Train & Rail Tours in UK and Great Britain
4.6 stars on(8,695 reviews)- Choose from 22 UK and Great Britain tours
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10 best train tour packages in UK and Great Britain
Compiled by
SteffUK and Great Britain travel expert at TourRadar
- Titanic Trail Trail & Wild Atlantic Way including Donegal
- Loch Ness, the Jacobite and Skye Guided Rail Tour
- Best of Britain by Train
- Titanic Rail Trail & Wild Atlantic Way
- Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way Guided Rail Tour
- Manchester to the Scottish Highlands (Hotel) - 4 days
- London - Dublin & Connemara
- North Highlands & Orkney Guided Rail Tour
- London - Dublin, Cork & Blarney Castle
- London - Dublin & The Ring of Kerry
Historic railways link Dublin to Belfast and the Causeway Coast. First-class carriages wind through Northern Ireland's picturesque landscapes, connecting the Giant's Causeway and Belfast's Titanic Quarter.
Duration 11 days Destinations Dublin, Kildare, Cork, Blarney, Cobh, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Limerick, Bunratty, Cliffs of MoherSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Railtours Ireland First Class From
- NZ$8,426
Loch Ness, the Jacobite and Skye Guided Rail Tour
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Well organised in spite of covid and rail strike restrictions. a mine of information and traditional stories.”
William, traveled in July
Scottish railways link Glasgow's urban energy to Edinburgh's historic core. The route crosses the Forth Rail Bridge and Glenfinnan Viaduct, while the Kyle Line hugs the dramatic coastline with expert guides.
Duration 7 days Destinations Glasgow, Fort William, Fort Augustus, Loch Ness, Mallaig, Isle of Skye, Kyle of Lochalsh, Inverness, Edinburgh Age Range Ages 18+ Operator McKinlay Kidd From
- NZ$5,717
Flexible anytime tickets connect Britain's landmarks from London to Edinburgh, including Bath, Oxford, Liverpool, and York. Standard class comfort and convenient station access, with hotels within 1 mile of stations.
Duration 13 days Destinations London, Bath, Oxford, Liverpool, York, Edinburgh Age Range Ages 12+ Operator BTOURS From $15,480
13% Off- NZ$13,467You save $2,012
Rail networks weave through Britain and Ireland's landscapes, from Dublin's Heuston Station to Belfast Central. Comfortable trains connect Blarney Castle, Cliffs of Moher, and the UNESCO Giant's Causeway site.
Duration 9 days Destinations Dublin, Kildare, Cork, Blarney, Cobh, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Limerick, Bunratty, Cliffs of MoherSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Railtours Ireland First Class From
13% Off- NZ$6,290
Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way Guided Rail Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Irish roads are scary and the signs in towns are confusing, McKinlay Kidd is a good choice.”
David, traveled in September
Irish rails stretch from Dublin's vibrant center to Galway's colorful streets. The tracks lead through rural villages to Ennis's musical heritage and Killarney's Ross Castle, revealing landscapes from farmlands to coastal panoramas.
Duration 8 days Destinations Dublin, Galway, Ennis, Cliffs of Moher, Burren, Ring of Kerry, Killarney Age Range Ages 18+ Operator McKinlay Kidd From
13% Off- NZ$5,953
The Jacobite Steam Train still crosses the historic Glenfinnan Viaduct. Mercedes mini-coaches connect Highland railways while visiting Loch Ness, Glencoe, and Stirling Castle.
Duration 4 days Destinations Manchester, Pooley Bridge, Glasgow, Luss, Oban, Fort Augustus, Loch Ness, Glencoe, Stirling, Edinburgh Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From $2,955
35% Off- NZ$1,921You save $1,034
Trains roll from London Euston through North Wales to Holyhead. The Irish Ferries' Ulysses crosses the Irish Sea, followed by rail journeys from Dublin to Galway through historic landscapes.
Duration 4 days Destinations London, Dublin, Galway, Connemara National Park, Clifden Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Railtours Ireland First Class From
35% Off- NZ$1,976
Northern rail routes stretch from Inverness's Far North Line to coastal tracks. Trains connect Helmsdale, Dunrobin Castle, and Thurso, coordinating with Orkney ferries for guided Highland community visits.
Duration 7 days Destinations Inverness, Thurso, John O'Groats, Kirkwall, Skara Brae, Stromness, Dornoch, Dunrobin Age Range Ages 18+ Operator McKinlay Kidd From
35% Off- NZ$5,941
Historic tracks run from London Euston through Wales to Holyhead. After crossing the Irish Sea on Ulysses ferry, Irish railways connect Dublin to Cork through scenic countryside.
