5 Train Experiences in Scotland Worth Booking Ahead

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

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

Review of a 3-day Isle of Skye tour from Edinburgh with the Jacobite steam train, Highlands scenery, Portree lodging, and Loch Ness.

“The scenery was spectacular, but it was our driver/host Mark who made the trip especially enjoyable. He had the best mixture of storytelling, interesting facts and activities and challenges that kept all of us engaged and connected to the experience while spending so much time on a bus. And he managed to do all of this while navigating narrow roads and passing lanes to keep us all safe. Bravo!”

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

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

Review of a five-day Scotland tour from Edinburgh with Skye, Loch Ness, Culloden, Eilean Donan Castle, and the Jacobite Steam Train.

“Just an incredible trip!! Sinclair, our driver and guide, made this the most memorable trip ever! Such full days - learned so much about Scottish history, enjoyed the gorgeous scenery, and shared the trip with a fabulous group of people from all over the globe!”

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

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

Review of Edinburgh’s Magical Highland Tour, with the Jacobite Steam Train, Harry Potter scenery, costs, stops, and practical advice.

“We wanted the full magical Highland experience, not just the train ride. Unfortunately, aside from the train itself, everything else was disappointing—mainly due to poor organization by the tour provider. The bus arrived late and was overbooked, leaving two passengers without seats. To avoid missing the train, we set off towards Mallaig anyway, with the plan that a larger bus would meet us at our first stop. However, the replacement bus was unsuitable, which meant we had to wait nearly two hours in a small town where most shops were closed—and it was raining—just for the right bus to finally arrive. As a result, all other scheduled stops were cancelled.…”

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4.3 Day Isle of Skye and Jacobite Steam Train Tour from Inverness

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 161 reviews · 3 days (approx.)

Review of the 3-day Isle of Skye tour from Inverness, including the Jacobite Steam Train, Fairy Pools, castles, whisky, and Culloden.

“Torquil was a phenomenal guide through the highlands providing anecdotes and additional details from growing up in the highlands! He added so many additional details and stops throughout of fun things to look at that are easy to miss when you’re driving through. Would absolutely book again, Torquil made the trip!”

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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

Review of the 4-day Isle of Skye and Jacobite Steam Train tour from Edinburgh, with route details, costs, stays, guides, and practical tips.

“A great tour if you have 4 days and want to see everything. Key highlights are the boat ride on Loch Lomand ( didn’t see Nessie), the Steam Train, 2 Castles, the natural Beauty of the Isle of Skye, and feeding the Coo’s. But there were so many other sights that Craig pointed out or stopped at along the way. Craig was excellent both as a tour guide but also in how he ensured everyone was comfortable and taken care of for dinner and B&B’s.”

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