Whether you’re a Harry Potter fan or not, taking a ride on the Jacobite steam train, aka, the “Hogwarts Express,” can be the highlight of any visit to the UK. The trip has been voted the top train trip in the world! The Jacobite, used in the filming of Harry Potter, takes passengers across the Scottish Highlands, offering some of the most picturesque scenery on earth. Especially exciting for Harry Potter fans is the ride over the 21-arched Glennfinnan Viaduct, location of the iconic train scene in Harry Potter films. The interior of the Jacobite is very plain, like that of a modern commuter train, so don't expect an old-fashioned, luxurious, Pullman car! But don't despair: The train's decor may be ordinary, but the scenery outside the train windows is extraordinary!
The Jacobite runs from Fort William (about 100 miles north, north-west of Glasgow) to Mallaig (a busy seaside fishing port on the Atlantic), an 84-mile journey, round trip.
The Jacobite runs from Fort William (about 100 miles north, north-west of Glasgow) to Mallaig (a busy seaside fishing port on the Atlantic), an 84-mile journey, round trip.
VIDEO: The Jacobite crossing the famous viaduct seen in Harry Potter films.
DETAILS (Fort William to Mallaig)
Ticket Prices (Round-trip)
1st Class: ₤56.00 ($87.00)
2nd Class: ₤33.00 ($51.50 USD)
2013 Service Dates
May 13 – October 25, Monday through Friday
(During high tourist season, June 22 – September 22, the train also runs on Saturdays and Sundays)
Onboard amenities
Toilets
Snack coach (hot and cold drinks; cold snacks)
Transportation to Fort William
One can reach Fort William by car, bus, or train. (Glasgow is the largest city near Fort William, and it can be reached by car, bus, train, or air. Once in Glasgow, one can easily arrange a car, bus, or train to Fort William. )
Insider Information
- If one’s budget allows, buy a First Class ticket. The seats are larger, passengers receive complimentary tea and coffee, and more importantly, the cars are not as crowded, which can be a problem in Standard Class when everyone jostles in front of windows with their cameras. (Oftentimes entire groups will even stand, completely blocking the view!)
- Book in advance. Passengers can buy "day of travel" tickets, but doing so is risky for the train may be full. Booking in advance is especially important if hoping to buy First Class tickets.
- Bring tissue with you. The train windows may be dirty or foggy, blocking the breathtaking view you've paid good money to see! A quick swab will fix the problem.
- Be fair to your companion and switch back and forth! The train’s interior is similar to a commuter train, with half the seats facing forward, and half backward, and a table between. (In First Class, seating arrangements can be made for parties of 2 or 4. In Standard Class, only tables and seats for parties of 4 are available, so solo travelers and couples will be seated with others.) Train seats are assigned, so one may receive an “F” seat and face forward, or a “B” seat and face backward. With luck, for best viewing, a passenger will get an “F” seat going to Mallaig, and a “B” seat returning to Fort William. Passengers traveling with a companion may want to switch seats periodically in the name of fairness!
If you pine for the nostalgic “choo-choo-chooing” of a steam train and wish to see the exquisite Highland scenery of Scotland, this train trip is for you!
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Go to: BEST TIMES TO VISIT BRITAIN
Go to: WHEN TO FIND BEST AIRFARES
Go to: HOMEPAGE
