Stepping aboard the Jacobite Steam Train feels like entering a storybook, one filled with breathtaking landscapes, historic charm and a touch of Harry Potter magic. Famously known as the Hogwarts Express, this iconic railway journey takes you through the heart of the Scottish Highlands, offering stunning views of mountains, lochs and the legendary Glenfinnan Viaduct.
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know: how to book tickets, what to expect on board, and tips from my own journey.
What is the Jacobite Steam Train?
The Jacobite Steam Train is a vintage steam service operated by West Coast Railways It runs from Fort William to Mallaig on the West Highland Line in Scotland and is often described as one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. It is also famous as the real-life “Hogwarts Express” from the Harry Potter films.
Booking Tickets for the Jacobite Steam Train
Tickets for the Jacobite Steam Train are booked online via West Coast Railways. They sell out months in advance, so book as early as possible. We booked for October in February, and there was still plenty of availability then. As of 2025, a standard class ticket costs £69 while first class is £105. Once booked, you will receive an instant email confirmation and the tickets, including seat numbers, are usually emailed a few days before departure.
Once booked, you’ll get an instant email confirmation, and your tickets with seat numbers are usually emailed a few days before departure.
What if tickets are sold out?
If you miss out online, you can still try your luck at the station. Arrive early (just before when the station opens) and join the queue, tickets are sometimes released if there are cancellations. These can only be bought with cash from the guard on Coach D. When we tried this, only first class tickets were available, but it was worth it.
Travel and Accommodation
We flew from Bristol to Glasgow, spent a night in the city, then drove north to Fort William the next morning. The journey takes about three hours and is one of the most scenic drives in Scotland, passing Loch Lomond and winding through the Highlands. In Fort William we stayed at The Old Byre, a charming Airbnb cottage less than 10 minutes from the station. With cosy touches, Harry Potter details and a peaceful setting at the foot of Ben Nevis, it was the perfect base for our trip.
The Train Journey
Described as ‘the greatest railway journey om the world’, the Jacobite Steam Train departs from Fort William, embarking on an 84-mile round trip to Mallaig, crossing the 21-arched Glenfinnan Viaduct along the way. The train arrives into Fort William station around 09:45 and departs at 10:15. Seats are allocated rather than chosen and are marked with a B for backwards or an F for forwards. We travelled backwards on the outward journey and ended up on the “wrong” side for the viaduct, but this gave us a perfect view of Eilean na Moine, the island on Loch Eilt that Harry Potter fans will recognise as Dumbledore’s resting place. On the return journey we switched sides and enjoyed the full viaduct views as well.
The train stops at Glenfinnan Station for about twenty minutes, enough time to stretch your legs and browse the small museum and souvenir shop. From there it follows the coastline past Arisaig, the most westerly station in Britain, before arriving in Mallaig at 12:26. The return train departs at 14:10 and arrives back in Fort William at 16:03.
The On-Board Experience
The train carriages are restored and full of vintage charm. In first class, seats are larger with tables, and tea and coffee are included, though other drinks and snacks cost extra. A dining car was closed during our journey, but a trolley service came round with drinks and sweets. There’s also a fun raffle on the return leg, announced just after crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Tickets are £1, cash only.
Tip: Bring your own snacks. Prices on board are steep, we paid £9.99 for two bags of sweets.
Mallaig
Mallaig is a small fishing town and the turnaround point for the train. Normally you have just over an hour here, but delays such as a fallen tree on the track can shorten the stop. Despite the disruption caused by Storm Amy during our trip, we still had time to wander around the harbour and enjoy fish and chips before heading back. Many shops were closed due to the storm, but the town retains plenty of charm with cafés, gift shops and Highland hospitality. Look out for Brian, a local character who greets the train every day by holding up a sign that says “Have a Nice Day.”
In Mallaig, do not miss Haggard Alley, a hidden gem tucked away in the village centre. The shop is housed in what was once the old police station, with the back room still recognisable as the former jail, which adds to its charm and sense of mystery. Inside you will find a trove of Harry Potter merchandise including wands, house scarves and other magical gifts, making it the perfect stop for fans arriving on the Hogwarts Express.
Glenfinnan Viaduct
For many passengers the highlight is the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the sweeping bridge made famous by the Harry Potter films. The train slows slightly as it crosses, giving passengers time to take photographs and enjoy the view across Loch Shiel. If you are not travelling on the train, you can still watch it cross from the hillside viewpoint, reached from the Glenfinnan Visitor Centre where parking costs around £5. Trains usually pass at about 10:45 in the morning and again around 15:00 in the afternoon, though times can vary.
Practical Tips
If you are driving to the station, parking at Morrisons supermarket in Fort William costs only £3.10 all day via RingGo and is just a short walk away. Bring cash with you, as it is essential for buying last-minute tickets from the guard, entering the on-board raffle or paying for snacks.
The Highland weather can be unpredictable, and services may be delayed or cancelled during storms. Our first attempt to ride the Jacobite was cancelled due to Storm Amy, but we returned the following day and persistence paid off. Souvenirs such as gift boxes of miniature whiskies from the Ben Nevis Distillery are sometimes sold on board for around £22.99.
If you want the most iconic views of the Glenfinnan Viaduct, sit on the left hand side of the train when leaving Fort William. If you cannot, simply switch sides on the return journey with assistance from the staff.
Beyond the Train
Once you have ticked the Jacobite Steam Train off your bucket list, Fort William has plenty more to offer. You can climb Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain, or explore Glen Coe with its dramatic Three Sisters viewpoint, made famous in Skyfall. The hauntingly beautiful Corpach Wreck is another highlight, and Harry Potter fans will also want to visit Eilean na Moine, Dumbledore’s resting place, which can be seen both from the train and from the roadside.
Jacobite Steam Train FAQs
How to book the Jacobite Steam Train
You can book tickets for the Jacobite Steam Train online through West Coast Railways. Tickets sell out months in advance, especially in summer, so it is best to reserve as early as possible. If tickets are sold out online, you can try buying directly from the guard at the station on the day, but availability is limited and cash only.
How much is the Jacobite Steam Train?
As of 2025, standard class tickets cost £69 per adult, while first class tickets cost £105 per adult. Children’s tickets are slightly cheaper, and family tickets are sometimes available.
How to get Jacobite Steam Train tickets
The easiest way to get tickets is to book online with West Coast Railways. Your confirmation is sent instantly, and seat numbers are usually emailed a few days before departure. If you miss out, you can queue at Fort William station on the morning of travel, as last-minute tickets may be released, but these are first come, first served.
When does the Jacobite Steam Train run?
The Jacobite Steam Train usually runs daily from early April until late October. There are typically two departures per day: one in the morning at 10:15 and an afternoon service at 12:50, though times can vary by season. Always check the current timetable on the official website before you travel.
When was the Jacobite Steam Train built?
The West Highland Line that the Jacobite Steam Train runs on opened in the 1890s, with the line to Mallaig completed in 1901. The steam locomotives used today were built in the mid-20th century, with some dating back to the 1940s and 1950s.
Where is the Jacobite Steam Train?
The Jacobite Steam Train runs in the Scottish Highlands, between Fort William and Mallaig. The route covers 84 miles return and includes the famous crossing over the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
Where does the Jacobite Steam Train leave from?
The Jacobite Steam Train departs from Fort William railway station in the Scottish Highlands. The station is located on the A82, with parking nearby at Morrisons supermarket for around £3.10 all day. The train arrives into the station around 09:45 and departs at 10:15 for the morning service.
