You have seen it in the movies. A scarlet steam engine puffing white smoke as it crosses a curved stone viaduct in the Scottish Highlands.
This is not CGI. It is the Jacobite Steam Train, and yes, you can ride it.
Running from Fort William to Mallaig, this 84-mile round trip is voted one of the greatest railway journeys in the world. For fans of Harry Potter, crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct is a pilgrimage.
Here is how to book tickets (it’s hard!) and where to sit for the perfect photo.
The Route: Fort William to Mallaig
The train runs through the wildest part of Scotland.
- Start: Fort William (near Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain).
- End: Mallaig (a tiny fishing port looking out to the Isle of Skye).
- Duration: ~2 hours each way.
The Highlight: Glenfinnan Viaduct
About 40 minutes after leaving Fort William, the train slows down.
The conductor announces it. Everyone rushes to the window.
You are crossing the 21-arch Glenfinnan Viaduct — exactly where the Hogwarts Express flies in the movies.
- Photo Tip: The train curves to the left. You want to see the locomotive at the front.
The Best Seat Strategy (Critical!)
This is the most important advice in this article.
- Fort William to Mallaig: Sit on the LEFT side. This gives you the view of the curve and the locomotive on the viaduct.
- Mallaig to Fort William: Sit on the RIGHT side.
How to Get Tickets (The Hunger Games)
Tickets for the Jacobite are incredibly hard to get. They sell out months in advance.
- Direct Booking: West Coast Railways is the operator. Tickets usually go on sale in late autumn for the next summer.
- The “Morning” vs “Afternoon” Service: There are two trains per day. The morning train is busier. Try the afternoon one.
- Standard vs First Class:
- First Class: Plush Harry Potter-style seats (sometimes private compartments).
- Standard: Normal seats. Still great.
The “Plan B”: Regular ScotRail Train
Sold out? Don’t panic.
A regular ScotRail diesel train runs on the EXACT SAME TRACKS 4 times a day.
- Pros: It costs £15 instead of £60. It crosses the same viaduct. It has big windows. It is much less crowded.
- Cons: It’s not a steam train. It doesn’t look like Hogwarts Express.
- Tip: If you just want the view, take the regular train.
Is It Worth It?
- For Potter Fans: YES. It is magical.
- For Nature Lovers: YES. The scenery (Loch Shiel, deer, mountains) is breathtaking even without the wizard connection.
Summary
Book early. Sit on the left. And bring a camera.
Whether you are a Gryffindor or a Slytherin, this is the best day out in Scotland.
Book tickets: Check [West Coast Railways] or book a [Scottish Highlands Tour from Edinburgh] on GetYourGuide if you don’t want to drive to Fort William yourself.
