The Prices of Train & Rail Tours to the UK
Jump to: Best Tours | Tour Prices
Few things capture the romance of travel quite like exploring the UK by train. With scenic views rolling past your window, train and rail tours offer a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and timeless charm. Imagine gliding through picturesque villages, vast countrysides, and historic cities—all without the hassle of driving or planning. Whether it's a leisurely ride through scenic landscapes or an iconic rail journey, these tours make travel as enjoyable as the destination itself.
In this guide, we'll break down the costs of train and rail tours in the UK, highlight the standout options, and share the must-visit destinations that make these trips truly magical. To ensure you find the best rail adventure, we've analyzed a variety of tours, comparing prices, quality, amenities, and one-of-a-kind experiences. Whether you're dreaming of a budget-friendly excursion or a luxury rail escape, these tours are your ticket to a stress-free journey with a view. All aboard for an unforgettable adventure!
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.
How much do Train & Rail Tours in the UK cost?
The average price per day for train and rail tours in the UK is $405, based on our analysis of 4 tours. While the overall prices can vary greatly, when we look at the daily price of these tours, the costs range from $239 to $497 per day.
Budget-friendly tours average around $239 per day, while higher-end luxury tours average about $497 per day.
Budget tours will usually provide less luxurious accommodation, have larger group sizes, and visit less expensive destinations. They will also sometimes have you pay for more activities on your own instead of including everything up front.
Mid-range tours often provide a step up in accommodation and transportation, and include more guided activities.
Luxury tours usually provide the highest levels of service, luxury hotels, more gormet food choices, comfortable transportation, and offer more all-inclusive payment options.
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.
The Best Tours in the UK
Budget-Friendly Tours
Budget-friendly and affordable train and rail tours in the UK average $239 per day, with daily prices from $239 to $239. Budget tours usually include hotels, meals, and activities that are not quite as nice as other tours. Often, they might only include transportation, lodging, and some activities, leaving you on your own to pay for meals and other attractions during the tour. This can be a very convenient and economical way to visit France without spending too much money, as it gives you control over the amount you spend on meals and extra services. If you're looking for a really great option, check out Jacobite Steam Train & The Great Glen here.
Mid-Range Tours
For typical train and rail tours in the UK that fall in the middle range of prices, the average cost is $443 per day. Daily prices range from $393 to $493. Taking this step up in price from the cheaper tours to mid-range will often get you plenty of extra amenities and service for a great price. These tours usually include very comfortable hotels, meals at delicious local restaurants, comfortable transportation, knowledgable guides, and entry to many of the top attractions. One of the best tours is Loch Ness, the Jacobite and Skye Guided Rail Tour.
Luxury Tours
Luxury train and rail tours in the UK average around $443 per day, with daily costs ranging from $497 to $497. At this price, you'll be very well taken care of and pampered on your journey through the scenic destinations. Knowledgable guides, the best accommodation options, the finest restaurants, comfortable transportation, and quick entry into attractions are all part of the itinerary. Every luxury and detail has been planned and thought about so that you don't have to deal with any hassle, you simple show up and enjoy your vacation. One of the best luxury tours here is Highlights of Scotland.
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.
Intrepid Travel
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
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
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
If you're torn between arranging your own trip and booking a guided tour, take a moment to weigh the differences between the two approaches.
Organized Tours
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.
- 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.
Independent Travel
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.
- 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?
Is it cheaper to plan your own trip or join guided train and rail tours? The answer isn't clear-cut. Tours typically package accommodations, transportation, meals, entry fees, and activities into one price, whereas independent travelers must arrange and pay for these themselves. To understand the cost difference, compare the tour's price with the cost of booking everything individually. Depending on whether you choose budget-friendly options or splurge on certain aspects, the tour might be a better deal—or not. Make sure to check what's included before drawing conclusions.
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, The Best Bicycle 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 Art History, Museums, and Cultural Tours 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 Manchester, The Best 3-Day Tours from Glasgow, 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 Manchester, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Inverness, 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.
Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.