye bridge to explore this famous west coast island.

There’s a car hire company close to the Kyle Line end terminal if you want to extend your journey and if you do I suggest you take a short drive (about 10 miles) towards the spectacular Eilean Donan Castle while you’re in the area. This stunning castle is situated at the meeting point of lochs Long, Duich, and Alsh (one of the prettiest viewpoints in Scotland) and it’s an absolute must-do if you’re visiting the area.

One-Week Scotland Train Tour Itinerary

Now that we’ve looked at the main railway lines in Scotland, you might be wondering how to put it all together for an extended tour of the country. A quick look online shows lots of opinions about where to go and in what order to see each region, but almost all itineraries involve visiting Edinburgh, Glasgow, The Highlands, and the Isle of Skye.

Concentrating on those areas will show you the best of Scotland – from historic cities to wild mountainous landscapes – on a tour that should take around one week to complete.

Rather than just regurgitate what every other travel writer says, in the following section I’m going to show you the same train tour I took a couple of years ago which I’ve no hesitation in saying was one of the best experiences of my life.

To begin, I bought a Spirit of Scotland rail pass (details further down this page) that gave me unlimited rail travel across the country for 8 days and pre-booked hotels in the middle of each area. I then used each hotel as a base and either took public transport or hired a car to go sightseeing.

By booking everything myself I managed to get the total cost down to around £800, which admittedly isn’t the cheapest holiday in the world but it’s a lot cheaper than most of the specialist package holiday dealers are asking (£2000+ for a week-long train tour of Scotland. Ouch!).

Edinburgh

Day 1: Edinburgh

Edinburgh needs no introduction as it’s one of the most-visited tourist cities in Europe and is full of so many world-famous attractions it simply has to be included in a train tour of Scotland.

A single day really isn’t enough to see all of Edinburgh, but because the city is so compact you can walk between the top attractions without ever feeling like you’re getting lost. To start your day I recommend walking from Waverley train station in the city centre to Princes Street Gardens which is home to The Scott Monument and the National Galleries of Scotland.

From the gardens, head to Edinburgh Castle (be aware you could easily spend most of the day at this single attraction), and then soak up the atmosphere of The Royal Mile before taking a look inside St. Giles Cathedra l. If you have time, continue down The Royal Mile to Holyrood Palace , or perhaps stretch your legs in Holyrood Park where you can climb to the top of Arthur’s Seat for unparalleled views of the city.

To be honest, you’ll never fit all of that into a single day unless you fly around everything, so you’ll have to pick what interests you most. I recommend Edinburgh Castle (a must-do), The Royal Mile and the cathedral, followed by Holyrood Palace and Holyrood Park if you have any time before the sun sets.

As far as getting around the city goes, you could walk and hope to stumble across all the main sights, but I can tell you from personal experience you’ll have a much more enjoyable time by using a hop-on hop-off tour bus to visit the top attractions.

Day 2: Central Scotland

McManus Museum

Day 2 centres around Fife, Perthshire, and Angus in Central Scotland. This is a less-visited part of Scotland but it features the gorgeous east coast, the forests of Perthshire’s ‘big tree country’, and the possibility of exploring the historic St. Andrews and Scone Palace.

On my tour, I based myself in Dundee, saw the city in the morning, and then took a train ride to Perth in the afternoon. Dundee is a historic city that borders the estuary of the River Tay and the North Sea, and it has a couple of very good attractions in the city centre.

My recommended itinerary is to book accommodation near Dundee train station and walk to the V&A Design Museum and the RRS Discovery, or get a taxi to the superb McManus Museum . Alternatively, take a train to Leuchars (20 minutes) and then take a bus to St. Andrews which is an exceptionally pretty historic town that has a lovely beachfront with a castle, St. Andrews Aquarium , and St. Andrews Cathedral .

From Dundee it’s another short train ride (20 minutes) to the city of Perth which offers lovely riverside walks along the River Tay, the Black Watch Castle and Museum, and the stunning Scone Palace (you’ll need to book a 20-minute taxi from Perth city centre to get to it). If you don’t feel like heading to Perth, another very good historic attraction is the 600-year-old Glamis Castle, which is a 30-minute taxi ride from the centre of Dundee.

