The Hogwarts Express at Glenfinnan: Excursions from Edinburgh and Inverness
Two Civitatis excursions of 12 h 30 offer the Jacobite train, presented as the Harry Potter train: one leaves from Edinburgh, the other from Inverness. The guide speaks English. Only the Edinburgh listing mentions the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
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The two excursions at a glance
- From Edinburgh
- High Street (60 High Street), bus to Mallaig (about 4 h by road), then about 2 h by train Civitatis · Train tour from Edinburgh
- From Inverness
- 15 Union Street, with stops at Loch Ness and the Commando Memorial before the Jacobite train Civitatis · Highlands and train
- Length
- About 12 h 30 for both excursions Civitatis · Train tour from Edinburgh
- Guide
- English-speaking on both Civitatis · Highlands and train
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Choose and book
Harry Potter train from Edinburgh
Bus from Edinburgh to Mallaig, then about two hours on the Jacobite train, which crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct. English-speaking tour assistant.
Highlands and Harry Potter train from Inverness
Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle and the Commando Memorial, then the Jacobite train to Mallaig. English-speaking guide.
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Your departure checklist
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Edinburgh or Inverness?
The Edinburgh excursion spends about four hours on a bus to Mallaig, where you board the Jacobite train for about two hours. The listing mentions the Glenfinnan Viaduct, one of the most memorable scenes of the saga, and the Forth Bridge on the way.
The Inverness excursion tours the Highlands: Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, the Commando Memorial, with a view of Ben Nevis if the weather allows. The train goes on to Mallaig, where one hour is set aside for a meal, then the bus heads back through Fort Augustus and Dores Beach. The listing does not mention the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
Good to know before you book
According to the Edinburgh listing, the steam train does not run when the fire risk or temperatures are very high: a standard train is provided instead. Each passenger may bring one carry-on bag and one suitcase of up to 15 kg, no larger than 67 x 45 cm.
The Edinburgh excursion is wheelchair accessible (this must be stated when booking, and an accompanying person is required); the Inverness one is not. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the activity on both.
Frequently asked questions
Which excursion goes by the Glenfinnan Viaduct?
The listing for the excursion from Edinburgh mentions it. The listing for the excursion from Inverness does not.
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How long does the excursion last?
About 12 h 30 on both, returning to the starting point.
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What language is the guide in?
English: both listings give an English-speaking guide or assistant.
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What happens if it is very hot?
According to the Edinburgh listing, the steam train does not run when the fire risk or temperatures are very high. A standard train is provided instead.
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What is the minimum age?
Both listings give a minimum age of 5.
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Are meals included?
Meals are not listed among the inclusions. On the Inverness excursion, one hour is set aside in Mallaig for a meal.
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Sources and dates
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