Riding The Jacobite between Fort William and Mallaig is one of Scotland’s most iconic experiences. This vintage steam train crosses the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct from the Harry Potter films and travels through 84 miles of West Highland scenery.
But is it worth the hype and hefty price tag?
Absolutely. Having travelled on some of the world’s greatest rail journeys, including Switzerland’s Glacier Express and Norway’s Flam Railway, I can say The Jacobite steam train holds its own. The slower pace, the hiss of the steam engine and the dramatic Scottish landscape make this something special.
Here’s everything you need to know to book and ride The Harry Potter train.
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What is The Jacobite Steam Train?
The Jacobite is a heritage steam train running between Fort William and Mallaig on the West Highland Line. A vintage locomotive pulls 1960s British Rail Mark I carriages along what many consider one of the world’s greatest railway journeys.
The train became famous worldwide as the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films. That iconic curved viaduct where Harry and Ron fly the Ford Anglia? That’s the Glenfinnan Viaduct, and you’ll travel across it.
The 41-mile route takes in lochs, mountains, moorland and the Atlantic coast before reaching the fishing village of Mallaig.
Booking Your Tickets: What You Need to Know
Prices for 2026
In 2026, tickets cost:
- Standard Class: £69 (day return)
- First Class: £105 (day return)
- First Class Private Table: £229 (for two passengers)
- First Class Compartment: £425 (seats up to six)
These prices include a booking fee. Children aged 16 and under travel at reduced rates.
The Jacobite is not included in Interrail or Eurail passes.
How to book
Book directly through West Coast Railways or call 0333 996 6720.
Book early. Tickets sell out months in advance. When I tried to book two months ahead, First Class was already gone, and Standard Class had limited availability.
Day tickets are only sold as returns. If you want to travel on different days, you’ll need two separate return tickets.
A limited number of same-day tickets may be available from the guard (cash only), but don’t rely on this.
When does it run?
The Jacobite operates from April to October. Between May and September, there are two services daily (morning and afternoon). In April and October, only the morning service runs.
The journey between Fort William and Mallaig on The Jacobite train takes 2 hours and 15 minutes. The return journey is slightly faster.
The morning departure leaves Fort William at 10:10, arriving in Mallaig at 12:26. The return departs Mallaig at 14:10, arriving in Fort William at 16:03.
Standard Class vs First Class
I travelled Standard Class and found it perfectly comfortable. The vintage carriages have cushioned seats arranged around tables for four.
First Class carriages are more spacious with upholstered seats, table lamps and complimentary tea or coffee. First Class Compartment Carriages (morning services only) seat six passengers in traditional compartments with a corridor running along the carriage.
For the Harry Potter experience, Standard Class feels more in keeping with the spirit of things anyway.
The seating question
As seat allocation is automatic, you cannot select your seat. However, if there is more than one passenger on the booking, the automated system will allocate seats together.
Whilst there are sensational views from both sides of The Jacobite, those show-stopping views of the Harry Potter bridge will be to the left as you travel from Fort William to Mallaig.
But don’t fret about which side of the train you are seated. The clever seat allocation system forces everyone to switch seats at Mallaig, so you will be sitting on the opposite side of the carriage for the return journey.
The Journey: What to Expect
Settling into your vintage carriage, the train chugs out of Fort William station with a satisfying hiss of steam. You cross the Caledonian Canal, passing Neptune’s Staircase, an impressive flight of eight locks built by Thomas Telford in the early 1800s.
The train follows Loch Eil westward, the landscape opening up into forested valleys thick with purple rhododendrons. Then comes the moment everyone’s waiting for: Glenfinnan Viaduct.
This dramatic 21-arch railway viaduct soaring over the River Finnan will be familiar to all you Muggles out there. Also known as the Harry Potter Bridge, this is where filming of the second and third Harry Potter books, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, took place.
But long before it was a filming location, the Glenfinnan Viaduct was an icon in its own right. Opened in 1901, it was the first structure in Britain to be built with mass concrete, earning its designer, Robert McAlpine, the nickname “Concrete Bob”.
The train stops at Glenfinnan Station for about 15 minutes. You can’t disembark to explore the museum here, but there’s a small shop on board selling Harry Potter merchandise.
Beyond Glenfinnan, the landscape grows wilder. The train climbs through moorland dotted with waterfalls before following the shore of Loch Eilt. This freshwater loch, scattered with tiny wooded islands, appeared in several Harry Potter films – one of those islands was Dumbledore’s final resting place.
At Arisaig, Britain’s most westerly railway station, the train pauses briefly to allow another service to pass.
The final stretch hugs the coast. To your left, sea views stretch to the islands of Rum, Eigg, Muck and the white sand beaches of Skye. Seagulls announce your arrival at Mallaig.
What to Do in Mallaig
The train stops in Mallaig for 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Let’s be honest: Mallaig is a working fishing port and ferry terminal, not a tourist destination. There are a few cafes, restaurants, hotels and gift shops (including one selling Harry Potter merchandise), but that’s the extent of it.
Your best option in good weather is the one-hour wildlife harbour cruise run by Western Isles Cruises. These depart at 12:45 between April and October, timed perfectly for Jacobite passengers. In 2026, cruises cost £19 per adult. Check dates and book here.
If the weather’s grim (as it was on my visit), head to one of the hotels for a hot drink and a warm seat.
Important tip: With hundreds of passengers disembarking, cafes and restaurants fill quickly. Either book ahead or head straight for a table when you step off the train.
Tours Including The Jacobite
If booking independently doesn’t work for you, several day and multi-day tours include tickets for The Jacobite:
- Highlands day tour with Hogwarts Express | Book here
- 3-Day Isle of Skye & Jacobite Steam Train Highland tour | Book here
These can be particularly useful if dates are sold out or you want to combine the train with more of the Highlands.
Practical Tips
- Bring entertainment for the long journey – a book, games or downloaded content
- The carriages can get warm, so dress in layers
- Toilets are available on board, but they can be basic
- The train can be busy and loud, especially with excited children on board
- In addition to a buffet carriage, there is a trolley service selling hot and cold drinks and light snacks.
- If you’re travelling in First Class, you can add afternoon tea to your booking for a supplement.
- Pack your own snacks if you’re particular about food
Why You Should Ride the Harry Potter Train in Scotland
I’m a serious train enthusiast who’s been fortunate to ride legendary railways across several continents. The Jacobite deserves its reputation.
Yes, it’s expensive. Yes, you could take a cheaper train between Fort William and Mallaig. But this is missing the point entirely.
The slower pace allows the landscape to unfold gradually. The hiss of steam, the whistle, the vintage carriages … these aren’t superficial touches. They transform a train journey into an experience.
If riding The Jacobite is on your Scotland list, book it. You won’t regret it.
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.