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Royal Scotsman, a Belmond Train

An Edwardian estate on wheels through the wild Scottish Highlands

About the Train

The Belmond Royal Scotsman offers an unrivalled window onto the Scottish Highlands, its ever-changing landscapes of sweeping glens, towering peaks, rugged shores and mirror-calm lochs rolling past in cinematic succession. With no more than 40 guests aboard, the experience is genuinely exclusive — maximum comfort, personal attention and space to breathe.

The interiors evoke an Edwardian country house: warm marquetry panelling, elegant lounges, plush suites and fresh flowers in every corner. Step onto the open Observation Deck — the only one in Europe — and feel the Highland air as the train crosses the iconic Forth Railway Bridge. The train stables overnight in quiet sidings, ensuring an undisturbed night's sleep beneath the stars.

Private charters are also available. Tailor the entire journey to your interests — golf, whisky, wild swimming, mountain walking, clan history — with bespoke menus developed by the chef, sommelier-paired wines and true Scottish entertainment.

Gallery

Accommodation

20 cabins in total: 2 Grand Suites, 4 Doubles, 12 Twins and 2 Singles.

Grand Suite

The two Grand Suites each feature a 140 cm × 190 cm double bed (convertible to twin), dressing table, full-length wardrobe, dining table with two chairs, sofa, individually controlled heating and cooling fans, opening windows and a call button. Each has an en-suite bathroom with shower, washbasin and toilet. Grand Suite guests also enjoy in-suite dining on request, enhanced amenities, private airport or hotel transfers, and one complimentary Bamford spa treatment per guest.

Twin, Double and Single State Cabins

Beautifully decorated in rich marquetry and elegant fittings, all State Cabins feature dressing tables, full-length wardrobes, private en-suite shower rooms with high-quality toiletries and bathrobes, hairdryers, individual heating controls and panoramic windows. Beds are furnished with feather and foam pillows and a feather duvet. Cabins Q, R and S offer an extra-long bed of 2.2 m (7 ft 2 in).

Observation Car

This elegant carriage — adorned with fresh flowers, potted palms and panoramic windows — leads to the only open Observation Deck in Europe. It is the social heart of the train: conversation flows freely, views are uninterrupted, and the Highlands unfold at every turn.

Dining Cars

Two beautifully appointed dining cars with rich mahogany panelling and luxurious fabrics. Victory seats 16 in intimate groupings of two and four; Raven offers larger tables of six or eight — perfect for new friendships or an intimate dinner for two.

Bamford Spa Car

Operated by British wellness brand Bamford, the Spa Car draws on nature-inspired, organic botanical skincare. Two single-treatment rooms with picture windows offer treatments including the Bamford Bespoke Facial, De-Stress Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, and eco-natural manicures and pedicures. Book on boarding.

Itineraries

Choose the journey that calls to you. Each itinerary may be reserved through our concierge.

Scotland's Classic Splendours
4 nights · 5 days · Edinburgh → Keith → Kyle of Lochalsh → Boat of Garten → Dundee → Edinburgh
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A 720-mile grand tour of the Scottish Highlands visiting Eilean Donan Castle, Glen Ord Distillery, Ballindalloch Castle, Rothiemurchus Estate and Glamis Castle, with a crossing of the Forth Railway Bridge and views to the Isle of Skye.

Day 1 — Edinburgh to Keith

The Royal Scotsman departs Edinburgh in the early afternoon, crossing the magnificent Forth Railway Bridge — be on the open Observation Deck for the full spectacle. Afternoon tea is served as the train passes Arbroath, Montrose and Aberdeen before arriving in Keith. An informal dinner and drinks in the Observation Car follow.

Day 2 — Keith to Kyle of Lochalsh

Breakfast is served en route to Inverness, then west along the Moray Firth to Kyle of Lochalsh. Alight at the pretty harbour village of Plockton for a stroll or a boat trip to spot wild seals. A formal dinner follows, with mesmerising views over Loch Alsh to the Isle of Skye.

Day 3 — Kyle of Lochalsh to Boat of Garten

An early-morning walk links the mainland to the Isle of Skye, or take a short drive to marvel at Eilean Donan Castle. Disembark at Garve to tour Glen Ord Distillery, one of Scotland's oldest, founded in 1838, with a private tasting. Continue to Ballindalloch Castle on Speyside for a private castle tour or an exclusive look at Scotland's only single-estate distillery. Overnight at Boat of Garten on the private Strathspey Railway.

Day 4 — Rothiemurchus and Glamis Castle

Begin with a visit to Rothiemurchus Estate in the Cairngorms National Park — fishing, clay pigeon shooting or an estate tour await. Lunch is served en route south to Dunkeld, then disembark for Glamis Castle, childhood home of the late Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. A formal dinner with entertainment rounds off the evening; overnight in Dundee.

Day 5 — Dundee to Edinburgh

After breakfast, the train returns to Edinburgh, arriving during the morning.

from £9,100 per person (twin/double cabin)

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Scotch Malt Whisky Tour
4 nights · 5 days · Edinburgh → Keith → Kyle of Lochalsh → Boat of Garten → Dundee → Edinburgh
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The ultimate whisky odyssey through Scotland in partnership with the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, including private tours of the Macallan, Tomatin and Tullibardine distilleries and specialist single-cask tastings aboard the train.

Day 1 — Edinburgh to Keith

Meet your whisky ambassador at the Balmoral Hotel for a welcome dram. The train departs Edinburgh Waverley, crossing the Forth Railway Bridge, and travels through the Kingdom of Fife and up the coast to Keith in the heart of Speyside. Informal dinner and traditional Scottish entertainment follow.

Day 2 — Keith to Kyle of Lochalsh

After breakfast, alight for a private tour and tutored tasting at the new Macallan Distillery. Lunch is served aboard as the train passes Loch Luichart, the Torridon Mountains, Loch Carron and Plockton on its way to Kyle of Lochalsh. A formal dinner is followed by coffee and liqueurs in the Observation Car.

Day 3 — Kyle of Lochalsh to Boat of Garten

A specialist single-cask tasting takes place in the Observation Car before lunch. Disembark at Aviemore for a private tour of Tomatin Distillery. Return to the train at Boat of Garten for an informal dinner and Scottish entertainment.

Day 4 — Rothiemurchus to Dundee

Travel by coach to Rothiemurchus Estate for fishing, clay pigeon shooting or an estate tour. Lunch is served as the train heads south to Dunkeld, then on to Tullibardine Distillery for a VIP tour — nosing from the cask, a bonded warehouse visit and a tutored tasting of three Highland single malts. Formal dinner en route to Dundee, with Scottish country dancing on the platform.

Day 5 — Dundee to Edinburgh

Breakfast as the train crosses the Tay Bridge back to Edinburgh. Your whisky ambassador invites guests to the Scotch Malt Whisky Society headquarters in Edinburgh's elegant New Town.

from £9,100 per person (twin/double cabin)

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Western Scenic Wonders
3 nights · 4 days · Edinburgh → Spean Bridge → Fort William → Gourock → Edinburgh
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A 660-mile journey into the most dramatic mountain and coastal scenery Scotland can offer, including the silver sands of Morar, Glenfinnan Monument, tea at Inverlochy Castle and a visit to the Victorian Gothic Mount Stuart House on the Isle of Bute.

Day 1 — Edinburgh to Spean Bridge

The train heads west through Falkirk to Craigendoran, where guests catch their first glimpse of Loch Lomond over afternoon tea. The train climbs the waterfall-rich Glen Falloch and continues north to Spean Bridge. An informal dinner and Observation Car entertainment follow.

Day 2 — Spean Bridge to Bridge of Orchy

Continuing west past Ben Nevis, disembark at Arisaig for a stroll along the gleaming Morar Sands with views of Skye's Cuillin Mountains. Lunch is served as the train retraces to Fort William. In the afternoon, visit Glenfinnan Monument with your Highlander guide, then take tea at Inverlochy Castle — or opt for a hike to Steall Waterfall. Informal dinner en route south to Bridge of Orchy.

