Plockton Web

The Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh rail line, stopping at Plockton, is famous the world over for its scenic beauty. We provide a full and accurate timetable, in both directions.

Take a look at The Friends of the Kyle Line which were, in their own words: “. . . set up initially to save this historic railway from closure and its primary objective is to protect and ensure a future for Scotland's most scenic railway.”

Many of the stations on the Kyle Line are unmanned — no staff, no telephone number. Plockton is now one such station. (Other stops on the line are not even a station, just a halt — those marked with an X on the timetable. Don't worry, there is a platform! If you want to get on at a halt, put your hand out. The driver will be slowing down anyway.) To get off at a halt, the conductor must know, in order to tell the driver. Remind him when you pay or show your ticket.

That said, the Kyle Line has a sophisticated signalling system.

Just get on the train and pay the ticket collector. His/her computerised ticket machine will give you a ticket and can also handle virtually all of the various ticketing schemes and discounts that are available. Payment can be made by credit or debit card.

Two web sites provide a full UK rail timetable, and on-line booking:

National Rail Enquiries Online (Network Rail)
The Trainline (Virgin)

A full European rail timetable is available from Euro Railways.

The ScotRail sleeper service is an often neglected alternative to air travel. Trains leave London Euston in the evening for arrival in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Fort William or Aberdeen the next morning. There are buffet facilities and your private sleeping cabin is remarkably well-equipped and comfortable.

Prices are comparable to the airlines, with a range of discounts and offers. Inter-connecting cabins for families are available. There is a car-hire discount arrangement. Full details are at the ScotRail sleeper pages.

However, ticketing can be complicated, and details are not complete at the above address. Better to speak to ScotRail Telesales staff on:

+44 (0)8457 550 033

Remember to ask for the best price, including any rail cards which you don't currently hold. It may work cheaper to purchase, just for a one-off. Apex deals must be purchased seven days prior to departure; the earlier you can book, the better the prices.

The standard price for Scottish and UK rail travel can be high. If you are considering rail travel here, you can make big savings by checking out the wide range of ticket offers available before committing to the standard price. Try Scotrail Ticket Offers for up-to-date information on day returns, APEX, family passes and unlimited travel for a fixed price, with coach and ferry travel included, and, of course, the rail cards mentioned in the previous section.