How to get to Scotland by train from France?

The simplest route (and 100% rail): Paris → London at Eurostar (≈2h20). London → Edinburgh or Glasgow by British mainline train (≈4h30). Long-distance trains between London and Scotland are operated by : LNER (to Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness) Avanti West Coast (to Glasgow) There is also a night train : Caledonian Sleeper: London ↔ Edinburgh / Glasgow / Inverness / Fort William / Aberdeen.

How to travel by train in Scotland?

The Scottish rail network is mainly operated by : ScotRail Main stations : Edinburgh (Waverley) Glasgow (Central & Queen Street) Inverness Fort William Unmissable panoramic lines : West Highland Line (Glasgow → Fort William → Mallaig) Kyle Line (Inverness → Kyle of Lochalsh) Far North Line (Inverness → Thurso/Wick)

Can you travel to Scotland with an Interrail pass?

Yes, English trains can be booked on gwr.com with an interrail pass (free of charge)!

Our guide

Écosse

Go to Scotland by train from France: tips and itineraries

Looking for wide-open spaces, untamed nature, and mysterious castles? Some the vertiginous cliffs of the Isle of Skye to the the endless moors of the Highlands, some Edinburgh's medieval alleyways to the Street art murals in Glasgow, Scotland is a spectacular destination to explore by train. With some of the most scenic rail routes in Europe (including the legendary West Highland Line), it’s the perfect playground for a low-carbon, slow-paced, and spectacular adventure.

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Discover Scotland by train: the ultimate guide (7, 10 and 15-day tours)

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Scotland's most beautiful train journeys

Our photos & videos

How to reach Écosse by train?

Thanks to Eurostar and train connections in London, it is possible to travel to Edinburgh or Glasgow in just 4 to 5 hours with one of the three companies that offer daytime service. These options not only allow you to significantly reduce your carbon footprint, but it's also a great way to get to Scotland in slow travel, enjoying the magnificent scenery along the way. Another rather magical option is to traveling overnight on a sleeper train thanks to the company Caledonian Sleeper, which serves Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Fort William, and a multitude of Scottish cities.

The easiest route (and 100% by rail):

Paris → London in Eurostar (≈2 hours 20 minutes).
London → Edinburgh or Glasgow by British long-distance train (≈4 hours 30 minutes).

Long-distance trains between London and Scotland are operated by:

LNER (toward Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness)
Avanti West Coast (toward Glasgow)

There is also an option night train :

Caledonian Sleeper : London ↔ Edinburgh / Glasgow / Inverness / Fort William / Aberdeen.

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The Caledonian Sleeper: travel to Scotland by night train from London

How do you travel by train in Scotland?

Once there, the Scottish rail network makes it easy to explore the Highlands, the lochs, the islands, and the national parks… all without having to drive. This takes the stress out of driving on the left and lets you enjoy the scenery at your leisure. Scenic routes like the West Highland Line (toward Fort William and Mallaig) offer unforgettable journeys through some of the country’s most iconic landscapes. Finally, traveling by train through the land of the Highlands It also helps you save money. We were able to compare this option with the Road trip in an electric car which could also be a nice option, but when it comes to the budget, there's no contest!

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Scotland's most beautiful train journeys

Where to go by train in Écosse?

High-speed rail

Main line

Branch line

Édimbourg

Aberdeen

Armadale

Balloch

Dundee

Dunfermline

Elgin

Falkirk

Fort William

Glasgow

Glaslow

Inverness

Our ultimate itinerary across Écosse

Harry Potter fans beware: here's a turnkey tour to explore the world of Harry Potter by train! Thanks to this legendary loop through the UK (and Scotland in particular), you'll find yourself at the heart of the film's sets and in the footsteps of J.K. Rowling.

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Scotland by train, in the footsteps of our favorite heroes (Harry Potter, Indiana Jones, Rebelle...)

7 days of travel

Ultimate UK tour to explore the world of Harry Potter by train

What to do by train in Écosse?

To help you organize your train trip to Scotland, we've put together a 7-day tour from Paris but also since Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille, Nice and Toulouse. And if you have more time, you will also find a circuit of 10 days and 15 days from these 6 cities (see bottom of page). In each case, we've tried to include the following main points of interest:

Edinburgh cultural capital, between medieval old town and vibrant festivals
The Highlands for hiking through spectacular mountains, lochs and valleys
Scottish castles including the famous Eilean Donan and Dunnottar
National parks such as the Cairngorms or Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, perfect for outdoor activities.
Isle of Skye a real jewel not included in our train itineraries, but accessible without a car thanks to buses and ferries.

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Discover Scotland by train: the ultimate guide (7, 10 and 15-day tours)