Scotland by train, in the footsteps of our favorite heroes (Harry Potter, Indiana Jones, Rebelle...)
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Published on 4/15/25, modified on 4/3/26
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Want to explore Scotland by train? You've come to the right place. Between the simplicity of travel and the short journey times (compared with the car), the comfort of Scottish trains, the incredible network of the Scottish rail company ScotRail (more than 300 stations), and above all, the splendid landscapes to discover along the Scottish lines the train does an integral part of the experience !
From the spectacular scenery of the Highlands to the cultural effervescence of Glasgow, from the picturesque charm of Inverness to the elegance of Edinburgh: we present our favourite itineraries for discover Scotland by train. 100% return rail tours from France for 7, 10 or 15-day trip without planes or cars. Spoiler: we take no responsibility if you get the urge to pack your bags for Scotland... Follow the guide!
And for answers to all your practical questions on trains in Scotland (rail passes, ticket types...), see the last part of this article.
If you've only got a week to spare, you've still got plenty of time to explore Scotland by train! That's what Benjamin and Alexis have done for you. On the program: emblematic sites, hikes, cultural discoveries and gourmet breaks!
After a first train to London (2h20 by Eurostar from Paris), then a night train from London to Inverness (via the Caledonian Sleeper) via Edinburgh, the journey begins in the "capital of the Highlands" ! After a hearty lunch, it's off for a bucolic afternoon exploring the River Ness and Ness Islands. Then off to the Eden Court Theatre after a detour to the Inverness Castle overlooking the river (FYI: you can visit the castle and enjoy the gardens and view, but the new attraction won't open until the end of the year, probably late summer 2025). Benjamin and Alexis' recos: for lunch, The Castle Tavern or River House and for a delicious dinner, the Mustard seed before a convivial night at Bazpackers.
Alexis Calvignac - A walk on the Ness Islands
Another advantage of the train: Inverness is linked to several iconic places, giving you access to a number of excursions. For this second day, we're heading for the historic sites of Culloden and Clava Cairns world-famous thanks to the Outlander ! The battlefield of Culloden will take you back to 1746, to the end of the Jacobite uprising, while the stones of Clava Cairns will plunge you into Scottish prehistory. In the afternoon, head off to discovering Loch Ness and its mythical landscapes. With its waterfalls, peaceful beaches and views over the lake, the excursion is well worth the detour. For dinner, you can try one of the places that Benjamin and Alexis spotted (Rocpool, Perk Coffee...), or simply relax in a typical pub (like the Black Isle brewery, ideal for sampling a local beer). Return to Bazpackers and spend the night there, where the youth hostel atmosphere promises some great encounters.
Alexis Calvignac - The mysterious Clava Cairns site
Early morning departure for Pitlochry a charming little town nestling in the heart of Perthshire. After strolling through the streets or stopping off at a café, head for the Loch Dunmore and the Faskally forest for an immersion in Scottish nature (where the colors are magical in autumn)! Then, hop back on the train for the short round trip to Blair Atholl from Pitlochry. Blair Atholl is home to the Blair Castle the seat of the Dukes of Atholl since the 13th century! Return to Pitlochry for dinner and overnight. For the evening, in Pitlochry, Benjamin and Alexis recommend Victoria's Restaurant, Fern Cottage Restaurant or The Old Mill Inn renowned for their local cuisine and friendly atmosphere. For the night, stay at the hotel McKays where you can recharge your batteries after a busy day.
Alexis Calvignac - The picturesque village of Blair Atholl in the heart of Perthshire
Start the day with a visit to the Blair Athol Distillery, where you can discover all the secrets of Scotch whisky making.
Alexis Calvignac - Tasting 100% Scotch whisky!
Then go and see the Black Spout Waterfall a magnificent waterfall in the heart of the forest. For lunch, you can make a detour to The Bakery The perfect place for a pizza, a sandwich or a homemade pastry (Benjamin and Alexis particularly recommend the cinnamon roll). Continue with an instructive stroll to the hydroelectric dam (an impressive work that shows how the development of hydroelectricity brought electricity to the Highlands), before stopping off at the Wee Choo-Choo Thai a unusual restaurant housed in an old train carriage (which was even used for the filming of Mission Impossible 7 !).
