From Edinburgh: Magical Highlands Tour with Hogwarts Express

Traveling from Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands with the highlight of riding the famous Hogwarts Express sounds like a dream come true for Harry Potter fans and lovers of Scotland’s wild landscapes alike. This full-day tour, offered by Gray Line Scotland, blends film locations, breathtaking scenery, and historic sites into a 13-hour adventure.

What we love about this experience is the chance to see the Highland vistas and film spots in one go—especially riding the Jacobite steam train over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, a moment many travelers cherish. We also appreciate the thoughtful stops for photos, local insights from guides, and the inclusion of a small packed breakfast, which helps start the day on a good note.

However, it’s worth considering that the train is not the original steam-powered Hogwarts Express—recent wildfires meant the train was replaced with an electric version, which may feel a little less authentic for some purists. Also, because the tour is quite long, it really suits those who enjoy a full-day adventure with lots of scenery and history at each stop. If you prefer a more relaxed pace or less travel time, this might feel like a busy day.

This trip is best suited for Harry Potter fans eager to see iconic filming locations and those who love a good Scottish landscape. If you’re after a comprehensive Highland experience with a sprinkle of magic, you’ll probably find this tour worth every penny.

Key Points

• Iconic Train Ride: Experience the Jacobite steam train, famous as the Hogwarts Express.
• Stunning Scenery: Cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct and see Loch Shiel, plus dramatic Highland landscapes.
• Film Location Visits: Walk in Harry Potter’s footsteps at multiple movie sites.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides make history and film facts engaging.
• Long but Rewarding Day: Expect a 13-hour trip with plenty of stops, snacks, and sightseeing.
• Value for Money: Included transportation, train ride, guide, and snacks make for a full-day adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: The Elephant House

The tour begins at The Elephant House in Edinburgh, famous as the cafe where J.K. Rowling wrote parts of Harry Potter. Meeting here gives a good start for Harry Potter fans, with a chance to absorb a bit of literary history before hitting the road.

Scotland in a Day

Your journey kicks off with a bus ride of about 2.67 hours heading west into the Highlands. The coach is comfortable enough for a long haul, and the guide’s commentary makes the hours pass quickly. Expect to learn about Scotland’s rugged landscapes, its clans, and perhaps some medieval secrets.

Glencoe Stop

The first scenic highlight is a 20-minute photo stop at Glencoe, one of Scotland’s most dramatic valleys. Known for its towering mountains and tragic history, Glencoe offers a striking backdrop for photos and a quick stretch for your legs. As one reviewer notes, “We loved the way the guide explained the history and lore of this area.”

More Great Tours Nearby

Fort William and the Jacobite Steam Train

After a short rest, the tour continues towards Fort William, where you’ll board the Jacobite steam train. Though it’s not the original Hogwarts Express, this train, made famous by the Harry Potter films, is still a highlight. The 2.17-hour ride takes you across the Glenfinnan Viaduct, with sweeping views of Loch Shiel – the lake that appears in the Chamber of Secrets. Many travelers praise the scenery: “You’ll love the views of the loch and the viaduct from the train,” as one reviewer puts it.

Mallaig and Lunch Break

Disembarking in the fishing village of Mallaig, you get an hour to explore or grab lunch. The town offers a relaxed atmosphere, with options for local seafood and snacks. Some mention they enjoyed wandering the harbor or trying some local fish and chips before returning to the coach.

Glenfinnan Visit

Next, a 30-minute stop at the Glenfinnan Visitor Center allows you to photograph the train crossing the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct again, from below. This is a photographer’s dream and a perfect moment to capture the train in action. Note that parking at Glenfinnan can be limited, and stops are subject to availability, so being prompt is wise.

Highland Landscapes and Movie Sites

The journey continues through Rannoch Moor, showcasing Scotland’s wilderness. It’s here that you’ll see locations from “The Prisoner of Azkaban” and other films. Guides often share stories about the filming process and the scenery’s significance, adding depth to the landscape views.

Returning to Edinburgh

After a scenic drive back through Pitlochry, your day concludes at The Elephant House. It’s a long day but packed with sights, stories, and memories—especially if you’re a Harry Potter enthusiast.

What’s Included and What To Consider

Included in the price are transportation to Fort William, a single journey on the Jacobite steam train, a guide, and a small breakfast snack. The return journey by coach wraps up the day, making it convenient to see a lot without the hassle of driving.

Not included are lunch and hotel pickups, so you’ll need to plan for meals in Mallaig or bring your own snacks. The train tickets are standard class only, which means no upgrades or reserved seats—your experience depends somewhat on luck, especially with seat allocations.

The Value of This Tour

At $202 per person, many travelers find this tour offers good value considering the included train ride, guide, transportation, and snacks. Compared to booking separate tickets for the train, bus, and attractions, it simplifies the day and provides expert commentary along the way. Multiple reviews highlight the professionalism and enthusiasm of guides like Ian, Brendan, Dougie, and Brian, who make the long day engaging and informative.

The length of the tour might be a consideration for some. While many praise the experience, it’s a long day (around 13 hours), with some reviews mentioning it felt “like a breeze” thanks to the guides’ energy and the scenic stops. It’s best suited for those comfortable with a full-day bus trip and eager to see multiple sights in one go.

Authentic Experiences Highlighted by Travelers

Many reviews emphasize that guides like Ian or Brendan bring Scottish history alive with humor and knowledge. Travelers appreciated the storytelling—covering everything from medieval clans to modern film trivia—which added layers of interest. Several mention how they enjoyed the local food, snacks, and the chance to see real Highland cows and quaint villages.

The train ride, though not the actual steam-powered Hogwarts Express, remains a standout feature for Harry Potter fans, with many describing it as “the best part” of the trip. The photos of the train crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct are often cited as a highlight.

Final Thoughts

This tour strikes a balance between spectacular scenery, film locations, and a full-day Scottish adventure. It’s ideal for Harry Potter fans who want to see the magic in the landscape and learn about the stories behind the films, as well as for travelers looking to enjoy some of the most scenic parts of the Highlands with a knowledgeable guide.

The value proposition is compelling—especially for those who appreciate guided commentary, convenience, and the chance to see iconic sights without the stress of planning multiple transports or tickets.

If you’re after a comprehensive Highland day trip with a dash of Harry Potter magic, this tour delivers a memorable experience. Just be prepared for the full day, bring snacks, and enjoy the breathtaking views that make Scotland’s Highlands one of the most stunning places in the world.

FAQ

Is the train ride the original Hogwarts Express?
No, due to recent wildfires, the original steam train has been replaced with an electric version. It’s still the same iconic route over Glenfinnan Viaduct and very much part of the Harry Potter film legacy.

What should I bring for the day?
Bring snacks, water, and weather-appropriate clothing. A camera or smartphone for photos is a must, especially at Glenfinnan and Glencoe.

Are there any food options during the trip?
A small packed breakfast snack is provided, and there are facilities and lunch options available in Mallaig. You might want to bring additional snacks or drinks.

How long is the train ride?
The train journey lasts about 2 hours and 17 minutes, offering scenic views of Loch Shiel and the viaduct.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 5 are not permitted due to the length of the tour. Be sure to check if your kids can handle a full day on the bus and train.

What if I want to see more Highland sites?
This tour covers key film locations and scenic spots, but if you seek in-depth Highland exploration, consider other options. This tour emphasizes Harry Potter sites and major vistas.

This Highland adventure offers a fantastic way to combine Scottish landscape with movie magic, guided by enthusiastic experts. Whether you’re a Potterhead or a lover of wild scenery, it promises a memorable day in Scotland’s most enchanting regions.

You can check availability for your dates here: