News update:
Strathspey 2024 Santa Trains and Mince Pie Specials are now available to book - check below for details. Due to increased demand for Santa services, the railway has added a Private Compartment carriage to its Santa trains. Check below for information on this additional Santa service. Full details of the railways' 2025 Railway 200 sevices are expected to be available to book from the end of November. Check website and Facebook later this month.

Strathspey Railway > Aviemore - Boat of Garten - Broomhill

2024 TIMETABLE

 

November*

M T W T F S S
1 2 3
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30

December

M T W T F S S
1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29

January

M T W T F S S
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 31

Services

Steam Hauled
Heritage Diesel
Santa
Trains
Mince Pie Specials
*No Train Services in November until the 30th

 

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

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

Strathspey Railway - Santa Trains 2024

Santa on the Strathspey

Create enchanted memories for all the family with a festive steam ride on the Santa Train at Strathspey Railway – The home of Highland Steam. Steaming through the beautiful Cairngorm National Park, entertained by our festive elves and a visit from the man himself Santa Claus!

Book your own table to share with family or friends, on one of our heritage railway carriages and experience a magical trip.

Treat yourself to a festive light lunch or indulge in a festive afternoon tea. For an extra special experience, upgrade to an exclusive First-Class compartment.

Children (2-15) on all services, will receive a special pack containing a festive gingerbread man, activity book, souvenir railway bauble and pin badge.

Journey time (Aviemore to Broomhill and return) 1h 30m

Departures available:

12:30 – Take in the wintery landscape, of the Cairngorms National Park, as you steam along our Highland Heritage line. Treat yourselves to a Festive Light Lunch, or for that extra special experience, upgrade to a First-Class Celebration Festive Lunch, in your own exclusive compartment.

14:40 – Experience the Highland winter golden hour, as you steam along our Highland Heritage line. As the daylight fades, experience the sparkle of Christmas, with our festive lights. Indulge in a Festive Afternoon Tea or for an extra special experience, upgrade to a First-Class Celebration Afternoon Tea, in your own exclusive compartment.

17:00 – Experience the sparkle of Christmas, on a winters evening, cosy in our festive trains. Indulge in a Festive Afternoon Tea or for an extra special experience, upgrade to a First-Class Celebration Afternoon Tea, in your own exclusive compartment.

Spot the festive displays, along the line, as you steam through the Highland landscape. Sing along and be entertained by our mischievous elves and say hello to Santa Claus himself!

Scheduled dates:

November: Sat 30th December: Sun 1st, Fri 6th, Sat 7th, Sun 8th, Fri 13th, Sat 14th, Sun 15th, Thurs 19th, Fri 20th, Sat 21st, Sun 22nd, Mon 23rd

Santa walking through the steam
Santa waving at child in carriage
Black 5 locomotive 5025 on the Strathspey Railway

TICKET OPTIONS:

SANTA STANDARD - Table (seats 4) - £80
Price for up to 4 but if you are a family of 5 and would like to snuggle up, you can choose to add an extra child (2-15) for an additional charge of £10

Children (2-15) on all services, will receive a special pack containing a festive gingerbread man, activity book, souvenir railway bauble and pin badge.

Spot the festive displays, along the line, as you steam through the Highland landscape. Sing along and be entertained by our onboard mischievous elves and say hello to Santa Claus himself!

PRIVATE COMPARTMENT - Your own Exclusive compartment (seats 6) £190
Price for up to 6 but if would like to snuggle up, you can choose to add an extra Child (2-15) for an additional charge of £10

Create enchanted memories for all the family with a festive steam ride on the Santa Train at Strathspey Railway – The home of Highland Steam. Steaming through the beautiful Cairngorm National Park, entertained by our festive elves and a visit from the man himself Santa Claus! Children (2-15) on all services, will receive a special pack containing a festive gingerbread man, activity book, souvenir railway bauble and pin badge.

Book your own private compartment, to share exclusively with family or friends, on one of our heritage railway carriages and experience a magical trip. These standard class compartments seat up to 6 but if you have an extra child and would like to snuggle up, you can choose to add an extra child (2-15) for an additional charge. Under 2's on laps Free (Travel only-no ticket required).

Please note: Food and drink are not included in this package however; you are welcome to bring on board your own food/drinks. A trolley service will be available for you to purchase drinks and snacks, as well as an onboard bar.

FIRST CLASS CELEBRATION FESTIVE LUNCH - Your own Exclusive compartment (seats 4) £200

Price for up to 4 but if you are a family of 5 and would like to snuggle up, you can choose to add an extra Child (2-15) for an additional charge of £25

Choose from Festive themed soups like butternut squash or traditional hearty broths combined with turkey and Cranberry, Hummus and Roast Parsnip sandwiches followed by mince pie and brandy butter accompanied by a celebratory glass of prosecco or for that highland twist a wee dram.

Child friendly options with, Turkey, cheese sandwiches, festive cookies, and cake, sparkling apple juice or butterbeer.

Children (2-15) on all services, will receive a special pack containing a festive gingerbread man, activity book, souvenir railway bauble and pin badge.

Spot the festive displays, along the line, as you steam through the Highland landscape. Sing along and be entertained by our onboard mischievous elves and say hello to Santa Claus himself!

FESTIVE LIGHT LUNCH - Table (seats 4) - £150

Price for up to 4 but if you are a family of 5 and would like to snuggle up, you can choose to add an extra child (2-15) or an additional charge of £15

Choose from Festive themed soups like butternut squash or traditional hearty broths combined with turkey and Cranberry, Hummus and Roast Parsnip sandwiches followed by mince pie and brandy butter accompanied by tea/coffee.

Child friendly options with, Turkey, cheese sandwiches, festive cookies, and cake.

Children (2-15) on all services, will receive a special pack containing a festive gingerbread man, activity book, souvenir railway bauble and pin badge.

Spot the festive displays, along the line, as you steam through the Highland landscape. Sing along and be entertained by our onboard mischievous elves and say hello to Santa Claus himself!

FIRST CLASS CELEBRATION AFTERNOON TEA Your own Exclusive compartment (seats 4) - £240

Price for up to 4 but if you are a family of 5 and would like to snuggle up, you can choose to add an extra Child (2-15) for an additional charge of £45

Festive themed afternoon tea with turkey and cranberry, hummus and roast parsnip sandwiches, scones, mince pie, brandy butter, shortbread, and festive cakes, accompanied by a celebratory glass of prosecco or for that highland twist a wee dram.

Child friendly options with snowman cookies, marshmallows, sparkling apple juice or butterbeer.

Children (2-15) on all services, will receive a special pack containing a festive gingerbread man, activity book, souvenir railway bauble and pin badge

Spot the festive displays, along the line, as you steam through the Highland landscape. Sing along and be entertained by our onboard mischievous elves and say hello to Santa Claus himself!

FESTIVE AFTERNOON TEA - Table (seats 4) - £190

Price for up to 4 but if you are a family of 5 and would like to snuggle up, you can choose to add an extra Child (2-15) for an additional charge of £30

Festive themed afternoon tea with turkey and cranberry, hummus and roast parsnip sandwiches, scones, mince pie, brandy butter, shortbread, and festive cakes, accompanied by accompanied by tea/coffee.

Child friendly options with snowman cookies, marshmallows and juice.

Children (2-15) on all services, will receive a special pack containing a festive gingerbread man, activity book, souvenir railway bauble and pin badge

Spot the festive displays, along the line, as you steam through the Highland landscape. Sing along and be entertained by our onboard mischievous elves and say hello to Santa Claus himself!

OBSERVATION CARRIAGE - £32pp

Travel in style in our art deco carriage, with panoramic, wrap around windows, comfy armchairs, complimentary tea, coffee and mince pies, served by the carriages exclusive, onboard steward.

Children (2-15) on all services, will receive a special pack containing a festive gingerbread man, activity book, souvenir railway bauble and pin badge

Spot the festive displays, along the line, as you steam through the Highland landscape. Sing along and be entertained by our onboard mischievous elves and say hello to Santa Claus himself!