Alexis Calvignac - The Black Spout waterfall
To round off the afternoon, join on foot the Highland Fling Bungee crossing the Faskally forest and superb views of the Tummel River and the Killiecrankie Pass (the view from Garry Bridge is one of the most photographed in Perthshire). And if you want your adrenaline fix, you can even try out the bungee jumping ! In the evening, take the train to Perth.
Here you are in Perth, a charming city in Perthshire! Start the day with a stroll around town. We recommend breakfast on the terrace at Hinterland (Benjamin and Alexis recommend their excellent chai latte!). Then visit the Perth Museum an immersive experience based on the famous Stone of Destiny highly symbolic of Scottish history. Immediately afterwards, take a tour of the Black Watch Museum A beautiful castle which, once inside, will teach you more about this legendary British army regiment.
Alexis Calvignac - The beautiful city of Perth
In the afternoon, set off on a hike to Kinnoull Hill and Tower. After a two- to three-hour walk, you'll be able to enjoy a splendid view of Perth and the River Tay ideal for watching the sunset at the end of the day!
Alexis Calvignac - The magnificent view from Kinnoull Hill and Tower
Alexis Calvignac - Honestly... Isn't it worth the detour?
In the evening, back to the station to board the train for Glasgow. This is where the beauty of rail travel In just over an hour, you'll find yourself immersed in a completely different atmosphere, after enjoying the beauty of the sunset landscape from your window. On arrival, as you're already in the heart of the city, you can enjoy a good meal in the lively city streets before heading back to your hotel for the night.
Let's go for the vibrant Glasgow. Starts with a trip to the University of Glasgow and Kelvingrove Museum renowned for their architecture and varied collections. Afterwards, take a stroll through the town center to admire the cathedral, George Square and shopping streets. If you're looking for a good spot for brunch or coffee, we recommend The Wilson Street Pantry or Singl-end Merchant City !
Alexis Calvignac - The imposing Kelvingrove Museum
In the afternoon, board for Linlithgow Take a stroll through the old town, along the canal, and explore the Linlithgow Palace (only a 6-minute walk from the station!) - a superb 15th-century palace reminiscent of an Italian castle, the favourite residence of the Stuart kings and queens, which was used as a shooting location for the TV series Outlander ! - or its local museum.
Alexis Calvignac - A bird's eye view of Linlithgow Palace
Then take the train back to Edinburgh where you will board the Caledonian Sleeper around 11.40pm. A chance to spend your last night on the rails, in comfort and a cosy atmosphere!
Wake up gently on the train, arriving in London Euston at around 7:15 a.m., giving you time to stretch your legs in the English capital before hopping on the 11:31 a.m. Eurostar to Paris. And so ends this 7-day journey through Scotland, where you'll have enjoyed the diversity of the landscape, the warm welcome of the locals and the accessibility of an entire rail network designed to criss-cross the country comfortably and responsibly!
And if you'd like a more slow and more flexible to get around from Edinburgh and Glasgow, we've concocted an alternative version for you. It's the ideal option if you want to adapt your stopovers to suit your mood and the weather!
The complete itinerary from Paris (also accessible from other French cities: see the end of our guide to Scotland to discover them!)
For full details of the itinerary (links for booking train tickets and recommendations for accommodation and restaurants):
Welcome to the Scottish capital!
For this second day, you're spoilt for choice:
Linlithgow Palace, Mary Stuart's birthplace, from the inner courtyard
In the evening, return to Edinburgh and enjoy a little more of the capital's atmosphere.
Continue your discoveries by train from Edinburgh:
The sumptuous abbey of Dunfermline
In the evening, return to Edinburgh for one last night before setting off again.
In the morning, take a final stroll through the streets of Edinburgh, then board the train to Glasgow Scotland's largest city. When you arrive, discover the city's electric atmosphere: Victorian architecture, thriving music and art scenes, trendy cafés and traditional pubs. And don't miss the famous Buchanan Street for shopping, or museums and galleries such as Kelvingrove or the Burrell Collection, easily accessible by train.
Glasgow from above
You have two options from Glasgow:
Stirling's impressive hilltop castle
Head back to Glasgow at the end of the day, when you can enjoy the nightlife in the city's bars and concert halls.
Looking for wide-open spaces? Two top destinations to get away from it all:
The lush green of Loch Lomond
Back to Glasgow for the evening: an opportunity to try out one last pub or restaurant before packing your bags.
You can take an early train to London, then a Eurostar to Paris, or opt for the Caledonian Sleeper the night before to arrive in London in the early hours. For full itinerary details and booking links, it's here.
On the program: a concentration of Scotland's most beautiful landscapes, a glimpse of city life in Glasgow and Edinburgh, and a rail adventure to the farthest reaches of the Highlands and West Coast.
The complete itinerary from Paris (also accessible from other French cities: see the end of our guide to Scotland!)
For full details of the itinerary (links for booking train tickets and recommendations for accommodation and restaurants):
After a 2h20 high-speed train journey to London, then around 4h20 to Edinburgh you're in the Scottish capital! Enough time to stroll along the Royal Mile the historic artery linking the famous Edinburgh Castle at Palace of Holyroodhouse take the high road to Calton Hill to admire neoclassical monuments and enjoy breathtaking views over the city, and discover the lively pubs of Grassmarket or the cosy cafés of Stockbridge.
The magnificent Scottish capital (with a view of Calton Hill)
Head for Inverness aboard the Highland Main Line, which will take you to the wilds of Scotland. During the journey, keep your eyes riveted on the scenery as it unfolds before you: mountains, rivers and lush green valleys. On arrival at Inverness, the "capital of the Highlands take a stroll along the River Ness Then immerse yourself in the warm atmosphere of the city by exploring its typical pubs, boutiques and restaurants. If you have time, you can even make a detour to the Ness Islands Small wooded islands offering a magical walk.
View of the River Ness and Inverness Cathedral
A day dedicated to discovering Inverness and the surrounding area. Start with the city center and its narrow streets, where you'll find artisanal cafés and small Scottish shops. Then, why not take a excursion to Loch Ness for a glimpse of the famous monster? And if you're interested in history, head for the Culloden battlefield the emblematic site where the end of the Jacobite uprising was played out in 1746.
Alexis Calvignac - Loch Ness, cradle of so many legends
Then head west on the Kyle Line, one of Scotland's most beautiful rail routes. (we're talking about here!) between sparkling lochs and majestic mountains! You'll reach Kyle of Lochalsh A small coastal town facing the Isle of Skye. Take the opportunity to admire the sea views and enjoy one of the harbor cafés.
Credit: Tony Hardley Photography - The sublime Kyle Line (we dare you to take your eyes off the window)
This fifth day, get ready for a multi-transport adventure! From Kyle of Lochalsh, take a bus to Armadale on the famous Isle of Skye. The journey itself is already magnificent, allowing you to admire the island's wild landscapes. Then board a ferry to Mallaig a small fishing port. From here, continue by train on the West Highland Line famous for its exceptional panoramas, direction Fort William. Expect a feast for the eyes, especially when passing over the Glenfinnan viaduct (made famous by the films Harry Potter).
Credit: Tony Hardley Photography - A ScotRail train on the West Highland Line and the famous Glenfinnan viaduct
Spend the day exploring Fort William and the surrounding area. If you're looking for adventure, the Ben Nevis just waiting to be climbed (beware, the weather can be capricious and the hike demanding). For a gentler approach, explore Glen Nevis or take advantage of a cruise on Loch Linnhe You'll feel like you're at the end of the world, between rugged terrain and calm waters. At the end of the day, take a seat in a local pub and sample Scottish hospitality over a tasty local dish.
Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the UK!
Back aboard the West Highland Line to cross these magnificent landscapes once again. On arrival at Glasgow, change of atmosphere, between Victorian architecture, renowned museums and lively pubs! Take advantage of this first evening to soak up the warm atmosphere of the city's central districts.
Credit: Tony Hardley Photography - The magnificent West Highland Line!
A day's exploration of Glasgow is well worthwhile. Discover the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum the Burrell Collection or the Finnieston and West End known for its trendy cafés and independent boutiques. Take a detour to Buchanan Street to admire the architecture and enjoy the bustle of the city. In the evening, the pubs of Merchant City or Sauchiehall Street you'll find a festive atmosphere that lives up to the city's reputation (known for its thriving music scene)!
Sublime Glasgow at the golden hour
For this day, treat yourself to an out-of-town getaway, heading for the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park (just an hour away by train): a veritable treasure trove of nature where you can go hiking, take a cruise on the lake or simply breathe in the fresh air. In the evening, head back to Glasgow to enjoy a bit more of its nightlife.
The mystical atmosphere of Loch Lomond in the early hours of the morning
And finally, back to France after a Glasgow-London train (approx. 5h), then a London-Paris train (approx. 2h), with your head full of memories... For full details and booking links of the itinerary, it's here.
On the program: breathtaking scenery in the Highlands, one of the world's most beautiful railroad lines, loch discovery by boat, cultural immersion in Glasgow, Scottish castles and immersion in the capital!
The complete itinerary from Paris (also accessible from other French cities: see the end of our guide to Scotland!)
For full details of the itinerary (links for booking train tickets and recommendations for accommodation and restaurants):
To reach Scotland from France, take the Eurostar to London (approx. 2h20 from Paris), before boarding the Caledonian Sleeper at 8.30pm in London Euston, to wake up the next morning in Scotland (arrival in Fort William at 10 a.m.). If you wake up early enough, we suggest you open your eyes wide to the scenery as the journey begins on the rails: glistening lochs, misty hills and typical little villages... Then welcome to Fort William, known for the beauty of its natural landscapes and its spectacular Highlands! In the distance, the imposing Ben Nevis (the highest peak in the UK) will give you a foretaste of what's to come.
From Fort William, board the train to Mallaig. This section is part of the the famous West Highland Line one of the most beautiful railroad lines in the world (we're talking about here!). Expect breathtaking panoramas (including the crossing of the Glenfinnan viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter films). Once in Mallaig Take the opportunity to enjoy a meal in one of the port's small restaurants. We highly recommend a boat trip You might even catch a glimpse of seals and dolphins! At the end of the day, return to Fort William by train.
On your third day, take the time to explore Fort William and the surrounding area! If you fancy stretching your legs, there's no shortage of hiking trails in the area: Glen Nevis is ideal for a peaceful stroll along the river. If you're feeling sporty, you can also try your hand at climbing Ben Nevis. And for a more relaxing moment, we recommend a cruise on the Loch Linnhe. After your explorations, you can take a trip to the local stores to pick up a tartan plaid or sample a typical Scotch whisky in a Scottish pub.
Head for Glasgow, again via the famous West Highland Line which will take you through some superb scenery along the way, from crystal-clear lakes to lush green valleys and majestic mountains... On arrival, the atmosphere changes with Glasgow's Victorian architecture, lively pubs and vibrant culture!
It takes two days to get a taste of the charm of Scotland's largest city. Its "grid" architecture is one of the reasons why it is so highly regarded. New York's cinematic stand-in (Indiana Jones, World War Z, The Batman...)! On site, you're spoilt for choice: visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum or the famous House For An Art Lover nestled in a park, take a detour to Buchanan Street and George Square to soak up the architecture and lively atmosphere, take a break in one of the city's many parks (such as Glasgow Green), discover Scottish designers in the artisan stores test the music scene rock, folk and indie in a concert hall or pub...
Glasgow by night
Early in the day, take the train to Stirling often considered as the historic heart of Scotland. Impossible to miss the famous Stirling Castle perched on its rocky outcrop, offering a breathtaking view of the region. You can also climb the steps of the National Wallace Monument dedicated to the memory of 13th-century Scottish national hero William Wallace. In the afternoon, continue your train journey to Inverness the "capital of the Highlands.
Day 8 sees us immersed in Inverness, a veritable concentration of the Highland soul. Start with a a trip to the Ness Islands These small wooded islands dotted along the river provide a haven of greenery in the heart of the city. You can then follow up with a visit to the Culloden battlefield where the end of the Jacobite uprising was played out in 1746 (which you may have discovered). in the Outlander series !).
