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The famous Glenfinnan Viaduct Viewpoint and steam train will undoubtedly be at the top of many lists of the best things to do in Scotland. And rightly so! Not just reserved for Harry Potter fans, this is an impressive sight and a beautiful piece of engineering. I was so keen to see the train crossing the viaduct (as an avid Harry Potter fan) that I actually went twice. On my first attempt, I didn’t actually see the infamous steam train from the Glenfinnan Viaduct viewpoint. I was there in the right place at the right time; it is just that the train wasn’t. It had broken down in Mallaig, and so never left the station. So, while I might not have seen it that first time, I knew exactly how to – and used this information to ensure I did see it on my return trip, which was a success!
So, please use this post to make sure you are at the Glenfinnan Viaduct viewpoint at the right time and in the right place. And then just hope the train doesn’t break down for you as well!
How to get to the Glenfinnan Viaduct Viewpoint
The nearest town to the Glenfinnan Viaduct Viewpoint is Fort William. This is a good place to arrive if you are planning on taking public transport. From Fort William you can catch a public bus to the Glenfinnan Visitor Centre. Alternatively, you can take the train from Fort William to Glenfinnan Station. Be aware though, both of these options are fairly infrequent.
The other option is to drive to Glenfinnan, which will take approximately 20 minutes from the town of Fort William.
However, if you wanted to join a tour from one of Scotland’s major cities, there are plenty of options. A tour such as this one is a great option. It includes the Isle of Skye and the Highlands, as well as actually taking a ride on the train. CLICK HERE to book.
Where to park
If you are arriving by car, there are a few options on where to park. If you are driving from Fort William, the first one you will come across is the Glenfinnan Visitor Centre car park, which will be on your right-hand side as you enter Glenfinnan. However, this is often busy, so there is a high chance there might not be a space, so keep driving along the main road.
There is another small car park on the right, which is located at the entrance to the trail. Again, this one fills up fast, so don’t be disappointed or stressed if you don’t get in here either!
A little further along the road, there are a few spaces outside the church. There are signs on the edge of this car parking space asking people not to park there bit it did fill up with people wanting to see the train. On returning to the cars later in the day, there were notes attached to them. These, however, were not aggressive but merely suggested it would be nice to visit the church after seeing the train. And actually, it is a lovely and interesting church so well worth popping your head in!
The final car parking spot, which also might be the best, is near the entrance to the Glenfinnan rail station. This is a little further from the Glenfinnan Viaduct Viewpoint. However, it is near the entrance to a short hike to the viewpoint. So you can either walk back down the road to the main trailhead or follow the path that starts next to the station. I left the viewpoint at the same time as two other girls, who I then saw walk along the road as I arrived back at the car park, so either route takes about the same time. With the hike (it is an easy one) being the more scenic!
When to visit
The Jacobite steam train is seasonal, so make sure you have the right time of year as well as the right time of day! The train timetable does also vary depending on the time of the year. Throughout the summer months (June through to September) there are two daily services. These are the morning and the afternoon. In the shoulder season months (April, May and October) only the morning train runs. Check when the reduced service starts, as the one service will be introduced during the week a little earlier than at the weekends. There are no trains at all between October and April.
The morning services do mean a train to Mallaig from Fort William and then a return, so there are two times to see the train. In the summer season, there is a train there and then a train back, meaning it crosses the bridge four times in a day.
The ideal service to see from the Glenfinnan Viaduct viewpoint is the train going from Fort William to Mallaig, as it will come towards you as it crosses the bridge.
When to arrive at the Glenfinnan Viaduct Viewpoint
The timing of arriving at the Glenfinnan Viaduct Viewpoint is crucial. The train will cross the viaduct at around 30 minutes after it has left Fort William. On its way back from Mallaig, it should cross the viaduct around 45 minutes before it is DUE back into Fort William.
Take a look at this website to look at the current timetable for the season, to make sure you know when the train leaves or is due to arrive into Fort William. Make sure you leave enough time to park and walk to the viewpoint to ensure you don’t miss the train.
Real talk – the viewpoint does get busy; there are a lot of people waiting to see the train. But there is plenty of space, so you should get an uninterrupted view of the viaduct.
