Hogwarts Express: Jacobite Steam Train 1-Day Tour from Inverness
Are you looking for a Jacobite Steam Train tour from Inverness? Does your inner Potterhead need to take the Hogwarts Express? I’ve got you covered!
Now, I like Harry Potter, but I do not consider myself a Potterhead. However, I do love seeing film locations and props that seem to bridge the gap between fantasy and reality and seeing the Hogwarts Express, or rather the Jacobite Steam Train, in person was pretty darn cool!
By taking a train tour you see more Scotland and save time by being on the train one way instead of repeating scenery on the return trip.
Short on time? Here’s a quick look at the tours offering a seat onboard the Jacobite Steam Train:
✅ Standard seats on train (one way)
✅ Catch view of return train crossing viaduct
✅ Multiple view stops of Loch Ness
✅ Private 1st Class Cabin on train (one way)
✅ Private Charter Boat on Knoydart Peninsula
✅ Lunch, snacks, alcoholic beverages
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Jacobite Steam Train Tours from Inverness
⚠️ It is important to note that the Jacobite Steam Train runs from April-October. These train tours do not run outside of these months.
1. Highland Explorer Tours
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 12 hours | ✅ Book it!
Tour Pros
Tour Cons
Start on a guided bus from Inverness, tracing the renowned Loch Ness and pausing for picturesque views of Urquhart Castle (I always hope to see Nessie out on the lake). Explore the Commando Memorial, with a panoramic backdrop of the Nevis Range and Ben Nevis.
Board the Jacobite Steam Train at the small station in Fort William for a 2.5hr ride, crossing the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct (just like a scene out of Harry Potter!), passing through the Highland mountains, and ending in the charming fishing port of Mallaig where you can hunt for lunch.
Leave Mallaig back with your bus and guide, stopping to witness the return of the train over the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Continue the scenic adventure with stops at Fort Augustus, the Caledonian Canal, and the enchanting Falls of Foyers and Dores Beach before concluding back in Inverness.
For ages 5+.
💁♀️Tab’s Trip Tip: If you are thinking of DIY-ing the Jacobite steam train but find tickets are sold out, this tour could be your opportunity to still ride the train on those dates. But book ASAP as this tour sells out fast!
“The guide was fantastic. Very informative. Really packed day- saw a ton but never felt rushed. Highly recommend!” – Suzanne (Read more reviews)
2. Private Concierge Scotland
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 10-12 hours | ✅ Book it!
Tour Pros
Tour Cons
Spoil yourself by indulging in a luxury private tour for up to 6 guests. Get picked up in a V Class Mercedes Benz in Inverness where your guide drives you to Fort William.
Board the Jacobite Steam Train in a Private 1st Class Cabin and enjoy the remarkable 42-mile journey to Mallaig, crossing over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, sipping delicious champagne, and relishing the view of Scotland’s most breathtaking railway routes.
You’ll pass through charming villages like Lochailort, Arisaig, Morar, and finally arrive at Mallaig. On a clear day, you may even catch a glimpse of the picturesque “Small Isles” and the shimmering silver beaches of Morar.
When you arrive in Mallaig, get whisked away to your very own private boat to experience the seascapes of Knoydart Peninsula, aka “Britain’s Last Wilderness”. Even try your hand at mackerel fishing if you wish. Keep an eye out for an array of wildlife, including seabirds, sea eagles, otters, seals, dolphins, porpoises, and even minke whales.
Learn about the rich history and local legends as you visit remote villages along the shoreline, including Inverie, home to the renowned Old Forge pub, which the Guinness Book of World Records has deemed the remotest mainland pub in Britain.
Indulge in a delectable, local, freshly caught seafood lunch.
As you journey back, savor a taste of Gaelic whisky or a specialty beer from the Knoydart brewery. Then sit back as your guide drives you back to Inverness, with a quick detour to see the Glennfinan viaduct from below.
You’ll feel like royalty on this private Jacobite train tour. Guests who have been on a tour with Private Concierge Scotland are eager to go again.
“I have no hesitation in providing an unequivocal endorsement of the outstanding level of service provided by Private Concierge Scotland. Laser focused attention to detail, over delivery on service combined with a pride and passion for the job undertaken resulted in a perfect day for myself and family.” – Steve (Read more reviews)
“Just the View” of the Jacobite Steam Train Tour from Inverness
3. Happy Tours
⭐️ RATING:5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours | ✅ Book it!
Tour Pros
Tour Cons
An 8-seater minibus will take you from Inverness to sights and landmarks all over the Scottish Highlands. Journey through the magnificent Great Glen and stopping at the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct to watch the Jacobite steam train cross over it.
Explore the historic remnants of Old Inverlochy Castle dating back to 1280. Indulge in a delightful lunch in Fort William while enjoying panoramic views of the majestic Ben Nevis.
