The Best Train & Rail Organized Tours in the UK

Guided Group Tours, Vacation Packages, or Planned Itineraries

the UK

Get ready to embark on an unparalleled journey with one these exceptional train and rail tours in the UK. We've invested our time and effort to scrutinize a wide selection of holiday packages and organized guided tours from top-rated companies, ensuring that we bring you the very best travel experiences. Our analysis covers crucial factors such as pricing, guest ratings, service excellence, sought-after destinations, and thrilling activities. Whether you're an intrepid wanderer or a novice traveler, these handpicked train and rail tours will provide an unforgettable adventure in the UK.


The Top 3 Tours:

  • 2 Days, $488.19

  • 7 Days, $3499.81

  • 8 Days, $4415.00
UK
The Best Train & Rail Tours through the UK

Including guided tours, organized tours, holiday packages, all-inclusive vacations, and guided itineraries.

All tour prices are listed in US Dollars before taxes, and come from a base price that is reported by TourRadar. Peak season prices can vary significantly, particularly in destinations where seasonal travel fluctuates dramatically. While we do our best to evaluate all tours to maintain accuracy, always confirm the details directly with TourRadar or the tour company before booking. The information provided on this website is sourced directly from TourRadar and may change at any time.

Organized by Highland Experience Tours 2 Days Start/End in Edinburgh 9 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for train and rail tours in the UK.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Efficient: you'll cover a variety of destinations swiftly.
  • Local Transit: ride the rails and experience the local trains.
  • Great for History Enthusiasts

starstarstarstarstar 4.6 rating

Age Range: 3 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 35
Price per Day: $244

This tour visits Edinburgh, Forth Bridge, Dunkeld, Cairngorms National Park, Culloden, Fort Augustus, Fort William, Mallaig, and Glencoe.

  • Train & Rail
  • Historical
  • Fully Guided

By Highland Experience Tours
Highland Experience Tours offers local cultural tours through Great Britain. Many of the tours fall into the mid-range price category.



$488
on TourRadar

Organized by McKinlay Kidd 7 Days Glasgow to Edinburgh 9 Destinations
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Efficient: you'll cover a variety of destinations swiftly.
  • Local Transit: ride the rails and experience the local trains.

starstarstarstarstar 4.8 rating

Age Range: 18 to 85
Maximum Group Size: 18
Price per Day: $500

This tour visits Glasgow, Fort William, Fort Augustus, Loch Ness, Mallaig, Isle of Skye, Kyle of Lochalsh, Inverness, and Edinburgh.

  • Train & Rail
  • Fully Guided

By McKinlay Kidd
Focusing on Great Britain and Ireland, McKinlay Kidd is a smaller tour company providing a more personal service to customers. Despite being priced a bit higher, the small group sizes create a more personal and unique experience for travelers. Most of the tours provided by McKinlay Kidd are high-end and luxurious with a top-tier level of service.



$3,500
on TourRadar

Organized by Intrepid Travel 8 Days Glasgow to Edinburgh 7 Destinations
  • Personal: offers a smaller group size.
  • Efficient: you'll cover a variety of destinations swiftly.
  • Local Transit: ride the rails and experience the local trains.
  • Great for History Enthusiasts

starstarstarstarstar 4.3 rating

Age Range: 15 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 12
Price per Day: $414

This tour visits Glasgow, Fort William, Glenfinnan, Isle of Skye, Loch Ness, Inverness, and Edinburgh.

  • Train & Rail
  • Sightseeing
  • Historical
  • Walking Tour
  • Fully Guided

By Intrepid Travel
Intrepid specializes in small-group adventure travel with a strong focus on sustainable tourism and authentic experiences. They cater to different travel styles, from budget-friendly backpacking-style tours to premium small-group adventures.



$3,311
on TourRadar

Why does the UK appeal to sightseers?

The UK's efficient and scenic rail network appeals to travelers looking to explore in comfort and style. London, Edinburgh, and Bath offer plenty of amazing museums and sights to explore. Windsor is known for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world. York, London, and Inverness are foodie destinations with fantastic cuisine and world-class restaurants. You can't miss the nightlife of London, Glasgow, and Edinburgh, either. The region's blend of iconic destinations and breathtaking rail routes makes it ideal for exploring by train.

UK


How much do Train & Rail Tours in the UK cost?

The average daily price of Train & Rail Tours in the UK is $386 per day. Prices can vary widely due to the included amenities, length of the trip, number of guests on the tour, and many other factors. If you want more information about prices, we have put together a complete analysis of the costs of Train & Rail Tours in the UK here.


We partner with TourRadar because they offer the world's largest selection of multi-day organized tours, offering seamless travel experiences while supporting local businesses. It's the perfect way to explore new destinations with ease and confidence.




$386
Average Price Per Day
3
Tours Analyzed
4.6
Average Rating
3
Tour Companies
22
Average Group Size

Which Tour Companies Offer Train & Rail Tours?

A number of fantastic tour companies offer train and rail tours in the UK. These are a few of the best, because they offer the highest rated service, provide the best overall quality, and have the most five-star guest reviews to prove it.

Highland Experience Tours

Highland Experience Tours offers local cultural tours through Great Britain. Most participants are adults and the tours range in length from 2 days to 8 days. Some of their offerings cater to families with children. Many of the tours fall into the mid-range price category.