OBSERVATION CARRIAGE AND DRAM - £37pp

Travel in style in our Art Deco carriage, with panoramic, wrap around windows, comfy armchairs, a wee dram (butterbeer for the kids) and mince pies, served by the carriages exclusive, onboard steward.

Children (2-15) on all services, will receive a special pack containing a festive gingerbread man, activity book, souvenir railway bauble and pin badge

Spot the festive displays, along the line, as you steam through the Highland landscape. Sing along and be entertained by our onboard mischievous elves and say hello to Santa Claus himself!

Book Now

Strathspey Railway - Mince Pie Specials 2024-2025

Mince Pie Specials on the Strathspey

After Christmas enjoy a Ne'erday Treat steaming through scenic Strathspey in the Cairngorms National Park. Step on board our Mince Pie Specials and let our steam locomotive take the strain while you relax & enjoy a mince pie while watching the wintry world go by,

On 1st January, join us to help launch Rail 200, celebrating 200 years of the railway, with our Ne’erday Noon Whistle Down - where railway locos throughout Britain will herald the start of this special railway year, by blowing their distinctive whistles.

A trolley service is available to purchase drinks and snacks on the Mince Pie Specials

Children (3-15) will receive an activity bookand crayons.

Journey time (Aviemore to Broomhill and return) 1h 30m

Babies (0-3) on knee travel free.

Departures available:

12:30 – Take in the wintery landscape, of the Cairngorms National Park, as you steam along our Highland Heritage line.

15:00 – Experience the Highland winter golden hour, as you steam along our Highland Heritage line.

Scheduled dates:

December: Sat 28th and Sun 29th.
January: Wed 1st, Thu 2nd, Fri 3rd, Sat 4th and Sun 5th.

Book Now

Train Services

A big thank you to all passengers who stepped aboard the railways' heritage trains and travelled with us this year, along the Highland Line. Next year marks the 200 years of the railway in Britain. We look forward to welcoming passengers new and returning passengers to the railway during this special year for the railway.

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 - £21.50, Senior (60+) Return - £19.35, Child (5 - 15) £10.75, Children under 5 travel free. Family Ticket (2 Adults and 2 Children 5 - 15) - £45.00, Day Rover Tickets - Adult/Senior - £37.65 and Child - £18.90.

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 £32.75 per adult, £18.00 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 £30.00.

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 £42.75 per adult, £22.00 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 £30.00.

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

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.

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 one third discount off the standard 2nd Class standard travel ticket for the Less Able passenger and, if applicable, one Carer may travel free of charge on providing appropriate documentation. If you are booking your tickets online, please call our Office on 01479 810725 so as we can assist you with booking and payment. The one third discount arrangements for a Less Able visitor, with their Carer applies to First Class travel but the standard £30 charge will be payable for a First Class upgrade. The one third off discount for a Less Able passenger and their 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

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 (enquiries@strathspeyrailway.co.uk) 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.

Ticket office hours:

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

These times may vary

Please ring the office on 01479 810725 or email (enquiries@strathspeyrailway.co.uk) and we can make any changes for you.

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.

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.

  • 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.

Santa Train tickets generally go on sale around September. Add us on Facebook (link available in footer) for the most up to date information and ticket announcements!

For a Senior ticket you should be 60 or over.

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'

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, or tours and packages ticket purchases.

We have four First Class Compartments aboard our 10.15 daily service. Each compartment seats a maximum of six people. Stamdard Class tickets can be upgraded to First Class for this service but only at a station and is subject to availability. The price to upgrade is £30 per compartment

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

  • We welcome dogs aboard our services. For health & safety reasons they cannot sit in First Class or dining areas! The charge for 2024 is £3.00 per dog. Restrictions may apply.
  • Limited space is available on the train to carry bikes. The charge for 2024 is £4 per bike.
  • Sorry, we cannot accommodate bike trailers (toddler seats)

  • 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.

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.

Video of the railways' 2024 services

Steaming Through Strathspey