Glenfinnan Viaduct
Glenfinnan Viaduct
4.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience Glenfinnan Viaduct
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
4 within 5 kms
Attractions
7 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- kadaver14275 contributionsBeautiful landscapeVery nice viaduct, beautiful landscape all around. We waited about 30 minutes for the train, which never came. But that was fine with me as it was damn windy there. Back in the car, the train pulled up 🤣🤣 Annoying... Still a nice place to visit. But we overtook the train on the way back and stood on a bridge above itVisited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 23 February 2024
- NickHeist-op-den-Berg, Belgium5 contributionsHogstijn expressI've been looking forward to seeing the Hogwarts Express in real life for so long! The wait was really worth it. If you have a little longer time, I recommend that you drive to a station where the train stops because sometimes you can actually enter the Hogstijn express without having to pay.Visited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten 28 February 2024
- Geoffrey MercierTours, France70 contributionsHike around the Glenfinnan Viaduct 🥾While passing through the Highlands, we stopped at Glenfinnan. How can you miss this legendary viaduct? Good points : - Various hiking trails, accessible to everyone: - Numerous views of the Viaduct and the Loch. - Various informative brochures on the history and construction of the Viaduct. We highly recommend this place to all lovers of hiking, nature and the world of J.K Rowling.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 3 March 2024
- amanda5805Duncan, Canada7,560 contributionsThe Hogwarts ExpressOur visit to the Glenfinnan Viaduct was a delightful surprise, even for someone like me who isn't a die-hard fan of Harry Potter, unlike my spouse (more books than movies). The viaduct's significance in the Harry Potter series is undeniable, and witnessing it in person was truly magical. We had read that the Jacobite Steam Train, also known as the Hogwarts Express, doesn't cross the bridge after October. However, upon arriving at Glenfinnan, we were surprised to find a crowd of people gathered to catch a glimpse of the train. It turns out, there were only three more days left in the season for the train to cross the bridge, making it the end of October. The excitement in the air was palpable as we eagerly awaited the train's arrival. While waiting, we explored the area and discovered several walking paths offering different vantage points of the viaduct. Each path provided stunning views of the bridge and surrounding scenery, allowing us to fully appreciate its grandeur. Finally, the moment we had been waiting for arrived—the Hogwarts Express chugged across the viaduct, enveloped in a cloud of steam. One interesting tidbit we learned is that the train crosses the viaduct twice a day. In the morning, the locomotive is facing the correct direction, but in the afternoon, it reversed. This means that for those locomotive is facing wrong way while hooked to the rest of the train (see in pictures). Which was a little disappointing. I would highly recommend getting there early so you can check out a few of the locations to get the best pictures. There is also a gift shop that carries a lot of Harry Potter Souvenirs.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 13 March 2024
- Matey2010Scotland, United Kingdom379 contributionsWell Worth A Visit but avoid peak times and bank holiday weekendsA long time goal was to visit the Glenfinnan viaduct and that was completed over easter weekend bank holiday. Well worth a visit but get there early as both car parks were Jam Packed when we arrived around 11.30 am. We travelled on to Mallaig and stopped off on our return later in the day. Be warned, parking is £5, even for accessible parking. It is quite a walk (but worth it) to the viaduct along a series of rough paths. If you have accessibility issues but are ambulent this is doable. If you are a wheelchair user it would be a bit more difficult as you get closer because the pathway is quite eroded, i’m guessing this is down to visitor numbers and natural erosion. It was disappointing that cafe was closed on a bank holiday weekend. Toilets are available but there is a donation box to ease your conscience.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 31 March 2024
- DobbyNashville, Tennessee334 contributionsGreat Harry Potter photo opportunity!It's a picturesque spot and one of the Harry Potter must-see spots. The Genfinnan Viaduct is easy to get to. There’s a parking lot right there, and it’s a 5-minute walk to the viaduct for some fantastic photo opportunities. It’s also across the street from the black lake.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 28 April 2024
