Hand-picked deals by our pirate team
Get inspired!
Hand-picked deals by our pirate team
Hand-picked deals by our pirate team
Get inspired!
Hand-picked deals by our pirate team
Looking for Flights to Scotland?
You need to agree with the cookies and privacy policy of this external service to view the content
Looking for Accommodations in Scotland?
- Home
- Vacations
- Harry Potter Harry Potter Train
The Jacobite Steam Train: Harry Potter's Hogwarts Express in Scotland
Calling all Harry Potter fans! If you’ve ever dreamed of following in Harry’s footsteps and boarding the Hogwarts Express, this magical experience is closer than you think. While the Hogwarts Express may be a fixture of the wizarding world, its real-life counterpart, the Jacobite Steam Train, offers a truly enchanting adventure through the breathtaking Scottish Highlands. For more than 30 years, this Harry Potter train in Scotland has transported passengers between Fort William and Mallaig, immersing them in some of the most scenic and cinematic landscapes in the world.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the Harry Potter books or a lover of beautiful train trips, this experience is your chance to step into the world of wizards and explore the land that inspired J.K. Rowling herself.
About the Jacobite Steam Train
For over 30 years, the Jacobite Steam Train has been delighting passengers as it chugs through the Scottish Highlands, covering the route from Fort William to Mallaig. This scenic journey spans just under two hours each way, but it promises views and experiences that are worth every minute.
As the train departs from the Harry Potter train station, you’ll catch your first glimpse of Neptune’s Staircase, an impressive series of locks marking the entrance to the Caledonian Canal. From there, the train glides through enchanting landscapes dotted with shimmering lochs and rolling hills.
Highlights of the Journey
The most magical part of the trip is crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct, a bridge that Harry Potter fans will instantly recognize. This viaduct was prominently featured in the films, as the train carried young witches and wizards to Hogwarts. Below the viaduct, Loch Shiel — dubbed “Hogwarts Lake” in the movies — offers stunning views.
Midway through the journey, the train pauses at the Glenfinnan Station, home to a charming museum and vintage railcars, some of which you can even stay overnight in. As the journey continues, you’ll pass Loch Eilt, the serene setting of Dumbledore’s final resting place in the films, and Loch nan Uamh, where Bonnie Prince Charlie famously left Scotland for France.
The final stop, Mallaig, is a coastal village with sandy beaches and a chance to savor fresh local seafood. After a brief 1.5-2 hour layover, the train makes its return trip to Fort William.
Stunning Landscapes: A Train Journey Through Scotland
The adventure continues as the Jacobite Steam Train makes its way to Loch nan Uamh, a historic location where Bonnie Prince Charlie departed Scotland for France, marking the end of his time in the Highlands.
But the journey doesn’t stop there! The train winds its way through the breathtaking Highland scenery, eventually arriving at Morar, a village famous for its pristine white sand beaches. With a population of only about 250 people, Morar feels like a peaceful retreat. It’s located just under 2 miles from the final stop, Mallaig, a picturesque harbor town on Scotland’s west coast.
The Glenfinnan Viaduct: The Iconic Harry Potter Bridge in the Scottish Highlands
Beyond the famous Jacobite Steam Train, another star of the Harry Potter series awaits in the Scottish Highlands — the Glenfinnan Viaduct. This architectural marvel, often referred to as the “Harry Potter Bridge,” has gained worldwide fame thanks to its memorable appearances in the films.
Nestled in the charming village of Glenfinnan, the viaduct is a breathtaking sight. It spans 380 meters (1,247 feet) in length and rises 30 meters (98 feet) above the ground, with 21 elegant arches creating a sweeping curve that blends seamlessly with the Highland landscape.
This viaduct forms part of the railway route from Fort William to Mallaig, carrying the Jacobite Steam Train over its majestic arches. Watching the steam train cross the bridge, with billowing clouds of smoke against a backdrop of rugged hills, is an unforgettable moment that feels like stepping straight into the magical world of Harry Potter.
Whether you’re a fan of the series or simply drawn to stunning landscapes and historic engineering, the Glenfinnan Viaduct is a must-visit destination. It perfectly captures the magic of the Highlands, offering visitors a chance to experience the spellbinding charm of Scotland firsthand.
How to Get to the Hogwarts Express
Do you have Harry Potter train tickets and are planning to hop aboard the magical Jacobite Steam Train, known as Hogwarts Express? Here’s a guide to help you get there and make the most of your journey through the Scottish Highlands, not the Harry Potter train at Universal Orlando.
Traveling to Scotland
Your adventure begins with a flight to Scotland. The nearest major airports are in Glasgow and Edinburgh, both of which are well-connected to international destinations. Budget-friendly airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet often offer affordable flights to Edinburgh affordable flights to Edinburgh, sometimes starting as low as $35, including carry-on luggage.
Getting from the Airport to the City
Once you land, getting to the city center is simple. Both Glasgow and Edinburgh offer frequent and reliable bus services, which take around 25 minutes. Tickets typically cost a little over $3.50 for a one-way trip and around $6.25 for a round trip.
Traveling to Fort William
The real highlight of your journey lies in the Highlands, specifically in Fort William, the departure point for the Jacobite Steam Train. Fort William is located in western Scotland and can be reached by train, car, or bus.
By Train: You can find one-way train tickets starting at around $25. Since trains to Fort William operate only twice daily, it’s wise to book your tickets in advance.
By Car: Renting a car is highly recommended. Not only is it affordable, but it also allows you to explore the Highlands at your own pace. The drive from Edinburgh to Fort William takes about 3-4 hours and offers stunning views along the way.
Timing Your Train Ride
The Jacobite Steam Train departs two times a day from Fort William: 10:15 AM and 2:30 PM. If you plan to catch the earlier train, you’ll need to leave Edinburgh or Glasgow very early in the morning. Alternatively, you can opt for a later departure or consider staying overnight in Fort William to ensure a relaxed start to your magical journey.
By planning ahead and choosing the travel option that best suits your schedule, you’ll be ready to experience the magic of the real-life Hogwarts Express!
We value your privacy
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalized content, and analyze our traffic. By clicking "Accept All" you accept this and consent that we share this information with third parties and that your data may be processed in the USA. For more information, please read our .
You can adjust your preferences at any time. If you deny, we will use only the essential cookies and unfortunately, you will not receive any personalized content. To deny, .