Strathspey Railway > Aviemore - Boat of Garten - Broomhill
2025 TIMETABLE
Online bookings close at 9am. Same day tickets available at station ticket office.
November
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December
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January
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Services
| Steam Hauled | |
| Steam & Diesel Weekends in July | |
| Railway 200 | |
| Elf Express | |
| Mince Pie Specials |
TRAVELLING TIMES*
Elf Express Service - Aviemore to Broomhill
| Aviemore Departure | 10.15 | 12.45 | 15.15 |
| Boat of Garten Arrival | 10.33 | 13.03 | 15.33 |
| Boat of Garten Departure | 10.43 | 13.13 | 15.43 |
| Broomhill Arrival | 11.06 | 13.36 | 16.06 |
Elf Express Service - Broomhill to Aviemore
| Broomhill Departure | 11.16 | 13.46 | 16.16 |
| Boat of Garten Arrival | 11.29 | 13.59 | 16.29 |
| Boat of Garten Departure | 11.39 | 14.09 | 16.39 |
| Aviemore Arrival | 11.57 | 14.27 | 16.57 |
Mince Pie Service - Aviemore to Broomhill
| Aviemore Departure | 12.30 | 15.00 |
| Boat of Garten Arrival | 12.48 | 15.18 |
| Boat of Garten Departure | 12.58 | 15.28 |
| Broomhill Arrival | 13.21 | 15.51 |
Mince Pie Service - Broomhill to Aviemore
| Broomhill Departure | 13.31 | 16.01 |
| Boat of Garten Arrival | 13.44 | 16.14 |
| Boat of Garten Departure | 13.54 | 16.24 |
| Aviemore Arrival | 14.12 | 16.42 |
*Under normal circumstances and where advertised, trains will be steam hauled, but the company reserve the right to use diesel power
2026 TIMETABLE
Online bookings close at 9am. Same day tickets available at station ticket office.
February
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March
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April
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May
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June
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July
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August
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September
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October
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November
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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 our 2026 timetable in 
format (opens in new window)
Purchase Tickets
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.
The Elf Express journey duration is 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Book your festive journey today and make magical memories with the Elf Express!
Elf Express Xmas Train - Frequently Asked Questions
Strathspey Railway - Mince Pie Specials 2025-2026
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,
A trolley service is available to purchase drinks and snacks on the Mince Pie Specials
Children (3-15) will receive an activity book and crayons.
Babies (0-3) on knee travel free.
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.
15:00 – Experience the Highland winter golden hour, as you steam along our Highland Heritage line.
Scheduled dates:
December: Sat 27th, Sun 28th, Mon 29th and Tue 30th.
January 26 - Thu 1st, Fri 2nd, Sat 3rd and Sun 4th.
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 - £26.00, Senior (60+) Return - £24.50, Child (5 - 15) £15.00 (Child price includes free activity book), Children under 5 travel free. Family Ticket (2 Adults and 2 Children 5 - 15) £58.00,
First Class upgrades are only available for the 10.15 service.
Afternoon Steam Tea
Our Afternoon Steam 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 Steam 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.
Booking Options
Afternoon Steam 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.
Book Now
First Class seating is in an exclusive private compartment and seats a maximum of four customers (including children).
Book Now
Tickets and Fares
Standard Class Afternoon Tea costs £50.00 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.
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
Book NowCoronation 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.
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.
Book NowAccessible 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.
Departures are from Aviemore Station - Platform 3. Please be advised there is no accessible route, to Platform 3, from the front of the station (Grampian Road entrance), platforms 1 and 2 are accessed over a pedestrian footbridge. Please access Platform 3 from our free car park at the back of the station (Dalfaber Road, PH22 1PY) where there is step free access onto Platform 3. There are two accessible parking spaces in the council car park which is adjacent to the railways' car park and bus parking area. Their exact location can be viewed on the interactive map below.
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 1 carer 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.
FAQ For Our Standard Operating Season (March-November 2026)
- 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. The Elf Express journey duration is 1 hour and 45 minutes. 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 = £22.00 - One stop = £17.50
- Whole line Senior = £21.00 - One stop = £16.50
- Whole line Child = £14.00 - One stop = £11.00
10:15 departure
12:45 departure
15:00 departure
If you have an existing booking and would like to upgrade, please call 01479 810725 or email.
There are no concessions available for catered/1st class or the Observation Carriage.
For standard travel, ticket prices are full price for the disabled individual however, ambulant disabled visitors may add one free carer if required. Please bring proof of disability documentation with you to validate this ticket. You can book your free Ambulent Disabled carer ticket on our website, see this ticket option at the bottom of this webpage.
Wheelchair accessibility bookings can be made on our website.
Ticket office hours:
- 0945 – 1500 on operational days only. Closed at other times.
- Main office 7 days 0930-1630.
These times may vary.
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
- Bikes are not permitted on the Elf Express Xmas train services.
- Limited space is available on the train to carry bikes. The charge for 2026 is £4 per bike.
- For everyone’s safety, from 1st April 2025, passengers traveling with electric bikes on any of the railway’s 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 railway’s trains.
- Sorry, we cannot accommodate bike trailers (toddler seats).
- If you would like to transport any other type of cargo, please contact the railway in advance to see if this is possible.
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 (Grampian Road entrance - 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 2026). 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.
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 to ensure the scheduled service can go ahead.
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
There are no refunds available in these circumstances.
Gift voucher bookings need to be made through the gift voucher redemption section of the website, not through the general ticket purchase section. This is a direct link to the gift voucher redemption page.
Add the relevant product to basket. At the end you will be able to enter your gift voucher redemption code. This is a code beginning with V (not the code beginning with D that is your booking reference number).
Yes, for our standard services during our standard operating season (March–November 2026), Bluelight, military/veteran, Rail Riders, ScotRail – Highland Rover, Scottish Police RA, NHS staff all get 10% discount on standard travel.
We do not offer any concessions on catered services or the Observation carriage.
Concessionary tickets can only be purchased from our station ticket offices on the day of travel – advance booking is not available.