
Glenfinnan Viaduct
Iconic 1901 railway viaduct, famous as the Hogwarts Express route, offering breathtaking Highland scenery.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Catch the iconic Hogwarts Express.

Glenfinnan Viaduct
Best Time
Catch the iconic Hogwarts Express.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic 1901 railway viaduct, famous as the Hogwarts Express route, offering breathtaking Highland scenery.
"Seeing the Glenfinnan Viaduct in person was absolutely stunning; grander than I imagined."

🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast! Aim to arrive at least 30-60 minutes before the train's scheduled crossing.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The hike to the best viewpoints can be steep and uneven. Comfortable shoes are a must!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Jacobite Steam Train Crossing
Glenfinnan Viaduct
Witness the iconic steam train, the Hogwarts Express, majestically cross the viaduct. A truly magical moment for fans and non-fans alike.

The Glenfinnan Viaduct Viewpoint
West side of the viaduct
Capture the classic, sweeping view of the viaduct curving over the landscape. This is the postcard-perfect shot you've seen in photos.

Loch Shiel Views
Near the viaduct
Enjoy the serene beauty of Loch Shiel, a stunning backdrop to the viaduct and a peaceful spot to reflect.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Jacobite Train
Viewpoint Strategy is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast! Aim to arrive at least 30-60 minutes before the train's scheduled crossing.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The hike to the best viewpoints can be steep and uneven. Comfortable shoes are a must!
⏰ Check Train Timetables
Timetables can change. Always verify the Jacobite Steam Train schedule online before your visit.
📍 Explore Multiple Viewpoints
Don't just stick to one spot. Different angles offer unique perspectives of the viaduct and train.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast! Aim to arrive at least 30-60 minutes before the train's scheduled crossing.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The hike to the best viewpoints can be steep and uneven. Comfortable shoes are a must!
⏰ Check Train Timetables
Timetables can change. Always verify the Jacobite Steam Train schedule online before your visit.
📍 Explore Multiple Viewpoints
Don't just stick to one spot. Different angles offer unique perspectives of the viaduct and train.
🚻 Public Restrooms Available
There are visitor facilities, including restrooms, near the viaduct.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the magical experience of seeing the Glenfinnan Viaduct, especially when the Jacobite Steam Train crosses. The iconic views and Harry Potter connection are huge draws. However, crowds can be significant, and parking requires early arrival. Some find the immediate area around the viaduct a bit scruffy, and accessibility to higher viewpoints can be challenging.
"Reach there ahead of time. The train comes around 10.45 so plan to be there by 10 at least to get your parking and the right spot to view. Great place for Harry Potter fans to live the experience"
Naveen Kumar
"A very significant spot for Harry Potter fans. Parking was full when we visited, and we had to hike about a mile from our parking spot to the viewpoint. We went to the viewpoint on the west and got the iconic shot of the train at 1.20pm.
Try to find parking earlier as the hike to the viewpoint takes about 15 minutes."
Andrew Sridjaja
"Seeing the Glenfinnan Viaduct in person was absolutely stunning; grander than I imagined. It was so neat to watch the iconic bridge from the Harry Potter movies come to life. We thought we’d missed the last train of the day, but luckily another was scheduled not long after we had arrived. We tracked its route, found the perfect cliffside viewpoint, and got the best view. Such a magical and serendipitous experience."
Kelsey Andrews
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Glenfinnan Viaduct is located in the Scottish Highlands. Many visitors arrive by car, often as part of a road trip through the Highlands or along the NC500 route. Parking is available at the Glenfinnan Visitor Centre, but it can fill up quickly. Alternatively, you can take the Jacobite Steam Train itself from Fort William to Mallaig, which crosses the viaduct. Public transport options are limited, but buses do run in the area.
Yes, there is a parking area managed by the Glenfinnan Visitor Centre. It's reasonably priced, but it's highly recommended to arrive early, especially if you plan to see the Jacobite Steam Train, as it gets very busy.
Yes, you can hike to the viaduct. If you're doing the West Highland Way, you might have time to explore hikes from Fort William. There are also walking routes from the visitor center to various viewpoints.
The most magical way is to ride the Jacobite Steam Train itself! You can also look into local bus services that might pass through Glenfinnan, though schedules can be infrequent.
While the Jacobite Steam Train is a form of public transport that stops nearby, general public bus services to Glenfinnan can be infrequent. Many visitors opt for a car or join organized tours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, viewing the Glenfinnan Viaduct from the designated viewpoints is free. However, if you wish to ride the Jacobite Steam Train (Hogwarts Express), you will need to purchase tickets in advance, as they sell out quickly.
The viaduct itself is an active railway line and is always accessible to view from the outside. The Glenfinnan Visitor Centre has its own operating hours, typically from April to October.
Viewing the viaduct from the outside is free. Parking at the visitor center has a fee. Riding the Jacobite Steam Train is a separate cost, typically around £65 for a standard adult return ticket.
The Jacobite Steam Train typically runs from April to October, seven days a week, with two departures daily from Fort William. It's crucial to check the official schedule as it can vary and cancellations have occurred.
Yes, there are paths that allow you to walk under and around the viaduct. Be aware that some paths can be steep and uneven.
📸 📸 Photography & Viewing
The most iconic view is from the elevated viewpoint on the west side of the viaduct, offering a sweeping panorama. Some visitors also find good spots further up the hill for wider landscape shots.
The train crosses twice daily, around 10:45 AM and 3:20 PM. The afternoon crossing often has better light for photography, but check the exact times. Arrive early to secure your spot.
No, for safety reasons, you cannot get close to the active railway tracks. Always stay within designated viewing areas and follow safety guidelines.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the viaduct and its surroundings. A telephoto lens can be useful for getting closer shots of the train as it crosses.
General photography is allowed. However, be mindful of other visitors and avoid blocking pathways. Drone usage may be restricted due to its proximity to an active railway and potential wildlife.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a visitor centre with a cafe that offers refreshments and light meals. You can also find picnic tables if you bring your own food.
The cafe typically offers snacks, sandwiches, hot drinks, and some light meal options.
Absolutely! There are picnic tables available, making it a great spot to enjoy a packed lunch with a view.
Glenfinnan village itself has limited dining options, but you can find more choices in nearby Fort William or Mallaig.
Yes, the visitor centre has picnic tables located beyond the car park, offering lovely views of the surrounding area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚂 Harry Potter Enthusiasts
🚗 Road Trippers & NC500 Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of the Jacobite Steam Train
Riding the train offers a unique perspective of the Scottish Highlands, with breathtaking views of lochs, mountains, and the rugged coastline. The journey itself is part of the adventure, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere and imagine yourself on the way to Hogwarts. Even if you're not a Harry Potter fan, the charm of a steam train journey through such spectacular scenery is undeniable.
Navigating the Viewpoints and Hikes
For those seeking alternative perspectives or a less crowded experience, exploring further up the hill can reveal better paths and viewing platforms. Reddit users have discussed hiking routes from Fort William, indicating that while road walking is an option, dedicated hiking trails might be more scenic. Remember to check the train schedule to time your visit perfectly for the most dramatic crossing.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit