Visiting Loch Lomond & The Trossachs by Train

Balloch Central: Direct line from Glasgow

For easy access to Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, take the ScotRail service direct from Glasgow Queen Street to Balloch Central. In 50 minutes, you can reach the heart of the national park without having to change. Trains run approximately every 30 minutes: once arrived, you can stroll a few minutes to catch a cruise on the loch or wander through Balloch Castle Park.

Ardlui Station: Arrive in scenic syle

If you’re looking for scenic train journeys to national parks, you’d do well to beat ScotRail’s West Highlands Line. With several stops in and close to the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, you can arrive wherever you like within the National Park, whether at Helensburgh, Garelochhead, Arrochar & Tarbet, Ardlui, Crianlarich or Tyndrum. We recommend Ardlui for easy onward connections with Waterbus services across to Loch Lomond’s eastern shores. The journey from Glasgow Queen Street to Ardlui takes about 1 hour 30 minutes.

See the sights

Famed for its glorious scenery, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs is a never-ending feast for the eyes. From spectacular views atop Ben Lomond to the Falls of Dochart, you’ll never tire of seeing the national park’s . Whether you enjoy woodlands, mountains, lochs, glens or rocky coastlines, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park has it all!

Get out and about

Whether you’re a hardcore adventurer or a serene outdoors sunseeker, you’ll find something exciting to do in this activity-filled national park. Waterlovers will delight in Loch Lomond, the largest body of freshwater in mainland Britain, and perfect for boating, water-skiing, sailing, canoeing, paddle boarding, and swimming. If you’re visiting the national park for a hiking holiday, you’ll find stunning trails along lochs and rivers, through forests, or up hills and mountains. And cyclists will have no trouble finding great routes, whether family-friendly joy rides or serious mountain trails over tough terrain.

Within the national park, visitors will have an abundance of travel options to get around. A great option is ScotRail’s West Highlands Line, which connects places like Helensburgh, Garelochhead, Arrochar & Tarbet, Ardlui, Crianlarich and Tyndrum. Local bus services also offer scenic, environmentally friendly transport around the national park.

In a beautiful boating paradise, getting out on the water is unsurprisingly a popular activity at Loch Lomond, whether you’re crossing the loch or simply enjoying some serene time in nature.

Many visitors to Loch Lomond & The Trossachs choose camping as a great way to enjoy the great outdoors and experience the national park’s beauty on an affordable budget. With so many beautiful places to camp in stunning surroundings, you can choose to pitch up on lochshore permit areas, seek the solitude of ‘wild camping’, or stay in an organised campsite with access to better facilities.

If a more luxurious visit is appealing to you, book onto a glampsite or quirky lodge for a unique national park experience. There are an abundance of cosy cottages that provide an ideal setting to snuggle up after a busy day exploring the national park!

When is the best time of year to visit Loch Lomond & The Trossachs?

Locals make a case for all seasons as the best time to be in the national park. If you like crisp air and fresh buds, Spring is a joyful time to be in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, as nature renews itself and cycles start anew. Long days in Summer warmth sell themselves, with some attractions only in the peak months. Autumn’s golden landscapes, and winter’s snow-covered bliss have their own charms – especially if you’re tucked up in a cosy lodge with a log fire!

Make the most of your car-free trip

When getting back to nature, one of Scotland’s most beautiful national parks is a great choice of location. For long walks on mixed terrain, you’ll want some comfortable shoes, and waterproofs are a must, especially outside the peak Summer months. To stay hydrated, bring a water bottle, and in Winter be sure to pack a travel cup so you can get a steaming cup of coffee or hot chocolate to warm your hands up!

Respect your national park surroundings

Outstanding landscapes deserve outstanding protection. In Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, there are so many fragile natural habitats to look after. As far as possible, stick to footpaths, don’t disrupt wildlife, and remember to take your litter home with you.

Head to a Visitor Centre for all the information you need

Want some information on top things to see and do? To make the most of your Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park experience, head to a visitor centre in Balmaha, Aberfoyle, Duke’s Pass, Balloch, or Glen Finglas. There, you’ll be able to pick up a local map, get an up-to-date weather forecast, browse tourist information, and much more.

Buy Cheap Train Tickets

However you plan to experience Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, the best way to get there is by train. And the best way to buy your train tickets is from TrainPal, with split tickets as standard and cheap tickets available when you buy off-peak and in advance. Don’t forget to add a Railcard discount to reduce your fare by a third, whether a 16–25 Railcard, Senior Railcard, Two Together, or Family & Friends Railcard. An affordable way to enjoy one of the UK’s best landscapes! 

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