Day 3 — Isle of Bute

The train arrives at the Isle of Bute for a fascinating visit to Mount Stuart, a breathtaking Victorian Gothic house with the finest privately held collection of family portraits in Scotland. Return to Gourock for a formal dinner and overnight on board.

Day 4 — Gourock to Edinburgh

A leisurely breakfast as the train returns to Edinburgh.

from £8,500 per person (twin/double cabin)

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Taste of the Highlands
2 nights · 3 days · Edinburgh → Aberdeen → Keith → Inverness → Dundee → Edinburgh
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A 540-mile Highland round trip visiting Rothiemurchus Estate in the Cairngorms, the atmospheric Culloden Battlefield and Strathisla Distillery — one of the oldest working distilleries in Scotland.

Day 1 — Edinburgh to Dundee

The train departs Edinburgh in the early afternoon, journeying north through Fife and into the dramatic Highlands. A sumptuous dinner is served, followed by entertainment in the Observation Car.

Day 2 — Rothiemurchus, Culloden and Strathisla

Travel by coach to Rothiemurchus Estate in the Cairngorms National Park for clay pigeon shooting, fishing or an estate tour. Rejoin the train for lunch, then visit Culloden Battlefield for a private tour with its striking visitor centre. An evening excursion to Strathisla Distillery — home of one of Scotland's most celebrated whiskies — completes the day. Formal dinner en route to Dundee.

Day 3 — Dundee to Edinburgh

A leisurely breakfast as the train passes Stirling and returns to Edinburgh.

from £5,850 per person (twin/double cabin)

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Essence of Scotland
3 nights · 4 days · Edinburgh → Boat of Garten → Kyle of Lochalsh → Aviemore → Dundee → Edinburgh
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From 2026 operating as the Wild Spirit of Scotland, this three-night journey explores the western Highlands via Plockton and Attadale, with a private distillery tour, a visit to Ballindalloch Castle and a Gala Dinner finale.

Day 1 — Edinburgh

Departing Edinburgh in the early afternoon, the train crosses the Forth Railway Bridge and travels past the Cairngorms National Park. Overnight at Boat of Garten with dinner and lively entertainment on board.

Day 2 — Kyle of Lochalsh

During a leisurely breakfast the train makes its way to Strathcarron. Disembark at Plockton for a visit to the magnificent Attadale estate, with its Water Garden, Japanese Garden and Sunken Garden. Overnight in Kyle of Lochalsh, with informal dinner and coffee in the Observation Car.

Day 3 — Aviemore

Breakfast is served en route to Aviemore, where guests disembark for a private tour of Tomatin Distillery. After lunch, visit Ballindalloch Castle, one of Scotland's most romantic castles, and its wonderful walled gardens. Return for a Gala Dinner as the train travels to Dundee, with Scottish dancing on the platform.

Day 4 — Edinburgh

Breakfast as the train crosses the Tay Bridge and returns to Edinburgh.

from £8,950 per person (twin/double cabin)

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Clans, Castles and Isles
5 nights · 6 days · Edinburgh → Spean Bridge → Fort William → Oban → Isle of Mull → Isle of Bute → Aviemore → Stirling → Dundee → Edinburgh
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A lavish five-night odyssey exploring Scotland's wild west coast, island ferries, whisky distilleries and ancient castles — culminating in a private champagne reception at Stirling Castle and a gala farewell dinner.

Day 1 — Edinburgh to Spean Bridge

The train departs westward through Falkirk, Clydebank and Dumbarton, skirting Glasgow before reaching Spean Bridge. Informal dinner and Gaelic and folk entertainment in the Observation Car.

Day 2 — Spean Bridge to Fort William and Oban

Sweeping past Ben Nevis, disembark at Arisaig for a morning on the silver sands of Morar, with views of Skye's Cuillin Mountains. Lunch is served as the train crosses the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct back to Fort William. In the afternoon, explore Glenfinnan with a local guide or hike to Steall Waterfall through Glen Nevis. Informal dinner and Scottish music.

Day 3 — Oban and the Isle of Mull

Arriving in Oban, take the ferry to the Isle of Mull and visit Tobermory Distillery — one of Scotland's oldest — for a private tour and tasting, or explore a local artisan cheesemaker. Browse scenic Tobermory harbour at leisure. Formal dinner as the train heads to Kilmarnock.

Day 4 — Isle of Bute

Ferry from Wemyss Bay to the Isle of Bute for a morning at Mount Stuart House, one of Britain's most astonishing Victorian Gothic houses amid landscaped gardens and wild woodlands. Informal dinner and traditional entertainment on board.

Day 5 — Aviemore to Stirling and Dundee

A leisurely breakfast, then coach to Rothiemurchus Estate in the Cairngorms. Lunch is served as the train journeys south through Blair Atholl and Pitlochry. At Stirling, disembark for a private champagne and canapé reception and tour of Stirling Castle — royal residence of Mary Queen of Scots and James VI. A gala dinner and musical farewell round off the evening en route to Dundee.

Day 6 — Dundee to Edinburgh

Breakfast in the dining car as the train returns to Edinburgh.

from £17,250 per person (twin/double cabin)

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Heritage Homes and Gardens
4 nights · 5 days · Edinburgh → Montrose → Kyle of Lochalsh → Isle of Skye → Boat of Garten → Rothiemurchus → Dunkeld → Edinburgh
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An exclusive four-night itinerary discovering Scotland's finest private estates and ancestral houses — often guided by the clan chiefs and estate owners themselves — including Brechin Castle Gardens, Foulis Castle, Attadale, the Clan Donald estate on Skye, Ballindalloch Castle and Rothiemurchus.

Day 1 — Edinburgh to Montrose

The train crosses the Forth Railway Bridge heading north. Disembark at Montrose to visit Brechin Castle Gardens, one of Scotland's finest private gardens.

Day 2 — Kyle of Lochalsh

A leisurely breakfast en route to Invergordon, where guests visit the 18th-century Foulis Castle, seat of Clan Munro — welcomed by the Clan Chief and his family. Continue west past the Torridon Mountains, Achnashellach forest and Loch Carron. Disembark at Plockton for Attadale estate and its celebrated gardens. Overnight in Kyle of Lochalsh with informal dinner.

Day 3 — Isle of Skye and Ballindalloch

Drive across to the mystical Isle of Skye and the 2,000-acre Clan Donald estate, including its award-winning museum of Highland and Island history. Return to Kyle of Lochalsh for lunch before visiting the romantic Ballindalloch Castle with its wonderful walled gardens. Overnight at Boat of Garten on the private Strathspey Railway.

Day 4 — Rothiemurchus and Dunkeld

A coach transfers guests to Rothiemurchus Estate for a parkland tour or outdoor pursuits beneath the Cairngorm Mountains. The train then heads south to Dunkeld for a visit to Ruthven House and Pitmuies Garden near Forfar. Return to the train for dinner and a final night on board in Dundee.

Day 5 — Edinburgh

Depart Dundee in the morning and return to Edinburgh.

from £14,300 per person (twin/double cabin)

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Grand Western Scenic Wonders Westbound
7 nights · 8 days · Edinburgh → Kyle of Lochalsh → Isle of Bute → Keith → Kyle of Lochalsh → Boat of Garten → Rothiemurchus → Edinburgh
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An eight-day, seven-night combination of Scotland's Classic Splendours and Western Scenic Wonders, visiting Glen Ord Distillery, Eilean Donan Castle, Ballindalloch Castle, Glamis Castle, Rothiemurchus Estate, Morar Sands, Glenfinnan Monument, Inverlochy Castle and Mount Stuart House.

from £19,550 per person (twin/double cabin)

Enquire about this itinerary
Grand Western Scenic Wonders Northbound
7 nights · 8 days · Edinburgh → Kyle of Lochalsh → Boat of Garten → Rothiemurchus → Edinburgh → Glenfinnan → Isle of Bute → Edinburgh
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An eight-day, seven-night (or seven-day, six-night) combination of Western Scenic Wonders and Scotland's Classic Splendours, covering the same iconic Highland highlights in the opposite direction.

from £16,100 per person (twin/double cabin)

