Scenic Rail Journeys from Inverness

Kyle Line, Far North Line and a castle stop you will never forget in our guide to scenic rail journeys from Inverness.

Craving big Highland views without hiring a car? Inverness is a brilliant base for some of Scotland’s most scenic rail adventures.

Below you will find practical route notes, what to look out for, where to sit for the best views, and simple ideas for what to do at each end.

Why base yourself in Inverness

Inverness is the largest city in the Highlands, where the River Ness meets the Moray Firth. It is compact, walkable, and well connected by trains and buses.

Highlights in Inverness

• Inverness Cathedral
• The indoor Victorian Market
• Inverness Castle
• Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
• Botanic Gardens
• Leakey’s Bookshop
• A lovely 2-hour circuit walk along the River Ness and Ness Islands

Easy day trip ideas from Inverness

• Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle
• Culloden Battlefield
• Clava Cairns
• Fort George
• Read more: Best day trips from Inverness

Plan your visit to Inverness – Inverness Travel Guide | Where to stay in Inverness

Scenic Rail Journeys from Inverness

Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh (The Kyle Line)

• Journey time: about 2 hours 40 minutes
• Frequency: up to 4 trains daily on weekdays and Saturdays, usually 2 on Sundays
• Sample fares: from around £35 return at the time of writing (Feb 2026)

Why is this journey special?

This coast-to-coast route is beautiful and surprisingly varied, with lochs, mountains and sea views from both sides of the train.

What to look for en route

• Dingwall (about 20 minutes from Inverness): junction for the Far North Line.
• Loch Garve, Loch Luichart and Loch a’Chuilinn: classic Highland scenery.
• River Carron and Strathcarron: the line rises and falls before dropping into this stunning valley.
• Torridon Hills: watch to the right just before Achnashellach for a glimpse of these mighty peaks.
• Loch Carron shoreline: the track hugs the water with stop-worthy little stations such as Plockton, filming location for the popular 90s TV programme Hamish Macbeth.
• Final approach to Kyle of Lochalsh: look ahead for views across to the Isle of Skye.

At Kyle of Lochalsh

Kyle is a historic village on the Lochalsh peninsula, about 55 miles from Inverness.

• Join a timed tour to the Isle of Skye that meets the train.
• Explore locally by bus, tour, taxi or on foot.
• Eilean Donan Castle: about 15 minutes by road along Loch Alsh. This 13th-century beauty sits on a tiny tidal island where three sea lochs meet. Photo opportunities are outstanding.

Inverness to Thurso and Wick (The Far North Line)

Why go: vast skies, wide firths, empty moorland, castles on headlands and that satisfying end of the line feeling.

Route overview and viewing tips

From Inverness the train runs to Dingwall, then turns north. Keep an eye on the firths and the Black Isle for sweeping water views. You may even spot dolphins in the firths if luck is on your side.

• Along the Cromarty Firth look for Invergordon and its harbour.
• After Tain and the Dornoch Firth, just before Culrain, you can spot Carbisdale Castle.
• At Georgemas Junction the line splits. Trains typically run to Thurso first, then return to Georgemas Junction before continuing to Wick.

Best side for views: the right hand side offers many of the firth panoramas when heading north.
Food on board: bring snacks and water. Trolley services are not guaranteed.

Thurso

Mainland Scotland’s most northerly town, with traditional pubs, cafés and shops. It is a good base for tours or onward trips to Orkney.

Ideas near Thurso

• Dunnet Head and Lighthouse: the most northerly point of the mainland, with views to Orkney and superb seabird watching.
• John O’Groats: a classic photo stop and a fun spot for a bite to eat or a souvenir.
• Duncansby Head: dramatic sea stacks and clifftop walks near the north east tip.

Wick

Once a bustling herring port with Viking roots, Wick has a characterful harbour and marina. Visit the Wick Heritage Museum and Pulteney Distillery.

Getting around up north

Local buses link Thurso, Wick and John O’Groats. Taxis are available but book ahead (and check if you need cash). If you plan to go further, consider an overnight stay.

If you plan to travel to Thurso and Wick and return to Inverness there are some considerations

1. 3 hours 45 mins one way (fastest) to Thurso
2. £33 return (price correct Feb 2026) to Thurso
3. 4 hours 15 mins one way (fastest) to Wick
4. £33 return (price correct Feb 2026) to Wick
5. Wick is the end of the line (the train stops in Thurso then heads to Wick)
6. Sit on the right hand side of the train dep Inverness for overall best views.
7. Ensure to plan your journey carefully as there are a limited number of trains daily.

Ferries to Orkney (optional add on)

• Scrabster to Stromness (NorthLink Ferries): about 90 minutes, foot passengers and cars. Scrabster is roughly 2.5 miles from Thurso by road.
• Gills Bay to St Margaret’s Hope (Pentland Ferries): around 1 hour, foot passengers and cars.
• John O’ Groats to Burwick (John O’ Groats Ferries): about 40 minutes, foot passengers only. Summer service.

When to go

Spring through early autumn is best for daylight and views. In winter, you will be travelling in shorter daylight with a higher chance of changeable conditions.

Dunrobin Castle by Train

• Season: the castle is typically open April to October
• Station: Dunrobin Castle station, about a 5 minute walk from the entrance
• Line: on the Inverness to Thurso or Wick route
• Sample fares: from about £52.60 return at the time of writing (Feb 2026)

This is the most northerly of Scotland’s great houses and one of Britain’s longest continuously inhabited homes, with roots back to the 1300s. Its conical towers give it the look of a French château. The grounds overlook the Moray Firth near the lovely villages of Golspie and Dornoch.

Important: check both the castle opening times and whether your chosen train stops at Dunrobin Castle. Some services are request-only or seasonal.

Practical tips for these routes

• Seats and sides: reserve seats where possible. For the Far North Line, the right hand side often has the best firth views heading north. On the Kyle Line, good views come up on both sides.
• Food and water: bring your own supplies. On board trolleys are not guaranteed.
• Railcards: if eligible, a Railcard can save up to a third on fares. First class not readily available.
• Sundays and seasonality: services can be less frequent on Sundays and in winter. Check timetables in advance.
• Request stops: some smaller stations are request stops. Tell the guard if you plan to get off and be visible on the platform when you want the train to stop. Don’t stand close to the platform edge – stay behind the yellow lines!
• Weather: dress in layers and carry a waterproof jacket. Conditions change quickly in the Highlands.

Final thoughts and next steps

If you love the idea of slow travel, these Inverness routes are the perfect way to see the Highlands without the stress of driving. Pick one line for a relaxed day out or stay longer and experience both.

For planning help, see our UK Train Travel Hub and Doug’s Guide to UK Train Travel eBook. If you want tailored train travel planning help and advice choose from our services – a 30 minute train travel Q&A, itinerary video review or 1:1 itinerary consultation.