Exactly How to Find the 7 Top Glenfinnan Viewpoints
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The Glenfinnan Viaduct is most famous for being the viaduct which the Hogwarts Express can be seen crossing in the Harry Potter films. It is now often referred to as “the Harry Potter train bridge”.
Even if you are not a Harry Potter fan, seeing the steam train crossing the viaduct is a spectacular sight. I was expecting the experience to be very touristy, and yes it was, but I was surprised how much I enjoyed it.
Don’t miss this experience! It might end up being one of the highlights of your trip. It was for me.
How to Find the Best Glenfinnan Viaduct Viewpoint
1. The Most Popular Glenfinnan Viewpoint
Walking time from car park: 15-20 minutes
Train direction: From Fort William to Mallaig
Are you wondering from where you will get the best view of Glenfinnan Viaduct? The answer is from this viewpoint.
The walk here used to be a bit chaotic with people walking along the main road. However, a new bridge means that you no longer need to.
The bridge is not marked in Google maps, but it does exist. Starting from the back of the car park walk through the red arch. Follow the path which crosses the river shortly after.
Before you reach the Glenfinnan Viaduct arches a green sign with a viewpoint symbol directs you up to the left. Walk through a gate and under the arches. From here it is a short but steep climb up to the viewpoint.
There is a well-defined path up the hill side. Stop where you think the view is best.
Should you want to have a look at the exact location in advance the what3words for the viewpoint is foggy.bloom.firewall.
2. Northeastern Viewpoint
Walking time from car park: 20 minutes
Train direction: Either direction
The start of the walk is the same as for the viewpoint above. After the arches of the viaduct, cross back to the other side of the river again.
Follow the path up to the right. Continue until you reach a small hill on your left. It can be a muddy climb.
The first time I tried this route I went left too early and the ground was very wet and boggy. Stick to the path until you reach the point marked on Google Maps above.
To help you the what3words for the location is winning.gloom.sunset and look at where the person wearing a blue top is standing in the photo above.
3. Below the Viaduct
Walking time from car park: 10 minutes
Train direction: Either direction
Looking up at the viaduct gives you a completely different perspective of what is often described as the “Harry Potter bridge”. The viaduct has 21 arches and is 30 metres high. You have to get up and close to really appreciate the scale.
First time visitors should pick one of the two viewpoints described above. On a second or third visit consider viewing the train from here.
4. Glenfinnan Viewpoint
Walking time from car park: 15 minutes
Train direction: Either direction
This is not only great for watching the train or seeing the viaduct. The views of the Glenfinnan monument and the loch are also amazing.
The path starts by the visitors’ centre. Walk past the visitors’ centre on the right (towards the loch) and start climbing up to the left. It is less than 300 metres to the top of the hill.
At the back of the viewpoint you can see the viaduct by walking through some tall grass. However, be aware that there can be ticks in the grass in the summer.
Check for ticks carefully in between your toes and on your legs if wandering off the main path. Whenever travelling to the Scottish highlands I always brig a tick remover, just in case.
5/6. Viewpoint by the Car Park
Walking time from car park: 0-5 minutes
Train direction: Either direction
This is the viewpoint that requires the least amount of walking but the views of the train are not as good as from the other viewpoints.
Unless you have limited mobility walk the extra couple of hundred metres to the first viewpoint described above.
From the car park walk through the red arch with the green sign stating “Footpath to viaduct”. The first viewpoint is by the red arch. The second is on the right just before the bridge.
7. On the Train
There is nothing quite like riding on the Jacobite steam train over the viaduct which the Harry Potter films made famous.
The train briefly stops on the bridge when travelling to Mallaig so passengers can take a photo out of the window. It does not stop on the way back to Fort William.
Sitting on the left side of the train (in the direction of travel) you will be in prime position for photos of the train crossing the viaduct. The left side is also where you have the best views of the lochs and coastline.
For everything you need to know about getting the train read my guide to taking the Jacobite Steam Train
What Time Does the Jacobite Pass Glenfinnan
People tend to Google “Harry potter timetable” or “Glenfinnan viaduct train times”. The train you are looking for is the Jacobite.
The Jacobite takes 30 to 45 minutes to travel from Fort William to the viaduct.
