Santa's Elf Express - Observation Carriage
Observation Carriage with Hot Chocolate & Mince Pie
Enjoy Santa's Elf Express from our premium Observation Carriage, offering some of the best views on the railway.

Relax in comfortable armchair seating and take in the stunning Highland scenery through large panoramic windows. On the outward journey, you'll enjoy uninterrupted views along the line. On the return journey, the locomotive is coupled directly to the Observation Carriage, giving passengers a unique close-up view of the engine at work.
During your approximately 1 hour 45 minute return journey, you'll enjoy a hot chocolate and mince pie while our mischievous elves spread festive cheer throughout the train. Santa will also visit the carriage, spending a few minutes with each family, posing for photos and presenting a gift to every child aged 10 months and over.
This premium carriage combines festive entertainment, spectacular scenery and a unique railway experience.
Important Information
- Includes one hot chocolate and one mince pie per ticket holder
- Premium Observation Carriage seating
- Comfortable armchairs
- Panoramic views on the outward journey
- Unique locomotive view on the return journey
- Individual tickets available
- Tickets are priced per person, regardless of age
- No concessionary fares available
- Children aged 3+ require their own ticket
- Under 3's may sit on laps and require a £5 toddler ticket (find these in Santa’s Elf Express Experience tickets - no food or drink provided)
- Babies under 10 months travelling in arms or a sling travel free (no ticket required)
- Children aged 10 months+ receive a Santa gift and festive activity book
· DOGS: For the safety and comfort of all on board, we regret that dogs are NOT permitted on any Xmas Train service. Assistance dogs are permitted. To ensure smooth access; please carry an Assistance Dog ID card or have the dog wear a specific harness.
· Unfortunately, the Observation Carriage is not wheelchair accessible due to the historic design and age of this carriage
· *Please be aware: We always aim to deliver a steam-hauled service however, on occasion, due to operational issues, it may be necessary to substitute for a heritage diesel engine, to ensure we can deliver the scheduled service. Refunds and cancellations are not available in these circumstances.
Observation Carriage with Wee Dram & Mince Pie
Experience Santa's Elf Express from our premium Observation Carriage, offering some of the finest views on the railway.
Sink into comfortable armchair seating and enjoy panoramic views of the Highland landscape. On the outward journey, you'll have an uninterrupted view along the line. On the return journey, the locomotive is coupled directly to the Observation Carriage, providing a unique close-up perspective of the engine as it works through the winter scenery.
During your approximately 1 hour 45 minute return journey, you'll enjoy a traditional mince pie and a wee dram while our entertaining elves bring festive fun to the train. Santa will also visit the carriage, greeting passengers and presenting gifts to children aged 10 months and over.
A popular choice for adults, couples and families alike, this premium experience combines Christmas magic with a truly unique railway journey.
Important Information
- Includes one wee dram and one mince pie per ticket holder (Age 18+ only)
- Premium Observation Carriage seating
- Comfortable armchairs
- Panoramic views on the outward journey
- Unique locomotive view on the return journey
- Individual tickets available
- Tickets are priced per person, regardless of age
- No concessionary fares available
- Children aged 3+ require their own ticket
- Under 3's may sit on laps and require a £5 toddler ticket (find these in Santa’s Elf Express Experience tickets - no food or drink provided)
- Babies under 10 months travelling in arms or a sling travel free (no ticket required)
- Children aged 10 months+ receive a Santa gift and festive activity book
· DOGS: For the safety and comfort of all on board, we regret that dogs are NOT permitted on any Xmas Train service. Assistance dogs are permitted. To ensure smooth access; please carry an Assistance Dog ID card or have the dog wear a specific harness.
· Unfortunately, the Observation Carriage is not wheelchair accessible due to the historic design and age of this carriage.
· *Please be aware: We always aim to deliver a steam-hauled service however, on occasion, due to operational issues, it may be necessary to substitute for a heritage diesel engine, to ensure we can deliver the scheduled service. Refunds and cancellations are not available in these circumstances.
