Which train goes to Isle of Skye?

The Isle of Skye is served by two train routes - the West Highland Line and the Kyle Line. When considering travel by train, be aware that there is no railway service on the island, so the final part of your journey from the railhead to your destination will need to be by bus or taxi.



There is actually no train that goes directly onto the Isle of Skye, as the island is not connected to the national rail network. To get there by rail in 2026, you must take one of two scenic routes to the Scottish mainland coast. The first is the West Highland Line from Glasgow Queen Street to Mallaig, which is famous for crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct (of Harry Potter fame); from Mallaig, you take a short CalMac ferry to Armadale on Skye. The second option is the train from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh, which is located just across the Skye Bridge; from the Kyle station, you can take a local bus or a 5-minute taxi across the bridge directly onto the island. For 2026 travelers from London, the Caledonian Sleeper can get you to Inverness or Fort William, providing a magical "overnight" start to your Highlands adventure before you catch the final regional train to the edge of the island.

People Also Ask

In short, both the train and the bus are both good options of getting to the Isle of Skye from Inverness and both offer stunning scenic views along the way. The bus goes through Kintail and by the shores of Loch Ness past Urquhart Castle. The train goes right through the heart of the Scottish highlands.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Skye is a large island, and there is loads to see. I think you need 2 days minimum to see the major sights on Skye. To explore the island at a slow pace, it would be easy to spend a whole week hiking around the pretty landscapes and visiting the historic ruins and viewpoints.

MORE DETAILS

For those on the tightest budget, it's possible to visit the Isle of Skye for as little as £10-15 ($13-$20) a day, depending on what food you pack ahead, how much you hitchhike around the island, and a provident use of the hostels during the day.

MORE DETAILS

If you're exploring the Isle of Skye without a car, you will have to rely on taxis or buses to get there but once you're settled in, you'll have many options. Central. An affordable option in Portree is the Portree Guest House.

MORE DETAILS

A minimum of two days is ideal. On a map, the Isle of Skye may look small, but there is a lot to do here. Even if you only have a day to spare, you still have enough time to see the best of the island.

MORE DETAILS