Jacobite Steam Train
Ride the real-life Hogwarts Express on the Jacobite Steam Train through Scotland's breathtaking Highlands.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best chance for steam engine & clear views
Jacobite Steam Train
Best Time
Best chance for steam engine & clear views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride the real-life Hogwarts Express on the Jacobite Steam Train through Scotland's breathtaking Highlands.
"It's been a DREAM of mine to see the the Jacobite steam train and it was absolutely magical."
🎯 Book Tickets Early!
Tickets sell out months in advance. Book directly with West Coast Railways ASAP!
📸 Best Views: Glenfinnan
For iconic photos, watch the train cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct from the viewpoint.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Glenfinnan Viaduct
Glenfinnan
Witness the iconic viaduct, famous from Harry Potter films, as the steam train crosses. A truly magical sight!
The Jacobite Steam Train Journey
Fort William to Mallaig
Experience a scenic journey through the Scottish Highlands, retracing the steps of the Hogwarts Express.
Loch Eilt Island
Loch Eilt
Spot the island used as Dumbledore's burial site in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets Way in Advance
Steam vs. Diesel & Weather
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets Early!
Tickets sell out months in advance. Book directly with West Coast Railways ASAP! 
📸 Best Views: Glenfinnan
For iconic photos, watch the train cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct from the viewpoint.
💨 Steam vs. Diesel
Steam engine use depends on weather. Check for updates to avoid disappointment.
🧳 Pack Light & Smart
Limited space on board. Consider a day bag for essentials and snacks.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets Early!
Tickets sell out months in advance. Book directly with West Coast Railways ASAP!
📸 Best Views: Glenfinnan
For iconic photos, watch the train cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct from the viewpoint.
💨 Steam vs. Diesel
Steam engine use depends on weather. Check for updates to avoid disappointment.
🧳 Pack Light & Smart
Limited space on board. Consider a day bag for essentials and snacks.
☕ Refreshments Available
Cold drinks, snacks, and Harry Potter merchandise can be purchased onboard.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Jacobite Steam Train offers a magical experience, particularly for Harry Potter fans, with its iconic route through the Scottish Highlands and the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. While the scenery and the steam engine itself are highlights, some travelers find the carriages dated and the windows less than ideal for photography. The high ticket prices and occasional use of diesel engines can also be points of contention.
"We recently took the 84 mile round trip on the Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William to Mallaig and back, and past spectacular scenery and landmarks such as a view of Ben Nevis, Glenfinnan Viaduct (which we had to drive to later to get pics and video of the second Jacobite Steam Train crossing in the evening), Jacobite Monument, Inverailort House, Loch Eilt (with the real life island of Eilean na Moine whiched served as the filming location for Dumbledore's burial site in the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince film), The Small Isles and the Beaches of Morar.
(I noticed prior to our trip, several reviewers were quite upset that when they had taken the train, as a diesel locomotive was used instead of the steam engine, and I asked about that and learned the diesel locomotive had to be used when the area hadn't received rain and they were afraid the steam engine would start fires.)
Cold drinks, snacks, Harry Potter merchandise are available for purchase during the train ride. Tickets should be purchased months in advance. We enjoyed ourselves, however, If I had to do it over, I think I wouldn't had rode the train, and had just went directly to the Glenfinnan Viaduct and taken our photos and videos of the steam engine crossing the viaduct."
Mark E
"What I loved: getting to feel like I’m on the Hogwarts express, ordering for the trolley, and having that feeling of excitement. Staff was great though!
What could be better: I know it’s an old train and that’s part of the charm, but given ticket prices, surely they can invest some into making it less moldy smelling, feeling more clean, working toilets and clean windows. I deleted about 70% of the photos taken for how bad they just came out. I had to really edit the ones I took to look decent.
Still giving it 4 stars because I’m a huge HP fan and that still trumped the cons"
Allie Perkins
"We were really looking forward to this train experience — the photos, the scenery, and the train itself. However, all tickets were sold out 3–6 months in advance, which was quite surprising. The website mentioned that limited tickets would be available on the day if you arrived early to queue, so we booked two nights in a hotel just for this.
Unfortunately, it turned out rather disappointing once we actually got on the train. We arrived very early in the morning, only to be told the morning train was fully booked. We managed to get tickets for the afternoon one after waiting many hours at the station. In the end, just watching the trains depart and taking photos was probably the highlight. The ride itself felt like nothing more than a regular train journey — definitely not worth the something like £250 we paid."
Lu B
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Fort William is the main departure point. You can reach it by car, bus, or train from major Scottish cities like Glasgow or Edinburgh. Many visitors opt for tours that include transportation from cities like Edinburgh or Glasgow. +1
Yes! Many travelers recommend viewing the train from the Glenfinnan Viaduct viewpoint for iconic photos. You can also see it at other points along the route.
