How to Visit Glenfinnan Viaduct in the Scottish Highlands
Last Updated on 25th February 2025 by Sophie Nadeau
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A renowned piece of Victorian engineering and the longest concrete railway bridge in Scotland, the Glenfinnan Viaduct spans across the River Finnan and boasts one of the most scenic train rides in the world!
It’s also the very bridge which has become synonymous with Harry Potter thanks to its feature in the films as the route which the Hogwarts Express takes. Here’s your guide on how to visit Glenfinnan Viaduct, as well as top tips and what to know before you go.
Contents
A history of Glenfinnan Viaduct
The Glenfinnan Viaduct is a railway viaduct on the West Highland Line that dominates the Glenfinnian landscape and has, over time, become a cinematic icon and treasure of Scotland.
The West Highland Railway was built and completed in 1894, reaching Fort William. However, although they had reached the West Coast, it was eventually decided that the rail line should be extended to Mallaig.
The viaduct was designed and engineered by Simpson & Wilson and built by Robert McAlpine & Sons from 1897 to 1901. Robert McAlpine himself earned the nickname “Concrete Bob” thanks to his known innovative use of concrete as a material.
The impressive stretch of railway took just four years to complete and was, in fact, one of the last constructions of the Victorian railway revolution. They used pioneering technology to construct the viaduct, working alongside the hard schist rock of the landscape.
The viaduct comprises 21 looming stone arches that span 50 feet each, reaching across the River Finnan. It stands 100 feet above ground and carries one single track.
Today, the Glenfinnan Viaduct remains the longest concrete railway bridge in Scotland and stands a testament to the spectacular feat of engineering in a mountainous landscape. The viaduct is commemorated on a Scottish £10 note and it boasts one of the most picturesque train journeys in the world!
It’s for this reason that Glenfinnan Viaduct has often featured in several films and television series, most notably the popular Harry Potter series in which it has starred in four of the eight films – this, in particular, has made the viaduct even more iconic.
The Harry Potter Connection
The viaduct has become so synonymous with Harry Potter that it’s often referred to as the “Harry Potter Bridge”.
If you’re a fan of Harry Potter, you may well recognise the Glenfinnan Viaduct from the films when it first appeared in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
After missing the Hogwarts Express at Platform 9¾, Harry and Ron steal Arthur Weasley’s flying car to get to school. The viaduct makes an appearance when they are being flung around the Scottish landscape in the small blue vehicle.
It also features in three of the later films from the series, showing the beloved Hogwarts Express steamrolling across the railway track into the Scottish Highlands to the magical school of wizardry.
How to visit
The Scottish landscape alone is enough reason to visit and the Glenfinnan Viaduct easily makes the list as one of the most beautiful viaducts in the world.
When it comes to visiting there are two ways to experience Glenfinnan Viaduct; by taking the iconic Jacobite Train (which I don’t necessarily recommend doing in 2024) or by heading to the viaduct to walk next to it. If you time your visit correctly, you’ll get to see the famous train passing over the amazing structure!
During the summer months, the Jacobite train runs twice a day from Fort William to Mallaig and back again; this gives you four opportunities to see the train travel across the bridge. Check the Jacobite train timetable here.
Please note that the Jacobite Steam train is only in operation in the morning service. The afternoon service is currently being pulled by a diesel locomotive as opposed to the classic steam train.
The Jacobite train typically runs from March to October, and one of the best times to see the train roll across full steam ahead is during Autumn when the landscape is painted all shades of orange, red and yellow.
Car Parking
To reach the car park which boasts the best view of the viaduct you’ll want to drive around 10 minutes west from the Glenfinnan Visitor Centre.
There’s only one car park here, which is just a few minutes walk from the best view of the viaduct. It’s both well-signposted and easy to access.
However, when visiting during peak season, you should be aware that the car park can get very busy and sometimes even closes because it’s too full (so you might consider visiting quite early in the day to avoid this).
Take a guided tour
If you don’t want to rent your own car, then another option is to take a guided tour which includes a stop off at the viaduct. Here are some of our top recommendations:
- Inverness: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Mallaig, & Loch Ness Day Tour
- From Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct & The Highlands Day Trip
- From Inverness: Jacobite Steam Train and Highlands Tour
Practical information
Be prepared for all weather types! After all, Scotland’s weather is known to be unpredictable despite what the weather forecast may suggest, you can never really know.
The highlands in particular can get windy and rainy quite quickly (though it has to be said this certainly adds to the atmosphere) it’s always best to have a raincoat at the ready should you need it.
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