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.
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.
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.
9:30am Departure
Departs Inverness at 9:30am.
Reviews
1,773 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Anything from the Trolley Dears?
Anna N,
Oct 20, 2025
- Viator
5.00Amazing way to see the inspiration for the Hogwarts Express! You get a bit of history, a train ride over the beautiful Glenfinnan Viaduct, and lunch at a seaside town on the west coast. The only thing that would’ve made it better would’ve been also watching the train from the hill by the viaduct. Iain our tour guide’s story telling skills are unmatched.
Great tour
Marilyn S,
Oct 14, 2025
- Viator
5.00A very Harry Potter tour, our guide Torquil was great at getting us in character. He was also great at keeping order on the bus. The weather wasn't the best but he had plenty of stories to make the tour really interesting.
Unforgettable
MariaCarolina A,
Oct 14, 2025
- Viator
5.00Unforgettable... stunning landscapes, guide- driver MARAVILHOSA, I want to do it again!!! Velvet very worth it
Our guide, Iain, was...
Kristin P,
Oct 11, 2025
- Viator
4.00Our guide, Iain, was great it was just a long day. It would be nice to have other options available like a half day tour that includes the train and a few stops before and after. Otherwise, it was a great experience!
Underwhelming
Shannon S,
Sep 29, 2025
- Viator
3.00Our tour guide was fantastic. Other than that, we didn’t feel that it was worth the money paid. The train ride was advertised as ‘Hogwarts Express’, but there was no reference to Harry Potter at all (with the exception of some souvenirs for sale), which was disappointing to some in our group. Additionally, we were randomly assigned seats on the train, and the seats on the other side offered a SUBSTANTIALLY better view and overall experience, not just for the viaduct, but in many other areas as well. When the coffee/tea/snacks trolley finally came our way, it was about 15 mins from the terminal stop, so we couldn’t be bothered to order. The ordering process was so slow and tedious, I don’t even know if they had time to serve everyone. The fact that they stopped in the aisle beside us (obstructing our view further) to serve the group across from us for such a long time also added to our decision not to order anything as by then we just wanted them to move out of the way. Every time they needed to allow someone to pass, they had to roll the whole trolley along to the end and come back which seemed crazy - why not just take orders and come back with prepared drinks and snacks several at a time? We’re certain this would speed up the whole business by leaps and bounds. Presumably we all paid the same amount as I don’t recall options for better seats when booking. We did really enjoy the later stop to see the viaduct from below, which we didn’t expect to be able to do. We also had some stops in towns that were good, and some other great photo stops along the way, but the draw for this tour was the train ride and that part just didn’t meet our expectations.
Related Experiences
Operated by Highland Explorer Tours Ltd