The World’s 6 Best Three-Day Rail Trips

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

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

Travel from Edinburgh to Portree with an English-speaking guide, two nights in a 3-star hotel or B&B, daily breakfast, and transport by midi-coach. You’ll ride the Jacobite Steam Train across Glenfinnan Viaduct, visit Skye’s Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock, and see Eilean Donan Castle, Loch Ness, and Dunkeld.

“Belated review from June 2023: Amazing tour that I would recommend to anyone. Scotland was beautiful (as always), and surprisingly sunny/ dry for almost all of our trip! Our wonderful guide/ driver Paul made this tour even more enjoyable. He made stops to points of inteRead more”

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2.3-Day Blarney Castle, Ring of Kerry, & Cliffs of Moher Rail tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 211 reviews · 3 days (approx.) · from $1,254

Travel from Dublin by train and coach to Blarney Castle, Cobh, Killarney, the Ring of Kerry, Bunratty Castle, the Cliffs of Moher, and Galway. Railtours Ireland provides reserved train seats, hosts, coach guides, two nights with breakfast, and a packed schedule. Guides such as John, Norman, Andy, and Bryan have earned strong praise, though accommodation and vehicle comfort can vary.

“We rode the train more than I first expected. I actually enjoy train travel. It is a nice ride and the coach cars have tables between the seats. The Railtours guide was extremely well organized and knowledgeable. Everything went like clockwork. The highlight for us was seeing something that was not on the itinerary - a sheepdog presentation during our day on the Ring of Kerry. Our accommodations were the best we had in all of the 16 days we traveled around Scotland and Ireland. ~ Guy B., Idaho, USA”

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3.Isle of Skye & Optional Jacobite Train 3-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 191 reviews · 2.5 days · from $473

Spend two nights in Portree while a local guide leads you from Edinburgh through Dunkeld, Loch Ness, Eilean Donan, Skye, Glen Coe, and Rannoch Moor. Choose the Jacobite Steam Train from Mallaig to Fort William between April and October. Expect Scottish stories, winding roads, short walks, ferry travel, and a tightly planned schedule.

“the guide Paul, was fantastic, completely engaged with whole group.”

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

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

Spend three days exploring Loch Ness, Skye and the Highlands in a small group of up to 16. You’ll ride the Jacobite Steam Train, visit the Fairy Pools, Quiraing, Eilean Donan Castle and Culloden, with two breakfasts included. Guides such as Torquil, Duffy and Harrison are known for adding local stories and extra photo stops.

“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.Colombo/Negombo: Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella 3-Day Trip with Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 93 reviews · 3 days · from $250

Travel from Colombo or Negombo with an English, Tamil, or Sinhala-speaking driver-guide. Climb Sigiriya, visit Dambulla and the Temple of the Tooth, ride from Nanu Oya to Ella when weather allows, hike Little Adam’s Peak, and finish with an optional jeep safari at Udawalawe. Guides such as Ranga, Chathu, and Rukshan are noted for flexible planning and careful driving.

“Everything was great and this is an amazing way to get a taste of this beautiful country! Aaron, our driver was knowledgable, accomodating, friendly and a great driver. Higy recommend him and this tour!”

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6.Sapa: 3-Day, 3-Night Trek and Hotel with Overnight Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 64 reviews · from $212Best value

Spend three days exploring Sapa’s hill villages, rice terraces, waterfalls, and mountain paths with local English-speaking guides such as Su Su, Ai, Mai, or Chu. The trip includes an overnight train, one Sapa hotel night, a Ta Van homestay, meals, and transport from Hanoi. Expect sturdy walking, basic village lodging, and persistent sellers along the trail.

“I had the best time in Sapa. The weather was sunny, but not hot like in Hanoi, so very comfortable for trekking. Our guide, Chu is very friendly and knowledgeable. I want to discover the daily life of local people, that's why I chose this tour to stay at homestay. Everyone was friendly and easy-going. Food was so yummy. Berths on the train look like your bed at home, so interesting and easy to sleep. Definitely recommend this tour !”

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