Tips for Viewing the Harry Potter Train at Glenfinnan Viaduct

If you've ever dreamed of seeing the Hogwarts Express in real life, there's no better place to make that magic happen than the Glenfinnan Viaduct in the Scottish Highlands. Whether you grew up watching Harry Potter or are traveling with young fans discovering the films for the first time, this is one of those moments that truly feels like stepping into the story.
The Glenfinnan Viaduct is not just famous for its appearance in the Harry Potter movies, it's also one of Scotland's most beautiful and iconic landmarks. Spanning 21 graceful arches the rugged Highlands, it's an engineering marvel surrounded by jaw dropping scenery. When the vintage Jacobite Steam Train chugs across, releasing those plums of white smoke, it's pure movie magic!
If you're planning a trip, here's everything you need to know about viewing the Harry Potter train at Glenfinnan Viaduct, including the best times to go, where to stand, what to bring, and how to make the most of your visit. As magical as this experience is, it does take a bit of planning. Trust me, we learned that the hard way!

Tips for Viewing the Harry Potter Train at Glenfinnan Viaduct

What is the Harry Potter Train

The train that crossed the Glenfinnan Viaduct is actually called The Jacobite Steam Train, operated by West Coast Railways. It runs between Fort William and Mallaig from spring through autumn, typically April to October.
While it wasn't created for the Harry Potter movies, it gained worldwide fame as the Hogwarts Express in several of the films, most famously as it steams across the Glenfinnan Viaduct in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and The Prisoner of Azkaban. 
Even if you're not a die-hard Harry Potter fan, the combination of steam, stone arches, and sweeping Highland scenery is still pretty magical to see. I won't lie when I tell you that I got choked up as the steam train passed slowly on the hillside and the guests on the train started waving at the guests on the hillside. It was a moment we all shared together that just felt magical.

When to See the Train

Timing is everything when planning your visit. Sure you can stop by and see the viaduct without the train, but that's not quite as magical. Instead, plan your visit when the Jacobite crosses the viaduct twice daily, on its morning and afternoon journeys between Fort William and Mallaig.

Typical crossing times are:Morning train: around 10:45 amAfternoon train: around 1:20 pm

Always double check the official schedule ton the West Coast Railways website before your visit, since times can vary slightly depending on the season or delays. 

The #1 Tip: Arrive Early! Earlier Than you Think!

If you take only one thing from this post, let it be this: arrive early!

We got there about 30 minutes before the train was due, and it was barely enough time. The main parking lot was completely full and had been closed off to new arrivals. Then the overflow parking lot was full and closed off as well. There is strictly NO parking on the road shoulder, but we did manage to find a very small open church parking lot up the hill that had one spot! And that spot cost us 10 pounds vs the 5 pounds in the main parking lot.

To avoid that stress, aim to arrive at least 45 minutes before the train's scheduled crossing, even earlier during the summer or on weekends when crowds are at their biggest.

Where to Park

There are two main parking areas to know about

1. Glenfinnan Visitor Centre Car Park

This is the main lot, run by the National Trust for Scotland. It’s right off the A830 and gives access to both the viaduct trails and the Glenfinnan Monument. There’s a small café, restrooms, and gift shop here.

Address: Glenfinnan Visitor Centre, PH37 4LT

Cost: 5 pounds

Arrive early! This lot often fills up before the train is set to arrive and it's closed off to new vehicles.

2. Glenfinnan Station Museum Car Park

If the main lot is full, this smaller car park near the station is your next best bet. From here, you can walk about 10–15 minutes to the viewing area.

Pro Tip: Don't part on the roadside. It's tempting, but it's both unsafe and discouraged and police regularly patrol the area. No one wants to get a ticket when they are driving a rental car!

Overflow Parking

If both of those car parks are full, head up the hill and cross your fingers that there is parking available at the Church of St Mary. There is a small gravel lot on the left side of the road in front of the church. You'll also find a picnic table and a small coffee/snack cart as well. 

Cost: 10 pounds

Pro Tip: You'll likely be scrambling to get to this one, and it will add at least 5 minutes to your walk. Thankfully on the way there at least it's downhill!

The Best Viewing Spots

There are a few different spots to watch the train cross the viaduct. We tested both the upper and lower viewing area and noticed one significant difference.

1. The Upper Viewing Area 

If you’re up for a bit of a climb, this is the view you want. From the Glenfinnan Visitor Centre car park, follow the main trail through the gate and continue uphill. The path is gravel and moderately steep but manageable. 

Make sure you continue under the viaduct and head to the gate. Go through the gate to reach the upper area. Many visitors stop too soon, but the higher you go, the better the view! I think that this is the best viewing area. Keep reading to see why!

Don't be precious about your shoes. I noticed so many people with white sneakers who had not so white sneakers when they left! I wasn't sad I had hiking boots because the trail does get muddy and you will be standing on a hillside.

