News update:
Summer Heritage Diesel Specials - Provide a rare opportunity, in the first three weekends in July, to experience classic Highland line Heritage Diesel traction in the heart of the Highlands. Scroll down for more information on these special services. Tickets now on sale for the railways' Christmas 2025 Elf Express Experience. Book now to take advantage of our "early bird" discount offer.

Strathspey Railway > Aviemore - Boat of Garten - Broomhill

2025 TIMETABLE

Online bookings close at 9am. Same day tickets available at station ticket office.

 

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Services

Steam Hauled
Steam & Diesel Weekends in July
Elf Express

 

TRAVELLING TIMES*

Standard Service - Aviemore to Broomhill

Aviemore Departure 10.15 12.45 15.00
Boat of Garten Arrival 10.33 13.03 15.18
Boat of Garten Departure 10.43 13.13 15.28
Broomhill Arrival 11.06 13.36 15.51

 

Standard Service - Broomhill to Aviemore

Broomhill Departure 11.21 13.51 16.06
Boat of Garten Arrival 11.34 14.04 16.19
Boat of Garten Departure 11.39 14.09 16.24
Aviemore Arrival 11.57 14.27 16.42

Summer Heritage Diesel Specials depart from Platform 3, Aviemore station at 11.20 and 13.50 on the Saturday and Sunday of the first three weekends in July.

Under normal circumstances and where advertised, trains will be steam hauled, but the company reserve the right to use diesel power

View timetable in PDF icon format (opens in new window)

Purchase Tickets

Summer Heritage Diesel Specials in July

A rare opportunity to experience classic Highland line Heritage Diesel traction in the heart of the Highlands.

The railway is using each of its large Heritage Diesel locomotives during the first three weekends in July.

July 5th, and 6th. Class 27

July 12th, and 13th. Class 37

July 19th, and 20th. Class 31

Classes 27 and 37 replaced steam from the mid 1960's and continued in use on Highland rails until the mid 1990's when they were replaced by more efficient DMUs.

The railway uses these powerful locomotives for pway work and also to haul the Royal Scotsman and other touring trains when they visit Aviemore.

The Heritage Diesel trains will operate between the standard steam timetabled trains and will provide passengers with the experience of how a branch line in the Highlands used to operate.

Summer Heritage Diesel Specials depart from Platform 3, Aviemore station at 11.20 and 13.50 on the Saturday and Sunday of the first three weekends in July.

D5394 at Broomhill 2023 photo credit Charlie Willis.
37674 newly painted standing by the Aviemore signal box photo credit Dave Green.
D5862 hauling carriage set photo credit Darran Moss.
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All Aboard the Elf Express!

Step into a magical festive adventure on the Elf Express, a Steam* Train experience through the stunning Highland winter scenery. Join our cheeky elves for singalongs and festive fun. Santa himself will make a wee stop at your table! He’ll spend up to a few minutes at each table, handing out a souvenir toy to every child (aged 3+).

Choose our Elf Express Experience ticket for standard table seating (tables available for up to 4 or 2 passengers), or upgrade to an exclusive First-Class compartment with a Festive 'Steam' Tea. For the ultimate view, relax in our Coronation Observation Carriage with comfy armchairs and panoramic windows, whilst enjoying a wee dram or hot chocolate and a mince pie.

Running selected dates in December – including a Christmas Eve Special!

Fixed-price tables and individual Observation Carriage seats available now. Children under 3 travel free on your lap (Santa gift not included). Book early to avoid disappointment.

Book your festive journey today and make magical memories with the Elf Express!

Elf Express elves in the carriage entertaining children
Santa walking into the steam generated by the steam locomotive
Elf at the carriage window waving at child
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Train Services

Standard Travel

Standard travel is available on all services. Standard return travel tickets can be purchased (when available) online. Single tickets can be purchased on the day of travel at any station subject to availability.

