Is The Jacobite Steam Train Running in 2026?

If you’re a fan of scenic railway journeys or perhaps a Harry Potter enthusiast, there is a very good chance that you have heard of the Jacobite Steam Train. It puffs its way from Fort William to Mallaig, offering passengers one of the most scenic rail journeys in the World.

Route of the Jacobite Steam Train

The Jacobite Steam Train runs along the West Highland Line in Scotland, covering the 84-mile round trip between Fort William and Mallaig. The journey is famed as being one of the World's greatest and offers a breathtaking vista of lochs, mountains and golden sands.

The Jacobite Steam Train route begins in Fort William, a town known for its proximity to Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak. As the train departs, passengers are treated to views of Loch Eil and the striking scenery of the Scottish Highlands.

The journey then continues to Glenfinnan, where the train pauses to allow passengers to admire the view and take photographs of the famous viaduct. The train then winds its way through picturesque villages, forests, and along the coastline, eventually arriving in the fishing port of Mallaig.

Journey’s end - Mallaig

Journey’s end is the historic fishing port of Mallaig. When the railway arrived, the fortunes of the town changed dramatically as the fishing catches could swiftly be transported to markets in the south. This was at the height of the Herring fishing boom, which employed up to 10,000 boats across Scotland at its peak.

Today, the town is an important ferry port, and the catch is mainly prawns, scallops, and whitefish.

Glenfinnan Viaduct   

For train enthusiasts and Potterheads alike, the highlight of the journey is crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct. This sweeping structure of 21 arches carries the tracks over the River Finnan at a height of 100 ft (30m). The viaduct was completed in 1898, and the line opened for service on 01 April 1901.

What is the Glenfinnan Monument?

Glenfinnan is famous as the place where Prince Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) raised his standard at the start of the 1745 Jacobite Uprising. The focus of the rebellion was to place a Stuart King on the British throne.

Ultimately, the campaign was unsuccessful and ended in defeat at the Battle of Culloden, outside Inverness on 16 April 1746. Bonnie Prince Charlie fled from the battlefield and eventually returned to France, never to see Scotland again.

The monument, which sits at the head of Loch Shiel, was built in 1815 as a memorial to the clansman who fought and died for the Jacobite cause.

Passengers on the Jacobite Steam Train will see the monument and Loch Shiel as the train crosses the viaduct.

Hogwarts Express

In J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, the Hogwarts Express is the magical train that transports students from Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station in London to Hogsmeade Station near Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

This train, depicted as a scarlet steam engine, has become an iconic element of the Harry Potter universe, representing the gateway between the mundane world and the magical one.

In the real world, West Coast Railways provided the gleaming black steam engine and scarlet-coloured carriages to Warner Bros for the filming of “The Philosopher’s Stone” and others in this magical film series.

Jacobite Steam Train Tours

If you don’t want the hassle of planning a journey to Fort William, or you can’t get tickets, you can join a tour that includes train tickets. One-day tours operate from Edinburgh and Inverness. You’ll travel through the beautiful Scottish Highlands by coach with an expert driver/guide leading the way. They will guide you to your reserved seats on the train, so it’s a stress-free experience.

If you want to include the train journey as part of a longer Scotland itinerary, there are also 2- and 4-day tours available. You can see your options here. 

Explore Scotland with Scottish Tours

A ride on the Jacobite Steam Train is just one of the experiences you can enjoy when you travel with Scottish Tours.

Check out our comprehensive selection and book your next Scotland Tour today.