Ticket options
Observation Carriage with Hot Chocolate & Mince Pie
Enjoy Santa's Elf Express from our premium Observation Carriage, offering some of the best views on the railway.

Relax in comfortable armchair seating and take in the stunning Highland scenery through large panoramic windows. On the outward journey, you'll enjoy uninterrupted views along the line. On the return journey, the locomotive is coupled directly to the Observation Carriage, giving passengers a unique close-up view of the engine at work.
During your approximately 1 hour 45 minute return journey, you'll enjoy a hot chocolate and mince pie while our mischievous elves spread festive cheer throughout the train. Santa will also visit the carriage, spending a few minutes with each family, posing for photos and presenting a gift to every child aged 10 months and over.
This premium carriage combines festive entertainment, spectacular scenery and a unique railway experience.
Important Information
- Includes one hot chocolate and one mince pie per ticket holder
- Premium Observation Carriage seating
- Comfortable armchairs
- Panoramic views on the outward journey
- Unique locomotive view on the return journey
- Individual tickets available
- Tickets are priced per person, regardless of age
- No concessionary fares available
- Children aged 3+ require their own ticket
- Under 3's may sit on laps and require a £5 toddler ticket (find these in Santa’s Elf Express Experience tickets - no food or drink provided)
- Babies under 10 months travelling in arms or a sling travel free (no ticket required)
- Children aged 10 months+ receive a Santa gift and festive activity book
· DOGS: For the safety and comfort of all on board, we regret that dogs are NOT permitted on any Xmas Train service. Assistance dogs are permitted. To ensure smooth access; please carry an Assistance Dog ID card or have the dog wear a specific harness.
· Unfortunately, the Observation Carriage is not wheelchair accessible due to the historic design and age of this carriage
· *Please be aware: We always aim to deliver a steam-hauled service however, on occasion, due to operational issues, it may be necessary to substitute for a heritage diesel engine, to ensure we can deliver the scheduled service. Refunds and cancellations are not available in these circumstances.
Observation Carriage with Wee Dram & Mince Pie
Experience Santa's Elf Express from our premium Observation Carriage, offering some of the finest views on the railway.
Sink into comfortable armchair seating and enjoy panoramic views of the Highland landscape. On the outward journey, you'll have an uninterrupted view along the line. On the return journey, the locomotive is coupled directly to the Observation Carriage, providing a unique close-up perspective of the engine as it works through the winter scenery.
During your approximately 1 hour 45 minute return journey, you'll enjoy a traditional mince pie and a wee dram while our entertaining elves bring festive fun to the train. Santa will also visit the carriage, greeting passengers and presenting gifts to children aged 10 months and over.
A popular choice for adults, couples and families alike, this premium experience combines Christmas magic with a truly unique railway journey.
Important Information
- Includes one wee dram and one mince pie per ticket holder (Age 18+ only)
- Premium Observation Carriage seating
- Comfortable armchairs
- Panoramic views on the outward journey
- Unique locomotive view on the return journey
- Individual tickets available
- Tickets are priced per person, regardless of age
- No concessionary fares available
- Children aged 3+ require their own ticket
- Under 3's may sit on laps and require a £5 toddler ticket (find these in Santa’s Elf Express Experience tickets - no food or drink provided)
- Babies under 10 months travelling in arms or a sling travel free (no ticket required)
- Children aged 10 months+ receive a Santa gift and festive activity book
· DOGS: For the safety and comfort of all on board, we regret that dogs are NOT permitted on any Xmas Train service. Assistance dogs are permitted. To ensure smooth access; please carry an Assistance Dog ID card or have the dog wear a specific harness.
· Unfortunately, the Observation Carriage is not wheelchair accessible due to the historic design and age of this carriage.
· *Please be aware: We always aim to deliver a steam-hauled service however, on occasion, due to operational issues, it may be necessary to substitute for a heritage diesel engine, to ensure we can deliver the scheduled service. Refunds and cancellations are not available in these circumstances.