Scenic Train Routes in the UK to Add to Your Travel Bucket List
Discover the most scenic train routes in the UK, offering stunning views of the countryside, coastlines, mountains, and historic towns. From the Scottish Highlands to the Cornish coast, these journeys are perfect for travelers who love relaxing rides with unforgettable scenery.
Top Scenic Train Routes to Explore
Most Beautiful Train Rides in the UK
West Highland Line
Estimated Cost: £25–£50 one-way
Glasgow → Mallaig / Oban
Kyle Line
Estimated Cost: £15–£30 one-way
Far North Line
Estimated Cost: £30–£60 one-way
Inverness → Wick / Thurso
St. Ives Bay Line
Estimated Cost: £6–£10 one-way
St Erth → St Ives, Cornwall
Cambrian Coast Line
Estimated Cost: £15–£35 one-way
Pwllheli ↔ Aberystwyth, Wales
Borders Railway
Estimated Cost: £10–£20 one-way
Edinburgh → Tweedbank
1. Glasgow → Mallaig / Oban
West Highland Line
- Widely voted as one of the world’s most scenic rail routes
- Passes through Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, and Glenfinnan Viaduct
- Optional ride on the Jacobite Steam Train (Harry Potter connection)
- Great stops in Fort William and Mallaig for hiking or a ferry to Skye
2. Inverness → Kyle of Lochalsh
Kyle Line
- Stunning mountain and loch views all along the route
- Wildlife spotting—look for eagles, deer, and otters
- Passes through scenic villages like Achnasheen and Plockton
- Ends at the gateway to the Isle of Skye
3. Inverness → Wick / Thurso
Far North Line
- One of the most remote and untouched rail routes in the UK
- Views of Flow Country, coastline, and historic villages
- Great nature spotting- seals, seabirds, and castle sights like Dunrobin
- Perfect for an off-the-beaten-path adventure
4. St Erth → St Ives, Cornwall
St. Ives Bay Line
- Only ~15 minutes long but packed with sea views and beachside stops
- Runs right to Porthminster beach at St Ives station
- Great value and family-friendly trip
- Lovely Cornish town at the end with shops, galleries, and cafes
5. Pwllheli ↔ Aberystwyth, Wales
Cambrian Coast Line
- Sweeping sea views and coastal countryside
- Passes over historic Barmouth Bridge, right over the estuary
- Near Snowdonia National Park and castles along the coast
- Quiet, picturesque, and offbeat Welsh train route
6. Edinburgh → Tweedbank
Borders Railway
- Scenic countryside and charming new stations
- Connects to Sir Walter Scott heritage sites and Tweed Valley walks
- Modern and efficient route opened in 2015
- Ideal for a relaxed afternoon journey from Edinburgh
Trainline Travel Benefits
Why Book These Scenic Train Routes with Trainline?
1. Easy Booking & Real-Time Updates
Trainline lets you search, compare, and book UK train tickets quickly, on mobile or desktop, with live journey updates, platform info, and delay alerts.
2. Best Fares with Railcards & Split Tickets
Save money by applying Railcard discounts or using Trainline’s SplitSave feature, which finds cheaper ticket combinations automatically.
3. Wide Access to Scenic Routes
Trainline covers all major UK train operators, ScotRail, Great Western Railway, Northern, and more, giving you access to all top scenic train journeys in one place.
Customer Testimonials
Real reviews from happy passengers who booked their scenic UK train journeys with Trainline.
"Booking with Trainline made my scenic trip through the Highlands so simple. The views were stunning and the process was smooth from start to finish!"
"The Lake District route was breathtaking. I used Trainline to book everything quickly—very user-friendly, even on the go."
"Trainline made our family train trip to Wales really easy. The tickets, times, and updates were all in one place. Highly recommend for families!"
"I booked a last-minute seat for a scenic Yorkshire route. Trainline’s app made it easy and hassle-free. Would definitely use again."