- R P2 contributionsVery popular site at 3.20pm!Very very busy site. Had to wait to get into car park. The walk up to the viewpoint on the hill is quite steep and not suitable for all. However once you get to the top its worth it. The picnic area was perfect enough to watch the Jacobite Express trundling across the viaduct at exactly 3.20pm! 100s and 100s of people viewed this and returned from the trail which was a walk that went under the viaduct and towards the station. Never seen so many people waiting to view a train! Beautiful views on the trial. Definitely worth a visit.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 May 2024
- gufa83Italy731 contributionsWhat a show!Seeing the Harry Potter train is a wonderful experience for both fans of the saga and those who sympathize with it! If the train then overlooks the wonderful historic viaduct which makes the setting incredible, the fairy tale begins! Before going, check the website with the updated timetables and make sure that no trains have been cancelled. It happened to us that the afternoon train was canceled for 3 months, many didn't know... We were able to return the next day and admire the train passing by (obviously we found out about the certain times first!). Advised!!!!Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 5 June 2024
- Elizabeth C3 contributionsGlenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Loch Shiel 1 Day Tour from EdinburghThe tour was amazing! I loved how it was organized, the bus was very comfortable, we visited a lot of beautiful sceneries during 12 hours, our guide Finn was very attentive and he loved every corner of his beautiful country passionately! He advised us where to go, what's better to eat, and other useful tips. I really was able to immerse myself into scottish life, and I'm absolutely happy about it! Highly recommended!Visited June 2024Travelled soloWritten 6 June 2024
- Louise DDordrecht, The Netherlands824 contributionsGlenfinnanI gave myself a trip with The Jacobite as a birthday present and my mother was allowed to come along. The journey from Fort William to Mallaig is beautiful and can also be done with Scotrail. Perhaps the highlight of the trip is the Glenfinnan viaduct. That is really spectacular and it is also fun to wave to all the spectators because you have a lot of attention. We sat on the left side of the train and I think that is ideal on the way from Fort William to Mallaig and because the view doesn't get any better.Visited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 6 June 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
1,694 reviews
Excellent
983
Very good
531
Average
121
Poor
31
Terrible
28
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
Resize
La Tour-de-Peilz, Switzerland1,748 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
Be careful, if you really want to see the train go by, you have to arrive early, because even out of season, the parking lot (paid) is taken over, and it still takes 15-20 minutes to get to the viewpoint
Otherwise the viaduct in question, in addition to being a reference, is very beautiful, the short walk is not complicated, but still ends up going uphill (be careful with the rain)
And once there, you might as well take the opportunity to go to the edge of Loch Shiel, see the Glenfinnan Monument and the Glenfinnan Visitor Center (local products, expensive)
Otherwise the viaduct in question, in addition to being a reference, is very beautiful, the short walk is not complicated, but still ends up going uphill (be careful with the rain)
And once there, you might as well take the opportunity to go to the edge of Loch Shiel, see the Glenfinnan Monument and the Glenfinnan Visitor Center (local products, expensive)

Written 24 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tash C
Glasgow, UK128 contributions
Aug 2024 • Friends
This is obviously a major tourist hotspot with the Harry Potter express train passing through.
We read reviews that said you needed you arrive about an hour early to grab a parking spot. I would agree. We arrived just after 9:30 and ended up parking in the overflow carpark.
The caveat to saying you should get there earlier is the times getting increasingly earlier. If you want to see the 10:45 train crossing on the bridge, arrive at 9:30 and you’ll be fine.
The train itself was really magical (tehe) and there were plenty of viewpoints to climb to avoid other people getting into the photo.
I would also say that a carpark limit means that there’s not tons of people going to view this attraction all at once.
Definitely wear walking boots - very muddy.
The visitor centre was good. Staff very friendly and lots of gifts on offer to buy.
Parking was £5. I saw it as a donation more than anything.
The coffee from the van was nice and we shared a salad though I thought it was majorly overpriced at £9.50. £7 would have been a more appropriate mark.
So worth a visit if you’re a Harry Potter fan!
We read reviews that said you needed you arrive about an hour early to grab a parking spot. I would agree. We arrived just after 9:30 and ended up parking in the overflow carpark.
The caveat to saying you should get there earlier is the times getting increasingly earlier. If you want to see the 10:45 train crossing on the bridge, arrive at 9:30 and you’ll be fine.
The train itself was really magical (tehe) and there were plenty of viewpoints to climb to avoid other people getting into the photo.
I would also say that a carpark limit means that there’s not tons of people going to view this attraction all at once.
Definitely wear walking boots - very muddy.
The visitor centre was good. Staff very friendly and lots of gifts on offer to buy.
Parking was £5. I saw it as a donation more than anything.
The coffee from the van was nice and we shared a salad though I thought it was majorly overpriced at £9.50. £7 would have been a more appropriate mark.
So worth a visit if you’re a Harry Potter fan!
Written 27 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aisleena
Aberdeen, UK471 contributions
June 2023 • Couples
There is a pay and display car park. There are information boards along the path. I would recommend walking shoes/boots as well as waterproofs as it can often be raining! The train ended up being about 15 min later than advertised on the board at the visitor centre. It was great to see though. A must do for any Harry Potter fan!
Written 28 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yannick P
Plougoumelen, France244 contributions
June 2023
Well no, Harry POTTER is not there. There is paid parking and quite expensive for a small camper van. Then, there is about 500 m to go to find a place above the viaduct to be there to take the photo at 11 a.m. With rain and wind, it's more fun. Given the crowds, the rain, we lost 10 pounds and went to wait for the train at Glenfinnan station with parking for only 3 vehicles free. And the train came. Then we found him in the cinema landscapes on the road to Mallaig and we were able to make a video.
Train ticket prices are prohibitive, and reservations are made several months in advance. Tour operators feed the system.
Train ticket prices are prohibitive, and reservations are made several months in advance. Tour operators feed the system.

Written 2 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard S
Aberfeldy, UK51 contributions
July 2023 • Couples
This was the second time we had visited, the first about 20 years ago and were so impressed by this magnificent architectural masterpiece. We decided to visit again this year and were amazed to find more and more car parks and they were filled to the brim, several coaches were there as well. Apparently the main reason being thanks to JK Rowling and her Harry Potter books and films. Hundreds and hundreds of people coincide their trip with the times that the Jacobite steam train crosses the viaduct like the steam train does in Harry Potter. It is a great sight but if you go go early and expect it to be crowded. Also word of advice whilst there is some food available on site it’s very much more cost effective to take your own food and drink! If it’s just the viaduct you want to see best choice times when steam train not going to be there. Still well worth a visit for the craftsmanship !
Written 10 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
franckydoudou
Ambilly, France620 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
Read the different comments online it really helps once there...
yes you have to arrive in advance to have a parking space (especially if you come when the train passes), we arrived 40min before and it was full.
We found a small square with luck a little higher at church level (10 min walk from the first parking lot).
the train passes once in the morning and once after (between 15.10 and 15.20). yes the best view is above the viaduct but there are people and it takes u time to access it. about 10-15min from the parking to be at the base of the viaduct where the view is already beautiful.
We had little time we settled for this and it was already not bad!
Toilet in the Gift Shop where they also sell a little Harry Potter merch and such on the viaduct but not as much as we would have liked.
Meegees on site (Scottish mosquitoes). Good shoes if the day is wet because there will be some mud.
In any case even if the train passes in less than a minute we loved us!
yes you have to arrive in advance to have a parking space (especially if you come when the train passes), we arrived 40min before and it was full.
We found a small square with luck a little higher at church level (10 min walk from the first parking lot).
the train passes once in the morning and once after (between 15.10 and 15.20). yes the best view is above the viaduct but there are people and it takes u time to access it. about 10-15min from the parking to be at the base of the viaduct where the view is already beautiful.
We had little time we settled for this and it was already not bad!
Toilet in the Gift Shop where they also sell a little Harry Potter merch and such on the viaduct but not as much as we would have liked.
Meegees on site (Scottish mosquitoes). Good shoes if the day is wet because there will be some mud.
In any case even if the train passes in less than a minute we loved us!