That means that the train to Mallaig will pass over the viaduct between
10.45-11.00 (Mar-Oct) and 13.20-13.35 (May-Sep).
I highly recommend seeing the train when it is travelling towards Mallaig. The locomotive travels backwards on its return to Fort William. This means that it doesn’t look as nice in photos, but there will be far fewer people at the viewpoints.
On the return to Fort William the train will be at the viaduct at 14.50-15.10 (Mar-Oct) and 17.40-18.00 (May-Sep).
The standard trains from Fort William to Mallaig are not steam trains so don’t look on the general rail websites for times or you will end up very disappointed.
Jacobite Train Schedule for 2024
The Jacobite runs from the end of March until the end of October. The morning service, shown below, runs for the full period. The Jacobite steam train timetable includes an afternoon service from early May to the end of September.
Glenfinnan Viaduct Parking
The Glenfinnan viaduct viewpoint car park has been expanded in recent years. However, it still often gets full well before the Jacobite steam train crosses the viaduct, also known as the “Harry Potter railway bridge”.
During the summer I recommend arriving at the Glenfinnan parking area at least an hour before the train is due. In July and August, which are the busiest months, arrive closer to 1.5 – 2 hours before to be sure to get a parking space.
There are two car parks:
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- National Trust Car Park: The car park closest to the Glenfinnan visitors’ centre is a National Trust car park. It is pay and display and you pay per hour, unless you are a National Trust member, in which case it is free to park. Sign up for your National Trust Membership here.
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- Glenfinnan Community Car Park: Next to the National Trust car park is a large overflow car park. From April to October, it costs £3.50 per day to park. There is also space for coaches and motorhomes. The idea behind it being a community car park is that the proceeds are invested back into the local community.
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- Please note that the car park is closed from 10pm to 7am. You cannot stay overnight.
Should both of these car parks be full you can try to park by the church, but there is just room for a couple of cars. There is no alternative parking if this area is full as well.
Another option is to book lunch at the Glenfinnan House Hotel and to see the train cross the viaduct either before or after lunch. The car park at the hotel is strictly for guests only.
Other Things to Do in Glenfinnan
1. Glenfinnan Viewpoint
This viewpoint is described above. However, it deserves a mention under things to do as well because of the fantastic views of Glenfinnan Monument and Loch Shiel as shown in the photo above.
Personally I would watch the train from viewpoint 1 above and climb this small hill either before or afterwards.
2. Glenfinnan Viaduct Walk
The Glenfinnan Viaduct trail is a short circular walk that is 4km long and takes about 1-1.5 hours.
Starts by walking to the first viewpoint described above. From there it continues to Glenfinnan train station and back through the village to the car park. The terrain is mainly flat after you have climbed the hill by the viewpoint.
The stretch between the viewpoint and Glenfinnan station is the prettiest. During the late summer and early autumn the heather along the path is bright purple.
3. Glenfinnan Monument
The Glenfinnan Monument is 18 meters tall and is at the shore of Loch Shield. It is a tribute to the 1745 Jacobite uprising, an important event in Scottish history.
To go inside, book tickets online ahead of time. Entry is free for National Trust members. Or you can also see the monument from outside for free.
It is a short walk from the visitor center’s parking to the monument.
4. Glenfinnan Viaduct Visitors’ Centre
The visitors’ centre is right next to the car park and is free to enter.
It is open from 10am to 4pm from end of October until early March. The rest of the year it is open from 9.30am to 5pm. It is closed over Christmas.
Inside the centre you can learn about the history of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite uprising in 1745. Afterwards browse the gift shop selling souvenirs and, as you would expect these days, Harry Potter merchandise.
There are also toilets and a café.
5. Glenfinnan Station Museum and Dining Car
The museum covers the history of the West Highland Railway and the viaduct. It is right next to the station building and it is open from 9am to 5pm every day. Having said that, it was closed last time I tried to visit.
There is no entrance fee.
The Station Dining Car is a tearoom serving breakfast and lunch. Breakfast is served from 8.30am to 11am. Lunch starts at 11.30am with last order around 4pm.
For anyone really into trains you can stay overnight in one of the old railway cars.
6. Saint Mary and Saint Finnan Church
The church is on a small hill but there are no views down to the loch below.
