Hogwarts Express and the Scenic Highlands Day Tour from Inverness
Overview
Available languages
12 hours
Mobile ticket
Enjoy a full-day of stunning scenery and fresh Highland air, as we travel all the way around Loch Ness and along the idyllic West Coast. Our journey reveals ancient ruins, a poignant war memorial, beautiful beaches and gorgeous Scottish wilderness – with untamed mountains never far from sight. Embark on the the Jacobite Steam Train for a magical 2-hour ride along beautiful coastal scenery and over the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct. Made famous by the Harry Potter films, and voted one of the world’s most scenic railways, this is a trip you’ll never forget!
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please note that the Jacobite Steam Train service may be subject to alterations and cancellations at short notice, outwith our control
It is recommended to book transport to the departure point in advance. Please also allow extra time to get to the departure point for check-in. We advise you arrive at least 15 minutes before the tour departure to allow time to check-in for the tour. Unfortunately, we are unable to hold the bus or refund for any late arrivals.
Return times are approximate and subject to road conditions and weather. Please ensure you allocate sufficient time for any onward travel plans, allowing at least 3 hours after the scheduled return time for connections or activities.
From 1st April 2025 the 7:30 am tour will return at 7:30 pm.
It is not possible to upgrade your Standard steam train ticket to a First Class ticket
Children under 5 years old, including infants who do not require a seat, are not permitted to travel. We are unable to accommodate any child under the age of 5.
If downloading an audio guide, remember to bring your headset.
The tour may operate with our sister company, HAGGiS Adventures.
The order of the itinerary route is subject to change.
What To Expect
Urquhart Castle
We depart Inverness and begin our journey along the world-famous Loch Ness, stopping for photos above the ruins of Urquhart Castle.
Commando Monument
We continue west, and visit the Commando Memorial which overlooks the Nevis Range; home to the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis.
Options
7:30am Departure
Departs Inverness at 7:30am.
What‘s Included
Air-conditioned vehicle
Local English Speaking Guide
Jacobite Steam Train one-way ticket (Fort William to Mallaig)
Please note that the itinerary will be reversed on dates when the tour starts at 9:30am.
Lunch
Restroom on board
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
1,819 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Sign up now you won’t regret it
768gabriellep,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing guide and experience overall! The train was the highlight for me and of course all the dad jokes ;)
Good trip
josephsX9928YA,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Craig was a great guide and did a fantastic job.
Hogwarts Train Trip & scenic Highlands from Inverness
John M,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great tour guide in Karen. From Inverness you are on a real time line. Karen made sure we had 15 mins spare to sort ourselves before the train left Fort William “FW”. Just a tip for future punters: from FW travel on the left or port side to enjoy full sight of the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Spectacular scenery, much photo opportunities, interesting Karen stories throughout. A very enjoyable day.
Worth every pound
437egles,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tour guide Martin was amaizing. We had a wonderful day with lots of information, tales, stops for stunning pictures. Thank you!
Beautiful Day!
Erika H,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I thought the Hogwarts Express would be the highlight of the trip but the older woman checking tickets was so very rude! The younger staff on the Jacobite Steam train in charge of the trollies and pointing out important sites were fantastic. That said, the bus tour was so much better than we expected! Our guide Karen was wonderful and made sure we saw as much as we could and was super friendly and helpful! It was a wonderful way to see Inverness, Mallaig, the beautiful Lochs, and more! Highly recommend!
Look for another agency and don't waste your time and money on this experience.
285dayaned,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00The worst experience I've ever had in my life. I would never recommend this guide Karen or this tour.
Harry Potter Hogwarts express day.
marinabS9700BB,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Good itinerary. Guide and driver Karen was excellent. Good sense of humour with strategic photo stops and good knowledge of history and helped with all questions. She did everything to make our day fun and enjoyable and get on the train. Would recommend this tour. Harry Potter merch at the station before getting on the Tran and a trolley on the train.
Great overview of the Highlands
rebecca d roman,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great way to see a lot of the Highlands and ride the Hogwarts Express. Our guide, Karen, was informative and made sure we had a good time!
Great Experience
Roam03633751736,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Martin & Sonia were fantastic...made the day exciting, informative and perfect
Amazing!
658leighanned,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing tour! Guides were amazing. Stories were great. Lots of amazing sites on the way.
Related Experiences
Operated by Highland Explorer Tours Ltd