You don't need a car to see the best of the Highlands. Scotland's railways were built in the Victorian era specifically to open up remote landscapes to travellers. The routes haven't changed much since then — and that's the point.
West Highland Line (Glasgow → Fort William → Mallaig)
Routinely named one of the world's most scenic train journeys. Crosses Rannoch Moor, passes the Glenfinnan Viaduct (the Harry Potter bridge), and ends at Mallaig on the coast. Sit on the left for the best views. The Caledonian Sleeper from London joins this route for the final section.
💡 Book ScotRail tickets in advance for cheaper fares. The Jacobite steam train runs the Fort William-Mallaig section April-October.
Kyle Line (Inverness → Kyle of Lochalsh)
Two and a half hours from Inverness to the Skye Bridge. The line passes through deer forest, past Loch Carron, and ends with the Skye Cuillin on the horizon. The final approach along the loch is one of the best stretches of railway in Britain.
💡 £15 one-way. Sit on the right for loch views. The last hour is the best.
Far North Line (Inverness → Thurso/Wick)
Four hours through the Flow Country of Caithness and Sutherland. The landscape becomes increasingly wild and empty as you go north. The line splits at Georgemas Junction — one branch to Thurso, one to Wick. You pass through Forsinard, a tiny station in the middle of a nature reserve.
💡 Take the morning train for daylight. Pack food — there's no buffet car.
Caledonian Sleeper (London → Fort William)
The overnight train from Euston to Fort William. Sit in the lounge car with a whisky as the train leaves London, and wake up to Glencoe outside your window. The seated coach is cheapest, the Club room has an en-suite. Book months ahead for summer.
💡 The Fort William portion splits from the main train at Edinburgh. You'll wake up on Rannoch Moor.
Editor's Note
I've done all four of these. The West Highland Line is the famous one, but the Kyle Line is my personal favourite — it's shorter, cheaper, and the final stretch along Loch Carron with the Cuillin appearing on the horizon is genuinely emotional. Take the 10:55 from Inverness, sit on the right, and don't look at your phone.