Pay homage to the brave soldiers at the Commando Monument, a memorial honoring those in the British Commandos Regiment.
Take a leisurely stroll along the lock gates of the Caledonian Canal, and be awe-struck by the vastness of Loch Ness as you stand at the mouth of the canal. Then finally, take in the iconic vistas of Urquhart Castle, a captivating sight along the shores of Loch Ness before being dropped back off in Inverness.
Ages 6+.
This tour is great for those who don’t need to ride the Jacobite Steam Train but still would like to see it cross the viaduct. It’s also only an 8 hour tour vs 12 hours so you aren’t traveling as long that day and are back in town at a reasonable hour for dinner, which is my kind of tour!
“Had a great day touring around the Glenfinnan area, all thanks to Craigs knowledge, humour and stories about life, death and everything inbetween. Good stuff!” – Frans (Read more reviews)
Jacobite Steam Train Tour from Inverness A La Carte
4. DIY Jacobite Steam Train Tour
If you want to piece together your own Jacobite Steam Train tour from Inverness, it’s very doable.
Rent a Car
You’ll need to drive from Inverness to Fort William; taking the train from Inverness won’t be a viable option.
If you haven’t already, get your rental car. I like Discover Cars.
Book Jacobite Steam Train Tickets
As mentioned before, the Jacobite train tickets sell out months in advance, so book them as early as possible. You can book standard class, first class, or private compartment here.
When buying the Jacobite train tickets yourself, you only have the option of a roundtrip ticket. One-way tickets are not available like they are for the group tours.
Drive to Fort William
The drive from Inverness to Fort William is about 1.5hrs, but give yourself at least 2-2.5hrs as driving in Scotland takes longer than expected on those tight curvy roads.
There is a paid parking lot adjacent to the Fort William train station, so just park, pay, and board your train.
Take Jacobite Steam Train Ride
The entire train trip is about 6hrs long: 2hr train ride to Mallaig, 2hrs in Mallaig, and 2hr train ride back to Fort William.
Doing it this way does not allow you to stop at the Glenfinnan Visitor Center to see the viaduct from the ground with the steam train crossing it as you’ll be on the train.
Sightsee on the Way Back to Inverness
On the drive back to Inverness you can make stops at the Commando Monument, viewpoints of Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle.
Expect to be back in Inverness at 6:30pm at the earliest.
FAQs
How do I get to the Jacobite train from Inverness?
You can get to the Jacobite train from Inverness by driving yourself or by booking a group tour.
Is it worth going on the Jacobite Steam Train?
Most people will say that the Jacobite Steam Train is worth going on. History lovers will love the history of it and Harry Potter fans will love being able to ride the Hogwarts Express.
If you do your research and fully inform yourself of all it involves, you should be able to easily tell if the train is for you or not.
Where do you get the Jacobite Steam Train from?
You board the Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William, Scotland.
Where is the best place to see the Jacobite train?
The best place to see the Jacobite train up close is while it is in station either at Fort William or Glenfinnan.
The best place to see the train crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct is either from the Glenfinnan Visitor Center or hiking to the Bridge View from the Glenfinnan train station.
🤩 The Highland Explorer Tours Jacobite tour from Inverness gives you a well-rounded day on the train, views of the train on the viaduct, and seeing Loch Ness and the Highland countryside
>> BOOK IT HERE! <<
Epilogue: Tours of the Jacobite Steam Train from Inverness
Experience the mesmerizing landscapes and historic landmarks of Scotland with a stress-free Jacobite Steam Train tour from Inverness. Enjoy the stunning scenery along the way and bask in the magical ambiance of the train as you embark on a journey that seamlessly blends history, nature, and enchantment. By choosing a group or private tour, you can enjoy the company of fellow travelers or the exclusivity of a personalized experience.
See views of Loch Ness, Ben Nevis, and the Highland countryside. Travel over the Glenfinnan Viaduct like you are on the Hogwarts Express. Have a local guide take the stress away of driving the notorious curvy, narrow roads while also informing you of the history and stories of all you’re experiencing!
To guarantee your seat on this iconic steam train, I strongly recommend booking your tour as soon as possible. The popularity of the Jacobite Steam Train cannot be overstated, and securing your spot early ensures that you won’t miss out on this extraordinary journey.
So don’t delay—book your tickets now to embark on a magical adventure through the Scottish Highlands and over the Glenfinnan Viaduct!
🛏️ Staying in Inverness?
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Inverness there are plenty of choices in this picturesque city. Find a hotel that suits your needs here!
I would suggest looking at these hotels:
- Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa – for room views of the river and Inverness Castle
- River Ness Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals – to be close to the hustle and bustle of Church St
- The Royal Highland Hotel – to stay in a historic hotel from 1856 close to the train station
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