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.

Over the last few years, the train’s operation has been subject to some issues. So, is the Jacobite Steam Train operating in 2026? To be honest, no one really knows. Let’s review the story so far to bring you up to date.

Route of the Jacobite Steam Train

First, let’s look at the route and why it is so special. The Jacobite Steam Train runs along part of the West Highland Line in Scotland, covering the 84-mile round trip between Fort William and Mallaig. The rail journey, famous as one of the World’s greatest, offers breathtaking views of lochs, mountains and golden sands.

The Jacobite Steam Train route begins in Fort William, a town in the shadow of 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 pretty 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.

Hogwarts Express

In the world of Harry Potter, the Hogwarts Express is the magical train that transports students from Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station in London all the way to Hogsmeade Station.

This gleaming scarlet steam engine is an iconic element in the story, representing the gateway between the everyday world and the magical one at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

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 Timetable

The train timetable is normally published in December when tour operators pre-purchase tickets for their group tours. There are usually two return journeys per day, the morning service, which leaves Fort William at 10:10 hrs and returns at 16:03 hrs. The second, afternoon trip, leaves Fort William at 12:50 hrs and returns at 18:52 hrs.

Reservations for members of the public usually open in January. This year, the train operator’s website featured a message that “bookings for the Jacobite 2026 will open in the coming weeks. Please check back for details”.    

Posters advertising the Jacobite Steam Train service were displayed at Fort William railway station. The posters included information for the morning service only and gave the operational dates as 01 April to 23 October 2026.

Why is the Jacobite Steam Train Suspended?

There is an ongoing dispute over safety regulations regarding the train’s vintage carriages. These coaches, which were built in the 1960s and 1970s, do not have modern central locking systems, and their operation has relied on special exemptions from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), which regulates Britain’s rail network.

Under the Railway Safety Regulations introduced in 1999, notice was given that exemptions would end in March 2023, and all carriages must have central door locking fitted. Any future exemptions would be granted only in exceptional circumstances.

Court Case

In 2023, West Coast Railways challenged the ORR’s refusal to grant an exemption that would allow them to continue operating the vintage carriages. The judgment in December 2023  dismissed the claim, ruling that the ORR acted lawfully in refusing the exemption.

The operation of the train in 2024 and 2025 used more modern coaches that met safety legislation requirements.

What’s happening in 2026?

In September 2025, a sister company of West Coast Railways applied to the ORR for an exemption certificate. Unfortunately, the submitted application was incomplete, and a corrected version had not been received by ORR by late February, according to their media office.

It takes the ORR 4 months to review an application and to make its decision.

Press Statements

In recent press reports, West Coast Railways stated that it is willing to fit central door locking to its carriages but needs time to do so, hence the application for an exemption.

A spokesman for the company told The Herald newspaper that they would not be using the newer coaches, as the train’s capacity is much lower. “it was costing us a fortune”, he said, adding “we don’t go into business to lose money”.

On 09 April 2026, West Coast Railways issued a public statement regarding the Jacobite Steam Train, which you can read by following this link.

So what happens next?

Although they have said they wouldn’t, it’s possible the train could operate with newer carriages while the exemption application is processed. Alternatively, the train may not operate until such time as the exemption is granted.

We will keep this blog updated with news as it happens.

Jacobite Steam Train Tours

We’re keeping our fingers crossed that the Jacobite Steam Train will resume operations as soon as possible. In the meantime, the operations teams are working hard to modify their tour itineraries.

In most cases, passengers affected by the cancellation of the train will be offered a refund of the train ticket, and the journey from Fort William to Mallaig will be made by road.  

Known as the “Road to the Isles”, the route to and from Mallaig is one of the most scenic drives in Scotland. It largely follows the railway line, so you’ll still experience the amazing scenery the area is rightly famous for.

Alternative to Jacobite Steam Train

The steam train travels on the West Highland Railway between Fort William and Mallaig. This is a regular railway line, and in addition to the steam train, there is a scheduled public service operated by ScotRail diesel trains.

Although this service doesn’t have the romance of steam, the scenery you’ll see from the window is exactly the same, and the train will cross the world-famous Glenfinnan Viaduct too.

Scottish Tours has three tours that incorporate a journey on the West Highland Line using the diesel train service, so you can still experience one of the world’s great rail journeys for yourself.

Explore Scotland with Scottish Tours

A ride on the stunningly beautiful West Highland Railway 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.