Adult Return - £24.50, Senior (60+) Return - £22.50, Child (5 - 15) £14.50 (Child price includes free activity book), Children under 5 travel free. Family Ticket (2 Adults and 2 Children 5 - 15) £55.00,

First Class upgrades are only available for the 10.15 service.

Light Lunch

Travelling alongside the famous River Spey, our Light Lunch service consists of a lovely selection of sandwiches prepared to order and a warm bowl of soup, freshly prepared on board by our catering chef. There will be a choice of 2 soups every day, accompanied by a selection of sandwiches prepared to order with a choice of teas or coffee.

Light Lunch is served on our 12:45 departure from Aviemore and will be available on all days we are operating our service from late March to the end of October (excluding special event dates - see special event pages for catering details).

light lunch soup de jour
Passengers enjoying light lunch in a first class compartment
Light lunch train

Booking Options

Light Lunch is served aboard our heritage coaches, restored to the highest standards. We offer a choice of Standard and First Class.

Standard seating is at tables of four, you will be seated at a table dedicated to your group, if you are in a larger group we will ensure you are all seated together.

First Class seating is in an exclusive private compartment and seats a maximum of four customers (including children).

Tickets and Fares

Standard Class Light Lunch costs £40.00 per adult, £22.50 for children aged between 5 and 15 and £4.00 for children under 5 (under 5s not eating may travel free).

Upgrade to First Class for an exclusive compartment.

Upgrades are for your whole party, not per-person. First Class seats a maximum of four.

Travelling with Dogs

Dogs are not permitted in our dining carriages, whether Standard or First Class.

Assistance dogs are always welcome, please note whether you are travelling with an assistance dog when making your booking.

Your Journey

Advance booking for Light Lunch is essential!

On the day of your journey please aim to arrive at Aviemore Station, Platform 3, between 12:15 and 12:35 to allow time to collect your tickets and board the train. Tickets may not be available for collection earlier than 12:15.

Afternoon Tea

Our Afternoon Tea service is unique in the Highlands, as you travel through the beautiful Scottish countryside while relaxing with a fine selection of sandwiches prepared to order, home baked scones and cakes (with local jam and cream) together with a choice of teas or if you prefer coffee.

Afternoon Tea is served on our 15:00 departure from Aviemore and will be available on all days we are operating our service from late March to the end of October.

cakes on a plate
Passengers enjoying Afternon Tea in a first class compartment
Afternoon Tea train

Booking Options

Afternoon Tea is served aboard our heritage coaches, restored to the highest standards. We offer a choice of Standard and First Class.

Standard seating is at tables of four, you will be seated at a table dedicated to your group, if you are in a larger group we will ensure you are all seated together.

First Class seating is in an exclusive private compartment and seats a maximum of four customers (including children).

Tickets and Fares

Standard Class Afternoon Tea costs £49.50 per adult, £27.50 for children aged between 5 and 15 and £4.90 for children under 5 (under 5s not eating may travel free).

Upgrade to First Class for an exclusive compartment and a glass of Prosecco.

Upgrades are for your whole party, not per-person. First Class seats a maximum of four.

Travelling with Dogs

Dogs are not permitted in our dining carriages, whether Standard or First Class.

Assistance dogs are always welcome, please note whether you are travelling with an assistance dog when making your booking.

Your Journey

Advance booking for Afternoon Tea is essential!

On the day of your journey please aim to arrive at Aviemore Station, Platform 3, between 14:30 and 14:50 to allow time to collect your tickets and board the train. Tickets may not be available for collection earlier than 14:30.

Observation Carriages

Officers' Saloon Carriage

Originally pulled by its own engine the LMS District Officer would travel around the rail network in style in this Officer’s Saloon Car which was restored by the Watkinson’s Trust. The Saloon Car consists of two Saloon compartments, one for the District Officer the other for his staff and there is also a compartment for the Guard and a galley for the Steward.

Wood panelled with late 1940’s style fittings, red carpets and seating for 6 in each compartment you will have a comfortable journey with excellent views of Strathspey. Starting at the Aviemore Victorian Station there are stops at the other Victorian stations of Boat of Garten and Broomhill during the journey.

