Is the Royal Scotsman the same as the Flying Scotsman?

The Royal Scot was built for the London Midland and Scottish Railway to compete against the LNER Flying Scotsman. The Royal Scot ran on the West Coast Main Line, while the Flying Scotsman ran on the East Coast Main Line.



No, they are entirely different things that happen to share a similar name. The Flying Scotsman is a world-famous steam locomotive (Engine No. 60103) built in 1923, famous for being the first steam engine to officially reach 100 mph. It also refers to the historic express train service that has run between London King’s Cross and Edinburgh since 1862. The Belmond Royal Scotsman, on the other hand, is a luxury "land cruise" train that operates multi-day tours through the Scottish Highlands. While the Flying Scotsman is a piece of historical machinery (often displayed at the National Railway Museum), the Royal Scotsman is a high-end travel experience featuring private sleeper cabins, gourmet dining, and an observation car. Think of the Flying Scotsman as an iconic "celebrity" engine and the Royal Scotsman as a five-star hotel on wheels. Occasionally, the Flying Scotsman locomotive is hired to pull special excursions, but it is not the standard engine used for the daily operations of the Belmond Royal Scotsman luxury tours.

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The name was first associated with the Special Scotch Express train journey from London King's Cross Station to Edinburgh which ran every day from 1852. It was the fastest day express service on the east coast mainline, and before long became popularly – but unofficially – known as the Flying Scotsman.

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All I can say is the entire journey surpassed my every expectation. I have always wanted to see the bucolic scenery of Scotland - and that I did in spades. It was marvellous!. Taking a journey on the Royal Scotsman is a dreamlike, epic adventure, 'cruising' around the Highlands, cosseted and indulged like royalty.

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Flying Scotsman is owned by the National Railway Museum and operated and maintained by Riley & Son (E) Ltd.

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Flying Scotsman calls Gordon Little Brother despite the fact that Gordon is actually older than him, because Flying Scotsman was built in 1923 while Gordon was built in 1920 as a prototype pacific.

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There are a choice of cabins, all of which include their own en-suite. Twin Cabins and Double cabins are of a comparable size but with different sleeping arrangements. For larger parties travelling together, interconnecting cabins are available by request to open up multiple cabins to form a large lounge.

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Combine your travel with one of our set menu options which are listed below. Enjoy either a Flying Scotsman Vintage Tea, Flying Scotsman Fish & Chip Supper or a Four Course Quantock Belle Dining experience whilst journeying behind this iconic locomotive. We are also offering a travel only option.

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The Flying Scotsman holds the record for hauling the first ever non-stop London to Edinburgh service in 1928. It was the first locomotive to reach 100mph in 1934 and the first steam engine to travel all around the world (with visits to the USA and Australia).

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Our four Single Cabins feature a lower bed, a wardrobe, a writing desk and an en-suite shower room. Splendid Scottish Highland views from your window are sure to inspire an entry or two in your travel journal during your luxury train journey.

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Over the years there has been a lot more money spent on the train to maintain and restore it. When the National Railway Museum bought the train for £2.31m in 2004, they spent a further £4.5m to overhaul it. This makes Flying Scotsman one of the most expensive locomotives in the world.

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The carriage had wooden panelled windows, seats and the roof was wooden too. We set off with a mighty toot and the carriage quickly heated up - warmed by the steam the engine generated. I had to check out the toilets too, after all, this was supposed to be a 'VIP' trip. And they were, well, toilets.

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The Flying Scotsman made a historic journey to celebrate its 100 year anniversary. If you know anything about trains, you've probably heard of The Flying Scotsman. Often described as the world's most famous steam locomotive, it has starred in films, broken records and toured the world.

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The Flying Scotsman made a historic journey to celebrate its 100 year anniversary. If you know anything about trains, you've probably heard of The Flying Scotsman. Often described as the world's most famous steam locomotive, it has starred in films, broken records and toured the world.

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Every year, as train prices go up, car rental becomes a better option for budget travelers in Europe. While solo car travel is expensive, three or four people sharing a rented car will usually travel cheaper than the same group using rail passes.

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During 2023, as well as days out on the mainline, Flying Scotsman can be seen at free static events at the National Railway Museum and other locations. The iconic loco will also be in action at a number of heritage railways around the UK and at Locomotion in Shildon.

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