Where can I buy my tickets for the Jacobite Steam Train (Hogwarts Express)?
The Jacobite Steam Train, made famous thanks to the Harry Potter saga, is a steam train that crosses the most beautiful landscapes of the Highlands, Scotland.
History of the Jacobite Steam Train
The Jacobite Steam Train is a tourist steam train that runs on part of the West Highland Line, in Scotland.
The West Highland Line has been in existence since 1984 and has been operated by West Coast Railways since the summer of 1995.
The Jacobite train skyrocketed in popularity after West Coast Railways loaned it to the Warner Bros. film studio to embody the fictional Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter saga films.
In the movies, from platform 9 ¾ to Hogwarts School, the Hogwarts Express runs on the West Highland Line.
The Hogwarts Express locomotive, GWR 4900 Class 5972 Olton Hall - used in the Harry Potter saga films - currently stands at Harry Potter Studio Tour (Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter).
Journey on the Hogwarts Express
After having discovered all the filming locations of the films of the Harry potter saga, all you have to do is book your tickets to board of the famous Hogwarts Express!
Route
The Jacobite Steam Train travels on a route of over 65 km, between Fort William - the largest town in the Highlands - and Mallaig.
It skirts Loch Eil, crosses the viaduct of Glenfinnan and the village of Arisaig.
The scenery seen in the Harry Potter films is the scenery as seen on the real Jacobite train - this journey on the West Highland Line is considered as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world!
Glenfinnan Viaduct
Crossing the Glenfinnan viaduct - with its 380 meters long, 31 meters high and 21 arches - is undoubtedly the most anticipated moment of the trip! It is indeed the viaduct that the Hogwarts Express takes to get to the school of wizards in the famous Harry Potter saga.
Weather permitting, the train sometimes pauses on the viaduct to allow passengers to enjoy the view and take pictures.
Rates
It is possible to travel on board the Jacobite Steam Train as an organized tourist circuit (with guide) or by booking a ticket single train.
Organized tourist circuit (with guide)
Leave for a day to discover the most beautiful Scottish landscapes: departing from Edinburgh or Inverness:
The guides are English-speaking - but audio guides are also available in other languages.
Train ticket only
The Jacobite Steam Train ticket is from £7.80 one way.
Several routes are offered each day between Fort William and Mallaig: the daily service leaves Fort William at 10.15am and arrives in Mallaig at 12.25pm; return from Mallaig departs at 2.10pm and returns to Fort William at 4.00pm.
From June to August, Monday to Friday, an additional service departs Fort William at 2.30pm with an arrival time in Mallaig at 8.30pm.
The distance covered is about 50 km for about 1h30 of travel.
Book your tickets online several days in advance to get the best prices!
Jacobite Steam Train Station
The Jacobite Steam Train departs from Fort William, Scotland - approximately 800 km northwest of central London.
Bookings for the Jacobite train are possible up to 3pm the day before the train departs, so it is advisable to arrive in Fort William a day before your desired travel date.
To get there from London, 2 options:
- Car:
- M6
- M6 and A82
- A1(M)
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Allow about 10 hours drive.
- Train: Avanti West Coast from Euston Station to Glasgow Central Station - where you can catch a bus (9simpliCITY, X36 or 500 Airport Express) or a train (ScotRail) to Fort William.
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Allow approximately 9 hours of travel.
- Air: fly from London to Glasgow - then train or bus to Fort William.
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Allow approximately 1h30 flight and 4h train/bus.
Nearby
Take advantage of your Jacobite Steam Train trip to visit:
- Ben Nevis: near Fort William, this is Britain's highest mountain.
- Glencoe: a valley that appears several times in the Harry Potter films.