Day 3: The Cairngorms National Park

Cairngorm Funicular

From Dundee, it’s a 2-hour train ride to Aviemore which will take you into the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. The park is situated in the heart of the Scottish Highlands and is the largest national park in the UK, so if you’ve any interest in exploring the wilds of Scotland this is your best opportunity.

Aviemore is often called the gateway to the Highlands and you’ll no doubt find yourself sharing the experience with lots of walkers, cyclists, and skiers thanks to the Cairngorm Mountain Centre which is a 20-minute taxi ride from the town centre.

The centre allows visitors to walk partway up Cairn Gorm mountain where they’ll have breathtaking views across the Highlands landscape at the Coire Cas viewpoint, or they can take the easier option on a funicular railway that glides up and down the mountain slopes.

Other attractions in the area are Loch Morlich (home to the highest beach in Britain), the beautiful Glenmore Forest Park, and the wonderful Cairngorm Reindeer Centre where you can say hello to the UK’s only herd of wild reindeer.

If you have time, a 20-minute drive south of Aviemore takes visitors to The Highland Wildlife Park which features a mini safari around enclosures that house some of the animals that live in the world’s remotest cold regions (including polar bears!).

This is a fantastic tourist attraction and is highly recommended if you have children with you, as is the beautiful Rothiemurchus Estate which offers fun activities in the Highland landscape including pony trekking, quad biking, mountain biking, and white water rafting.

Day 4: Inverness and Loch Ness

River Ness

This is a short train ride at around 45 minutes but it’s very pretty, so keep your camera at the ready.

Once in Inverness (the unofficial capital of the Highlands), you’ll find lots of attractions in the surrounding area, but the one essential place to visit has to be Loch Ness . Inverness sits at the northern end of the loch, where it transitions into the River Ness, which opens out onto the Beauly Firth.

A search on Get Your Guide will bring up lots of tour operators that run excursions to the Loch, or alternatively, hire a car as you’ll be able to explore the loch in your own time (try Travel Supermarket for good car hire deals).

Highlights of Loch Ness are visiting the historic Urquhart Castle and taking a boat tour to see the loch from the water (it’s the best way to see the infamous Loch Ness monster).

To get to either you’ll need to travel along the A82 which is very scenic and presents several spots to pull the car over and admire the body of water with a picnic in hand – but make sure Nessie doesn’t steal your sandwiches.

Heading back to Inverness you’ll find it’s a rather attractive city but there aren’t many attractions in the centre. However, a short (30-minute) taxi ride will take you to Fort George which is a huge 18th-century military base that overlooks the Moray Firth.

The fort features museums, a military chapel, barrack blocks, a munitions depot and much more, but the highlight has to be standing on the gunnery platform and looking across the sea to Chanonry Point which is home to Britain’s only permanent resident dolphin pod.

Day 5 and 6: The Isle of Skye

The Quiraing

This part of the tour sees visitors hopping back on the train and heading to Dingwall before swapping onto the Kyle Line which finishes at Kyle of Lochalsh.

Before heading to Skye, I recommend heading to Eilean Donan Castle which is located a 15-minute taxi ride from Kyle of Lochalsh on the A87. The castle is one of, if not the , most picturesque castles in Scotland, so if you haven’t been to a castle by this point Eilean Donan is the place to go.

After the castle, it’s time to cross the Syke Bridge to spend time on the stunning Isle of Skye, though be aware that even two days is not enough time to see all of the island. If you do, you’ll find a hire car (Travel Supermarket) is an absolute necessity, as although it’s possible to use buses and taxis on Skye, they’re few and far between.

A car, meanwhile, means you can drive to stunning places like the Fairy Glen (a natural landscape of strange earthworks), the Fairy Pools (a series of pools and waterfalls), and the Quiraing (a dramatic landscape formed by an ancient landslide).

Other highlights of Skye are Dunvegan Castle on the island’s northwest tip, the pretty village of Portree, and the huge rock landmark of the Old Man of Storr . There are also lovely beaches surrounding the island, lots of walks into the Black and Red Cuillin mountains, and ferry trips over to the secluded Isle of Raasay.

There’s a lot to see, so if you do find yourself wondering where to go I recommend at least the Fairy Pools, Portree, the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing, and Dunvegan Castle. After finishing your sightseeing tour you’ll need to travel down to the southwest tip of the island to Armadale and then catch a ferry to Mallaig on the mainland where you can continue your journey on the iconic West Highland Line.

Day 7: The West Highland Line and Glasgow

Glasgow

I already covered the West Highland Line earlier in this article so I won’t repeat myself here, other than to say it is, without doubt, the most scenic railway in Scotland.

By far the best way to experience the route is on the restored Jacobite steam train which runs from Fort William to Mallaig and back in a single day, but sadly the train doesn’t offer one-way tickets so you can’t join it from Mallaig. Instead, visitors can clamber aboard the regular ScotRail carriages to make this journey which isn’t as historic but is certainly quieter and comfier.

The entire journey from Mallaig to Glasgow takes 5-6 hours depending on the time of travel, but there are a couple of places to break it up if you’d like to add an extra day onto the itinerary.

The first is the town of Fort William which is a superb place to base yourself for hikes up nearby Ben Nevis. Climbing Britain’s highest mountain is a dream of many people, but as the return route takes 7-8 hours on average it needs a full day to plan, complete, and recover from. The second place to take an extra day on the West Highland Line is Oban which opens up opportunities for exploring the western isles.

Depending on the ferry times I recommend sailing from Oban to Craignure on Mull as the crossing takes less than an hour and there are usually at least 3 ferries every day.

Returning to the West Highland Line and its endpoint in Glasgow, you probably won’t want to do too much sightseeing when you arrive, but there are plenty of nighttime activities to enjoy thanks to the city’s unmatched collection of bars, restaurants, late-night shopping malls and cinemas.

The best place for families to go on an early evening outing is the city centre around Queen Street and Argyll Streets as there are dozens of family-friendly places to eat, but couples might prefer to head to the Finnieston Strip which is livelier and has more traditional bars.

Highlights have to be the Riverside Museum of Transport on the River Clyde, The Tall Ship (a restored sailing ship) that’s moored outside, and the Glasgow Science Centre that’s located almost directly opposite.

History lovers will no doubt enjoy wandering around the grand Glasgow Cathedral and the Necropolis (a vast Victorian cemetery), while anyone who enjoys museums will have a blast at Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum and the Hunterian Museum at the University of Glasgow .

Day 8: Edinburgh and the Borders Line

Melrose Abbey

Following a busy day of sightseeing in Glasgow, it’s now time to return to Edinburgh with another train journey that takes less than an hour door to door. The bonus here is that you’ll have plenty of time to see everything you couldn’t fit into day one of this train tour, or alternatively, you could venture outside the capital.

If that interests you I have two options to recommend.

The first is to book yourself onto a Get Your Guide tour that will take you to fascinating places like Rosslyn Chapel , and the second is to take a ride on the Borders Railway. This train line opens up the pretty countryside south of Edinburgh where quaint villages and enormous medieval abbeys appear to lie around every corner.

The Scottish Borders is a very underrated region in my opinion, and watching it glide past the window in a train carriage is, without doubt, the nicest way to see it.

My advice for places to visit on the Borders Railway is to ride it to the last station at Tweedbank and then take a taxi to Abbotsford House which is a stunning Victorian mansion set in an incredibly scenic location. The house was built by famed Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott and is full to the brim with collections of books, artefacts from Scott’s travels, curios, and vintage books, while the extensive grounds outside offer pleasant walks through manicured gardens.

The Borders Line takes an hour each way from Edinburgh to Tweedbank and Abbotsford House has enough things to see to keep visitors busy for around 4 hours, making this wee adventure a nice relaxed end to a busy week of touring Scotland by train.

Scottish borders

Resources for Scotland Train Tours

The Trainline : The Trainline is the UK’s favourite train ticket booking service, mainly due to the fact they make the process so easy.

Once you’ve registered you can enter your credit card details and book your tickets online with the minimum of fuss, and being able to reserve a ticket when you’re late is an absolute godsend. Not only that but you’ll usually get a big discount by purchasing your ticket through them – sometimes up to 60% or more compared to buying at the station.

ScotRail : ScotRail is Scotland’s main train operator that provides the majority of the routes detailed in this article. While you’ll frequently hear weary commuters complaining about the service, I have to admit I’ve never had any problems using any train in Scotland whether it’s been for work or pleasure.

Scotrail Train

As a whole the carriages are clean and they’re usually on time. Not to Japanese or Swiss ultra-efficient standards or anything, but never more than a few minutes deviation from the stated time (again, this is purely based on my personal experience here in Edinburgh).

ScotRail gets top marks for its website which seems to offer more and more information the deeper you delve into it. It’s a great resource for rail travel in Scotland and it’s a website that you should definitely bookmark if you’re a new visitor to this country.

Traffic Scotland : Where would the humble commuter be without Traffic Scotland ? Probably gnawing their steering wheels in frustration at being stuck in yet more roadworks I’m guessing, or seething at the fact the fast lane has been closed for repairs AGAIN.

Traffic Scotland distributes real-time information about closures, delays, accidents, and general annoyances on the country’s road network, but it also provides information on the rail network.

It’s not the easiest website to navigate admittedly and the design looks like it’s straight out of 1995, but the information is reliable nonetheless. For rail travel, click the Further Travel Information > Travel information Links section in the sidebar and then the ‘Are you interested in air, rail…’ link at the top of the next page.

You’ll find links to all the main train stations in Scotland along with details of any line closures and whether the next train is on time or not.

Traveline Scotland : The one website I go back to time and time again when planning a train journey is Traveline Scotland . This website has a very useful journey planner that you can access from their homepage which allows you to enter a beginning and endpoint along with a departure time, after which it displays the travel time and train route on a big map.

It really helps to be able to see the journey you’ll be taking and makes it a breeze to see which attractions are located around each station – which is essential when planning a whistle-stop tour of Scotland. Take my advice and bookmark it ASAP.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to see on a train tour of scotland.

The Borders Line : The Borders countryside and Arthurs Seat in Edinburgh’s Holyrood Park . The Carlisle Line : Gretna Green and Glasgow city centre. The Far North Line : The historic town of Wick and Dunrobin Castle. The Stranraer Line : The beach at Ayr and Glasgow city centre. The Kyle Line : The Torridon Peaks, Achnashellach Forest, Ben Wyvis. The West Highland Line : Fort William and Glenfinnan.

Which train tickets can I buy in Scotland?

Off-peak  tickets are restricted for use between the morning and evening peak times. Anytime  tickets are valid for use at any time of the day and are usually more expensive than off-peak tickets. First-class  tickets are more expensive than the other two types but offer a higher standard of service, including free Wi-Fi and refreshments.

Which railcards can I use in Scotland?

Two Together Railcard : Gives a third off all rail travel on off-peak journeys for any two people over the age of 16 when they travel together. 26-30 Railcard : Gives a third off all rail travel on off-peak journeys for people aged between 26 and 30 years. Senior Railcard : Saves a third off train fares for anyone aged over 60 years. Highland Railcard : Offers a 50% discount for people who live in the Scottish Highlands.

What are the best rail travel planning websites?

The Trainline is the UK’s favourite train ticket booking service. ScotRail is Scotland’s main train operator and operates the majority of the lines in the country. Traffic Scotland distributes real-time information about closures, delays and accidents. Traveline Scotland has a journey planner that displays the travel time and train route on a map.

What is the best train journey in Scotland?

The most beautiful train journey in Scotland is The Jacobite from Fort William to Mallaig which has been described as one of the most scenic railway journeys in the world.

What is the nicest way to travel to Scotland by train from London?

The most luxurious train journey is the Caledonian Sleeper train to Scotland which operates overnight between London and multiple destinations between Edinburgh and Inverness. It is called a sleeper train because it has sleeping compartments where passengers can sleep while the train is in motion. Some of these compartments have double beds and en-suite bathrooms.

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Craig Neil is the author, photographer, admin, and pretty much everything else behind Out About Scotland. He lives near Edinburgh and spends his free time exploring Scotland and writing about his experiences. Follow him on Pinterest , Facebook , and YouTube .

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