Automatically translated
Written 9 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CDNTerry
Toronto, Canada573 contributions
Oct 2024 • Solo
Stopped here to see this famous viaduct, it is really neat to see. Bit of an easy hike to walk out to the actual viaduct but worth it if you are a Harry Potter fan or a fan of train viaducts! Easy to find, plenty of public parking when I was there but I can see it being much busier during high tourist season. Hundreds of visitors were there when I visited on an October Tuesday afternoon, plenty of tour buses too. Added bonus is you can also visit the Jacobite Memorial on Loch Shiel as it’s a quick walk from the visitor centre, much closer than the actual viaduct. The hike to the viaduct is fairly level on gravel paths with only the last 100 feet involving any climbing as you get closer to the actual viaduct. The path runs beside the stream so a nice walk and great views of the viaduct as you walk.
Written 9 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael N
Fort William, UK231 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
As a resident of the area and regular visitor to Glenfinnan, let me help some guests to this location.
Glenfinnan is NOT about Harry Potter or the viaduct. It's about the Jacobite rebellion in 1745 which started here and ended at Culloden. The tower monument does NOT have Bonnie Price Charlie on top. That is a representative, anonymous "Highlander" of the rebellion.
The steam train (normally there are three identical ones based in Fort William) through the summer months, crosses the viaduct at roughly 1050 in the morning each day from April to October. It is the 'Jacobite', NOT the Hogwarts or Harry Potter Express. It's afternoon schedule is less predictable, and does not always operate, or may be a diesel engine instead of steam.
There are two main carparks next to each other, one owned by the National Trust for Scotland and one by the Glenfinnan community. They are ridiculously busy in the hours running up to the passing of the trains. They may be closed to new arrivals up to two hours before "train time" as they are completely full. Cars and camper vans stopping on the main road, asking the car park attendants to be let in will be told to get moving (away) as they are blocking the main road which is typically busy with holiday traffic going to and from Skye via Mallaig.
Get there early. Take some time to learn about some Jacobite Rebellion history and take a gentle riverside walk towards the viaduct. It's worth climbing the hillsides to get a view above the viaduct, or continue under the viaduct and up the valley to a viewpoint there. The views are stunning, and the sight of the Jacobite on the viaduct is special. As is the view from the viewpoint reached by a short path behind the visitor centre. But I see many comments about rude car park staff which I feel is unjustified. Get there early and save everyone some stress. As for litter, and crazy and dangerous parking on the roadside, don't do it. I notice every coffee cup and plastic water bottle tossed at the roadside. This is a stunningly beautiful area. Please help to keep it that way for everyone.
Glenfinnan is NOT about Harry Potter or the viaduct. It's about the Jacobite rebellion in 1745 which started here and ended at Culloden. The tower monument does NOT have Bonnie Price Charlie on top. That is a representative, anonymous "Highlander" of the rebellion.
The steam train (normally there are three identical ones based in Fort William) through the summer months, crosses the viaduct at roughly 1050 in the morning each day from April to October. It is the 'Jacobite', NOT the Hogwarts or Harry Potter Express. It's afternoon schedule is less predictable, and does not always operate, or may be a diesel engine instead of steam.
There are two main carparks next to each other, one owned by the National Trust for Scotland and one by the Glenfinnan community. They are ridiculously busy in the hours running up to the passing of the trains. They may be closed to new arrivals up to two hours before "train time" as they are completely full. Cars and camper vans stopping on the main road, asking the car park attendants to be let in will be told to get moving (away) as they are blocking the main road which is typically busy with holiday traffic going to and from Skye via Mallaig.
Get there early. Take some time to learn about some Jacobite Rebellion history and take a gentle riverside walk towards the viaduct. It's worth climbing the hillsides to get a view above the viaduct, or continue under the viaduct and up the valley to a viewpoint there. The views are stunning, and the sight of the Jacobite on the viaduct is special. As is the view from the viewpoint reached by a short path behind the visitor centre. But I see many comments about rude car park staff which I feel is unjustified. Get there early and save everyone some stress. As for litter, and crazy and dangerous parking on the roadside, don't do it. I notice every coffee cup and plastic water bottle tossed at the roadside. This is a stunningly beautiful area. Please help to keep it that way for everyone.