The Officers' Saloon Carriage offers exclusive travel and Steward based service for the Morning Tea or Coffee service, Light Lunch service and Afternoon Tea service. There is a bar, and the Steward will be happy to serve you during the service.

The spacious Chairman’s Saloon seats up to 6 passengers including children.

Chairman’s Saloon Morning tea/coffee on the 10.15 service.

Chairman’s Saloon Light Lunch on the 12.45 service.

Chairman’s Saloon Afternoon Tea on the 15.00 service.

Officers' Saloon has Steward service for that extra special occasion
Officers' Saloon with family enjoying Afternoon Steam Tea
Officers' Saloon with table set up for celebration

The Director’s Saloon seats up to 6 passengers including children.

Director’s Saloon Morning tea/coffee on the 10.15 service.

Director’s Saloon Light Lunch on the 12.45 service.

Director’s Saloon Afternoon Tea on the 15.00 service.

Special Celebrations

For special occasions such as reunions, wedding receptions or birthdays the whole Officers Saloon Car can be hired for the day. Please phone for bespoke catering requirements and to discuss your seating requirements.

Pre-Booking is Essential for the Officer’s Saloon Car.

Dogs are not permitted in this carriage.

Assistance dogs are always welcome, please note whether you are travelling with an assistance dog when making your booking.

For further information about your requirements, bespoke catering, and prices please either call our office on 01479 810725 or Email enquiries@strathspeyrailway.co.uk

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Coronation Observation Carriage

Returning to Highland rails, sixty years after it last travelled on both the Kyle of Lochalsh and Mallaig lines, the Coronation Observation carriage is now providing passengers with panoramic views of the Spey valley and the Cairngorm Mountains.

The Coronation was a streamlined express passenger train service run by the London and North Eastern Railway between London King's Cross and Edinburgh Waverley. Named to mark the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, this service operated between 1937 and the outbreak of war in 1939, when the train's carriages were put into storage. The observation carriages from the Coronation train were transferred to the West Highland line in 1956 where they remained in service until the 1960s.

Coronation Observation Carriage back in service in the Scottish Highland
Coronation Observation Carriage interior view
Coronation Observation Carriage at Boat of Garten station

Recently restored to its original 1937 Art Deco interior, this streamlined carriage, often referred to as the Beavertail on the railway because of its distinctive 'beaver tail' shape, has armchair seating for twenty two, together with attended service.

The price of the Coronation Service includes tea or coffee and a sweet treat.

Dogs are not permitted in this carriage.

Assistance dogs are always welcome, please note whether you are travelling with an assistance dog when making your booking.

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Accessible Carriage

Our new accessibility carriage, has been adapted to accommodate 2 wheelchairs with adjoining seats for carers. Extra wide doors ensure easy access for all. Although there is no accessible toilet on board this carriage, all our railway stations have accessible toilets.

Portable ramp used to access the carriage
Entering the Accessible carriage
Accessible accommodation in the carriage

 

Interior of Accessible carriage
Interior of Accessible carriage
Interior of Accessible carriage

Getting Here

Getting to our railway stations

Speyside Way and Walks in Strathspey (map opens in new window)

Accessibility

Accessibility Statement

The Strathspey Railway provides a free standard 2nd Class travel ticket for 1carer accompanying carer a Less Able passenger on providing appropriate documentation. Tickets can be booked online however in case of any questions or difficulties , please call our Office on 01479 810725 The free Carer does not apply to Dining, Special Events and Packages Tours and Experiences. If a Less Able visitor is confined to travel in our Guard’s van, they and their Carer may both travel free of charge If they have booked catering options the return travel will be deducted from the full price.

For detailed information about our facilities, please refer to our Access statement. The Access Statement refers to our daily service trains, and provides detailed information for visitors departing our Aviemore station. For Accessibility related information regarding our Dining or Diesel multiple units trains, or if you have any specific questions regarding Accessibility at our Boat of Garten or Broomhill stations, please phone our Office on 01472 810 725.

