Royal Scotsman Luxury Train | Routes, Cabins & Departure Dates
The Royal Scotsman is one of the world’s most exclusive luxury trains, offering all-inclusive rail journeys through the dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. Departing from Edinburgh, each itinerary combines refined onboard living with private estate visits, scenic rail routes and classic Highland experiences.
The Luxury Train Travel Company specialises exclusively in high-end rail journeys worldwide and provides expert planning, confirmed departure dates, cabin guidance and tailored pre- and post-tour extensions for Royal Scotsman journeys. We work with travellers seeking an intimate, country-house-style rail experience in one of Europe’s most beautiful regions. Explore our United Kingdom luxury rail page for the full collection of British journeys, or our European luxury rail tours section for further options across the continent.
Journeys aboard the Royal Scotsman are fully escorted and include accommodation in en-suite cabins or suites, all meals and beverages on board, guided excursions, entertainment and luggage handling throughout. With a maximum of around 40 guests, the train offers a relaxed and highly personalised atmosphere.
● Brochures
● Routes & Dates & Prices
● Cabins & Onboard Experience
Royal Scotsman vs Britannic Explorer: Which Is Right for You?
Both trains are operated by Belmond, but they deliver very different experiences. The Royal Scotsman is the classic choice for travellers wanting a heritage, country-house style journey through the Scottish Highlands, with intimate guest numbers and a strong focus on Highland estates, whisky and traditional scenery. Departing from Edinburgh, itineraries range from shorter breaks to extended multi-night journeys, combining overnight rail travel with escorted excursions.
The Britannic Explorer offers a more contemporary expression of luxury rail travel, focused on England and Wales with a modern British design aesthetic and curated regional experiences. If your dream is tartan, Highland landscapes and classic romance, the Royal Scotsman is usually the better fit. If you want a newer, design-led train exploring different parts of Britain, Britannic Explorer may suit you better.
You can also browse both trains together on our United Kingdom luxury rail page, or explore the Britannic Explorer in detail.
Royal Scotsman Brochures
Below you will find our Royal Scotsman brochures. The first outlines the individual journeys available each season, while the second focuses on combination itineraries, where two routes are joined to create a longer, more in-depth Scottish exploration.
Each brochure contains detailed day-by-day descriptions, departure dates and price guidance. Royal Scotsman journeys operate with dynamic pricing and limited capacity, so we recommend contacting us for a confirmed quotation and availability.
● Please remember that booking well in advance is essential for this train ●
Main Royal Scotsman Routes
The Royal Scotsman by Belmond offers a collection of all-inclusive luxury rail journeys through the Scottish Highlands. All departures begin and end in Edinburgh, with itineraries ranging from short two-night escapes to week-long explorations.
Each journey combines spectacular scenery with carefully chosen off-train experiences, such as private estate visits, whisky tastings, outdoor pursuits and cultural excursions. On board, guests enjoy fine dining, convivial lounges and a relaxed country-house atmosphere.
For another refined rail journey within the United Kingdom, consider the Britannic Explorer, offering elegant routes through England and Wales. You can compare both trains and timings on our United Kingdom luxury rail page.
Royal Scotsman Routes Overview
| Route Name | Duration | Typical Direction | Key Regions | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taste of the Highlands | 2 nights | Edinburgh return | Perthshire, Cairngorms | Short Highland introduction with estate visits and optional outdoor pursuits |
| Western Scenic Wonders | 3 nights | Edinburgh return | West Highlands, Fort William, Arisaig | West Highland Line scenery, lochs, mountains and remote coastal landscapes |
| Wild Spirit of Scotland | 3 nights | Edinburgh return | Highland interior, forests and glens | Nature-focused journey with estate visits and outdoor activities |
| Scotland’s Classic Splendours | 4 nights | Edinburgh return | Speyside, Cairngorms, West Highlands | Distillery visits, castles and varied Highland scenery |
| Wild Scotland | 4 nights | Edinburgh return | Highland estates and glens | Outdoor experiences and wildlife-focused Highland exploration |
| Heritage, Homes & Gardens | 4 nights | Edinburgh return | Highland estates and historic houses | Private estate visits, gardens and cultural heritage experiences |
| Scotch Malt Whisky Tour | 4 nights | Edinburgh return | Speyside and Highland distillery regions | Exclusive distillery visits, tastings and whisky-focused excursions |
| Clans, Castles & Isles | 5 nights | Edinburgh return | West Highlands and islands | Historic castles, coastal scenery and cultural heritage |
| Grand Taste of the Highlands – Northbound | 5 nights | Edinburgh return | Northern Highlands | Extended Highland journey combining scenic rail and estate visits |
| Grand Taste of the Highlands – Westbound | 5 nights | Edinburgh return | Western Highlands | Longer west-coast exploration with additional excursions |
| Grand Western Scenic Wonders – Northbound | 7 nights | Edinburgh return | Extended West Highlands | Week-long exploration of the western Highlands and coast |
| Grand Western Scenic Wonders – Westbound | 7 nights | Edinburgh return | Extended West Highlands | Alternative direction of the extended west-coast itinerary |
● See the brochures above for full route descriptions, dates and price guidance ●
Explore Luxury Rail in Britain & Europe
The Royal Scotsman forms part of our wider collection of luxury rail journeys across the United Kingdom and Europe. If you are planning a broader rail holiday, it can also combine beautifully with city stays in Edinburgh or London, or onward travel into continental Europe.