Walking to the Glenfinnan Viaduct viewpoint
There are two options for walking to the Glenfinnan Viaduct viewpoint. The first is to take the wide track from the visitor centre parking lot. At the bottom of the valley is a gated driveway which leads to the bottom of the viaduct. From there, you take a left up an often muddy path up the hill. This should take about 15 minutes from the parking lot to the viewpoint.
The second option is to incorporate a small hike. This is not lengthy and very accessible. So, it is a great option if you want to see a little bit more of the surrounding scenery.
The entrance to this hike is located at the Glenfinnan Rail Station. You walk past the carriages and follow the signs to the viewpoint. The walk takes you through a small wooded area, under a bridge and then out onto the hills. By taking this hike, you also incorporate views over Loch Shiel and the Glenfinnan monument. The hike will take you half an hour to the viewpoint, so make sure you leave a little bit more time.
Where to Stay
If you are using public transport, the easiest place to stay would be hotels in Fort William, providing the easiest access to either the bus or train to get to the Glenfinnan Viaduct viewpoint.
WHERE TO STAY IN FORT WILLIAM:
BUDGET: Fort William Backpackers – For a true budget experience, this offers both dorms and private rooms. It has a relaxed, social atmosphere with a guest kitchen and lounge.
MID-RANGE: Cruachan Hotel – A relaxed, independent hotel featuring straightforward rooms, an on-site restaurant, and beautiful views of the loch.
HIGH END: Inverlochy Castle – A 19th-century castle that offers a refined experience with extensive grounds.
For an alternative and slightly quirky option, you can stay in one of the old railway carriages. There is one located next to the Glenfinnan Station, which has been turned into a hostel. You can book a bed, an entire compartment or exclusive hire for bigger groups. If you are interested, take a look here.
Other Ways to Experience the Jacobite Steam Train
Walking to see the steam train crossing the Viaduct isn’t the only way to see it. A truly magical experience is to book a ride on the train itself. There are plenty of tours from Fort William that include a Highlands tour and a one-way ride on the Jacobite train. It is the perfect way to explore some of the stunning scenery, while only having to ride one way.
Top Tip: If you are a fan of Harry Potter, why not book THIS TOUR which includes a ride on the train and insider knowledge on filming locations.
If you have more time, you can also include a ride on the steam train as part of a 3-day tour of Scotland and the Highlands, which is a great way to meet new people and see more of this stunning part of the world.
FAQS about the Glenfinnan Viaduct Viewpoint
Is this the Harry Potter viaduct?
Yes, the Glenfinnan Viaduct featured in several Harry Potter films as the route of the Hogwarts Express, though it’s a real, working railway line built long before the films
Is the viewpoint free to visit?
Yes, the viewpoint itself is free. You only pay if you choose to ride the steam train.
Do I need to book train tickets in advance?
If you want to ride the Jacobite, yes. Book ahead, especially in summer, as it sells out weeks in advance. Take a look at tickets here.
Can you walk across the viaduct?
No, it is a working train line with no pedestrian access.
Does a normal train cross too, not just the steam train?
Yes, regular ScotRail services also cross the viaduct, so you don’t have to catch the Jacobite to see a train go over it.
Is it worth visiting if it’s raining?
Yes, absolutely. The viaduct and surrounding scenery still look dramatic in the rain; it was raining when I visited! And Highland weather can change quickly. Just dress for it, as the walk up to the viewpoint can get slippery underfoot.
Can you visit Glenfinnan Viaduct as a day trip?
Yes. It’s an easy day trip from Fort William (about 25 minutes by car) and doable from Glasgow or the Isle of Skye with an early start.
Final thoughts on The Glenfinnan Viaduct Viewpoint
The Glenfinnan Viaduct is an incredibly impressive monument in its own right. And so worth the hike out to see it. No matter whether the train actually crosses or not! Or even if the weather isn’t on your side. But regardless, even if you don’t manage to see the train, it is still definitely worth the trip! I just hope you do manage to see it!
Visiting Scotland? Take a look at my guides:
- 7 Day Scotland Itinerary for the best trip!
- St Andrews, Scotland – How to spend a morning
- Visiting Isle of Mull, Scotland for 24 hours
- 15 of the best castles in Scotland to visit!
- What to see in Edinburgh – ten awesome things
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