The Strathspey Railway Platform 3 can be accessed by foot on crossing the footbridge located at the mainline station in Aviemore. Getting there by car: From Grampian Road which is where Aviemore main street is located, go to the very south of the village passing the train station and the petrol station on the left, and passing Happy Haggis on the right. You will reach La Taverna restaurant where a roundabout is located. Take the left exit signposted Cairngorm Mountain and then take the next immediate left which will take you to Dalfaber road running parallel to the river Spey. You will first pass a holiday house estate, then Aviemore Bunkhouse and The Old Bridge Inn on your left before the road forks into two, steeply going up towards The Strathspey Railway car park and train station. Parking: Grit car park. Two clearly signed Accessible Car Park spaces available in our car park. Access: For access to The Strathspey Railway Platform 3 from the car park, a level crossing via a long gradual ramp is provided. Level entrance to ticket office: Level entrance to Ticket Office Available. Wheelchair accessible toilet. Yes – a wheelchair accessible toilet is available on platform.

Please telephone in advance and notify station staff on your arrival for our daily services. Our vintage carriages, with both Country Class and First Class seating areas, having been built in the mid-1900s, are regrettably not accessible for wheelchair users. If less able visitors can take a few steps to our First Class and Country Class seating areas, station staff and guards will be readily available to offer assistance to anyone that requires it. Wheelchair accommodation on board is limited to our Guard’s Van. This is in a smaller area of the main carriage set where wheelchair users can remain in wheelchairs throughout the trip along our line (Space is limited to a maximum of two wheelchair users), with a very limited number of seats available for family, friends and carers. Station staff and guard staff will be available to assist any visitors who may be restricted to travelling in the Guard’s Van. Unfortunately, we have no disabled access to toilets on board our heritage carriages. We regret that our Fine Dining carriages are not currently wheelchair accessible. Please note these facilities will be being upgraded for future visitors. Coffees, teas and bar facilities available on board and served at your table.

From Boat of Garten LOCATION: At railway station in centre of village PARKING: On tarmac beside Boat Hotel , adjacent to platform. Accessible parking available. ACCESS: Level entry access. Regrettably, no wheelchair accessible toilets. From Broomhill At station off minor road to Nethybridge from A95. PARKING: On Roadway at station ACCESS: Level to platform at side of building. TOILETS: Ladies and Gents toilets available. Accessible toilet available.

FAQ

  • All meals and special events must be prebooked at all times.
  • Bookings close at 6.00am on the morning of travel.
  • Standard return travel may be available on the day of travel.

  • All dining options are return trips from Aviemore (only) back to Aviemore.
  • All online tickets are return trips, single trips can only be purchased from any station on the day of travel.
  • Elf Express Xmas train services depart from Aviemore (only) and return to Aviemore. Boarding at a different station is not available on these services.

Yes, on our standard operating season services (until November 2nd 2025). However, advance booking is not possible. Single fares are available for standard travel only and can be purchased at a station ticket office on the day of travel, subject to availability.
  • Single Fares:
  • Whole line Adult = £20.00 - One stop = £16.50
  • Whole line Senior = £19.00 - One stop = £15.00
  • Whole line Child = £13.00 - One stop = £10.50

Children under 5 travel free and have their own seat. It is necessary to include all under 5's in your booking, to ensure the seat is reserved for them. This can be found in standard 'Return Tickets'> 'Book now'> 'Ticket Options'> 'Under 5'. Elf Express Xmas train - Children under the age of 3, sitting on your knee, travel free of charge, no ticket required. Travel only, no Santa gift available due to age rating on toy, you are welcome to bring your own age appropriate santa gift for under 3's. In First-Class and Observation carriage services, food/drinks are not provided for passengers under 3, you are welcome to bring your own food on board. Drinks will be available to purchase. Children age 3 and above will count as one of the passengers on your table.

For a Senior ticket you should be 60 or over.

