Want to see the Hogwarts Express during your trip to Scotland? Best viewpoints to see the Hogwarts Express from the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, train departure times, journey onboard... Discover everything you need to know to see the legendary Jacobite Steam Train in Scotland and relive the magic of the Harry Potter saga.

The Jacobite Steam Train, the famous Hogwarts Express

The Jacobite Steam Train is a heritage steam railway that operates on part of the West Highland Line in Scotland: the Mallaig Extension Railway, an extension of the West Highland Line. The Jacobite travels on a route of over 60 km, between Fort William (the largest city in the Highlands) and Mallaig, showcasing some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Highlands.

This section of railway has received numerous accolades: it has been named "the most scenic railway line in the world" and "the best railway journey in the world". But if the Jacobite Train is known worldwide today, it's because it was featured in the famous Harry Potter saga under the name: Hogwarts Express!

The Glenfinnan Viaduct, the iconic viaduct where the Hogwarts Express passes

In the Harry Potter films, the Hogwarts Express passes over a magnificent viaduct. This is not a film set but a real Scottish viaduct: the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Overlooking Loch Shiel and the Jacobite Monument, it measures 380 m long and 31 m high and features 21 magnificent arches.

Among the iconic Harry Potter scenes featuring the Glenfinnan Viaduct, one can cite the scene from the 2nd film (Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets) when Ron and Harry drive to Hogwarts in a flying car.

Cultural note: in addition to appearing in the Harry Potter films, the Glenfinnan Viaduct also features in Ring of Bright Water, Charlotte Gray, Stone of Destiny and the television series The Crown.

How to reach the Glenfinnan Viaduct? Located at the northern tip of Loch Shiel, the Glenfinnan Viaduct is 27 km from Fort William by car. Allow approximately 25 minutes of driving to reach the Glenfinnan Monument parking lot from Fort William. It's also possible to reach the Glenfinnan Viaduct by train from Fort William. The journey takes approximately 35 minutes.

The best viewpoints to see the Hogwarts Express on the Glenfinnan Viaduct

Several viewpoints allow you to see the steam train pass over the Glenfinnan Viaduct to relive the iconic Harry Potter scenes. Here are the two most popular options:

The main viewpoint

For a stunning view of the Glenfinnan Viaduct with the Hogwarts Express approaching head-on (when it travels in the Fort William–Mallaig direction), you can reach the main viewpoint by taking the Glenfinnan Viaduct Trail. This small marked path of 1.3 km is accessible from the Glenfinnan Monument parking lot. Allow approximately 15 minutes of walking to reach the viewpoint.

The side viewpoint

This offers a side view of the Glenfinnan Viaduct. It is also accessible from the Glenfinnan Monument parking lot by taking a path that starts to the left of the Visitor Centre. The path is sloped but only 200 m long (allow 10 minutes of walking). While less impressive than the first (the view is more distant), it has an advantage: it allows you to enjoy the train's arrival regardless of its direction of travel.

When can you see the Hogwarts Express pass over the Glenfinnan Viaduct?

The Jacobite Steam Train operates daily between April and October. During this period, the train passes up to 4 times a day (counting both directions) over the Glenfinnan Viaduct and 2 times a day during April and October. For the rest of the year, it's not the famous steam train that passes over the viaduct but regular line trains.

Here are the Jacobite Steam Train schedules and the times to note for seeing the Hogwarts Express pass over the Glenfinnan Viaduct:

Note: schedules may be changed at any time by the operator West Coast Railways. Be sure to check the website for real-time schedules.

Can you travel aboard the Hogwarts Express?

Want to travel aboard the Hogwarts Express? Taking the Hogwarts Express is one of the unique activities to enjoy in Scotland.

You can board the Jacobite Steam Train at Fort William, Glenfinnan and Mallaig stations. Tickets are sold as round-trip only. This is why it's best to complete the entire journey to fully enjoy the experience and landscapes.

Expect to pay £57 for an adult round-trip ticket in second class, £89 in first class and £33 for children (16 years or under) in second class and £63 in first class. Reservations can be made on the Jacobite Steam Train website.

Good to know: tickets are valid only for the date and times selected during booking. The round-trip must be on the same train and the same day.