Hogwarts Express and the Scenic Highlands Day Tour from Inverness

Overview

Available languages

German

Portuguese

Chinese

English

Italian

French

Spanish

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

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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

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.

10 minutes•Admission Not Included

Commando Monument

We continue west, and visit the Commando Memorial which overlooks the Nevis Range; home to the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis.

15 minutes•Admission Not Applicable

Options

9:30am Departure

Departs Inverness at 9:30am.

7:30am Departure

Departs Inverness at 7:30am.

Reviews

4.76

1,346 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

1167

Emma was great! The tour...
Courtney H,
Jun 30, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Emma was great! The tour had so many fun facts. Her knowledge made it so that a few of the sights were like extra surprises along with the expected stops. Emma had extra recommendations for the area even when we were done with the tour. We had a great time!
Donnie was a fantastic...
Claudia C,
Jun 27, 2025
- Viator
4.00
Donnie was a fantastic guide! Very knowledgeable and really funny and entertaining! We had train issues and the end part of our day had to be changed, but Donnie and the tour company did what they could to make the remainder of the tour enjoyable. Highly recommend!
Over booked the train ride
Maria D,
Jun 25, 2025
- Viator
2.00
The train ride was over booked and we could not board at our scheduled time. Our tour guide worked with his company to get us on a later train. It took almost 2 hours before a decision was made. We then got back on the bus and took a later train. Our tour guide did his best. He was awesome. The tour company that was used over booked the train ride and that was the main reason for choosing this excursion. Again, our tour guide was the best, the tour company was not.
Must do activity if you have Harry Porter fans in family
TanviJain T,
Jun 23, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Explored all the places mentioned in itenary. Driver cum Guide was really good. He told us so many stories about the places we visited. Bus was really comfortable and experience was seamless. My son was thrilled to ride the Hogwarts train
Too long & a bit over-priced
Karin G,
Jun 21, 2025
- Viator
3.00
It was a very long day, with too much time spent in the bus. If you were sitting on the wrong side of the bus ( we were) you didn’t get to see much. We did see a lot of the area & when off the bus the scenery was beautiful and the towns we stopped in were quaint. We appreciated the driver’s historical commentary. Ours was a hot day and the train had no ventilation so we “baked” in an old musty train for 2 hours. And again, if you did not sit on the right side of the train, you got to see not as much. I would not repeat this excursion.