Did you know you can take a ride on the real-life Hogwarts Express? The Jacobite Steam Train in Scotland is one of the best rail journeys in the world. It’s a bucket-list experience for any Harry Potter fan, and an incredible way to explore the Scottish Highlands. Here’s what you need to know about this steam train journey.
What is the Jacobite Steam Train?
The Jacobite is a heritage steam train that runs from Fort William to Mallaig in Scotland. This is part of the spectacular West Highland Line, one of the top train journeys in the UK. The route is a return rail journey, departing either in the morning at 10:15, or in the afternoon, departing at 12:50. The journey to Mallaig takes just over two hours, including a stop where you can get off the train at Glenfinnan station. You will typically have just about two hours in Mallaig before the return trip back to Fort William. The morning service arrives in Fort William at 16:03, the afternoon service arrives at 18:52.
The morning service typically runs from the beginning of April to the end of October; the afternoon service typically runs (after the morning service) from the beginning of May to the end of September.
This steam train has gained popularity over the years for its similarities to the Hogwarts Express, the train that Harry and his friends take to Hogwarts school in the Harry Potter series. The train goes over the magnificent Glenfinnan Viaduct, which was notably used as a film location in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
The scenery through the Highlands here is amazing – even if you’re not a Harry Potter fan, I still recommend doing this route!
How much does the Jacobite Steam Train cost?
A return in standard class is £57 for adults and £33 for children. To travel in the first class carriage, the cost is £89 for adults and £63 for children. Note there is a £3-4 booking fee for all bookings through the West Coast Railways website.
The first class carriages are traditionally furnished with upholstered seats, table lamps, plus a free tea/coffee on each journey. If you’re in a group of up to 6 people, you can book out our own compartment.
How do I book the Jacobite Steam Train?
You can book on the West Coast Railways website. I highly recommend booking far in advance – the Jacobite can and will sell out! The morning departure was already sold out when I booked over two months before my trip! You can also buy tickets on the day from the conductor (cash only). However, I really don’t recommend this – book your tickets several months in advance if you want to go on this train journey.
What to expect on board the Jacobite
I have never been more excited for a train ride in my life! Having previously seen the Jacobite cross Glenfinnan Viaduct, I was so thrilled to finally be taking the train in real life. I booked a standard class seat on the afternoon service. Hopefully you’ll get a window seat – the views are incredible!
The train conductor announces when you’re approaching Glenfinnan Viaduct, so you can get your cameras ready. It’s about 30 minutes after leaving Fort William. If your seat is at the front of the train, I recommend walking back several carriages so you can get a view of the train itself going over the viaduct!
This was such a bucket-list moment for me. I’ve dreamed of this for years! I’ve been a Harry Potter fan for pretty much my whole life, and going over the viaduct on the train was so special.
There’s a quick stop – about 20 minutes – at Glenfinnan Station, which has a free museum (donation accepted). You can get off, stretch your legs, check out the train, and wander around the platform/museum.
There is a trolley service that passes through the train – “anything off the trolley, dears?” Note that this is cash only, so do bring cash with you. There is also a small souvenir shop on board the train, too.
You also go past Loch Eilt, which was another HP film location. The island on this loch is where Dumbledore is buried and where his tomb is located. Voldemort breaks into his tomb here in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1.
If you’re lucky, you might just get a view of Ben Nevis on your way back to Fort William! The summit was shrouded in clouds, but I loved seeing the train head closer to this imposing mountain as we got closer to Fort William.
What to do in Mallaig: the Jacobite’s destination
Mallaig is a pretty harbor town. It’s at the end of the A830 road, which is known as the Road to the Isles. You can get the ferry to many Scottish islands here – such as the Isle of Skye, Eigg, Rum, and more! There’s a small Harry Potter shop (of course there is), a few options for dining – including fish and chips – a cute little used bookshop, and the ferry terminal.
The main thing to do in Mallaig is to take a one-hour wildlife cruise with Western Isles Cruises. This is £18 for adults (£9 for children), and is scheduled to fit around the Jacobite rail schedule. If you choose to do this, they’ll make sure you’re back in time for the train.
You can also hike a short loop around Mallaig, which is what I did. Follow the road up away from the town and harbor, and then follow signs to hike through the glen back to the road. This is about 1.75 miles and took me about 40 minutes. WalkHighlands has a detailed route on their website. I absolutely loved seeing all the purple heather in bloom here!
I had a bit of time to kill walking around the harbor in Mallaig before my return journey back to Fort William.
Do I have to take the Jacobite on this train route or are there other trains?
No, the West Highland Line between Fort William and Mallaig is a normal railway line and is serviced by Scotrail trains, along with the Jacobite. If you aren’t a Harry Potter fan, I still recommend you take a train journey on this route to enjoy the scenery! You can take a normal Scotrail service, which will be much cheaper. A return ticket with Scotrail will cost about £20-25 (even cheaper if you book two singles in advance) which is much cheaper than the Jacobite!
The scenery was so breathtaking, I’ve now decided I need to do a whole trip to this area! There’s so much to see and explore, with pretty lochs and coastline, and lots of hikes to do. A road trip around the Road to the Isles is on my list now!
Planning your trip on the Jacobite
I strongly recommend booking your Jacobite train tickets in advance. The sooner the better – they will sell out. Fort William will be your base for this journey, and is connected by rail and coach buses with other destinations throughout Scotland. If you’re planning to visit Fort William by rail, and/or take a regular Scotrail service on the West Highland Line, I always use Trainline to book my rail tickets. Inverness airport is the closest airport to Fort William, although Glasgow airport is also convenient – there’s direct trains/buses from Glasgow to Fort William. I use Skyscanner to book flights. Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.
I stayed in Fort William when I did the Jacobite. There are a lot of options for accommodation, but I chose to stay at Fort Williams Backpackers. This is a great hostel, with a big comfy common room (complete with roaring fire!), a large kitchen, and is just a short walk to the train station or high street. I would definitely stay here again! You can search for hotels/B&Bs in Fort William here, or by using the map below!
Looking for a tour that includes the Jacobite Steam Train? Check out these trips!
My journey on the Jacobite was such a wonderful experience. As a lifelong Harry Potter fan, I loved getting to take the real-life Hogwarts Express. Crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct, exploring Mallaig, and seeing the spectacular Scottish scenery were all special moments. If you’re considering a ride on the Jacobite, definitely get it booked – it’s worth it! If not, I still recommend a train journey through this beautiful part of Scotland. I hope this post helps planning your trip on the Jacobite Steam Train!
Have you ever been on the Jacobite Steam Train? What was your experience like?
You might also like my posts:
Seeing the Hogwarts Express at the Glenfinnan Viaduct
12 Tips for Planning Your Scottish Highlands Road Trip
A 7-Day Itinerary for Hiking the West Highland Way
What to See and Do in and Around Inverness
A Travel Guide for Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, Scotland
All of my Scotland posts!
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I just like the helpful information you provide in your articles
Hi Maja, do you know if you can remain in Mallaig and not return to Fort William? I understand you have to buy a return ticket either way, but wondering if you can choose not to return to FW. I want to take the ferry to the Isle of Skye so won’t need to return to Fort William after the train reaches Mallaig.
Hi Claudia, the Jacobite only sells return trip tickets, not a one-way ticket, so you might be best off contacting them directly. My guess is that they can’t *force* you to get back on the train in Mallaig if you don’t want to lol, although bringing luggage with you on the Jacobite might be tricky. You can definitely book a normal ScotRail service from Fort William to Mallaig that does the same route, it just won’t be a steam train. Hope this helps! 🙂