Explore The Most Scenic Train Route in Scotland – The Jacobite ( Hogwarts Express)

Last updated : Aug 24, 2015

The Jacobite is a steam locomotive-that runs over part of the West Highland Railway Line in Scotland. The Jacobite runs a distance of 41 miles between Fort William and Mallaig. It passes through Loch Eil, Glenfinnan Viaduct and Arisaig which make it a picturesque train route.This two hour journey is the best way to admire the landscape of Scotland. Passengers get a stunning view of Glenfinnan Monument and Loch Shiel when the train crosses the Glenfinnan Bridge.This old fashioned, British style, magical train is a “Do Not Miss” attraction for all the Harry Potter Fans. The Jacobite was used as the famous Hogwarts Express. The company running the Jacobite service provided Warner Brothers with a train to use it as the Hogwarts Express and even allowed them use of the Jacobite's route for filming.No one is done with their Scotland visit until they board the Jacobite and experience magic and beauty at the same time.

Timings and Prices for Jacobite Train Journey

It runs Monday-Friday from mid May to early October, and also on Saturdays & Sundays from late June to late August. It leaves Fort William around 10:15, and arrives Mallaig at 12:25. Then it departs again from Mallaig at 14:10, arrives Fort William about 16:00. The fares are around £29 one-way, £34 day return journey.

Morning Service– The Jacobite runs from Monday 11th May to Friday 23rd October 2015 (Monday to Friday). Saturday and Sunday from Saturday 20th June to Sunday 20th September.
Afternoon Service -Monday 18th May to Friday 28th August (Monday to Friday)

Photo Credit- Martin Deutsch

Fare and Timings Chart of Train

Here is the schedule of the train and price for the train journey.

	Morning Service	Afternoon Service
Dep. Fort William	10:15	14:30
Arr. Mallaig	12:25	16:29
Dep. Mallaig	14:10	18:38
Arr. Fort William	16:00	20:31

	1st Class	Standard
Adult Day Return	£58.00	£34.00
Adult Single	£53.00	£29.00
Child Day Return	£31.00	£19.00
Child Single	£26.00	£17.00
Private table for two	£119.00	–

Photo Credit- westcoastrailways.co.uk

How to Reach Here

Here you get to travel in British Railways 1950s Mark 1 carriages. It features opening door droplights and window ventilators. These ventilators make photography easier as compared to the modern trains’ sealed windows. There train only has a limited number of tickets, so if you plan to board the Jacobite, then get your tickets before hand so that you don’t miss the fun.After the train stops at Mallaig you can explore the delightful Mallaig Bay, or stop off at Arisaig and walk one of the best beaches of the Highland.

By Road – From Carlisle and the south, take the M6 and M74 to Glasgow. Follow the A82 from Glasgow. From Edinburgh take the M9 to Stirling then the A84, A85 (to Crianlarich) and A82 to Fort William.

By Train – There are number of trains from Glasgow to Fort William.