Sweeping across a quiet Highland valley, the Glenfinnan Viaduct is one of those places that somehow lives up to the hype.
Built between 1897 and 1901, it curves gracefully above the landscape, overlooking the Glenfinnan Monument and the shimmering waters of Loch Shiel.
Whether you recognise it as a feat of Victorian engineering or as the real-life Hogwarts Express route, standing beneath its towering arches feels undeniably special. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of a visit to one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks.
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Visiting Glenfinnan Viaduct
We opted for the 30-minute drive – ridiculously scenic, so peppered with stops – around Loch Eil from Fort William to Glenfinnan Viaduct.
When we arrived, the official car park was at full capacity. Locals were charging upwards of £20 for spaces on their land, so we parked twenty minutes down the road and ended up walking along a fairly busy stretch of carriageway.
We later found out we’d arrived just after one of the scheduled train crossings, which explained why it was absolutely heaving. Definitely check the train timetable before you visit to time it better.
We ambled up towards the hillside viewpoint to the left of the viaduct. Make sure you head through the car park and turn left. It takes around 15 minutes to reach, it’s the classic photo spot you’ll see large groups heading towards.
The views from the top are genuinely impressive and well worth the effort – seeing the famous arched bridge stretching across the valley makes it clear why it’s such an iconic spot.
TRAVEL TIP ✈️
Keep your eyes peeled along the way for deer; we managed to spot a couple of stags sipping from the river in the fields adjacent to the paths. A magical experience – it felt like having our very own patronus.
How to Get to the Glenfinnan Viaduct
The Glenfinnan Viaduct is tucked away in the Scottish Highlands, about 15 miles west of Fort William on the A830 (Road to the Isles). There are a couple of ways to get there from the nearest town, Fort William.
By Car: This is the most flexible option and what we opted for. Just follow the A830 towards Mallaig. However, parking can be difficult, especially around train times.
By Train: You can take the West Highland Line from Fort William to Glenfinnan station, which actually crosses the viaduct itself.
When to See the Harry Potter Train
The Jacobite steam train, which bears a striking resemblance to the Hogwarts Express, crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct four times each day at approximately 10:45 AM and 1:20 PM both heading west, and around 3:30 PM and 6:20 PM heading east.
Generally, the train only runs between April and October. Between June and August, the crowds are huge, which can make things like parking and grabbing a good photo spot difficult. We visited in May and while it was busy, it’s much more manageable than in summer.
Tip: Make sure you arrive with plenty of time, at least 30 minutes before the train is due in. Parking fills up extremely quickly and then you’re left trying to find a safe spot on the side of the road – which can be a 15 minute walk away.
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Can I Ride the Harry Potter Train?
Yes! The Jacobite Steam Train – famously featured in the Harry Potter films as the Hogwarts Express – runs across the Glenfinnan Viaduct during the tourist season, typically from April through October.
The train operates on the West Highland Line between Fort William and Mallaig, crossing the iconic viaduct along the way. There are usually two departures per day (morning and afternoon), and you can book either a single journey or return trip.
Where to Stay Near Glenfinnan Viaduct
Fort William is the most popular base when visiting Glenfinnan and is where we stayed. It’s around a 30-minute drive away and has the widest choice of hotels, B&Bs, and campsites. It’s also ideal if you’re planning to explore more of the Highlands, hike Ben Nevis, or travel further along the Road to the Isles.
Glenfinnan Village is a quieter option if you want to stay close by. Accommodation here is limited, but you’ll find a small number of guesthouses and inns, plus the historic Glenfinnan House Hotel overlooking Loch Shiel.
Or, for something more remote and scenic, consider nearby areas like Arisaig, Morar, or along Loch Eil.
What to Know Before You Go
Like we’ve mentioned, parking is limited and fills up extremely quickly. The official car park is the safest and most convenient option, but once it’s full, alternatives can be a fair walk away along busy roads. Always park responsibly and avoid blocking passing places.
Wear sturdy footwear, as paths can be uneven, muddy, or slippery — especially after rain. The walk to the hillside viewpoint isn’t long, but it’s uphill and can be rough in places. Bring a raincoat, too; Scottish weather is famously unpredictable.
We were attacked by midges absolutely everywhere we went in the Highlands, and Glenfinnan Viaduct was no exception. Make sure you wear long layers of clothing and bring insect repellent with you.
