The best Luxury Trains in Scotland
The Scottish landscape is probably one of the most dramatic on Earth, from the highest mountain in the United Kingdom, Ben Nevis, to Loch Ness with the mythical story of the Loch Ness monster. It’s easy to understand why nature lovers flock to Scotland all year round, rain or shine. With the rise and demand for luxury travel, especially within the United Kingdom, luxury train travel in Scotland has never looked better.
One question most travellers ask is what is the best way to get around? The short answer is undoubtedly the train. But what train? Scotland is full of all sorts of trains from historic coal-powered locomotives to high-class journeys ranging from a 1 day trip to a week-long adventure.
There is ultimately one winner which is on every train-fan's bucket list. As with any luxury experience prices can always differ depending on the class of service onboard the train, how long the trip is, and what is included in the ticket. Maybe you are a fan of fine dining or you want to be transported back in time there is a train for you.
3. The Caledonian Sleeper
The Caledonian Sleeper in Glasgow Station
Although, not just in Scotland the Caledonian Sleeper is probably what comes to mind when you think about Scottish trains. The trains transport 100s of passengers daily between London Euston towards many of the major Scottish cities and towns, including; Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness and Fort William.
Although longer than flying the train service runs overnight with no need for all the airpot hassle. The journey time between London Euston and Edinburgh Waverley Station is roughly 8 hours. Class of travel is also a major factor when taking this route, there are 4 options; Seat, Classic, Club en-suite and Caledonian Double en-suite. As you can imagine the price increases depending on the class of travel as well as how far in advance you purchase your ticket. While not the most luxurious way to travel it is the best if you would rather not fly.
Prices start at £54 per passenger one way between London and Edinburgh for a Seat while the Caledonian Double en-suite starts at £380.
2. The Jacobite
The Jacobite Steam Powered Train
Although not an overnight journey this historic train will surely send you back in time. Running daily between Fort William and Mallaig return Between April and September 2025. This 84-mile round trip takes you past some of Scotland’s natural wonders, starting near Ben Nevis the highest mountain in the United Kingdom, it visits Britain's most westerly train station Arisaig, arriving into the deepest seawater loch in Europe, Loch Nevis. The train is also known as the Hogwarts Express as it passes through landscapes which can be seen in the Harry Potter movies.
The journey roughly takes around 7 hours return from departure at Fort William, 2 hours in Mallaig and then arriving back at Fort William. The train has 3 classes, First Class Open Carriage, Compartment Carriage and standard class carriage all of which transport you to a bygone era. First-class passengers receive complimentary tea or coffee service on each part of the journey and you can pre-purchase a High Tea box to have on the train.
Prices start at £69 return for adults and £39 for children (16 and under) for standard class, while compartments are £425 for the compartment for 6, first-class being £105 per adult return and £69 per child (16 and under) return.
1. The Royal Scotsman
The Royal Scotsman Dinner Service
Undoubtedly the best luxury train in the whole of Scotland and maybe even the United Kingdom. The Royal Scotsman is by far the best luxury train in Scotland, with each itinerary unique ranging from 2 to 7 nights onboard depending on destination and the journey theme. You will surely be treated like a VIP. With all trains departing and returning to Edinburgh you will start your journey in style in Scotland’s capital. Whether you are looking to sample some of Scotland’s finest delights or maybe you want to dive into Scotland’s finest estates or see all that the country has to offer by train there is an itinerary for everyone.
Each itinerary includes everything you will ever need while onboard from luxury accommodation with 24-hour steward service, all meals and beverages aboard the train including full Scottish breakfast, two-course lunch, three-course dinner including cheeseboard, coffee, tea and petit fours, as well as tours and entertainment, you won’t need to think about a thing. With room for 38 guests on board, 20 uniquely crafted cabins, 2 Restaurant Cars, an Observation Lounge and to top it off a Dior Spa.
There are 3 cabin types on board: Double cabin, Twin Cabin and the Grand Suite. Each cabin has its own luxurious bathroom, 24-steward service, and luxury amenities, with the Grand Suite benefiting from a personal butler, In-cabin private dining on request, One complimentary spa treatment per guest, and Private arrival and departure transfers, it is undoubtedly the best way to see Scotland by rail.
Prices start from £5,300 per passenger for the twin or double cabin while the Grand Suite starts at £13,000 per passenger.
For the best experience and extra perks, we highly recommend booking with a Luxury Travel Advisor which doesn’t cost anything extra.