For many visitors to the Scottish Highlands, travelling on the famous Jacobite Steam Train is high on the bucket list. Known around the world as the real-life Hogwarts Express from the Harry Potter films, this iconic steam railway journey attracts travellers from across the globe every summer.
But one question often comes up when planning a Highland holiday: can you travel on the Jacobite Steam Train directly from Inverness?
The simple answer is no - the Jacobite Steam Train does not depart from Inverness itself. However, reaching the train from Inverness is surprisingly straightforward, and many travellers combine a stay in the Highland capital with a memorable day trip to Fort William to experience a ride on the real Hogwarts Express.
Where Does the Jacobite Steam Train Operate?
The famous Jacobite Steam Train runs between Fort William and Mallaig on Scotland’s spectacular west coast. The route follows part of the legendary West Highland Line, often described as one of the world’s greatest railway journeys.
Jacobite Steam Train Route: Fort William to Mallaig
The steam train departs from Fort William and travels west through dramatic Highland scenery, passing lochs, mountains, forests, and remote Highland villages before arriving at the fishing port of Mallaig.
What You’ll See on the Jacobite Steam Train Route
Along the way, passengers experience some of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes, including:
- Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain
- Loch Eilt and Loch Morar
- Arisaig, the westernmost railway station in mainland Britain
- The silver sands of Morar
For many visitors, the highlight of the journey is undoubtedly the Jacobite Steam Train crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct. This famous curved railway bridge became instantly recognisable through the Harry Potter films.
Jacobite Steam Train Schedule
The Jacobite Steam Train is a seasonal service, normally operating seasonally from spring to autumn, with services generally running from April to October.
The start of the 2026 timetable was delayed until 01 June. There will be one return journey per day between Fort William and Mallaig.
Because tickets sell out quickly - especially during school holidays - advance booking is essential.
Can You Get to the Jacobite Steam Train from Inverness?
Although the train itself does not depart from Inverness, the city is a very good base for visiting the beautiful Scottish Highlands. Inverness is often called the Capital of the Highlands and has excellent transport connections, accommodation options, and visitor facilities.
As a popular tourist destination, there is a wide selection of sightseeing tours available from the city to destinations such as the Isle of Skye, the Northern Highlands and the scenic Cairngorms National Park. This means you can explore a great deal of the Highlands without a car.
The key part of the journey is travelling from Inverness to Fort William before boarding the steam train.
Coach Connections from Inverness to Fort William
Travelling by coach from Inverness to Fort William is one of the easiest ways to connect with the Jacobite Steam Train.
The journey typically takes about 2 hours and passes through some of the Highlands’ most dramatic scenery.
Scottish Citylink and Ember both operate regular coach services linking Inverness to Fort William.
Ember offer the best option to reach Fort William in time for the train departure.
Travelling from Inverness by Train
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service between Inverness and Fort William. Rail travellers would need to travel from Inverness to Glasgow, then catch a train on the West Highland Line to Fort William.
While scenic, this option takes hours longer than travelling by road. Because of this, most visitors staying in Inverness will choose the coach connection instead.
Jacobite Steam Train Tour from Inverness
The Jacobite Steam Train Adventure is a one-day sightseeing tour from Inverness that includes a one-way train journey from Fort William to Mallaig. It’s probably the best way to travel on the Jacobite Steam Train while staying in Inverness.
Not only are train tickets included, but the tour is also a wonderful day out in the Scottish Highlands.
Your Journey from Inverness to Fort William
The tour begins in Inverness and travels south through the Great Glen, following the shores of Loch Ness, with a stop to view Urquhart Castle. Later, there are wonderful views of Lochs Oich and Lochy to enjoy before arriving in Fort William.
Boarding the Jacobite Steam Train in Fort William
Here, passengers board the Jacobite Steam Train for one of Europe’s most scenic rail journeys. Highlights include crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct, views of Loch Eilt, the pristine Sands of Morar, and the beautiful coastal views on the approach to Mallaig.
Exploring Mallaig and the West Coast Views
After free time to explore Mallaig and enjoy lunch, the return journey continues by coach, allowing visitors to visit Fort Augustus, then take the “road less travelled” along the eastern banks of Loch Ness.
For travellers staying in Inverness, this tour removes the complexity of arranging independent coach travel between Inverness and Fort William and, of course, getting scarce Jacobite Steam Train tickets.
Tour Q & A
Is the Jacobite Steam Train the real Hogwarts Express?
Yes — the Jacobite Steam Train is the real locomotive used as the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films. It also crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the iconic bridge featured in the movies.
Where does the Jacobite Steam Train travel?
The Jacobite Steam Train runs between Fort William and Mallaig on Scotland’s west coast. The route passes dramatic Highland scenery and forms part of the famous West Highland Line.
How long is the Jacobite Steam Train journey?
The Jacobite Steam Train journey takes around two hours each way between Fort William and Mallaig. The full round trip covers one of the most scenic stretches of railway in the UK.
Does this tour include a journey over the Glenfinnan Viaduct?
Yes — this tour includes a crossing of the Glenfinnan Viaduct aboard the Jacobite Steam Train. It’s one of Scotland’s most photographed railway landmarks and a highlight of the day.
How do you get from Inverness to the Jacobite Steam Train?
You travel from Inverness to the Jacobite Steam Train by coach. The tour joins the train in Fort William, then returns to Inverness by road after the journey to Mallaig.
Is this the easiest way to travel on the Jacobite Steam Train from Inverness?
Yes — this tour is one of the simplest ways to ride the Jacobite Steam Train from Inverness. It includes coach travel, reserved train seats and sightseeing stops, removing the need to book separate tickets.
How long is The Jacobite Steam Train Adventure?
The Jacobite Steam Train Adventure lasts around 12.5 hours. It departs Inverness at 07:30 hrs and returns at approximately 20:00 hrs.
What are the included stops on the tour?
The tour includes stops at Urquhart Castle (photo stop), Commando Memorial (photo stop), Mallaig, Fort Augustus, Suidhe Viewpoint (photo stop) and Dores Beach (photo stop).
Will I see Loch Ness on this tour?
Yes - the route between Inverness and Fort William runs alongside Loch Ness. Travellers can enjoy views of Scotland’s most famous loch during the journey.
What is the group size?
The tour operates with a maximum group size of 34 travellers.
Highland tours from Inverness with Scottish Tours
The Jacobite Steam Train is just one of the attractions covered on our range of popular sightseeing tours. If you’re planning a stay in the Highland Capital, check out our range of tours from Inverness.
Browse our range of Scotland Tours and book today.
Photo credits: Ember Bus, VisitScotland and Shutterstock
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