Self-driving offers flexibility to visit viewpoints like Glenfinnan Viaduct. Alternatively, guided tours from cities like Edinburgh or Inverness often include stops to see the train. +1
Yes, the Jacobite Steam Train operates a round trip from Fort William to Mallaig. You can book a return journey.
Limited parking is available at Fort William station, but it can fill up quickly. Arrive early or consider alternative transport if possible.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It's highly recommended to book tickets 3-6 months in advance, as they sell out very quickly, especially for the summer season. +1
Tickets can be purchased directly from West Coast Railways, the operator of the train. Some limited tickets might be available on the day at the station, but this is not guaranteed.
Ticket prices can vary, but expect to pay around £65 for a standard adult return ticket. First-class options are also available at a higher price point.
The steam engine may be replaced by a diesel locomotive due to weather conditions (like dry spells causing fire risks) or operational reasons. This is a possibility to be aware of.
Discounts are not commonly advertised. It's best to check the West Coast Railways website for any available promotions, though advance booking is usually the priority.
🎫 🚂 Onboard Experience
You can choose between standard class and first-class carriages. First-class offers private tables for two, but some travelers feel the experience isn't significantly different from standard.
Leaning out of the windows is generally not permitted for safety reasons. While some older reviews mention this, modern safety regulations are in place.
Some travelers have noted that the windows can be a bit dirty or weathered, which may affect photo quality. Cleaning them before your journey can help.
The Jacobite Steam Train is a heritage service, so modern amenities like Wi-Fi and charging points are generally not available.
The atmosphere is often described as magical, especially for Harry Potter fans. You can expect a sense of nostalgia and excitement, though some find the carriages a bit dated.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The Glenfinnan Viaduct is the most iconic spot. Other great locations include the viewpoints near Loch Eilt and the coastal areas around Mallaig.
Late afternoon often provides beautiful golden light for photography. The morning train also offers good light, but can be more crowded.
Bring a microfiber cloth to clean a section of the window before taking photos. Alternatively, focus on capturing the exterior views from the platform or viewpoints.
Drone usage is subject to strict regulations in the UK, especially in scenic and populated areas. Always check local bylaws and obtain necessary permissions before flying a drone.
A telephoto lens is useful for capturing the train from a distance at the viaduct. A wide-angle lens can be good for the overall landscape. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the trip smoother, pack snacks and entertainment for any downtime. While the train itself is an adventure, the stop in Mallaig offers a chance to stretch legs and explore. If your children are very young, consider the shorter duration of the journey and the potential for crowds. Watching the train from the Glenfinnan Viaduct viewpoint might be a less overwhelming alternative for very young children.
💰 Budget Travelers
A more budget-friendly approach is to view the train from the Glenfinnan Viaduct viewpoint without purchasing a ticket for the ride. This allows you to witness the iconic crossing and capture photos for free or a minimal parking fee.
You can then explore other parts of the Highlands using public transport or by joining more affordable day tours that might include a stop to see the train. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for the afternoon service for the best golden hour light. Bring a telephoto lens to capture the train from a distance and a wide-angle lens for the sweeping Highland landscapes. Remember to pack a microfiber cloth to clean any smudges on the train windows if you plan to shoot from inside. Beyond the viaduct, explore other scenic spots along the route, such as Loch Eilt for its atmospheric island views.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Harry Potter Connection
For fans, the experience is about immersing themselves in the magic. You can even purchase Harry Potter merchandise onboard, adding to the themed experience. While the train is a major draw for Potterheads, its stunning route through the Scottish Highlands also appeals to general train enthusiasts and nature lovers.
It's important to note that while the train is the 'real' Hogwarts Express, it's a working heritage railway. Manage expectations regarding modern amenities, but embrace the charm and history of this iconic journey.
Navigating the Journey: Fort William to Mallaig
During the stop in Mallaig, you can explore the charming fishing village, enjoy lunch, and browse local shops, some of which may have Harry Potter souvenirs. There are usually two services per day: a morning and an afternoon train. The morning service is often the one that uses the steam locomotive, but this can vary due to operational and weather conditions.
When planning your trip, consider the time of year. The train primarily runs during the summer months, from April to October.
Booking well in advance is crucial, as tickets are in high demand. +1Photography Tips for the Perfect Shot
Arrive early to secure a good spot, as it gets crowded. The afternoon train often provides better lighting for photographers, with the sun casting a warm glow on the landscape. If you're riding the train, be aware that leaning out of the windows is not permitted for safety reasons.
Beyond the viaduct, look for opportunities to photograph the train against the backdrop of Loch Eilt or the coastal scenery near Mallaig.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit