Guide Glenfinnan Viaduct – Harry Potter Hogwarts Express
For all Harry Potter fans going to Scotland: this is a must-see. You can watch the Hogwarts Express ride over the viaduct just like in the movies. Read how below.
What is the Glenfinnan Viaduct?
The filming location for the scene where the Hogwarts Express passes over the viaduct is the Glenfinnan Viaduct. The viaduct was designed in 1897 by Sir Robert McAlpine and is built entirely of concrete. It has 21 arches and a height of 30m above the valley. Nothing has changed about it since its construction.
Where is the Glenfinnan Viaduct?
The Glenfinnan Viaduct is located near Fort William.
If you want to go to the viewpoint, it is about a 20-minute walk from the parking lot. It is advisable to arrive at the parking lot well in advance, as there is not a lot of parking available. Especially around the time that the train crosses the viaduct, it can be crowded.
The parking is also chargeable (£3.50), but you can easily pay with your bank card. There is also a small store, cafe, and toilets.
If you don’t have a car: no problem, there are also trains (ScotRail service from Crianlarich to Mallaig) and buses (Bus 500) to Glenfinnan from Fort William. You can easily plan your trip via Google Maps.
When can you see the Hogwarts Express?
To see the train effectively run over the viaduct, you’re going to have to plan a visit well in advance. The Hogwarts Express is actually the Jacobite steam train and runs from May through the end of September. On the West Coast Railways website, you can find a schedule of when the train will run over the viaduct.
There is a morning and an afternoon ride each time. The train crosses the viaduct about 30-40 min after leaving Fort William. So if the train leaves Fort William at 10:15, the train should cross the Glenfinnan viaduct around 10:45. So in the afternoon, this is 13:20 from Sunday to Friday and 15:00 on Saturday.
To be sure of a seat, it is best to be at the viewpoint at the time the train leaves Fort William.
➡️ Look for the best deals for hotels in Fort William
How to see the Hogwarts Express?
You can’t see the Hogwarts Express from the road, unfortunately. You really have to park and go to a viewpoint to see it.
From the visitor center, there is a viewpoint from where you can see the train from a distance. Perfect for people who cannot do the hike.
The best way is to walk to the viewpoint via the viewpoint trail (20-30 minutes). From the parking lot, there is now a well-marked trail that takes you to the viewpoint. Walk under the gate that says “Footpath to Viaduct” and follow this path to the viaduct.
After crossing the wooden bridge, you eventually come to a junction. Here you go straight ahead and under the viaduct. Then there is a wooden gate that you can easily open to continue the walk. The next bit is a fairly steep one, but the path is easy to follow. At the viewpoint itself, there are improvised seats on rocks if you are on time.
Try to find a nice spot, and then the wait is on.
Practical information for your visit
Parking: There is space for cars at the official parking lot near the Glenfinnan Visitor Center, but it can get crowded with RVs and trailers during peak season. Be sure to arrive in Fort William at least half an hour before the train departs; otherwise, you might end up having to park along the road.
Hiking shoes: The trail to the viewpoint is unpaved and can get muddy after rain—and in Scotland, it rains more often than you’d like. Sturdy shoes are a must, especially on the steep section just before the viewpoint.
Best time to visit: May and June are less crowded than July and August, while the scenery is just as beautiful. September is also a good option, with fewer tourists and often still pleasant weather.
Alternative without the hike: Can’t make the hike? From the visitor center itself, you can still get a (distant) view of the viaduct. It’s not as impressive as the view from the actual viewpoint, but it’s a good option for those with limited mobility.
Higher viewpoint: In addition to the well-known viewpoint, there’s also a trail that goes higher up the hill, offering a wider view of the entire valley. It’s a little less crowded, but the climb is steeper.
Food and drinks: At the parking lot, you’ll find a small shop and café for a quick bite. Otherwise, bring your own water and a snack, as there’s nothing available near the viewpoint itself.
Weather: Check the weather forecast in advance, because in fog or heavy rain, you’ll barely be able to see the train on the viaduct. Scotland’s weather is unpredictable, so be sure to have a Plan B.
Is it worth it?
I found it a very enjoyable experience as a Harry Potter fan. But keep in mind that you will never be alone here.
Take a ride on the Jacobite steam train
You can also book a seat on the steam train from Fort William to Mallaig. The easiest way is to book a ticket through the official website. But you can also book a tour departing from Inverness that includes a visit to Loch Ness.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Glenfinnan Viaduct
Is admission to the Glenfinnan Viaduct free?
The viaduct itself and the viewpoint are free to visit. Only the parking lot requires a fee: £3.50 per car.
Can I ride the Hogwarts Express myself?
Yes, the Jacobite steam train runs from Fort William to Mallaig and back, and you can book a ticket for this on the official website. Keep in mind that you won’t be able to see the train crossing the viaduct from the famous viewpoint, since you’ll be on it yourself.
How long does the walk to the viewpoint take?
Allow 20 to 30 minutes one way from the parking lot, depending on your pace and how crowded it is along the way.
Does the train run over the viaduct all year round?
No, the Jacobite steam train runs only from May through the end of September. Outside of that season, you won’t see a steam train crossing the viaduct, though you might see a regular diesel train.
Is there an alternative if I can’t take the walk?
Yes, you can also see the viaduct from the visitor center itself, though from a slightly greater distance.
What if it rains or is foggy?
In bad weather, especially in fog, visibility of the viaduct can be severely reduced. Check the weather forecast in advance and have a backup plan ready.
Can I visit the viaduct in the evening or outside of the train schedule?
Yes, the viaduct and the walking trail are accessible at any time of day. You just won’t see a steam train passing by.
Plan your trip to Scotland like a pro
✈️ Book your cheap flights to Scotland on Skyscanner
🏨 Reserve a hotel, apartment, or holiday home at Booking.com
🚕 Need a transfer from the airport? Use Welcome Pickups or download the Bolt or Uber app
🛜 Use Airalo eSIM to avoid roaming fees. Use SHARON9895 to get €3
📺 Use ProtonVPN to keep watching your favorite programs or movies on the go
🚗 Need to rent a car? Use DiscoverCars
🚆 Buy train tickets from Omio
💳 Use Wise to pay in Budapest at the real exchange rate and avoid expensive foreign card fees
🎟️ Pre-book tours, entrance tickets, and activities via Viator or GetYourGuide
🏥 Get travel insurance at World Nomads or Safety Wing
All useful links at a glance for your next trip to Edinburgh
✈️ Find plane tickets to Edinburgh
?️ Find the best hotels in Edinburgh
⛺ Find the best Airbnb in Edinburgh
? Book an all-in rental car in Scotland
? Book tickets for attractions in Edinburgh
? Buy the best travel guides about Edinburgh
Maybe these articles are also interesting?
Some of these links are affiliate links. If you buy something through these links, Travel Eat Enjoy Repeat will earn a small commission. This will cost you nothing extra.