● United Kingdom Luxury Rail
● European Rail Tours
● Britannic Explorer
Cabins & Onboard Experience
Accommodation aboard the Royal Scotsman is intentionally intimate, with a warm, heritage feel that reflects classic Scottish hospitality rather than modern minimalism. Cabins are wood-panelled and traditionally styled, creating a private retreat after full days exploring estates, castles and Highland scenery. With a small number of guests on each departure, service feels personal and the atmosphere is sociable without ever being busy.
All cabin categories include en-suite bathrooms, climate control and attentive steward service. While cabins are not oversized by global luxury standards, the experience is defined by character, comfort and the overall rhythm of the journey: days out exploring, then relaxed evenings on board with excellent food, whisky and conversation in the Observation Car.
Royal Scotsman Cabin Comparison
The Royal Scotsman offers four cabin categories, each with en-suite facilities and traditional Scottish styling. The table below provides a quick comparison.
| Cabin Type | Approx. Size | Bed Type | En-suite Bathroom | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Suite | 12 m² | Double bed | Yes (full bathroom) | Couples seeking maximum space and privacy |
| Double Cabin | Compact | Fixed double bed | Yes (shower, basin, WC) | Couples wanting a classic country-house feel |
| Twin Cabin | Compact | Two single beds | Yes (shower, basin, WC) | Friends or companions travelling together |
| Single Cabin | Compact | Single bed | Yes (shower, basin, WC) | Solo travellers |
Grand suite
Grand Suites are the most spacious and exclusive accommodation on board. They offer additional room to relax, enhanced comfort and an elevated service experience. If you value extra space, privacy and a more indulgent in-cabin experience, Grand Suites are the natural choice — particularly on longer itineraries where you will appreciate the additional comfort each evening.
Grand Suite Highlights
● Approx. 12 m² (including en-suite)
● Double bed
● Separate lounge area
● En-suite bathroom with shower
● Located towards the front of the train
● Sleeps two guests
Double Cabin
Double Cabins provide a refined private space for couples, balancing comfort with the charming, classic style that defines the Royal Scotsman. They are ideal for guests who prioritise the overall journey — dining, excursions and the social atmosphere — while still enjoying a comfortable en-suite cabin each night.
Double Cabin Highlights
● Fixed double bed
● En-suite bathroom with shower
● Writing desk and wardrobe
● Picture window for scenic views
● Sleeps two guests
Twin Cabins
Twin Cabins are designed for friends travelling together or guests who prefer separate beds. They provide the same heritage ambience, en-suite facilities and level of service, offering a practical and elegant base while you enjoy the train’s daily excursions and evening hospitality.
Twin Cabin Highlights
● Two lower single beds
● En-suite bathroom with shower
● Traditional Scottish décor
● Picture window
● Sleeps two guests
Single Cabins
Single Cabins make the Royal Scotsman a strong option for solo travellers who want a private cabin without compromising on the complete onboard experience. Itineraries are naturally sociable, and solo guests often find the Observation Car and shared excursions make the journey feel welcoming and relaxed.
Single Cabin Highlights
● Single lower bed
● En-suite bathroom with shower
● Writing desk and wardrobe
● Picture window
● Ideal for solo travellers
The Observation Car & Evening Atmosphere
Evenings aboard the Royal Scotsman are a highlight. After dinner, guests often gather in the Observation Car for a drink, live music and informal conversation as the train rests overnight in a quiet Highland siding. It is this combination of refined dining and easy sociability that gives the Royal Scotsman its distinctive “country-house” feel.
Life On Board the Royal Scotsman
Life aboard the Royal Scotsman centres around relaxed, sociable travel. Days are spent exploring Highland estates, historic castles and scenic walking routes, while evenings bring guests together for fine dining and entertainment.
Meals are served in elegant dining cars, where seasonal Scottish ingredients and regional specialities take centre stage. After dinner, guests often gather in the Observation Car for a drink, live music or informal conversation as the train rests for the night in a quiet Highland siding.
With a small number of guests and attentive staff, the atmosphere is friendly, informal and highly personalised.
Royal Scotsman Luxury train Gallery
A selection of photos below give a flavour of life on board the Royal scotsman Luxury Train.
Why Book the Royal Scotsman with The Luxury Train Travel Company
● Specialist global luxury rail agency
● Direct access to confirmed cabin availability
● Expert advice on routes and cabin types
● Tailor-made Scotland extensions
● Fast, personal response to enquiries
View all departures on our Luxury Train Calendar.
Plan Your Royal Scotsman Journey
We can advise on the best Royal Scotsman route for your travel style, cabin category availability, and the ideal season for Highland scenery, whisky experiences and estate visits. Many guests also combine Royal Scotsman with the Britannic Explorer, or with a wider itinerary planned via our United Kingdom luxury rail page and European luxury rail tours collection.
Practical FAQs
The luxury train travel company
Enquire About the Royal Scotsman
Our team can provide up-to-date availability, detailed itinerary advice and tailored extensions before or after your Royal Scotsman journey.
Contact us to:
● Check cabin availability
● Compare routes and departure dates
● Arrange hotels or tours in Scotland
● Plan a wider European rail journey
enquiry@theluxurytraintravelcompany.com
Tel: +44 (0)20 8191 0620
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