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Grand Taste of the Highlands
5 nights · 6 days · Edinburgh → Keith → Spean Bridge → Fort William → Isle of Bute → Edinburgh
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A six-day, five-night combination of Taste of the Highlands and Western Scenic Wonders, visiting Rothiemurchus Estate, Culloden Battlefield, Strathisla Distillery, Morar Sands, Glenfinnan Monument, Inverlochy Castle, Mount Stuart House and the Royal Yacht Britannia.

from £14,330 per person (twin/double cabin)

Enquire about this itinerary

Departure Dates

DateDirection / RouteFromStatus
Mon, 29 Jun 2026 from £9,100 Available Reserve →
Fri, 3 Jul 2026 from £9,100 Available Reserve →
Wed, 8 Jul 2026 from £8,950 Available Reserve →
Sat, 11 Jul 2026 from £5,850 Available Reserve →
Mon, 13 Jul 2026 from £9,100 Available Reserve →
Fri, 17 Jul 2026 Westbound from £19,550 Available Reserve →
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 from £9,100 Available Reserve →
Fri, 24 Jul 2026 from £5,850 Available Reserve →
Sun, 26 Jul 2026 from £8,950 Available Reserve →
Wed, 29 Jul 2026 from £9,100 Available Reserve →
Sun, 2 Aug 2026 from £8,950 Available Reserve →
Wed, 5 Aug 2026 from £14,330 Available Reserve →
Fri, 7 Aug 2026 from £8,500 Available Reserve →
Mon, 10 Aug 2026 from £9,100 Available Reserve →
Mon, 24 Aug 2026 from £9,100 Available Reserve →
Fri, 28 Aug 2026 from £8,950 Available Reserve →
Mon, 31 Aug 2026 from £9,100 Available Reserve →
Fri, 4 Sep 2026 Westbound from £19,550 Available Reserve →
Mon, 7 Sep 2026 Northbound from £16,100 Available Reserve →
Fri, 11 Sep 2026 from £8,500 Available Reserve →
Mon, 21 Sep 2026 from £9,100 Available Reserve →
Fri, 25 Sep 2026 from £17,250 Available Reserve →
Wed, 30 Sep 2026 from £5,850 Available Reserve →
Fri, 2 Oct 2026 from £8,950 Available Reserve →
Mon, 5 Oct 2026 from £9,100 Available Reserve →
Fri, 9 Oct 2026 from £8,950 Available Reserve →
Mon, 12 Oct 2026 from £9,100 Available Reserve →
Mon, 19 Oct 2026 from £9,100 Available Reserve →
Fri, 23 Oct 2026 from £8,950 Available Reserve →
Mon, 26 Oct 2026 from £9,100 Available Reserve →
Fri, 30 Oct 2026 from £8,950 Available Reserve →
Mon, 2 Nov 2026 from £9,100 Available Reserve →
Fri, 2 Apr 2027 from £8,950 Available Reserve →
Mon, 5 Apr 2027 Northbound from £16,100 Available Reserve →
Fri, 9 Apr 2027 Westbound from £19,550 Available Reserve →
Mon, 12 Apr 2027 Northbound from £16,100 Available Reserve →
Fri, 16 Apr 2027 Westbound from £19,550 Available Reserve →
Mon, 19 Apr 2027 from £9,100 Available Reserve →
Fri, 23 Apr 2027 from £8,950 Available Reserve →
Mon, 26 Apr 2027 from £9,100 Available Reserve →
Fri, 30 Apr 2027 from £8,950 Available Reserve →
Mon, 3 May 2027 from £5,850 Available Reserve →
Wed, 5 May 2027 from £5,850 Available Reserve →
Fri, 14 May 2027 from £17,250 Available Reserve →
Fri, 21 May 2027 from £8,950 Available Reserve →
Mon, 24 May 2027 from £9,100 Available Reserve →
Fri, 28 May 2027 from £8,950 Available Reserve →
Mon, 31 May 2027 from £14,300 Available Reserve →
Fri, 4 Jun 2027 Westbound from £19,550 Available Reserve →
Mon, 7 Jun 2027 from £9,100 Available Reserve →
Fri, 18 Jun 2027 from £8,950 Available Reserve →
Mon, 21 Jun 2027 from £9,100 Available Reserve →
Fri, 25 Jun 2027 from £8,950 Available Reserve →
Mon, 28 Jun 2027 Northbound from £16,100 Available Reserve →
Fri, 2 Jul 2027 Westbound from £19,550 Available Reserve →
Mon, 12 Jul 2027 from £9,100 Available Reserve →
Fri, 16 Jul 2027 from £8,950 Available Reserve →
Mon, 19 Jul 2027 from £9,100 Available Reserve →
Wed, 21 Jul 2027 from £5,850 Available Reserve →
Fri, 23 Jul 2027 from £8,950 Available Reserve →

Cabins & Prices

Cabin / SuiteBasisPrice
Twin Bed Suiteper person, double occupancy£ 5,850
Double Bed Suiteper person, double occupancy£ 5,850
Single Suiteper person£ 5,850
Grand Suiteper person, available on request£ POA

Prices are indicative and subject to change and availability. Contact us for the latest rates and offers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Royal Scotsman, a Belmond Train, and where does it travel?+
The Royal Scotsman is a luxury sleeper train operated by Belmond, travelling exclusively through Scotland. Its itineraries wind through the Scottish Highlands, exploring sweeping glens, the Isle of Skye, the Atlantic coast, Speyside whisky country, the Cairngorms National Park and the islands of Mull and Bute — all from a base of Edinburgh, which serves as both departure and arrival point.
What journeys and itineraries are available, and how long are they?+
There are ten distinct itineraries, ranging from two nights (three days) to seven nights (eight days). Shorter options include the Taste of the Highlands (2 nights, Edinburgh circuit via Rothiemurchus and Culloden) and the Western Scenic Wonders (3 nights, taking in Morar Sands, Glenfinnan and the Isle of Bute). Longer journeys include Scotland's Classic Splendours (4 nights), the Scotch Malt Whisky Tour (4 nights), Clans, Castles and Isles (5 nights), Heritage Homes and Gardens (4 nights), and the grand seven-night Grand Western Scenic Wonders combinations. Private charters with fully bespoke routing are also available.
How much does a Royal Scotsman journey cost?+
Prices start from £5,850 per person for a twin or double State Cabin on the shortest itineraries; longer journeys begin from £8,500 and the seven-night grand combinations from £16,100 per person. Grand Suite pricing is available on request. Final fares vary by cabin category, itinerary, season and party size — contact Palace Trains for a confirmed quote: toll-free 1-800-724-5120, internationally on +1-786-408-0610 (also WhatsApp), or at travel@palacetours.com.
What types of accommodation are available on board?+
The train carries 20 cabins in total: 2 Grand Suites, 4 Doubles, 12 Twins and 2 Singles — a maximum of 40 guests. All State Cabins feature rich marquetry panelling, private en-suite shower rooms, bathrobes, hairdryers, panoramic windows and feather bedding. The two Grand Suites add a double bed (convertible to twin), a dining table, sofa, in-suite dining on request, private airport or hotel transfers, and one complimentary Bamford spa treatment per guest. Cabins Q, R and S offer an extra-long bed of 2.2 m (7 ft 2 in) for taller guests.
What is included in the fare?+
Luxury train fares on the Royal Scotsman are typically all-inclusive of accommodation, all on-board dining and wines, excursions and guided shore visits featured in the itinerary, and entertainment. Grand Suite guests additionally receive private transfers and a complimentary Bamford spa treatment. Bamford spa treatments for other cabin categories are bookable on boarding at an additional charge. Exact inclusions can vary by journey — Palace Trains will confirm precisely what is covered for your chosen departure.
When does the Royal Scotsman operate and when can I travel?+
The Royal Scotsman operates from spring through to late autumn, with departures across April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November. There are currently 87 departures on the schedule, running from June 2026 through to November 2027. To see the full departure calendar or check availability on a specific date, visit the train's page on the Palace Trains website or contact us directly.

All you want to know about Royal Scotsman, a Belmond Train →