Hogwarts Express and Scottish Highlands Tour from Edinburgh
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
13 hours 30 minutes
Art & Culture
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Good for Groups
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Family Friendly
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Walking Tours
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Bus & Driving Tours
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Transportation Services
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Day Trips
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History
What You Will Do
Escape the city for the day by coach and follow in the footsteps of the world’s most famous wizard, Harry Potter. Scotland has played a huge part in the story of Harry Potter, from the scenic filming locations and inspiring architecture to the coffee shop where J.K. Rowling is said to have written the first novel.
Riding the Jacobite Steam Train is a bucket-list experience for any traveller, but even more so for Harry Potter fans who know that they are in fact boarding the Hogwarts’ Express! Our passionate guides will immerse you in all the magic of Harry Potter, plus the real-life beauty and history of Scotland.
Disclaimer: This Tour is an unlicensed and unauthorised tour of sites related to the Harry Potter franchise. This tour does not have any association with, connection to, sponsorship by or endorsement of, the Harry Potter franchise nor the author J.K. Rowling.
What's Included?
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Local English Speaking Guide
- Jacobite Steam Train one-way ticket (Mallaig to Fort William)
What's Not Included?
- Food and drink
- Hotel pick-up or drop off
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Itinerary
Meeting Point
This tour departs from 60 High Street, on the Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 1TB. We are unable to hold the bus or refund for any late arrivals, so please arrive at least 15 minutes before the stated departure time.
1
Forth Bridge
Depart the city and journey north towards the Highlands, past the magnificent Forth Bridge
Show 5 more stops
Additional Information
This activity is operated by Highland Explorer Tours Ltd
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- We are unable to carry children under 5 on our tours
- It is recommended to book transport to the departure point in advance. Please also allow extra time to get to the departure point for check-in. We advise you arrive at least 15 minutes before the tour departure to allow time to check-in for the tour. Unfortunately, we are unable to hold the bus or refund for any late arrivals.
- Please note that the Jacobite Steam Train service may be subject to alterations and cancellations at short notice, outwith our control
- Return times are approximate and subject to road conditions and weather. Please ensure you allocate sufficient time for any onward travel plans, allowing at least 3 hours after the scheduled return time for connections or activities.
- It is not possible to upgrade your Standard steam train ticket to a First Class ticket
- Stopping at Glenfinnan to view the Viaduct with the coach is subject to availability.
Guide Options
- Audio Guide - German
- Audio Guide - Portuguese
- Audio Guide - Mandarin
- Guide - English
- Audio Guide - Italian
- Audio Guide - French
- Audio Guide - Spanish
Customer Reviews
Scottish Highlands Tour
2023-10-29
We had Dusty drive us on our day trip! It was the most fantastic and informative trip! Dusty was so knowledgeable and friendly and the day wouldn’t have been the same without him. He went above and beyond with some great stops along the way. Thank you so much for a wonderful trip where we was celebrating a special 70th birthday. Would highly recommend. Thanks from the Kerley family.
Seeing the best views of the highlands with a great tour guide!
2023-10-29
A standout experience during our trip to Scotland. We were delighted by our bus driver and tour guide, Sophie, who had a wealth of history, information and stories to share. She was professional, considerate and added some funny charm to the tour throughout the day, making the trip memorable.
The natural landscapes and manmade monuments through the highlands on our way to Mallaig were beautiful, and the Jacobite train ride back to Fort William was something fun and different to experience.
We were able to stop at a number of places along the way so there was sufficient opportunity for a break. Nonetheless, we hardly noticed the time flying by for our bus ride. The playlist of Scottish themed music played in between Sophie's commentary (all sorts of genres) set a nice ambience while driving past the most gorgeous views of Scotland.
The natural landscapes and manmade monuments through the highlands on our way to Mallaig were beautiful, and the Jacobite train ride back to Fort William was something fun and different to experience.
We were able to stop at a number of places along the way so there was sufficient opportunity for a break. Nonetheless, we hardly noticed the time flying by for our bus ride. The playlist of Scottish themed music played in between Sophie's commentary (all sorts of genres) set a nice ambience while driving past the most gorgeous views of Scotland.
Trip details you may have a hard time finding elsewhere
2023-10-28
I am writing this review because I wanted more details when considering this excursion. (I was skeptical whether is was a scam at first because I couldn’t find more information haha)
The bus departs from the Edinburgh bus station terminal (Pro tip - try to get to the bus station early and be first in line, that way you have first pick of seats). No toilets on the bus. Seats are comfortable, but I would recommend bringing a small blanket as the temperature was hard to regulate on the bus. (We were able to leave non-valuable items on the bus at all times).
It’s about a 4hr bus ride to the train. There were about two stops on the way where you have the opportunity to sightsee along with get food/gifts, and use the toilets.
The train ride is about 2hrs and passes along some of the filming locations. (Pro tip - bring some witches hats and wands to jazz up your photos. Folks around us asked to borrow ours. It can make the ride more magical!)
Do not expect anything fancy within the train itself. Four people sit on either side of a table looking out a window, all a bit dated and dirty. There is a trolley that comes through with high priced items. There are toilets on the train. Seats are assigned based on reservations. We befriended the train staff, who were gracious enough to notify us when we passed important locations. If not, I’m not sure how others would have known.
You then get on the same bus and head back to Edinburgh bus station. What make this trip for our group was the tour guide/bus driver. I hope you are fortunate to get Alistair. He was engaging, knowledgeable, personal, and approachable. He gave the landscape context as we drove through the highlands. He picked up treats for the bus in honor of my relative’s birthday. He gave great recommendations on places to explore and shops to visit. He provided carrots for us to get the attention of come cute coos.
Overall, I would recommend this tour! Very safe and the bus was clean. I met several solo travelers in our tour group. Manage your expectation of the physical train itself and you will have a great time!
The bus departs from the Edinburgh bus station terminal (Pro tip - try to get to the bus station early and be first in line, that way you have first pick of seats). No toilets on the bus. Seats are comfortable, but I would recommend bringing a small blanket as the temperature was hard to regulate on the bus. (We were able to leave non-valuable items on the bus at all times).
It’s about a 4hr bus ride to the train. There were about two stops on the way where you have the opportunity to sightsee along with get food/gifts, and use the toilets.
The train ride is about 2hrs and passes along some of the filming locations. (Pro tip - bring some witches hats and wands to jazz up your photos. Folks around us asked to borrow ours. It can make the ride more magical!)
Do not expect anything fancy within the train itself. Four people sit on either side of a table looking out a window, all a bit dated and dirty. There is a trolley that comes through with high priced items. There are toilets on the train. Seats are assigned based on reservations. We befriended the train staff, who were gracious enough to notify us when we passed important locations. If not, I’m not sure how others would have known.
You then get on the same bus and head back to Edinburgh bus station. What make this trip for our group was the tour guide/bus driver. I hope you are fortunate to get Alistair. He was engaging, knowledgeable, personal, and approachable. He gave the landscape context as we drove through the highlands. He picked up treats for the bus in honor of my relative’s birthday. He gave great recommendations on places to explore and shops to visit. He provided carrots for us to get the attention of come cute coos.
Overall, I would recommend this tour! Very safe and the bus was clean. I met several solo travelers in our tour group. Manage your expectation of the physical train itself and you will have a great time!
Show 17 more reviews