Edinburgh Train Journeys: the 5 Rides Worth Booking

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.Magical Highlands Tour with Jacobite Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 726 reviews · 13 - 14 hours · from $80Best value

Spend 13 to 14 hours traveling from Edinburgh into the Highlands, with stops in Glencoe, Mallaig, Glenfinnan, and Pitlochry. The optional Jacobite steam train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Your English-speaking driver-guide, such as Ian, Brendan, Brian, or Dougie, provides Scottish history, film facts, and practical help throughout the day.

“A nice trip and an unforgettable experience, although we didn't ride the train on the first try due to problems with the track, the agency allowed us to ride on the next trip. Many thanks to Ian, Danny, and especially Suzan.”

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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.The Magical Highland Tour Including the Jacobite Steam Train Journey

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

Travel from Edinburgh by coach to Fort William, then ride the Jacobite Steam Train to Mallaig, with Harry Potter film locations, Glenfinnan Viaduct views, and a stop in Pitlochry. An English-speaking tour manager, packed breakfast, and round-trip transport are included. Expect a long day, up to 48 passengers, and plenty of time on the road.

“The highlands where amazing and the scenery breathtaking, especially for Harry Potter fans. The train ride was an ordinary ride, we expected it to be a bit more magical, however an overall enjoyable day.”

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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

Spend four days touring Scotland’s Highlands in a small group of up to 16, with three nights’ lodging, breakfast, a local guide, and a summer ride on the Jacobite Steam Train. You’ll visit Loch Lomond, Glencoe, Fort Augustus, Eilean Donan Castle, Portree, the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, Mallaig, and Pitlochry.

“John is professional, nice and helpful. He told us history of Scotland and brought us to additional secret spots. Under his proper arrangement, everything went smooth and all of us enjoyed. We would love to meet with John again if we visited Highland in the future.”

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