Duration 4 days Destinations London, Dublin, Kildare, Cork, Blarney, Cobh Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Railtours Ireland First Class From
35% Off- NZ$2,466
Rails stretch from London Euston along Welsh coast to Holyhead. The Ulysses ferry connects to Ireland's Heuston Station, leading through County Kildare's racing countryside to Killarney.
Duration 4 days Destinations London, Dublin, Killarney, Ring of Kerry Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Railtours Ireland First Class From
35% Off- NZ$2,466
What people love about Train & Rail Tours in UK and Great Britain
Fabulous tour guide and drivers, beautiful scenery and very nice hotels. Train was fun but there was a strike on the train so we had to go by coach a little more than we would have liked. Also would have liked to go to more castles but r do other activities other than just driving and looking at scenery. Easily could have done the other distillery as well as go inside more castles. It was nice to have time on our own as well as very few early mornings.
Loch Ness, the Jacobite and Skye Guided Rail Tour
- Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way Guided Rail Tour
If you have to do a tour, because Irish roads are scary and the signs in towns are confusing, McKinlay Kidd is a good choice.
- Highlights of Scotland
The trip was a huge success despite many challenges: our tour guide was ill and we had a last minute substitute (Sam) who was AMAZING, there was a railroad strike which necessitated last minute transportation changes and there was even a medical situation requiring a trip to A&E. Sam (first tour guide) was brilliant and he and Graham switched off towards the end of the trip. Graham was very professional, knowledgeable and even brought his guitar so we could all play and enjoy music in the evening. The hotels/accomodations were great, the travel was secure and the sites were well-chosen with a good mixture of outdoor walks/hikes as well as indoor activities such asmmuseums, etc. It was the first tour my husband and I have even been on, and it was top-notch. We met some amazing people, too. Bonus! This will be the first of many trips in the future for us! A deep and sincere "Thank you" is in order.
What our customers ask about Train & Rail Tours in UK and Great Britain
What are the most scenic train routes in UK and Great Britain?
The Scottish Highlands' West Highland Line stands out as a premier rail journey featuring the Glenfinnan Viaduct known from the Harry Potter films. The Kyle Line connects Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh offering views across to the Isle of Skye while the Far North Line runs through Helmsdale revealing the raw beauty of the northern Highlands. Reviews from travelers highlight well-timed stops for photographs of mountains and sea views. Accommodations range from the seaside Dornoch Hotel to the Alexandra Hotel which sits at the base of Ben Nevis Britain's highest peak.
What's typically included in a UK rail tour package?
Standard UK rail packages cover the essentials: accommodations at mid-range hotels like Edinburgh's Brooks Hotel all rail tickets with reserved seating and daily breakfast. Most tours provide guided city walks entry to major sites such as Bath's Roman Baths and Edinburgh Castle plus a tour guide. Hotels usually arrange station transfers. Recent travelers note the reliability of train scheduling and seat assignments with extended stays allowing thorough exploration of each destination.
What type of accommodation can I expect on UK train tours?
Most UK train tours place travelers in mid-range hotels and historic properties near rail stations. Large cities feature established chains while rural stops often showcase local guesthouses. Accommodations range from Glasgow's Grand Central Hotel connected directly to the station to family-run B&Bs in smaller towns like Fort Augustus near Loch Ness. Travelers report easy walks from most properties to train stations typically within 15 minutes.
What are the top stops along popular train routes in UK and Great Britain?
Key destinations include Edinburgh's castle-crowned Old Town Bath's Georgian architecture and York's medieval streets. Fort William serves as the jumping-off point for Ben Nevis hikes while Kyle of Lochalsh connects visitors to the Isle of Skye. Tours often incorporate stays at properties like Oban's Alexandra Hotel or Kyle of Lochalsh's Royal Hotel providing time to explore local attractions including Urquhart Castle and the Ring of Brodgar standing stones.
What are the best times of year for train tours in UK and Great Britain?
The prime touring season spans May through September when mild weather and long daylight hours benefit travelers. Scotland's Highlands burst with wildflowers in May and June while September brings rich autumn colors to regions like the Lake District. October temperatures average 10 degrees Celsius in Scotland making it suitable for exploration without peak-season crowds. Major routes operate year-round though winter brings reduced schedules on some lines.
How does train travel in UK and Great Britain compare to other forms of transport?
British trains offer practical advantages: spacious cars large windows and routes that connect major cities with remote destinations. The London to Edinburgh line covers the distance in 4.5 hours with modern carriages providing dining options power outlets and internet access. Trains reach places like Fort William's West Highland Hotel and Kyle of Lochalsh's Station Hotel making them particularly useful for visitors who prefer not to drive on Britain's left-side roads.