7 Edinburgh Train Tours Worth Booking

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

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

Spend two nights in Portree on a small-group coach tour from Edinburgh, with breakfast, lodging, a Jacobite Steam Train ride, and a guide. You’ll see Glencoe, the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, Eilean Donan Castle, Loch Ness, and Dundreggan.

“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.Magical Highlands Tour with Jacobite Train

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

Travel from Edinburgh into the Highlands, passing Harry Potter filming sites, Loch Shiel, Glencoe, and Rannoch Moor. The optional Jacobite steam train runs between Fort William and Mallaig, crossing Glenfinnan Viaduct. Guides such as Ian, Brendan, Brian, and Willie add Scottish history, local stories, and plenty of humor.

“Absolutely amazing! It was the best part of my trip. We enjoyed every stop and fully saw all of the sights. The highlands are stunning! Our driver, Brenden, was outstanding and made this trip so much better. We learned so much about Scottish geography, history and culture. I would highly recommend this tour!”

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

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

Travel from Edinburgh through Glencoe, Skye, Loch Ness, Culloden, and the Trossachs with a Scottish guide-driver. Your package includes four nights, breakfasts, the Jacobite Steam Train, ferry, Loch Ness cruise, whisky tasting, and a small-group coach journey.

“Our host Caroline was amazing! Totally exceeded my expectations! Definitely worth every penny! You will not regret such a wonderful experience!”

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

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

Travel from Edinburgh through Dunkeld, Loch Ness, Eilean Donan, Glen Coe, and Skye’s best-known sights. Stay two nights in Portree, hear Scottish myths from a local guide, and choose the Jacobite steam train from Mallaig to Fort William between April and October.

“This is a must! Our first visit to Scotland and the Isle of Skye - absolutely incredible!! Steve was a wonderful guide, well versed in both the spectacular countryside and in amazing stories, legends, yarns and tales! To be able to see and breathe this spectacular country in a comfortable bus and not have the stress of driving is priceless! We planned this for the beginning of our trip and it totally enriched the entire vacation. What a grand tour!!”

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

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

Travel from Edinburgh to Fort William by coach, then ride the Jacobite Steam Train to Mallaig, crossing Glenfinnan Viaduct. Your guide, such as Brendan, provides commentary on Highland scenery and Harry Potter filming locations. Allow 13.5 hours, bring lunch, and expect a maximum group of 48.

“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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6.4-Day Isle of Skye & Jacobite Steam Train (train ride included)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 82 reviews · 4 days (approx.) · from $1,096

Travel from Edinburgh through Loch Lomond, Glencoe, Fort Augustus, Eilean Donan Castle, and the Isle of Skye with a local guide. Spend two nights on Skye, then ride the Jacobite Steam Train from Mallaig. Guides may include Craig, John, Stefan, Cameron, or Rose.

“Very fun and off the beaten path tour. Lots of time in the van though. Our guide was so knowledgeable and unflappable, always considerate and a great driver.”

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7.Day Trip to Edinburgh by Rail with Castle Entry

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 73 reviews · 15 hours · from $322

Leave London King’s Cross at 7:00am and reach Edinburgh at 11:22am. You receive reserved return rail seats, an open-top bus tour, Edinburgh Castle entry, and free time. This is an independent day out, not a guided tour, with first class food and drinks available for an extra fee.

“Glad that I read the previous reviews and was prepared before hand for no tour guide. You are basically paying for all the tickets to and from Edinburgh, the bus tour and the castle that fits into one day. I personally found it worth it as I just wanted to fit my day into the city and head back to London. Although I agree that the city is too beautiful to witness it only for half a day, this ticket is definitely worth it if you’re in a time crunch and want to avoid the high last minute rail prices. The train and castle commute went pretty smoothly. The bus…”

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