The Highland Mainline is one of the country's most scenic railways as well as the highest, as the train crosses the Grampian Mountains between the sea level cities of Perth and Inverness.
Along the way you will pass the forests of Perthshire, the remote mountain ranges of the central Highlands and pass right through the Cairngorm National Park.
It's a journey that takes you through some of the most natural landscapes left in Scotland.
Most popular destinations: Pitlochry and Aviemore
Our favourite destinations: Dunkeld & Birnam and Blair Atholl
Highland Mainline at Kingussie
By train
Daytime trains direct to Perth, and onward to locations on the Highland Mainline, from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Stirling. Note: not all services stop at all stations.
Direct to Perth from Dundee or Aberdeen. Change at Perth for further stops on the Highland Mainline.
Direct to Perth, Pitlochry, Kingussie, Aviemore and Inverness from London Kings Cross, Peterborough, Newark Northgate, Doncaster, York, Darlington, Newcastle and Berwick-upon-Tweed (Peterborough, Newark Northgate and Doncaster from 14 December 2025).
Caledonian Sleeper from London Euston, Birmingham International (from 15 January 2026), Crewe and Preston stops at Perth and all the locations on the Highland Mainline on its way to Inverness, though very early in the morning!
By coach
Citylink from Glasgow and Edinburgh to Perth then various locations between Perth and Inverness except Carrbridge.
FlixBus from Glasgow to Perth, Pitlochry, Aviemore and Inverness; from Edinburgh to Perth and Inverness; and from Perth to Pitlochry, Aviemore and Inverness.
Ember from Glasgow to Perth, Pitlochry, Dalwhinnie, Aviemore and Inverness.
Note: some buses for Perth stop at Broxden Park & Ride
Historically important ancient city on the River Tay, home of the Stone of Destiny and nearby Scone Palace
Picturesque locations on the River Tay, home of Beatrix Potter attractions, Dunkeld Cathedral, and a network of glorious walks
Thriving and popular town, home of the Dam Visitor Centre and Salmon Ladder, and Blair Athol Distillery (not in Blair Atholl!)
Enchanting village, home of the magnificent Blair Castle & Gardens, and a rare operational watermill
Small village popular for walking and Dalwhinnie Distillery
Idyllic traditional village popular for walking, the Highland Folk Museum, and Wildcat Centre
Picturesque small town, home of Ruthven Barracks, Insh Marshes Nature Reserve, and nearby Highland Wildlife Park
Busy and popular town used as a base to explore the Cairngorms National Park and Strathspey Steam Railway
Attractive small village popular for walking and cycling, home of the Landmark Forest Adventure Park and Old Pack Horse Bridge
Pitlochry Railway Station
See our Scenic and Historic Guide to the Highland Mainline if you would like a detailed description of the line to read either before or during your journey.
Page last updated 10 October 2025