Yes, we have group rates for travel aboard our steam and vintage diesel services – please don’t hesitate to ring our office on 01479 810725 or email us to discuss. Unfortunately, we can’t offer discounts on group meal bookings.

No. Please take note of your confirmation number, give your name at the ticket office on your booked date of travel, no more than 30 minutes prior to travel.

Please ring the office on 01479 810725 or email and we can make any changes for you.

Please ring the office on 01479 810725 or email and we can check your booking and resend your confirmation.

Confirmation emails do not need to be printed just, just a name and the last 4 digits of the booking is required to be given.

We are happy to fully refund any bookings when the cancellation is made more than 7 days before the date of travel. Within 7 days, the full refund is discretionary. There is no admin fee for changes to bookings.

We have four First Class Compartments aboard our 10.15 daily service. Each compartment seats a maximum of six people. Standard Class tickets can be upgraded to First Class for this service but only at a station and is subject to availability. Upgrade to First Class for an exclusive compartment.

First class bookings can be made at our website:
If you have an existing booking and would like to upgrade, please call 01479 810725 or email

As our first class heritage compartments are limited to 4 people all seats are priced the same whether adult or child. Please note Compartments are for a maximum of 4 people for dining or 6 for 1015 service, this includes children. Elf Express Xmas train - Children under the age of 3, sitting on your knee, travel free of charge, no ticket required. Travel only, no Santa gift available due to age rating on toy, you are welcome to bring your own age appropriate santa gift for under 3's. Food/drinks are not provided for passengers under 3, you are welcome to bring your own food on board. Drinks will be available to purchase. Children age 3 and above will count as one of the 4 passengers on your fixed price table.

Yes for our standard operating season (until November 2nd), no concessions available on our Christmas Trains. Only available on standard travel, no concessions available on catered services. Evidence required.
  • Our accessibility rates are as follows:
  • Adults/Seniors - £22.50
  • Child - £14.50
  • Carer – FREE
  • Wheelchair accessibility bookings can be made on our website
  • Other accessibility bookings can be made by calling us on: 01479 810725 or email

We have a specially adapted accessibility carriage for standard travel, a wheelchair can access this carriage via a ramp and remain seated in their wheelchair within the carriage. Unfortunately our catering carriages are not accessible to wheelchairs, this is due to the design of these heritage coaches. For our standard operating season (until November 2nd 2025) We can make special arrangements for you to dine in the guards van. If you are able to transfer to a seat at a table, in the accessibility carriage, we can serve you in this carriage. Please call 01479 810725 or email to arrange. Wheelchair accessibility bookings, for standard travel, can be made on our website

Tickets are available to purchase for our Elf Express Experience Xmas train. Available at this link

Elf Express Experience tickets are available as fixed price tables for up to four and fixed price tables for up to two. First class tables are a fixed price for up to 4 passengers. If there are less people at the table, than the maximum capacity of the table, the price remains the same, the price is per table, not per passenger.
It is not possible to have 5 people sat a table, as the tables cannot accommodate this number of passengers comfortably. Individual tickets are not available to purchase. You do have the option of booking a table for up to four and a table for up to two in our Elf Express Experience ticket selections. This would comfortably accommodate 5 people. Although catering is not available with these tickets, you are welcome to bring your own food on board.
In addition to the Elf Express Experience tables, for a different festive experience, individual tickets are available in our Observation carriage.
Children under the age of 3, sitting on your knee, travel free of charge, no ticket required. Travel only, no Santa gift available due to age rating on toy, you are welcome to bring your own age appropriate santa gift for under 3's. In First-Class and Observation carriage services, food/drinks are not provided for passengers under 3, you are welcome to bring your own food on board. Drinks will be available to purchase. Children age 3 and above will count as one of the passengers on your table.

Ticket office hours:

  • 0945 – 1500 on operational days only. Closed at other times.
  • Main office 7 days 0930-1630.

These times may vary

If the Station is not manned (which may happen on the rare occasion), please pay when you disembark at your destination station.