The church is often locked. Therefore, admire the church whilst having a coffee at the food truck which is located in the car park in front of the church.
Things to Do Near Glenfinnan
Most people visit to see the train cross the viaduct and then either return to Fort William or Mallaig thus missing out on all the other areas close by.
Don’t make the same mistake and make sure you visit some of the places below:
Arisaig: a 30-minute drive away is the small village of Arisaig which has several options for lunch. The top things to see in Arisaig is the local museum, or with more time, a wildlife cruise. Should you have a full day you can take a day trip to one of the Small Isles such as Muck or Eigg.
Morar: Close to Mallaig is the small village of Morar. It is often overlooked but there are a couple of fun things to do in Morar such as the Morar Cross or look for the sea monster by Morar Loch.
Beaches: The Arisaig and Morar beaches are the prettiest in the area. Imagine white sands and beautiful views out to the islands of Eigg and Rum. Drive the B8008 and stop at Traigh Beach, Camusdarach and the Silver Sands beaches.
Ben Nevis: climbing Ben Nevis takes a whole day but when driving back towards Fort William stop at Corpach and the Thomas Telford Corpach Marina. At the end of the pier by the lighthouse you get panoramic views of Ben Nevis (assuming it is clear) and you can walk Neptune’s Staircase at the same time.
Neptune’s Staircase: Like the Glenfinnan Viaduct, Neptune’s Staircase was an engineering feat when it was constructed. Boats can move up or down 20 metres through 8 steps (locks). It takes about 1.5 hours to travel through all the locks by boat. It is much quicker to walk to the top!
Glenfinnan Restaurants
The most obvious place to stop for food is the Viaduct View Cafe in the car park. However, it is expensive and the food is average.
For a snack there is a food truck that sells cakes and coffees next to the church.
A much more atmospheric place for a meal is the Glenfinnan House Hotel. It has a bar and a restaurant. Prices match what you would expect to pay at a boutique hotel.
How to Get to Glenfinnan Viaduct
As soon as you leave the larger cities in Scotland public transportation is more limited. The same goes for the Glenfinnan area. The easiest way to get to Glenfinnan is by car.
Since travelling by public transport is often time consuming, I have included a Glenfinnan Viaduct tour from each destination where it is available.
From Fort William to Glenfinnan Viaduct
Drive time: 30 minutes
Bus: Buses leave from Fort William bus station and take around 30 minutes to Glenfinnan. Taking the bus avoids the difficult parking situation, but the bus schedule leaves you with a lot of time around Glenfinnan.
Train: The Jacobite steam train stops at Glenfinnan railway station but only long enough for you to stretch your legs.
To be there in time to see the Jacobite steam train cross the viaduct take one of the ‘standard’ trains. There are 4 trains a day and the journey time is 35 minutes.
The lunch time train gets you there just in time to see the afternoon steam train cross the viaduct. The morning departure gives you too much time at Glenfinnan in my view.
Tickets can be booked here.
Best tour: Not available
From Mallaig to Glenfinnan Viaduct
Drive time: 35 minutes.
Bus: The bus takes 50 minutes. One of the buses drops you at Glenfinnan about 45 minutes before the train crosses the bridge.
Train: The train takes 30 minutes from Mallaig. To not end up with too much time around Glenfinnan take the bus there and the train back.
Train tickets can be booked here.
Best tour: Not available
From Inverness to Glenfinnan Viaduct
Drive time: 2 hours. It is a great detour if you are driving from Portree to Inverness by car.
Bus: Buses take around 3 hours and involve a change in Fort William.
Due to the bus schedule you can make it to Glenfinnan in time for the afternoon train or the return train from Mallaig to Fort William.
Train: Not an option from Inverness. The quickest route takes 9 hours!
However, you can do a combination of bus and train which is 2 hours and 45 minutes. Take the bus to Spean Crescent, which is a short walk from Spean Bridge railway station.
From Spean Bridge there are direct trains to Glenfinnan which take 50 minutes.
Train tickets can be booked here.
Best tour: Full day tour from Inverness to Glenfinnan, Mallaig and Loch Ness.
From Glencoe to Glenfinnan Viaduct
Drive time: 50 minutes.
