The Harry Potter train really exists: how to find it

The famous Jacobite Express steam train gracefully crosses the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, an engineering masterpiece that winds through the mountainous landscapes of the Scottish Highlands.

This curved, 21-arch viaduct, built between 1897 and 1901, has not only stood the test of time, but has become a recognizable postcard for travelers around the world after appearing in the Harry Potter films as the bridge over which the Hogwarts Express travels.

The royal train that runs through it, the Jacobite Express, is a steam locomotive that makes one of the most scenic rail journeys in the United Kingdom : it departs from Fort William and arrives in the port city of Mallaig in about two hours. YOU MIGHT READ: Puma launched a new collection in collaboration with Harry Potter

Beyond its cinematic fame, this experience revives the romanticism of old-fashioned train journeys, with classic carriages and the distinctive sound of steam marking the rhythm of the journey .

As the Jacobite passes through Glenfinnan, it connects two worlds: a real one, of rugged landscapes and Scottish legends, and a fantasy one, where magic seems as possible as stone.

The tour begins near Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, and visits Arisaig Railway Station. It passes near Loch Morar, Britain's deepest freshwater loch, and also the shortest river, River Morar. Finally, it arrives next to Europe's deepest seawater loch, Loch Nevis.

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The viaduct appeared in four of the Harry Potter films. Fans of the series went wild, and it became a very popular location . In fact, the Hogwarts Express actually exists in real life. It's called the Jacobite and passes over the Glenfinnan Viaduct every day from May to October. So if you want to see the Harry Potter train, you'll have to go to the Glenfinnan Viaduct during these times.

The Glenfinnan Viaduct is located very close to Fort William. As with any trip to Scotland, we recommend renting a car and exploring freely. It has beautiful spots, such as castles, that are very difficult to reach by public transport.

From Fort William, it will take just over 20 minutes to get there. However, it's also common to get there from other locations (sorted by proximity).

- Inverness: 128 km – 2 hours

- Isle of Skye: 104km – 2 hours and 15 minutes - Glasgow: 193km – 3 hours - Edinburgh: 256km – 3 hours and 20 minutes

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If you don't have a car and don't want to take the train, there's another option to see it passing over the Glenfinnan Viaduct. There are many excursions through the Scottish Highlands that include a stop at this special place. They depart from Edinburgh and Glasgow, the most visited cities in the country. There are options for all tastes and budgets, lasting from 2 to 5 days, and you'll see some of Scotland's most beautiful places.