Alexis Calvignac - The battlefield of Culloden
Embark on a journey to Aberdeen, the "granite city". We highly recommend stopping off at Stonehaven (south of Aberdeen) to visit the Dunnottar Castle perched on a rocky promontory above the sea of the North. Fun fact: it inspired Princess Merida's castle in the Disney animated film Rebelle! In the afternoon, join Dundee by train, a former industrial town in the midst of a cultural revival. The atmosphere is relaxed and warm, a breath of fresh air after the hustle and bustle of the big cities.
In Dundee, you can visit the V&A Dundee (the only V&A Dundee design museum outside London), and admire the imposing RRS Discovery (the ship used by Captain Scott for his Antarctic expeditions), the two (V&A Dundee and RRS) being only a few miles apart. 2 minutes' walk from the station ! If you like street art You'll love the city's many colorful murals. And if you want to understand the city's industrial heritage (and its role as a world center for jute production in the 19th and early 20th centuries), head to the Verdant Works. At the end of the day, we recommend you take advantage of the sunset on the banks of the Tay river for a peaceful moment before your next step.
From Dundee, join St Andrews (ten minutes by train to Leuchars, then ten minutes by bus to St Andrews), a small coastal town renowned for its prestigious university, its legendary golf course and its ruined cathedral overlooking the North Sea. After this stopover, head for the Scottish capital (about 10 minutes by bus to Leuchars, then 1h15 by train to Edinburgh)!
The ruins of St Andrews Cathedral
Although the city itself would require a short trip, these three days will give you a taste of the capital's richness. From the neoclassical monuments of Calton Hill the colorful facades of Victoria Street from large bowl to Arthur's Seat to contemplate the panorama of the city and its surroundings from the Edinburgh Castle perched on a volcano, traditional pubs from Grassmarket to the small cafés of Stockbridge or Leith the National Gallery of Scotland to the Scottish National Portrait Gallery You should have no time to get bored. And for more recommendations, don't hesitate to take a look at our guide to Edinburgh !
The charm of the capital
And finally, back to France after a night train Edinburgh-London, then a trip from London to Paris, with your head full of memories... For full details and booking links, go to here.
© VisitScotland - Edinburgh's pretty Waverley station: a final farewell before returning to France
If you've decided to explore Scotland by train, we can't blame you! Whether it's to easy access to iconic sites (with more than 350 cities served by ScotRail trains no need for a car), for its unique panoramas from the window (between lakes, mountains and wild coastlines) for its efficiency (reduced-price tickets) or its comfort (spacious seats, Wi-Fi... and no stress from driving on the left!), the reasons for choosing the train are endless.
Alexis Calvignac - ScotRail trains, serving the whole of Scotland
The easiest way to get to Scotland by train from France is to to London (from Paris, you can get there by Eurostar in around 2 hours 20 minutes), followed by :
To discover all our 100% train itineraries and tours between France and Scotland, go to the end of our Scotland guide! 👇
And for more practical information, go to this VisitScotland article !
With over 350 stations in Scotland, ScotRail connects cities like Edinburgh, Glasgow, the Highlands and the Islands, and gives you easy access to castles, distilleries and cultural sites. A chance to do it all without a plane or a car! You'll find five types of train ticket :
The BritRail Pass is designed for non-resident international travelers from the UK. It offers unlimited travel on the British rail network for a given period.
They are specifically designed for trips to Scotland and offer unlimited travel on the network ScotRail for a given period.
We also recommend download the ScotRail application In practice, you can buy standard day trip tickets (via the app) or Rover passes (on the scotrail.co.uk website) for regional tours lasting several days.
ScotRail offers various tickets to explore specific regions of Scotland:
To find out more :
This article was written in partnership with VisitScotland and ScotRail. To find out more, visit their website: visitscotland.com and scotrail.co.uk !
Issue du monde de la communication et des médias, Sophie est Responsable éditoriale chez HOURRAIL ! depuis août 2024. Elle est notamment derrière le contenu éditorial du site ainsi que La Locomissive (de l'inspiration voyage bas carbone et des bons plans, un jeudi sur deux, gratuitement dans ta boîte mail !).
Convaincue que les changements d’habitude passent par la transformation de nos imaginaires, elle s’attache à montrer qu’il est possible de voyager autrement, de manière plus consciente, plus lente et plus joyeuse. Son objectif : rendre le slow travel accessible à toutes et tous, à travers des astuces, des décryptages et surtout, de nouveaux récits.