Bus: How long it takes varies depending on the time of day and the connection. It can be as little as 1 hour and 15 minutes or up to 3 hours.
There are no direct buses, they all require you to change in Fort William.
Train: There is no train station in Glencoe, but you can get the bus to Fort William and then the train. However, it will likely take you 2.5-3 hours so you are much better off taking the bus.
Best tour: Not available
From Glasgow to Glenfinnan Viaduct
It is a long journey to travel from Glasgow to Glenfinnan Viaduct and back in a day.
There is more than enough to do in the area to make it worthwhile staying for a night or two. Both Glenfinnan and the area around Arisaig and Fort William are good stops on the way from Glasgow to Isle of Skye.
Drive time: +3 hours.
Bus: There are no direct buses. With a change in Fort William the journey takes at least 4 hours. To get to Glenfinnan in time for the train it will mean an early morning start.
Train: Direct trains run to Glenfinnan and take 4.5 hours. Book tickets here.
Best tour: Full day tour from Glasgow to Glenfinnan, Glencoe and Mallaig.
From Edinburgh to Glenfinnan Viaduct
By public transport it is a long and complicated journey from Edinburgh to Glenfinnan Viaduct. It is better to drive or take a group tour.
Given the distance and time it takes make this a stop as part of a road trip from Isle of Skye to Edinburgh.
Drive time: +3.5 hours.
Bus: To get to Glenfinnan you must first go to Glasgow and then on to Fort William. In other words, you must take 3 buses which takes at least 5.5 hours.
Train: By train you must also travel via Glasgow and then take a direct train to Glenfinnan. It takes a little over 6 hours.
Tickets can be booked here.
Best tour: Full day tour from Edinburgh to Glenfinnan, Glencoe and Fort William.
FAQ on the Harry Potter Train Bridge
Where Is the Glenfinnan Viaduct?
The Glenfinnan Viaduct is in Scotland. It is in the small village of Glenfinnan which is halfway between Mallaig and Fort William.
There is no viaduct at Fort William, but it is a half hour drive from Fort William to the viaduct in Glenfinnan.
Can You Walk to Glenfinnan Viaduct?
Yes, you can walk to the Glenfinnan viaduct and it is the only way to get close to it. You can get views of the Glenfinnan viaduct from the car park, but you cannot drive up to the viaduct itself.
How Long Does It Take to Walk to Glenfinnan Viaduct?
It is a 10 minute walk on flat ground from the visitors’ centre. Follow the blue path at the rear of the car park. It takes 15-20 minutes to walk to the best viewpoint (number 1 above) from the visitors’ centre.
What Time Should I Arrive at the Glenfinnan Viaduct Viewpoint?
The Jacobite steam train will cross the Glenfinnan viaduct between 10.45-11.00 and 13.20-13.35. That is 30 to 45 minutes after the train departs Fort William.
Please remember that you need to arrive at Glenfinnan well before that to be able to park. I recommend arriving about 2 hours before in July and August and about 1 hour before for the rest of the year.
Should I Take the Train or Watch It Cross the Viaduct?
To capture the well-known Glenfinnan Viaduct scene in Harry Potter films watch the train cross from viewpoint 1, detailed above.
For a nice day out and to pretend you are actually on the Hogwarts Express book a ticket on the train. The train will be full of tourists, many with wand in hand and wearing their Harry Potter scarfs and robes.
Are There Any Toilets at Glenfinnan?
Yes, at visitors’ centre which is open from 10am to 4pm from end of October until early March. The rest of the year it is open from 9.30am to 5pm except for over Christmas when it is closed.
What Is the Closest Town to Glenfinnan Viaduct?
The closest town to the Glenfinnan viaduct is Fort William which is 27km away. Glenfinnan is a 30-minute drive from Fort William and about the same time by direct train or bus.
Final Thoughts on the Glenfinnan Viewpoint
I must admit that I thought the Glenfinnan viewpoint would be very touristy and cheesy. And yes, it is, but I really enjoyed it.
Seeing the steam train cross the viaduct is one of those moments that will stay with you. It may end up being one of the highlights of your whole trip.
LOOKING FOR MORE ON THE AREA AROUND GLENFINNAN?
Everything You Need to Know about Taking the Jacobite Steam Train
21 Best Things to Do in Arisaig
