The Harry Potter train line in Scotland is one of the most spectacular railway journeys in the world. Traveling 135 kilometers through the Highlands, this journey takes you through incredible landscapes and remarkable sights.
Indeed, by taking the Harry Potter train from Fort William to Mallaig, you will discover impressive panoramas of majestic mountains, deep lochs and picturesque villages. But what makes this train so special is its iconic role in the Harry Potter saga, where it becomes the famous Hogwarts Express.
In this article, I give you practical advice for taking the Harry Potter train, its complete route and its price.
Harry Potter train in Scotland
In 1984, a tourist steam train service was relaunched on the line under the name West Highlander in an attempt to attract more travelers.
The success was immediate and in 1995, the train was taken over by the company West Coast Railways, renamed “The Jacobite” and is one of the Scotland's most touristy train lines.
Today, the Jacobite Steam Train is a true symbol of Scotland, offering travelers a unique experience aboard a traditional steam train with a journey time of approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes.
The train passes breathtaking scenery, including the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, which was made famous by the Harry Potter films. Indeed, the train known as the Hogwarts Express transports students from the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to Hogwarts and crosses this famous viaduct.
Where to take the Jacobite Steam Train in Scotland?
The Jacobite Steam Train can be taken from Fort William, Glenfinnan and Mallaig stations. Typically, tourists take the Jacobite Steam Train to Fort William.
However, as tickets are only sold for a round trip, it is best to choose a departure and arrival point based on where you will be.
Please note that Fort-William is accessible by train from Glasgow, with several trains running each day. It is also possible to travel to Fort William by night train from London with the Caledonian Sleeper.
If you are at Edinburgh, you can book your ticket to Fort-William on the platform Interrail Pass.
Where to book your Harry Potter train ticket?
Jacobite Steam Train tickets can be purchased on the West Coast Railways website or directly at the departure stations. Its price for a same-day return trip is £65.
However, it is recommended to book your tickets in advance as the train can quickly fill up during the summer months.
Online reservation on the official website of the Jacobite Steam Train or by telephone on 0333 996 6720.
Where to see the Jacobite Steam train in Scotland?
If you don't want to take the Jacobite Steam train but simply see the Harry Potter train pass by. Here are the best vantage points to see the Harry Potter train cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct without getting on board.
In fact, you can go to the main viewpoint of the viaduct. It is also possible to see the train from the Glenfinnan Viewpoint or Glenfinnan station viewpoint.
Make sure to arrive early to find a good spot as these places get very busy in the summer.
Harry Potter Train Route
The Harry Potter train route departs from Fort William and arrives at Mallaig.
Your departure is near Ben Nevis, Britain's highest peak, and takes you to Britain's most westerly mainland station at Arisaig.
Along the way you'll pass Britain's deepest freshwater loch, Loch Morar, and Britain's shortest river, the River Morar, finally arriving beside the seawater loch the deepest in Europe, Loch Nevis!
The train stops at Glenfinnan, a picturesque village on the way to Mallaig. Beyond Glenfinnan you will discover the beautiful villages of Lochailort, Arisaig, Morar and Mallaig.
You can get off the train at Arisaig if you wish, just ask the conductor. From here, on a clear summer's day, you can see the "Small Isles" of Rum, Eigg, Muck, Canna and the southern tip of theisle of skye. The train continues its journey passing Morar and the filming sites of the films “Highlander” and “Local Hero”.
Here are the Jacobite Steam tourist sites in more detail:
Fort William: Gateway to the Scottish Highlands
Fort William, the largest town in the Highlands, is located at the foot of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain.
Glenfinnan: An iconic site
On the way to Mallaig, the train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct, famous for its appearance in the Harry Potter films.
At 30 meters high, overlooking Loch Shiel and the Jacobite monument, the viaduct offers magnificent views of the surrounding area. Weather permitting, the train may stop on the viaduct to allow you to admire the scenery. Additionally, if you wish, you can get off at Glenfinnan Station to visit the West Highlands Railway Museum located in the restored station building.
Arisaig: A quiet village on the edge of the loch
The village of Arisaig, also known as the 'Safe Place', is located on the tranquil shores of Loch nan Ceall. It's the perfect place for a peaceful getaway in Scotland. From this village, you can take the boat "The Sheerwater" to visit the "Small Isles" until mid-September. Each year the local Highland Games are held here on the last Wednesday in July at Traigh Farm.
Mallaig: Arrival destination
Mallaig is the final stop on this extraordinary journey. Founded in the XNUMXth century as a fishing village, Mallaig is today a bustling port and ferry terminal. From here you can take a ferry to Skye, the Small Isles or the Knoydart Peninsula, where you can visit the village of Inverie and mainland Britain's most isolated pub, 'The Old Forge'.
You can also enjoy a scenic cruise on the MV Western Isles to discover the local wildlife.
In Mallaig, you have over an hour and a half to wander, shop, sample local dishes in the bars and restaurants, and of course enjoy fish and chips during this lunch break.
Photo by mentioned and Eirik Raudi de Pixabayon Pixabay