Jacobite Steam Train

Most visitors ride the Jacobite Express as part of a full-day or multi-day tour from Edinburgh that also visits other Highlands sites such as Cairngorms National Park, Glencoe, Loch Lomond, and Loch Ness. The final station at Mallaig is also the starting point for ferries to the Isle of Skye, making it a popular add-on to overnight and multi-day island tours.

• You can ride the Jacobite Express one way between Fort William and Mallaig, or choose a round-trip ticket that allows for an hour and a half to explore Mallaig before the return journey.

• Advance booking is highly recommended—a very limited number of same-day tickets are available.

• Due to the vintage design of the train’s carriages, the Jacobite trains are not wheelchair accessible; mobility scooters and non-folding wheelchairs cannot be brought onboard.

• Wear layers suitable for changing weather—it can get chilly in the Highlands even in summer, and there is always a chance of rain.

Trains run from Fort William station, which is located in the Scottish Highlands about 134 miles (216 km) northwest of Edinburgh and 109 miles (175 km) north of Glasgow. Visitors without their own transport often visit as part of a tour from one of these cities.

The Jacobite Steam Train runs from May to October, with morning and afternoon departures. There are also limited winter departures around Christmas. If you don’t book your ticket in advance, arrive at least an hour before the departure time (earlier if on a weekend or during school holiday periods) to ensure a spot.

For fans of theHarry Potter movies, the Jacobite Steam Train will forever be known as the Hogwarts Express—movie buffs will recognize a number of filming locations along the train journey. Fans can book a seat in theHarry Potter compartment, where Harry and his friends sat on their way to Hogwarts, and enjoy spectacular views of the Glenfinnan Monument and Loch Shiel as the train crosses the Glenfinnan viaduct, a memorable landscape from the films.

Yes, the Jacobite Express is worth it, particularly if you’re a fan of nature, photography, and trains. The views of the lochs and mountains of the Scottish countryside from this train are the draw. And the historic train offers a relaxed, laid-back setting for taking in the scenery.

Yes, the Jacobite Steam Train is round-trip. The entire journey covers 84 miles (135 kilometers) and takes you through some of the most scenic parts of the western reaches of Scotland, including Loch Lomond and Loch Ness. It also passes by Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Scotland.

The round-trip ride on the Jacobite Steam Train takes about four hours, or two hours for the outbound portion and two hours for the return. However, the train ride includes a 90-minute break in the town of Mallaig. Budget around six hours for the complete experience.

You can book tickets for the Jacobite Steam Train online or over the telephone. It's a good idea to book in advance. Occasionally you can buy same-day tickets for the train, depending on availability. You can buy same-day tickets directly from the guard on the platform, but only with cash.

Yes, you can bring your own food aboard the Jacobite Steam Train, and eating is allowed onboard. If you forget to pack something or prefer to see what the train has to offer, head to the buffet carriage, where you can buy tea, coffee, and snacks.

Yes, there are toilets on the Jacobite Steam Train. All carriages have toilets on each end, and all are equipped with sinks and soap. Just note that you won't be able to use the toilet while the train is stopped at stations, except in emergency cases.