Trains to Loch Lomond

Marking the boundary between the lowlands and the Highlands, Loch Lomond is your gateway into Scotland’s biggest National Park - and it's easy to reach by train!

In less than an hour from Glasgow the train takes you to the shores of Loch Lomond, looking out to forested hills and mountains – it’s one of Scotland’s premier outdoor activity destinations.

The loch’s surrounding villages boast three railway stations. The closest to Glasgow, Balloch, lies at its southern tip, with the Loch Lomond Shores retail centre and Sea Life aquarium.

To strike deep into the wilder heart of the national park, take the first stretch of the scenic West Highland Line to Arrochar and Tarbert on the western shore, or Ardlui in the north – perfect for hikers and mountain bikers. As part of our most popular Great Scenic Rail Journey, expect brilliant views first over the Clyde firth, then through the woods to the dark waters of the loch.

Getting to and from Loch Lomond by train

• Glasgow Queen Street to Balloch – approx 45 minutes
• Glasgow Queen Street to Arrochar & Tarbet – approx 1 hour 20 minutes
• Glasgow Queen Street to Ardlui – approx 1 hour 35 minutes

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Your journey to Balloch

Train services run to Balloch from early in the morning to well into the evening, with train travel to and from Glasgow Queen Street in less than an hour. Enjoy a full day out packed with exciting activities, or make Loch Lomond part of your Glasgow day out before catching the train back into the city centre.

The station is within easy reach of a wide range of shops, restaurants, pubs and hotels. Loch Lomond Shores is a short walk from the station for retail therapy or the adventure of the Sea Life Aquarium, and the station is also the starting point for ferry trips, and walking or cycling tours of the loch, National Park and further afield.

Balloch VisitScotland Information Centre is just across the road from the station where you can pick up a local map and get suggestions for what to do in the area.

West Highland Line to Arrochar & Tarbet

You'll enjoy a privileged view of the northern edges of Loch Lomond when you travel on the stunning West Highland line (voted 'Top Railway Journey in The World'). Take in the views from the relaxed comfort of the train for a truly unforgettable experience.

After leaving Glasgow Queen Street by train, you'll get a fantastic view of the Firth of Clyde and the sealochs of Gare Loch and Loch Long before you arrive at Arrochar & Tarbet station.

Located at the northern end of Loch Lomond, Arrochar and Tarbet are regular bases for walking in the Arrochar Alps and the popular cruises from Tarbet. If you continue up the side of the loch, you will get to Ardlui and Crianlarich before the rail line splits and wends its way north to Oban, Fort William and Mallaig.

A day on Loch Lomond

A visit to Loch Lomond opens up a whole range of active and more leisurely adventures. The loch is one of Scotland’s top boating and watersports destinations, offering everything from kayak and canoe safaris to jetski and speedboat fun. Want to take it easy, stay dry, and enjoy the stunning views? Climb aboard one of Sweeney's Cruises from Balloch, or a Cruise Loch Lomond boat at Luss, Tarbet or Inveruglas.

There’s a regular waterbus that stops at popular places around Loch Lomond – pick up a timetable at the visitor information centre in Balloch for details.

For an easy day’s cycle, try getting the train to Arrochar and Tarbet and cycling south along the a 28km cycle path along the loch’s west bank to Balloch.

For a short hike, hop on the bus from Balloch to Balmaha and head up Conic Hill. The short, steep climb rewards you with spectacular views across the loch and the surrounding mountains. There’s a visitor centre at the bottom, as well as a great pub. If you need to fill the afternoon, catch the boat to Inchcailloch, a small island close to Balmaha with a secluded, sheltered beach – ideal for lazy picnics and wild swimming.

Those who only want to admire the view, should head to Balloch’s Loch Lomond Shores complex. There, along with a good range of shops and and restaurants, you’ll find the Sea Life Loch Lomond Aquarium.

Two days on Loch Lomond

If you’re up for a serious hike, you’ve got plenty of options. A section of the West Highland Way runs along the east shore – catch a bus from Balloch to Drymen and set your course north towards Ardlui. There’s a hostel at Rowardennan, if you want to break the walk into a more leisurely two-day affair. You could also tackle Ben Lomond: get the waterbus from Balloch to Rowardennan Pier, and the 974-metre (3,196 ft.) Munro is there for the taking. It’s a serious mountain though: take the right kit with you.

Find out more

• VisitScotland website
• Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park website
• Loch Lomond Shores website