See All Tours from Highland Experience Tours

McKinlay Kidd

Focusing on Great Britain and Ireland, McKinlay Kidd is a smaller tour company which provides a personalized level of service to customers. Despite being priced a bit higher, the small group sizes create a more personal and unique experience for travelers. Most of the tours provided by McKinlay Kidd are high-end and luxurious with a top-tier level of service.

See All Tours from McKinlay Kidd

Intrepid Travel

Intrepid Travel logo Intrepid Travel is a large international travel company offering tours all over the world. Some of their most popular destinations include Australia, Thailand, Tanzania, and Italy. Many of the tours fall into the mid-range price category. The company's adventures often highlight activities such as camping, wine tasting, snorkelling, kayaking, cooking classes, island hopping, white water rafting, surfing, horse riding, whale watching, and bird watching.

See All Tours from Intrepid Travel


Train & Rail Destinations in the UK

Wondering where train & rail tours visit in the UK? With a variety of stops and destinations along the way, there's something for everyone.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a city that is grounded in history and architecture. The Old Town is filled with beautiful churches, cobblestone streets, and great restaurants. Looking over the city from a hilltop is the famed Edinburgh Castle. There are also countless museums around town as well the popular Harry Potter Trail.

Glasgow

Glasgow is a culturally rich and lively city in Scotland. There's a large student population and a great party scene, but there is also a lot of history and architecture. It's a port city that sits beautifully along the River Clyde.

Inverness

Inverness is the largest city in the Scottish Highlands, and it is rich in the regional culture. You'll find local restaurants and festivals that really bring the area's heritage to life. The area also has a beautiful natural setting with nearby hikes and scenic spots.

Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye offers some of Scotland's most stunning scenery. There are dramatic hikes and picturesque coastlines that will inspire even the most jaded traveler. The natural setting will take your breath away and you can spend days exploring the island.

More

Other popular destinations for train & rail tours through the UK include Fort William, Fort Augustus, Mallaig, and Kyle of Lochalsh.


Train & Rail Tours vs. Independent Travel: Pros and Cons

Deciding between an organized tour and independent travel? Keep these important aspects of each option in mind.

Pros
  • Guided tours ensure you see all the major attractions efficiently.
  • Professional guides provide historical context and interesting facts.
  • You don’t need to navigate or worry about transportation.
  • Tickets and entry to popular sights are often pre-arranged.
  • Group tours can offer discounts on attractions and services.
  • Local guides help you discover hidden gems and lesser-known spots.
  • Tours often include additional perks like meals or refreshments.
  • The itinerary is planned for you, saving you time and effort.
  • You can meet other travelers with similar interests.
  • Guides help with language barriers and local customs.
Cons
  • The fixed schedule may not align with your personal preferences.
  • Tours may include stops that don’t interest you as much as others.
  • You have less flexibility to explore attractions at your own pace.
  • Some tours cater to general audiences and may lack depth.


Pros
  • You can create an itinerary tailored to your specific interests.
  • Independent travel allows you to spend as much time as you want at each location.
  • You have the freedom to explore at your own pace.
  • Flexibility allows you to visit attractions on your own schedule.
  • You can discover unique experiences not included in standard tours.
Cons
  • Researching and planning can be time-consuming.
  • You must navigate unfamiliar places on your own.
  • Managing transportation between attractions can be challenging.
  • Popular attractions may sell out or have long lines.
  • You might miss out on local insights provided by professional guides.
  • Language barriers can make communication more difficult.
  • There’s no support system if unexpected issues arise during your trip.


Which is cheaper?

Are guided train and rail tours worth the money compared to independent travel? It depends on the specifics. Tours combine accommodations, meals, transport, tickets, and activities into a single cost, while independent travelers manage and pay for these individually. To determine which is more affordable, compare the tour's total price with what you'd spend booking everything separately. Preferences like staying in low-cost lodging or indulging in fine dining can influence whether a tour costs more or less. Make sure to check out the tour package to see what is included, or not, very carefully before deciding.

Also, before booking a tour, make sure you know exactly what is included as tour companies sometimes change their itineraries or included amenities to keep them updated with seasonal changes and customer interests.

More Tour Options

See also The Best Family-Friendly Tours to the UK, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in the UK, The Best Historical Tours in the UK, The Best 10-Day Tours in the UK, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in the UK, The Best 3-Day Tours in the UK, The Best 2-Week Tours in the UK, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in the UK, The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in the UK, The Best Christmas Market Tours in the UK, The Best Coach Bus Tours in the UK, The Best Adventure Tours to the UK, The Best Eco Tours in the UK, The Best Sightseeing Tours in the UK, The Best Cultural Tours in the UK, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in the UK, The Best Walking Tours in the UK, The Best Tours Under $1000 in the UK, The Best Luxury Tours to the UK, The Best Budget Tours to the UK, The Best Tours for Seniors to the UK, or The Best Contiki Tours to the UK for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.

Also, if you're departing from a specific destination, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 3-Day Tours from Inverness, The Best 3-Day Tours from London, The Best 3-Day Tours from Glasgow, The Best 3-Day Tours from Manchester, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Glasgow, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Inverness, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Manchester, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from Glasgow, The Best 2-Week Tours from London, The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, or The Best 2-Week Tours from Glasgow for more package tour options.

Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.

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