SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS / THE KYLE LINE BY TRAIN
Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh by Train
Coast to coast across the Scottish Highlands in under three hours: mountains, moorland, sea lochs and the Isle of Skye waiting at the end of the platform.
At a glance
Why this travel guide is worth doing
Some train journeys are simply a way of getting from A to B. The Kyle Line is a reason to travel in itself. It runs coast to coast across the Scottish Highlands from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh, with mountains, moorland, lochs and sea inlets filling the window for most of the 2 hours 40 minutes, and the Isle of Skye waiting just beyond the end of the platform.
It has been named among the most scenic rail journeys in the world, and travellers who have ridden other famous British and international routes often rank it right at the top. This guide covers the route, the stops worth knowing, tickets, timetable tips and how to turn the journey into a wider Highlands trip.
- The route: Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh, about 82 miles (132 km), running through Dingwall, Garve, Achnasheen, Strathcarron and Plockton.
- The time: around 2 hours 40 minutes each way.
- The trains: operated by ScotRail, usually three or four a day in each direction, with a more limited service on Sundays and in winter.
- The history: the first section opened in 1870, and the final stretch to Kyle was completed on 2 November 1897.
- The reward: the line ends on a pier, with views across the water to the Isle of Skye.
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See the real route before you set off
Open the interactive map before travelling and save an offline map for the journey.
Along Loch Carron
Along Loch Carron
The line runs right beside the water at Loch Carron. Photo: brian gillman, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Useful overnight bases
Where to stay along the line
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Kyle of Lochalsh
Kyle of Lochalsh, Scotland
Compare stays →Plockton
Plockton, Scotland
Compare stays →Inverness
Inverness, Scotland
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Route itinerary
Build the journey day by day
Leave Inverness
The train pulls out of Inverness and crosses the River Ness and the Caledonian Canal before heading west towards Dingwall, where the Kyle Line leaves the main line north.
Route advice: Pick a window seat, and arrive early on busy summer days.
Dingwall to Garve
From Dingwall the line climbs into the Highlands, passing small stations at Garve, Lochluichart and Achanalt. Fields give way to open moorland, lochs and heather-covered hills.
Route advice: Have the camera ready, because the scenery changes quickly.
Moorland and mountains
Achnasheen sits in wide, open country, and beyond it the line runs into mountain country around Achnashellach and Glen Carron. This is the wildest, most remote stretch of the journey.
Route advice: There are few places to buy food, so bring snacks and a drink.
Loch Carron and the coast
At Strathcarron the railway meets Loch Carron, a sea inlet, and follows the shore for the rest of the journey. Strathcarron is also a gateway towards the Applecross peninsula, one of Scotland’s most scenic coastal areas.
Route advice: Get off at Strathcarron only if you have checked the time of the next train.
Plockton and the final stretch
The last miles follow the water through cuttings blasted from solid rock. Plockton, a pretty harbour village on Loch Carron, is the most popular place to break the journey for a walk or lunch.
Overnight base: Plockton
Route advice: Plan your stop so you do not miss the last train back.
Kyle of Lochalsh and Skye
The line ends on a pier, and the view from the platform looks straight across the water to the Isle of Skye. The Skye Bridge is close by, and Eilean Donan Castle is a short drive away.
Overnight base: Kyle of Lochalsh
Route advice: If you want to see Skye properly, plan an overnight stay.
Parking or booking: Check the return timetable before you wander off.
Heading west from Garve
Heading west from Garve
A Kyle Line train pulling into Garve, where the line turns west into the Highlands. Photo: Richard Webb, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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Before you go
Practical information
Plan around the timetable. With only a few trains a day, the timetable decides your trip. Check the last train back before you set off, and leave plenty of margin if you are connecting from a flight or another train, because the next service may be hours away. A day trip from Inverness is possible, but it leaves limited time at the far end, so consider an overnight stay in Kyle of Lochalsh or Plockton.
Tickets and money-saving tips.
- Fares vary by date and ticket type. Returns have been quoted at around £30 to £40, so check the live fare with ScotRail before you travel.
- BritRail and Interrail passes are valid on the line, which can make a longer rail trip much cheaper.
- Off-peak and advance tickets are usually the cheapest. Book early for busy summer days.
- Take a picnic and a flask. The best views are not near a cafe, and the journey is long enough for lunch.
Best time to go. Late spring and summer give the longest days and the best light, and in spring the gorse and broom can add bright yellow to the hillsides. Autumn brings rich colours. Winter has shorter days and can bring disruption from flooding or landslips, so check before you travel.
Make a day of the other end. Kyle of Lochalsh sits next to the Skye Bridge, and Eilean Donan Castle is a short drive away. Plockton, a pretty harbour village on Loch Carron, is a popular stop for a walk and lunch, and Strathcarron is a gateway towards the Applecross peninsula.
More great train journeys. Travellers often compare the Kyle Line with the West Highland Line from Fort William to Mallaig, the Settle to Carlisle line in northern England and the Glasgow to Oban route. Many people love several of them, so this can be the start of a rail-themed holiday.
Tickets and booking
BritRail and Interrail passes are valid on the line. Book early for busy summer travel.
Seasonal considerations
Spring to autumn gives the best light and the longest days. Winter services are more limited and can be disrupted by flooding or landslips.
Public transport
The line is served by ScotRail trains from Inverness. Kyle of Lochalsh is the nearest station for the Isle of Skye, with onward travel across the Skye Bridge by road.
Important cautions
Timetables and fares change, and services can be disrupted. Always check the latest times and prices with ScotRail before you travel.
Nearly at Kyle
Nearly at Kyle
The train nearing the end of the line at Kyle of Lochalsh. Photo: Jim Barton, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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Useful answers
Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh by Train FAQs
How long does the Kyle Line take?
The journey from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh takes about 2 hours 40 minutes each way, covering around 82 miles.
How many trains run on the Kyle Line?
There are usually three or four trains a day in each direction, with a more limited service on Sundays and in winter. Always check the latest timetable with ScotRail.
How much does the Kyle Line cost?
Fares vary by date and ticket type. Returns have been quoted at around £30 to £40, and BritRail and Interrail passes are valid on the line. Check live fares before you travel.
When is the best time to ride the Kyle Line?
Late spring to autumn gives the best light and the longest days. In spring, the gorse and broom can add bright colour to the hillsides. Winter services can be disrupted by flooding or landslips.
Can I do the Kyle Line as a day trip from Inverness?
Yes, but with only a few trains a day you may have limited time at Kyle of Lochalsh. Check the return times first, or stay overnight to see Plockton or Skye.
Can I take the train to the Isle of Skye?
The train goes to Kyle of Lochalsh, the nearest station to Skye. From there you continue by road across the Skye Bridge, by bus, taxi or car.
How does the Kyle Line compare with other scenic rail journeys?
Many travellers rate the Kyle Line alongside the West Highland Line from Fort William to Mallaig, the Settle to Carlisle line and the Glasgow to Oban route. Choose the Kyle Line for sea lochs, coast and Skye views.
What should I know before setting off?
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
When should I walk it?
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
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