Jacobite Steam Train ride, Glenfinnan, fishing village Mallaig, and Fort Augustus.
Escape the city for the day and follow in the footsteps of the world’s most famous wizard, Harry Potter. Scotland has played a huge part in the story of Harry Potter, from the scenic filming locations and inspiring architecture to the coffee shop where J.K. Rowling is said to have written the first novel.
Experience the magic firsthand with our Jacobite Steam Train tour from Edinburgh, which includes a ticket for the iconic steam train – famously known as the Hogwarts Express – for an unforgettable 2-hour ride along Scotland’s stunning west coast. Our tour, primarily conducted on a comfortable coach (bus), will take you through the breathtaking landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, getting you to and from the train stations where you'll embark and disembark the train. Our passionate guides will immerse you in all the magic of Harry Potter, plus the real-life beauty and history of Scotland.
Jacobite Steam Train (Hogwarts Express)
The Jacobite Steam Train shot to worldwide fame as the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films. The route between Fort William and Mallaig on the West Highland Line has been voted the most scenic rail journey in the world.
Glenfinnan Viaduct
The Glenfinnan Viaduct is known to many as the ‘Harry Potter Bridge’ after featuring in two of the famous films. The iconic bridge has twenty-one arches which curve around the dramatic Highland landscape, with views over the stunning Loch Shiel.
Glen Coe
This jaw-dropping landscape is the most atmospheric and evocative place in Scotland. Glen Coe translates as the ‘weeping glen’, and the name reflects the sad history of the area, as well as the many waterfalls which cascade from misty peaks.
Forth Bridges
The Firth of Forth has a trio of iconic bridges. The 1890 Forth Bridge is a masterpiece in engineering, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Forth Road Bridge opened in 1964, followed by the striking Queensferry Crossing in 2017.
Inclusions
Return Coach from Edinburgh
Passionate Local Guide
2-Hour Ride on the Jacobite Steam Train
Foreign Language Audio Guides Available
Audio guide links will be provided after booking. Please download over WiFi and bring your own headphones
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Where does the tour depart from?
Your Jacobite Steam Train tour departs from Edinburgh city centre. For departure details and pick-up location, visit our Departure Info page.
How long is the tour?
Your Jacobite Steam Train tour from Edinburgh spans approximately 13 hours*. It's one of our most-popular day trips, featuring a magical one-way journey aboard the Jacobite Steam Train, picturesque coach rides through the captivating Highland scenery, and plenty of opportunities for memorable photo stops and breaks in the Highlands.
*Length of tour may vary depending on traffic and weather conditions.
Is the ticket for the Jacobite Steam Train included in the tour price?
Yes, the Jacobite Steam Train ticket is included in the tour price.
Where can I find more details about the Jacobite Steam Train experience?
All essential information about the Jacobite Steam Train on our tours can be found here.
My travel companion and I booked separately. Do we get to sit together?
Coach seating operates on a first-come, first-served basis, but allocated seats are provided for the Jacobite Steam Train ride. If you and your travel companion(s) have booked separately, simply reach out to us at least 24 hours before departure to ensure you're seated together.
What type of transportation is used for the journey from Edinburgh and back?
For most of the journey, you'll be travelling on a midi-coach, except for the 2-hour Jacobite Steam Train trip in the afternoon. Your Highland Explorer guide will accompany you to Mallaig station for smooth boarding onto the train. Upon arrival in Fort William, your guide will greet you, and the tour group will return to Edinburgh by coach.
Are there toilet facilities on the coach?
While our coaches don't offer onboard toilets, rest assured that our itineraries include regular comfort stops, allowing frequent access to restroom facilities.
Are your tours accessible?
Our guides are unable to assist with wheelchairs or provide physical assistance during boarding or disembarking from the coach. Passengers should be capable of boarding and disembarking independently using the access stairs or with the help of a traveling companion. Foldable wheelchairs can be stored in our onboard luggage storage during travel.
Please note that some stops on our tours may involve rough terrain or only be accessible by steps.
It's important to be aware that your accommodation may have limited accessibility for wheelchair users. More info can be found on our Accessibility page.
Can I purchase snacks or souvenirs at the stops along the way?
Yes! Our routes include stops where you can grab a snack or recharge with a drink. Occasionally, we pause at shops offering local souvenirs as well. For precise details about timing and stops, don't hesitate to inquire with your guide.
Where can I get a more detailed itinerary?
Our itinerary (in tab 2, 'Itinerary & Departure') provides a helpful outline of what to expect on the day. We refrain from providing additional details beyond what's outlined there, as factors like weather, traffic, and the preferences of our driver guides may lead to slight deviations. We also believe that part of the excitement comes from the unexpected surprises along the way! Rest assured, your journey through Scotland will be unlike any other.
What if I need to cancel my tour?
If you need to cancel your tour, you will need to inform us in writing by sending an email to info@highlandexplorertours.com. You can find our cancellation and refunds policy in section 3 in our Terms and Conditions.
I have more questions. How can you help?
Feel free to visit our general Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to common queries, or reach out to us directly via our Contact Us page.