Written 20 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hairdy
Preston, UK4,205 contributions
June 2021 • Solo
Walking around Glenfinnan, it's difficult to be able to really appreciate the viaduct and area as it is teaming with people, I understand pre Harry Potter the location was alot more peaceful, it's a shame. I just managed to find a seat in the picnic area, where you can see the viaduct, and take a walk under. However, I was going to walk upto the railway station, and was making the journey from Mallaig to Glasgow the next day-Book a seat on the limited Scotrail services, rather than The Jacobite, and you get the opportunity to travel a magnificent line, the views were beautiful
Written 19 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jazmin R
Woodchurch, UK80 contributions
June 2024 • Family
It's worth a visit if passing and I would only recommend at 10.45 and 2.10 as that's when the train passes over. Other than this it wasn't as amazing as everyone said it was. There are plenty of other places to see that are just if not more pretty. It was extremely packed when we waited for the train. But being said definitely stop in but make sure you get there an hour early to be able to park.
Written 19 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Guys,
we will on a road trip with our 4 year old son and would like to see the bridge without walking much as we will be carrying the stroller. Can we park at the visitor centre and view the bridge.
is the bridge visible from the glenfinnan monument. please help with the best place to view
Written 4 September 2023
Thanks Jason S for your prompt reply. Also, car park has ticket machine or we need to purchase from any ticket counter .
Written 5 September 2023
From where to take the normal train for Harry potter famous Bridge journey? All the tickets are sold put for steam train
Written 19 August 2023
You can get Scot Rail tickets from Fort William station for a train that goes to Mallaig - which travels over the viaduct.
Written 20 August 2023
Does one need to bo ok seats on the West Highland Line? We'll buy the Spirit of Scotland ticket. We intend to stay overnight in Corrour and Fort William and was therefore wondering whether it is possible just to take the train without booking in advance. Travelling September 1st.
Written 15 August 2023
The steam train is fully booked but you can get the Scotish rail . We went on that and found it very good great views as the windows are much bigger you don’t have to book but may be cheaper if you do
Written 19 August 2023
hi! did you park at the train station and walk to the view point? I want to view the train from the "top" viewpoint.
thank you
Written 14 August 2023
Park at the visitor center located across the road from the Glenfinnan Monument. Easy walk to be directly at the viaduct or go to higher ground nearby for a different view. Several other interesting viewpoints on the route to Mallaig including another scenic viaduct bridge.
Written 16 August 2023
quanto prima arrivare per vedere bene il treno dall'alto?
Written 23 June 2023
What is the post code of the car park ?
Written 24 June 2019
When we went up there, I put into google maps Glenfinnan Viaduct View Point and it comes up with the A830, 4LT Glenfinnan - Hope this helps. It's on the main road, there is a main view point car park and just abt 50m there's a small road on your right, where there is another small car park. Park up and keep walking up the gated road (gated to stop cars not walkers). Worth the walk up.
Written 24 June 2019
Hi, I wanted to visit Glenfinnan Viaduct in December from Edinburgh but traveling by train to Fort William takes a long time. Is there any other option I can do a 1 day trip to Glenfinnan?
Written 29 May 2019
Hi Mohammad, we travelled by car. As stated by others the weather and limited daylight hours would make a day trip by car from Edinburgh unlikely. I would suggest staying at Fort William to make the stay more enjoyable and less rushed.
Written 29 May 2019
Hi, we are planning a HP trip to UK in late December after Christmas. Just wondering whether the Jacobite train or ScotRail operates in December? Thanks!
Written 15 May 2019
The Jacobite Train doesn’t run in Dec. ScotRail regular trains do but on limited timing too. Check out their website for details. Even if you get to Glenfinnan station, with the museum closed, I’m not sure if there’s anyone there to direct you to the path up the hill (which offers beautiful views) to the viaduct. Not sure if GPS works on the hill as I didn’t try then.
Written 24 June 2019
Is there any train passing though in February??
Written 27 February 2019
Is there any train passing though in February??
Written 27 February 2019
…
Showing results 1-10 of 48
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing