The Complete Guide
All You Want to Know
All You Want to Know
About Royal Scotsman, a Belmond Train
The Royal Scotsman, a Belmond Train, is one of the world's great luxury rail journeys — an Edwardian estate on wheels carrying no more than 40 guests through the soaring glens, mirror-calm lochs and rugged Atlantic shores of the Scottish Highlands. With richly panelled dining cars, the only open Observation Deck in Europe, a Bamford spa, and itineraries ranging from two to seven nights, it is the definitive way to experience Scotland in supreme comfort. Here you will find answers to the most common questions about this remarkable train — and how to secure your place on board.
At a Glance
| Region | Scotland · United Kingdom · Europe |
| Countries | Scotland |
| Journey length | 2–7 nights |
| Itineraries | Scotland's Classic Splendours; Scotch Malt Whisky Tour; Western Scenic Wonders; Taste of the Highlands; Essence of Scotland; Clans, Castles and Isles; Heritage Homes and Gardens; Grand Western Scenic Wonders Westbound; Grand Western Scenic Wonders Northbound; Grand Taste of the Highlands |
| Price | from £5,850 per person (varies by cabin & season) |
| Upcoming departures | 87 dates, Jun 2026 – Nov 2027 · view dates → |
| Reservations | 1-800-724-5120 · travel@palacetours.com |
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.
Who operates the Royal Scotsman and what makes it special?+
The Royal Scotsman is operated by Belmond, the world-renowned luxury travel company behind celebrated hotels, river cruises and trains across five continents. What sets this train apart is its combination of strict exclusivity (never more than 40 guests), the only open Observation Deck in Europe, Michelin-pedigree cuisine showcasing Aberdeen Angus beef, wild salmon and local game, and a genuine immersion in Scottish life through private castle tours, distillery visits and clan estate excursions. The train also stables overnight in quiet sidings, ensuring an undisturbed night's sleep.
How do I book or check availability?+
Contact Palace Trains to check dates, cabin availability and pricing for your preferred itinerary. You can reach us toll-free at 1-800-724-5120, internationally at +1-786-408-0610 (also WhatsApp), or by email at travel@palacetours.com. We'll walk you through all current departures, cabin options and any special-interest journeys such as the Scotch Malt Whisky Tour.
Is there a spa on board, and what treatments are offered?+
Yes — the Royal Scotsman features a dedicated Bamford Spa Car, operated by the British organic wellness brand Bamford. Two single-treatment rooms with picture windows offer a menu of nature-inspired treatments including the Bamford Bespoke Facial, De-Stress Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, and eco-natural manicures and pedicures. Treatments are available to all guests and can be booked on boarding; Grand Suite guests receive one complimentary treatment per person.
What kind of excursions and experiences are included in the journeys?+
Every itinerary features a curated programme of private shore excursions — typically including distillery tours (such as Glen Ord, Macallan, Tomatin or Strathisla), visits to historic castles (Eilean Donan, Ballindalloch, Glamis, Stirling and others), private estate visits (Rothiemurchus, Attadale, Clan Donald on Skye), and activities such as clay pigeon shooting, fly fishing, and wild walking. Entertainment each evening — Scottish music, Gaelic storytelling and country dancing — is also part of the on-board programme.