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Can you do the Scottish Highlands by train?

Plus a Scottish railway journey is one of the best ways to take in the stunning landscapes. From scenic train routes through the Scottish Highlands to short steam train rides, Scotland's train tours can offer unforgettable journeys with great service and amazing views.



Doing the Scottish Highlands by train is not only possible but is considered one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world. The two "crown jewels" of the Highland rail network are the West Highland Line (connecting Glasgow to Mallaig) and the Far North Line (connecting Inverness to Wick and Thurso). The West Highland Line famously crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct, known globally as the "Harry Potter bridge," and offers views of Rannoch Moor that are inaccessible by car. In 2026, travelers can also take the Kyle Line from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh for incredible views of the Isle of Skye across the water. For a luxury experience, the Caledonian Sleeper allows you to wake up in the heart of the Highlands after departing London the night before. While the train won't take you to every remote glen or "Munro," the network covers the main hubs perfectly, allowing you to use towns like Fort William or Inverness as bases for further exploration via local buses or ferries.

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Traveling by coach is probably the cheapest option. The most popular bus companies are Stagecoach and Scottish Citylink. Stagecoach services more remote destinations, while Scottish Citylink services the main tourist hubs including Fort William, Inverness, Skye and Oban.

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To have the most sunlight and best weather, many people head to the Scottish Highlands in the summer, between May and September. Starting in October, the weather can be unpredictable — freezing temperatures, gale-force winds, and snowfall are all possible.

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Nothing is perfect, but the stunning scenery that makes up the Scottish Highlands comes pretty close. The more than 11,000-square-mile region north of Glasgow, Scotland, is a living exhibit of Mother Nature's greatest magic, featuring a diverse array of geographical offerings that leave travelers with unbridled awe.

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There are no direct buses or trains to get to Skye from Edinburgh. The best way to get to Skye from Edinburgh is to take a train or a bus to Inverness or Glasgow and then take the bus or train.

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Driving in the Scottish Highlands & Islands however is an altogether more challenging experience. Narrow, winding, single-track roads are much of what you'll be driving on once you're in Scotland's remote places. Hairpin bends, blind summits, blinder corners, potholes, and hidden dips are common.

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Traveling by train is one of the best ways to see Scotland and travel between different regions.

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The train journey from Edinburgh to Inverness will take more than 3 hours, during that time you can enjoy stunning natural surroundings. A train runs through beautiful Scotland, meaning that you can expect to see deer, mountain hare, thundering waterfall, and many more.

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The prettiest villages in Scotland
  • Anstruther, Kingdom of Fife. ...
  • Tobermory, Isle of Mull. ...
  • Cullen, Moray. ...
  • Lochcarron, Highlands. ...
  • Crovie, Aberdeenshire. ...
  • Dean Village, Edinburgh. ...
  • Kippford, Dumfries and Galloway. ...
  • Balmaha, Loch Lomond.


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1. Dundee City. The most dangerous area in Scotland according to Churchill Support Services is Dundee City, with 1,270 crimes per 10,000 people. Topping the list by a wide margin, it was found to come first in violent crime, theft, and sexual assault.

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Stirling is Scotland's most historic city and offers so much. As a location, it provides a gateway to the Scottish Highlands and gives easy access to Edinburgh, Glasgow and the rest of the lovely lowlands, making it the best and most efficient base for exploring Scotland.

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Inverness is known as the 'Capital of the Highlands', as the region's largest settlement and only city.

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On average, a budget trip to Scotland is estimated to cost around £55, €62, or $66 per day.

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The two furthest points apart on the mainland UK are Land's End (Cornwall, England) and John O'Groats (North East Scotland). Google maps says the distance by road between the two is 837 miles (1,346 km). Travelling by car will take 14 hours.

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