6 Train Experiences in Edinburgh, Ranked

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

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

3 days from Edinburgh to Skye and Loch Ness with Glencoe stops plus the Jacobite steam train, overnight Portree stays, and guided highlights.

“Isle of Skye is a gorgeous area .....lots of scenery (especially when it's sunny.... we were very lucky!) Our driver was very knowledgeable and friendly, despite the fact that she had only been driving this route for @ 6 months! Despite the long distance riding in a bus, I would definitely recommend this trip as a way to get out of the city and see the spectacular countryside of Scotland!”

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2.Magical Highlands Tour with Jacobite Train

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

Harry Potter film sights, Glencoe and Loch Shiel, plus the Jacobite steam train from Mallaig via Glenfinnan, all from Edinburgh.

“Magical Highlands Tour/Harry Potter Train I was traveling with my mom for the last two weeks and out of all the tours we've done, this one was best! And it is LARGELY because of our tour guide, Brendan or "B-Dog". He is extremely knowledgeable about Scottish history, as well as Harry Potter facts (he admitted to not being a big fan of the franchise but still remembered so much!), which is why we originally booked this tour. We rode on the Jacobite Train and it PALED in comparison to Brendan and his love and enthusiasm for Scotland. He not only shared what was historically known, but also local knowledge, his…”

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

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

Five days from Edinburgh through Loch Ness and Skye, with the Jacobite Steam Train. Coach, ferry, cruises, whisky tasting and breakfasts.

“Just an incredible trip!! Sinclair, our driver and guide, made this the most memorable trip ever! Such full days - learned so much about Scottish history, enjoyed the gorgeous scenery, and shared the trip with a fabulous group of people from all over the globe!”

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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

13.5-hour Highlands day trip from Edinburgh with the Jacobite Steam Train, Harry Potter filming spots, Glenfinnan photos, and a small breakfast.

“We wanted the full magical Highland experience, not just the train ride. Unfortunately, aside from the train itself, everything else was disappointing—mainly due to poor organization by the tour provider. The bus arrived late and was overbooked, leaving two passengers without seats. To avoid missing the train, we set off towards Mallaig anyway, with the plan that a larger bus would meet us at our first stop. However, the replacement bus was unsuitable, which meant we had to wait nearly two hours in a small town where most shops were closed—and it was raining—just for the right bus to finally arrive. As a result, all other scheduled stops were cancelled.…”

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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

4 days from Edinburgh to Skye and the Jacobite Steam Train, plus Loch Lomond, Glencoe, castles, and small-group comfort.

“Fantastic 4 days enjoying Isle of Skye and surroundings. Cameron is a great driver and expert tour guide, full of energy, information, stories. Our days were filled with amazing sights and adventures, never a boring minute. We had a chance to go to Glenfinnan viaduct but missed the train by two minutes. Is doable and proper planning would have given us the opportunity to see the train go by. Clarification of the end point would be helpful. We were dropped off on the other side of Waverly station and all of us had a long walk to the hotels near Royal Mile where the tour started.”

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6.Isle of Skye, Highlands & Jacobite Steam Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 15 reviews · from $504

3 days from Edinburgh into the Highlands and Skye, plus the Jacobite Steam Train, Nessie hunting, and Eilean Donan views.

“The itinerary was followed on time despite a small challenge on the road in Day 1 that is out of the driver's control. We managed to be on board the Jacobite train which is the main highlight of Day 1 Tour. My fave tour is on Day 2, the Isle of Skye was phenomenal! I did not expect it to be glorious. The driver played the requested songs from passengers the whole journey. There's a surprise visit to the highland coos at Day 3. My first and only taste of Scottish Whiskey I experienced from the tour itself, courtesy of the professional driver/ tour guide.Read more”

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