Jacobite Steam Train: Day Trips and Tours from Edinburgh

A Jacobite steam train trip from Edinburgh allows you to sit back and relax in style — while you explore some of the most scenic vistas in the United Kingdom in a manner that encapsulates the romantic essence of a bygone age.

This iconic train — colloquially known as the Hogwarts Express — winds its way from Fort William to Mallaig, a town on the shores across from the Isle of Skye. The train ride is perfect for combining longer tours of the Scottish Highlands and promises to be an unforgettable part of your journey.

During these longer trips, you’ll have the opportunity to visit locations like Loch Ness and Glencoe while also passing sights like the cinematically famous Glenfinnan Viaduct.

Here's your guide to the Jacobite steam train, one of the most quintessential multi-day trips from Edinburgh.

How do you get to the Jacobite steam train from Edinburgh?

The Jacobite steam train departs from Fort William, a small town northwest of Edinburgh in the western Scottish Highlands.

From Edinburgh to the Jacobite steam train by car

Apart from being a scenic drive, it’s also fairly simple to travel from Edinburgh to the departure point of the Jacobite steam train, Fort William.

Exit the Scottish capital on the M9, staying on route as it changes into the A84, A85 and A82 respectively. The entire journey is just over 200 kilometers long and will take roughly 3 hours to complete.

From Edinburgh to the Jacobite steam train by public transport

There are trains and buses available to Fort William, where you’ll be able to board the Jacobite steam train. Leaving from Edinburgh’s Waverley train station, board the Caledonian service, traveling for 5 hours until you arrive in Fort William.

Guided tour to the Jacobite steam train from Edinburgh

A guided tour to the departure point of the Jacobite steam train, Fort William, is ideal if you desire peace of mind during your trip.

This way, you won’t have to worry about synchronizing your travels to arrive in time for the train's departure — and you’ll have a knowledgeable guide to show you the sites between Edinburgh and Fort William.

What is the usual itinerary of a Jacobite steam train tour?

The typical itinerary of a Jacobite steam train tour will depend on the duration of the trip you select, with multi-day expeditions visiting more locations. Your guide will usually wait for you at a landmark in Edinburgh’s Old Town, from where you’ll board your transport for the first leg of the journey.

Setting out from the capital you’ll enjoy a scenic route as you pass by iconic sights — including Stirling Castle, Lochs Lubnaig and Earn, Glencoe and Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK.

Once you arrive in Fort William, you’ll board the Jacobite steam train for an unforgettable journey — traveling 70 kilometers to Mallaig and crossing the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct. The train journey often makes the list of most scenic train rides in the UK, and the 1.5-hour trip continues to delight travelers.

Fans of Harry Potter would be happy to hear that you’ll also visit various filming locations from the hit movies. These include Eilean na Moine island, Dumbledore's final resting place, and Loch Shiel, which doubled as Lake Hogwarts.

Once in Mallaig, you’ll have the chance to enjoy a seafood lunch, before traveling to the Glenfinnan visitor’s center. Here you can watch the Jacobite make its return journey, presenting a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity with the “Hogwarts Express” in the background.

What kinds of tours are available on the Jacobite steam train from Edinburgh?

There are a number of tours available from Edinburgh that feature an unforgettable ride on the Jacobite steam train — making it easy to find one that fits your budget and timeframe.

Jacobite steam train 1-day tour from Edinburgh

This large group tour is perfect for solo travelers or people exploring Scotland on a budget. You’ll enjoy a comfortable coach ride from Edinburgh to Fort William, where you’ll board the Jacobite steam train for a one-way journey to Mallaig.

Although the service was only started in 1984, the Jacobite train uses a locomotive and cars that date all the way back to the 1930s — lending the entire journey an idyllic feel. Couple this with absolutely stunning scenery flitting past your train window and you have an unforgettable day trip in the Scottish Highlands.

Three-day Scottish Highlands tour with Jacobite steam train trip from Edinburgh

This 3-day tour of Scotland presents the best way to explore the Highlands, without breaking the bank — while including sights like Loch Ness, the Isle of Skye and a ride on the famous Jacobite steam train.

You’ll start your journey in Edinburgh, traveling north whilst visiting places like Dunkeld and Stirling, slowly crawling your way to the infamous Loch Ness. After a brief bout of monster hunting, you’ll travel onwards to the Isle of Skye, where you’ll spend the night in the town of Portree.

