Guide to the Harry Potter Train in Scotland: Steam vs Diesel

Going on the Harry Potter train and seeing the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct was top of my bucket list, so I was ecstatic to get the chance to visit Scotland this year and do it! Things didn’t go according to plan, though, so I’m sharing this as a guide to deciding what experience is better for you: the steam or diesel “Harry Potter” train.

When I was going to Fort William, I didn’t even know there were two trains. I only knew of the Jacobite steam train, which is the actual steam train used in the Harry Potter movies. This is the train I so desperately wanted to go on, but I found out that all the tickets were booked for when I’d be in the area!

Devastated, I did some research and found out there’s a plain old ScotRail diesel train that does the same route (Fort William to Mallaig, roundtrip) as the Jacobite steam train (a.k.a. the Harry Potter train).

And I found out that in some ways, it’s a better option.

An Alternative: Diesel “Harry Potter” Train

The main reason I chose it was because, well, I had to. Like I said, all tickets were sold out for the Jacobite steam train. The diesel train is not as luxurious and doesn’t have that same Harry Potter vibe as the Jacobite steam train, but it does have its perks.

There are more availability options for it because unlike the Harry Potter steam train, which runs only once or twice a day, the diesel train runs several times a day.

Not only does it mean more ticket availability, but you’ll also have more options to fit the train journey into your schedule. You also have more freedom, such as being able to stay longer or shorter in Mallaig or getting off to see the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which I’ll talk about later.

And best of all? It’s just a fraction of the price of the steam train!

I don’t think this cheaper and more flexible option is widely known (I had to scour the internet to find this all out), so I thought I’d share! At the end of this post, I have a pros list for the diesel and steam “Harry Potter” trains.

But first, here’s what this bucket list experience is like.

The Journey: Harry Potter film spots

The one similarity between the steam train and diesel train is that they take the same route from Fort William to Mallaig on the same railway, so you’ll see the same Harry Potter film spots along the way.

Among the Harry Potter filming sites include the Glenfinnan Viaduct (Movies 2, 3 and 5) and Loch Eilt (Movies 2, 3, 4 and 8).

There’s a lot more to the journey than the Harry Potter film locations though. (Although any diehard fan will say that’s the best part.) As an added plus, Scottish hills and lochs scattered with remote evidence of civilization interlude the film sites.

The end destination of this train journey is the town of Mallaig. It isn’t very big at all, but it’s a cute little seaside town. Whichever train you choose to take, the diesel or steam train, you’ll have a bit of time to wander before you need to get back on the train returning to Fort William. (Like I mentioned, you have more flexibility on when that is if you take the diesel train.)

I stopped for tea and scones at The Cabin. Who needs cream tea on a fancy train when you can get it at this cozy place? (Ok, who am I kidding, it’d be much more fun and cool on the Harry Potter train…) It was a nice place to chill, write in my journal and read while waiting for the next train back to Fort William.

You’ll get a completely new train on your journey back if you took at the diesel train. But there is only one Jacobite steam train, so you’ll be taking the same train back. (It waits at the station, which is a great photo op… even for diesel train riders like me!)

If you missed snapping a good shot of the Harry Potter film locations on the way to Mallaig, you get a second chance on the way back!

Make sure to sit on the other side (right side) on the way back if you want a good shot of the Glenfinnan Viaduct.

In total, the train journey is roughly two hours one way (diesel train runs a bit faster than the steam train).

Visiting the Glenfinnan Viaduct

If you take the Jacobite steam train, you unfortunately won’t be able to hop off at the Glenfinnan station. You’ll only be able to take a picture from the top of the viaduct as you pass over it. (It will slow down especially for this purpose.) If you want to see it up close, your best bet would be to drive there. Just be aware parking is limited (might be a bit problematic during peak season) and paid.

With the diesel train, however, you can get off to see this iconic Harry Potter film spot up close. Since there are regular diesel trains coming to and from Mallaig, you can get off and continue on your journey by getting on the next train.

To get to the viaduct from the station, simply take the path that you can access right off the Glenfinnan station. It’s not very well marked, so I wasn’t sure at first if it was the right way, but trust that it is! Just hop onto the narrow path lined with shrubbery going up the hill, and keep going on it.

The hike is quite easy and takes about 20-ish minutes, or possibly more depending on how much you stop to take pictures. (I did a lot!)

You’ll soon get some great viewpoints to take pictures, first of the nearby loch, and then the viaduct. These viewpoints get better and better the closer you get to the viaduct!

Keep going down the path, as you can cross under the viaduct to the other side of it. This is also a great spot for a photo!

Can’t decide which train to take: steam or diesel?

To sum up some earlier points, here are the benefits of both the “Harry Potter” steam train and the diesel train.

Jacobite Steam Train:

• It’s historic and so pretty! It’s also well cared for, and by choosing it, you’re helping to preserve history.
• This is the train featured in the Harry Potter movies, so you’ll feel like you’re actually going to Hogwarts.
• You can purchase cream tea to enjoy during your trip.
• It’s more luxurious.

Diesel Train:

• It does the same route as the steam train, yet it’s much cheaper.
• It runs more frequently, so it allows for more flexibility with your schedule.
• You can get off at the Glenfinnan station to see the iconic viaduct up close. Same goes for any other station you’d like to get off at to explore. Alternatively, you can always buy a one-way ticket to a station along the journey and stay overnight. Then you can return whenever you’d like on another one-way ticket back to Fort William (or wherever!).
• It’s less crowded, especially in peak season. This is particularly a plus during COVID times.

Whether you take the diesel train or Jacobite steam train, I hope your Harry Potter train journey will be as magical as mine was!

And to Finish Off, Here Are Some General Tips:

• Sit on the left side on the journey to Mallaig from Fort William, or on the right side on the journey to Fort William from Mallaig. This will allow you to get that iconic shot of the Glenfinnan Viaduct from the train.
• Bring snacks on the diesel train. It’s a regular train, meaning you can’t buy any food on the train. But you can purchase food and drinks on the steam train, just like on the Hogwarts Express! Anything off the trolley, dears? Book your cream tea on the Jacobite train in advance.
• If you’re going on the Harry Potter train during COVID times, you of course need to wear a mask, both on the diesel and steam train.
• Book in advance if you’re going on the Jacobite steam train (lesson I learned the hard way). With the diesel train you should be okay buying a ticket the day of, but I bought tickets the day before just to be safe. I bought mine online, and then got a code to put in the machine at the station to print them out.
• Make sure your phone or camera has a full charge! You’ll need full battery on this scenic (and Harry Potter film location filled) train ride.
• If you want a picture of the Jacobite train riding across the Glenfinnan viaduct, you need to plan your timing well, whether you’re driving there or getting off the diesel train at Glenfinnan. The train crosses over the viaduct roughly at 10:45 am and 3:10 pm. Make sure you arrive ahead of time to not miss it!
• When visiting the viaduct, don’t stray off the path! Tourists have caused erosion in the area, so be a good tourist!

Have you ever done this train journey? Did you choose the steam train or diesel train?