5 Scenic Train Trips in the Highlands Worth Booking

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

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

Travel from Edinburgh by air-conditioned midi-coach with an English-speaking driver-guide, ride the Jacobite steam train past the Glenfinnan Viaduct, and spend two nights in Portree. The route takes in Skye’s Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock, plus Eilean Donan Castle and Loch Ness. Breakfast and the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre visit are included.

“One of the best tours I've ever been one. You get to experience a lot of Scotland in a short amount of time. Dusty was definitely the best tour guide we've ever had.”

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2.Magical Highlands Tour with Jacobite Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 726 reviews · 13 - 14 hours · from $80Best value

Spend 13 to 14 hours travelling from Edinburgh through Glencoe and the Highlands, with a one-way Jacobite steam train ride if you choose that option. Your English-speaking driver-guide shares Scottish history and film locations. The day includes Mallaig, Loch Shiel and a possible stop near Glenfinnan Viaduct, where parking allows.

“Ian was amazing! He made sure to point out all of the hot spots and even tried to slow down so we had time to take pictures. He was very funny and courteous. He always made sure to count the make sure we had everyone on the bus, which, with groups that had small children, was great! If you go on this trip, make sure to heed the warning that the driver gives and get back to the bus on time if you (and all the other bus passengers) want to see the train cross the viaduct from the outside. Unfortunately, our group did not have that opportunity. The stop…”

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

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

Travel from Edinburgh by coach, ferry and Jacobite Steam Train on a five-day route through the Highlands and Isle of Skye. Expect Loch Ness, Culloden, Eilean Donan Castle and a whisky distillery, with four nights in a B&B or hotel and breakfasts included. Guides such as Louise, Ross and Caitlin have been praised for their care and storytelling.

“Our driver and Guide Ali was a great and helpful Guide. She has a lot of knowledge about Scotland in general and the highlands in particular. Plus she is a verry good and safe driver. Wel loved the whole experience and we are planning to come back to see more of this beautiful country.”

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

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

Travel from Edinburgh by coach to Fort William, then ride the Jacobite Steam Train one way to Mallaig. A tour manager shares information along the route, including Harry Potter filming locations. The day also includes time in Mallaig, a chance to see the train at Glenfinnan Viaduct, a stop in Pitlochry, and 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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5.4-Day Isle of Skye & Jacobite Steam Train (train ride included)

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

Spend four days travelling from Edinburgh through Loch Lomond, Glencoe, Loch Ness country, and Skye, with a guide handling the Highland roads and three nights’ accommodation included. The summer departure includes a one-way Jacobite Steam Train ride over the Glenfinnan Viaduct route. Guides have included Craig, John, Stefan, Cameron, and Rose.

“Fantastic 4 days enjoying Isle of Skye and surroundings. Cameron is a great driver and expert tour guide, full of energy, information, stories. Our days were filled with amazing sights and adventures, never a boring minute. We had a chance to go to Glenfinnan viaduct but missed the train by two minutes. Is doable and proper planning would have given us the opportunity to see the train go by. Clarification of the end point would be helpful. We were dropped off on the other side of Waverly station and all of us had a long walk to the hotels near Royal Mile where the tour started.”

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