Below is an outline of the groups entitled to discount travel on The Strathspey Railway:

  • Armed Forces (Defence Discount Service)
  • Blue Light Card
  • NHS Staff
  • The Scottish Police Recreation Association
  • ATOC (Train Operating Company Staff)
  • Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions (ASVA)
  • HRA Members

Instructions and conditions of discounts for all groups have been issued to the companies. Please refer to your company for full details on the discount available to you.

Please note that any concessionary fares will not be applicable to special events, dining on board, Observation carriages or tours and packages ticket purchases.

Concessionary tickets can only be purchased from our station ticket offices on the day of travel, advance booking is not available.

  • We welcome dogs aboard our services during our standard operating season (until November 2nd 2025). For health & safety reasons dogs are not permitted in any catered services, First Class or the Observation Carriage.
  • Dogs are not permitted on the Elf Express Xmas train services. We have made this decision due to actors in costumes roaming through the train, which dogs would not be familiar with, a heightened, busy atmosphere and a large number of children, it is for the safety of all.
  • The charge for 2025 is £3.00 per dog. Restrictions may apply. Assistance dogs are permitted on all services. To ensure smooth access; please carry an Assistance Dog ID card or have the dog wear a specific harness.

  • Dogs must remain seated on the floor, please do not allow dogs on the chairs or tables.

  • Bikes are not permitted on the Elf Express Xmas train services.
  • Limited space is available on the train to carry bikes. The charge for 2025 is £4 per bike.
  • For everyone’s safety, from the 1st April 2025, passengers traveling with electric bikes on any of the railways' services, must remove the bike's battery and carry it with them until they disembark.
  • Additionally, electric scooters are prohibited from being brought onto railway platforms or carried aboard the railways' trains.
  • Sorry, we cannot accommodate bike trailers (toddler seats).

Yes! And it is free to park. Find our car park behind Aviemore Station, on Dalfaber Road, PH22 1PY.
At the South end of Aviemore, at the mini roundabout, turn up the ski road (direction Coylumbridge). Take the first left, go past the Old Bridge Inn, past the bridge, come to a slope on the left, with a sign that says ‘Strathspey Railway’ drive up this slope and continue to our car park. Cross the level crossing onto our platform - Platform 3. This is a must for those with mobility issues as there is no accessible route, to platform 3, from the front of the station (bridge with steps).

Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.
The train will stop at Boat of Garten for 10 minutes to take on water and again at Broomhill for 10 minutes. You can get off and have a look at the beautiful historic stations - use the facilities, etc..
On the return journey it will stop at Boat of Garten for 5 minutes, before heading back to Aviemore.

You can break your journey and return on a later train but only for standard travel, during our standard operating season (until the 2nd of November 2025). We recommend doing this at Boat of Garten as Broomhill station is very remote. Pick up an information sheet on things to see and do at Boat of Garten or email for a digital copy.
If you break your journey, we ask you to ‘check in’ at the arrival station ticket office and let them know, which train you plan to return on, to ensure a seat is reserved for you.

Yes! But only for standard travel, during our standard operating season (until November 2nd 2025). Catered services depart from Aviemore only. During the online booking process, you will be asked to specify if you are boarding at an alternative station. Your tickets will still say ‘Aviemore return’. Show the arrival station your booking confirmation email. When you arrive at Aviemore station, please ‘check in’ at the ticket office and let them know what time you plan to return to ensure a seat is reserved for you.

Unfortunately no. Engine choice is an operational decision and may change at short notice. We can usually tell you which engine is likely to be running within the next few days but this is not guaranteed.

Unfortunately no. We always aim to deliver a steam hauled service but on occasion, operational issues may require us to substitute with a diesel engine.
Reasons for this include:
  • -Lineside wildfire risk in long periods of dry/hot weather
  • -Unexpected Mechanical issues which cannot be rectified before the service departs
  • -Staff absence

Video of the railways' 2025 services

Steaming Through Strathspey