You’ll spend the next day exploring this legendary isle, visiting locations steeped in myths and legend — including Kilt Rock Waterfall, the Old Man Of Storr and the Stolid facade of Dunvegan Castle.

The next morning you’ll hop across the water to Mallaig, where you’ll board the Jacobite steam train, starting your journey home — a fitting way to end an unforgettable tour of the Scottish Highlands.

Five-day Highlands tour with Jacobite steam train and visit to the Isle of Skye from Edinburgh

If money and time aren’t a consideration for your trip to Scotland, you should consider this 5-day tour with a Jacobite steam train journey. The first day will see you travel from Edinburgh to Glencoe, overnighting in the picturesque fishing town of Oban.

The next morning you’ll head to Fort William where you’ll board the Jacobite service to Mallaig — a journey that routinely makes the list of most beautiful train trips in the UK. Arriving in Mallaig, you’ll cross the pond to the Isle of Skye where you’ll explore the enigmatic island and spend the night.

Then it’s onwards into the heart of the Highlands and the ancient holdfast of Inverness. Here, you’ll visit Loch Ness, keeping your eyes peeled for any unusual aquatic activity, before visiting a world-famous distillery for a whisky-tasting tour. Spend the night in beautiful Inverness, before heading back to Edinburgh on your final day.

How much do trips on the Jacobite steam train from Edinburgh cost?

The price for a Jacobite steam train trip ranges from £150 to £1,000 per person, depending on the duration of the tour.

A Jacobite steam train 1-day tour from Edinburgh will cost £150 per person — making it one of the most affordable options to ride the Hogwarts Express. This is a larger group tour and you’ll take a coach from Edinburgh to Fort William.

A 3-day Scottish Highlands tour with a Jacobite steam train trip from Edinburgh will cost £600 per person and includes everything apart from meals. Two people is the minimum number for this excursion, as the accommodation is a double room.

A 5-day Highlands tour with a Jacobite steam train and a visit to the Isle of Skye from Edinburgh will cost £1,000 per person. This might seem steep, but this is a private tour and it includes all of your accommodation, as well as breakfast.

What will you see on a Jacobite steam train ride?

Glenfinnan Viaduct

Chances are you know about the Glenfinnan Viaduct without ever hearing its name — with the beautifully arched feat of engineering used in numerous films, as well as the hit series "The Crown".

The Jacobite steam train, featured prominently in the Harry Potter films, journeys over this stunning viaduct, earning it the nickname the Hogwarts Express. The nearby Glanfinnan Visitor Center offers a wonderful opportunity to photograph the train as it journeys back from Mallaig to Fort William.

Jacobite steam train

The Jacobite is a 1930s steam train that services the route between Fort William and Mallaig. It’s widely considered one of the most beautiful train journeys in the UK and the 1.5-hour one-way trip is perfect for exploring the Highlands. The port town of Mallaig is home to a ferry to the Isle of Skye, making it the ideal entry point to the legendary island.

Loch Ness

Loch Ness is probably one of the most famous bodies of water in the world. The reason for this fame is its most legendary and mythical resident, Nessie. The first sighting of this enigmatic creature dates back to the 7th century AD, and the lake attracts thousands of visitors to this day — all hoping to get a glimpse of this shy creature.

When is the best time for a trip on the Jacobite steam train?

The best time for a trip on the Jacobite steam train is in the spring (late April to June) and autumn (September to October). During this time, you'll experience fewer crowds than in the peak summer season, and you'll also be able to admire the Scottish landscape as it comes into full bloom or with its spectacular fall colors.

It's important to note that the Jacobite steam train only operates between April and October, every day of the week.

What other day trips can you do from Edinburgh?

• Loch Lomond day tours from Edinburgh
• St Andrews day tours from Edinburgh
• Kelpies in Falkirk day tours from Edinburgh
• Rosslyn Chapel day tours from Edinburgh
• Alnwick Castle day tours from Edinburgh

Top tips before you go

• For the best views, try to get a window seat. The scenery is breathtaking, and you won't want to miss it.
• Get to the station a bit early. This gives you a chance to find your carriage and seat without rushing, and you can also watch the train pull into the station.
• The Scottish weather can be unpredictable, even in the summer. Dressing in layers allows you to adjust to changing weather conditions.
• The landscapes are some of the most beautiful in the world. Whether you're a professional photographer or just want some memories, don't forget your camera. Remember to have it ready, especially when crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct!