Scottish Night Trains

Who hasn’t dreamed of hiking through the gentle Highlands, soaking up live music in cozy pubs, or just waiting by Loch Ness hoping for a glimpse of something mysterious? Scotland has its own kind of magic – and the journey there is already part of the charm. No need to hop on a plane; the night train to Edinburgh or Glasgow is a way more relaxed and exciting way to go. This route is not only super sustainable but also a bit of an adventure in itself. And on the way, there are some serious European gems to check out, like Paris, Brussels, or London.

Night Train into the Heart of Western Europe

Whether starting in Vienna, Prague, Berlin, or Dresden – the journey to Scotland begins with a comfy overnight ride on rails.

There are two great night train options:

The Nightjet takes travelers from Vienna or Berlin straight to Paris or Brussels. The European Sleeper starts in Prague or Dresden, goes via Berlin, and also ends in Brussels. Both routes run three times a week, offering plenty of flexibility when planning.

Here’s a quick look at the departure times:

Prague (via Berlin) – Brussels: 18:02 – 09:27

Berlin – Brussels: 19:06 – 09:55

Berlin – Paris Est: 19:06 – 09:38

Vienna – Brussels: 18:13 – 09:55

Vienna – Paris Est: 18:13 – 09:38

There are a bunch of seat and sleeper options to fit different budgets. A 4-berth couchette is already pretty comfortable. For more privacy, there are private compartments in the sleeper car. And for those watching their wallet, there’s the classic seated coach.

Round-trip prices come in at around €360 for travelers under 28, and about €430 for those over 27.

Stopover in Paris or Brussels

After a night on the train, you’ll arrive in two of Europe’s most exciting cities, well-rested and ready to explore:

Paris, the City of Lights, has croissants, the Eiffel Tower, and all the glorious Metro chaos. Brussels, often underrated, shines with its chocolatey charm, Art Nouveau façades, and fries with everything.

Depending on your mood, take some time to chill or hop right on to the next leg of the journey.

Under the English Channel with Eurostar

This next leg is as sleek as it gets: the Eurostar connects Paris or Brussels to London in just about two hours.

Trains run multiple times a day, so it’s easy to find one that fits. Before you know it, you’ll be gliding through the Channel Tunnel – a little futuristic.

Important: A valid passport is needed to enter the UK. And anyone planning to stay longer should check the current entry rules in advance.

From London to the Highlands Every 30 Minutes

Switching trains in London is super simple. Trains to Scotland leave every 30 minutes, heading to either Edinburgh or Glasgow.

The ride takes around 4.5 hours – perfect for a quick nap, a snack from the onboard café, or just soaking in the views as the British countryside slowly turns to rolling hills.

The trains are comfy, usually on time, and most have Wi-Fi – ideal for scouting out tips for Edinburgh’s Old Town or Glasgow’s pub culture.

Welcome to Scotland!

Whether it’s Edinburgh with its castle, winding alleys, and full-on Harry Potter vibes, or Glasgow with its creative buzz and friendly, no-nonsense energy – Scotland welcomes travelers with open arms.

And here’s the kicker: arriving by train means landing right in the city center. No airport stress, no long transfers – just step out of the station and dive straight into adventure.

The night train route to Scotland is way more than just a ride – it’s an experience. Between countries, cities, and cultures, this journey gives a real taste of Europe.

That mix of night train nostalgia, Eurostar speed, and British rail charm makes it a little rail trip gem. And on top of it all, your carbon footprint stays super low.

For anyone looking to make the most of the journey – not just the destination – this route is the perfect way to go.

So: close your eyes on the Nightjet, open them in the Highlands.

Happy traivels! 🚆💙

27.02.2025