You Can Ride on the Hogwarts Express in Scotland

• Scotland’s Jacobite Steam Train plays the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter movies.
• The roundtrip journey takes passengers between Fort William, Scotland, and the port village of Mallaig.
• The historic train passes through some of the most gorgeous parts of the Scottish Highlands and travels over the 100-foot-tall Glenfinnan Viaduct.

The idea for Harry Potter famously popped into J.K. Rowling’s head while she was waiting for a late train, so it’s no surprise that locomotives play a huge role throughout the series, from the magical portal of Platform 9 3/4 to the train that transports young wizards and witches to Hogwarts.

However, muggles and magical folk alike will be able to appreciate the beauty of Scotland’s Jacobite Steam Train, which plays the Hogwarts Express throughout the Harry Potter films. The train runs a 41-mile route through the Scottish Highlands from Fort William, Scotland, to the small port town of Mallaig, a journey that takes about two hours. Passengers can spend an hour and a half exploring Mallaig before heading back to Fort William.

The Jacobite chugs along at a 50-mile-per-hour clip, taking riders through some of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes. One of the most exciting highlights of the trip is the 1,000-foot-long, 100-foot-tall Glenfinnan Viaduct, which dates back to 1897. Conductors will often try to pause (depending on the timing) so that passengers can take in the view.

Alternatively, if you’re on the ground, you can take photos of the train from the Glenfinnan Visitor Centre. The Jacobite usually passes through the area around 10:45 a.m. and 3 p.m., as it passes by the visitor center each way on its daily trips. 

For those who’d like a deeper train immersion, train vacation operator Railbookers offers a Complete Scotland by Rail itinerary, which includes a day trip on the Jacobite. The roundtrip, 10-day journey from Edinburgh also allows plenty of time to explore the Scottish capital, a huge plus for Harry Potter fans. The Edinburgh tea and coffeehouse is where The Elephant House is where Rowling penned much of the series, with a view of Edinburgh Castle. (Note: the cafe is currently closed due to a recent building fire. Check its site for updates.)

Potterheads will also enjoy stops at Edinburgh City Chambers to see Rowling’s handprints on a flagstone, as well as a stroll through the Royal Mile, which has a distinctly Diagon Alley vibe. Make sure to stop by Greyfriars Kirkyard, where some of the headstone names may have inspired some character names. (Keep an eye out for Potter, McGonagall, and even Thomas Riddle!)