To see my full packing list for Scotland, check out this post

2. The Lower Path (Closer to the Viaduct)

If you’d rather get closer to the train, take the lower path that leads underneath the viaduct. You can reach it by walking past the Glenfinnan Monument and following the signs.

From here, you’ll feel the rumble of the train as it crosses overhead which really is an unforgettable experience, especially for kids.

Just note that you won’t get the same sweeping view for photos from this angle. 

The main thing we noticed that you miss is on the upper hillside viewing area, you will see everyone on the train waving. This is a moment that gave me goosebumps and in my opinion is worth the extra walk up the hillside to see.

Pro Tip: We were also able to spot the trains arrival in Mallaig. We even stopped at the loch and then had a picnic lunch at the church before we continued our drive to Mallaig where we were headed to catch the ferry to Skye. We arrived before the train returned and had a chance to see the train pull into the station and unload with all the passengers. 

For our full itinerary as we departed Edinburgh and headed into Fort William and on to Skye, check out this post. 

What to Bring

Even if the hike isn’t long, plan to stay for a while, especially if you’re waiting between train times or exploring the monument. Here’s what to pack:

• A snack or picnic lunch: Food options in Glenfinnan are limited, so it’s best to bring your own. There’s a small café, but lines can be long.

• Waterproof jacket: The Scottish Highlands are known for surprise rain showers.

• Sturdy shoes: The path can be muddy or slick after rain.

• Camera or binoculars: You’ll want to zoom in for photos of the train crossing. This is one of the times I wish I had my regular camera and not just my iPhone. 

• Bug spray: Midges can be pesky in summer.

• Patience: The area gets crowded, especially just before and after the train passes.

When the Train Arrives

You'll see the train round the corner and in our experience, it was right on time! I was ready with my camera on video and I was surprised to see that it came to a full stop just before it rounded the corner of the viaduct. The train waits for about a minute before the steam starts going and the train chugs around the corner! It all makes for a very special moment.

What Happens After the Train

Once the train exits the viaduct, you might be tempted to linger, but here's another insider tip: start heading back down right away!

As soon as the train disappears, hundreds of people start streaming down the hillside at once, and the narrow trail gets congested. It can take twice as long to descend if you wait!

And if you're planning to use the restroom at the visitors centre, hustle down even faster! Those bathroom lines get very long after the train passes! Trust me, you'll thank yourself later.

Want to see another Harry Potter filming location? Check out Steall Waterfall 

The Best Time of Year to Visit

The Jacobite runs seasonally, from April to October, with two daily departures.

• Spring (April–May): Fewer crowds, fresh greenery, and crisp air.

• Summer (June–August): Peak visitor season! It's beautiful, but busy.

• Autumn (September–October): Fewer people and stunning golden hillsides. 

If you can, visit on a weekday morning in May or September for a good balance of nice weather and lighter crowds.

Nearby Attractions Worth Visiting

Since you’ve made the trek to Glenfinnan, spend a bit more time exploring the area:

• Glenfinnan Monument: A short walk from the visitor centre, this monument honors the Jacobite Rising of 1745. You can climb to the top for panoramic views of Loch Shiel.

• Loch Shiel: Known to fans as the “Black Lake” from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

• Glenfinnan Station Museum: A charming stop with railway history and a café in a converted train car making it perfect for a light lunch or coffee.

• Mallaig: A charming small port town with shopping and restaurants. This is a great place to take the ferry and cross to Isle of Skye. Just make ferry reservations ahead of time!

Want to Ride the Train Instead?

If you're a die hard Harry Potter fan or just love trains, consider riding the Jacobite Steam Train yourself. The journey from Fort William to Mallaig is often described as one of the most scenic train rides in the world. 

You'll cross over the Glenfinnan Viaduct as part of the route and you'll get to wave to the crowd of spectators down below! 

Tickets sell out months in advance, especially in summer, so make sure you book early! 

If you go, feel free to dress up in your Hogwarts best! Many people dress up on the train.

Pro tip: I didn't take the train, so I don't have the full experience, but I did talk to people who have done both, and many people say that the hillside viewpoints are often more enjoyable than taking the train itself. When you are on the train, you don't get the same view of the viaduct, so keep that in mind!

Watching the Harry Potter train at Glenfinnan Viaduct really is one of those magical travel moments you'll never forget. It's equal parts cinematic, scenic and nostalgic and it's worth every bit of the planning!

Just remember:

• Arrive early! At least 45 minutes before the scheduled time!
• Head for the upper viewing area through the gate for the best views
• Pack a picnic as the food options are limited
• Head back down quickly after the train passes to beat the crowds
• Use the restrooms early because those lines get long!

Don't make the same mistake that we did. Plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time so that you can soak in the experience. It's one of the most magical moments you can have in Scotland, even if you are just a Muggle!

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