The Glenfinnan Viaduct is Scotland's most famous railway bridge and one of Scotland's most photographed landmarks. It became world-famous for its appearance in the Harry Potter films as the route of the Hogwarts Express. But beyond the magic, this Highland viaduct is a remarkable feat of Victorian engineering and a must-see destination for visitors exploring the West Highlands.
Built between 1897 and 1901 by Sir Robert McAlpine, the Glenfinnan Viaduct is Scotland's longest concrete railway bridge. Spanning 381 metres with 21 elegant arches, it stretches 30 metres above the River Finnan. McAlpine's pioneering use of mass concrete was groundbreaking at the time and earned him the nickname "Concrete Bob." Today, the viaduct remains a vital part of the West Highland Line and a symbol of industrial innovation in the Scottish Highlands.
The Glenfinnan Viaduct is best known for the Jacobite Steam Train, which crosses the bridge on its journey between Fort William and Mallaig. This scenic rail journey is often described as one of the most beautiful in the world. Running from late April to October, this 84-mile round trip passes through dramatic Highland landscapes and visits Britain's most Westerly railway station at Arisaig, lochs, and glens, including crossing the famous viaduct.
To get the best views of the viaduct can be found via a short walk from the Glenfinnan Visitor Centre. You can watch the Jacobite Steam Train curve across the arches with a dramatic Highland backdrop from this viewpoint. The area is also rich in Jacobite history, as it was here that Prince Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) raised his standard in 1745.
All prices are for a return ticket.
2025 Pricing
Adult Day Return - £69
Child Day Return (16 or under) - £39
Private Table For 2 Return - £229
1st Class tickets are available
Morning Service
Departs Fort William at 10:15 and arrives in Mallaig 12.26
Afternoon Service
Departs Fort William at 12.50 and arrives at Mallaig at 15.06
Road and rail links connect to Fort William, making it an ideal starting point for the journey to the Glenfinnan Viaduct and the Jacobite Steam Train.
It takes roughly 3 hours to reach Fort William via the A82 from Glasgow by car. The route is scenic, passing by Loch Lomond and the stunning Glencoe. Travelling by train, the journey from Glasgow Queen Street to Fort William takes 3 hours and 45 minutes on the West Highland Line, one of the world's most scenic railway journeys.
Allow up to 4 hours from Edinburgh by car, again using the A84/A85 before joining the A82 north. By train from Edinburgh Waverley Station, you connect with the train for Fort William at Glasgow Queen Street. Allow five hours for this journey.
Fort William is about 1 hour 45 minutes from Inverness by car via the A82 south along Loch Ness and through the Great Glen.
