How to find the Glenfinnan Viaduct Viewpoints
Arriving at the Glenfinnan Viaduct viewpoint you desire is not as straightforward as you might think. You can go to different spots depending on how close you want to see the Jacobite Steam Train glide across one of the most iconic viaducts in the world. It was built in 1897, is 30m tall and is composed of 21 impressive arches. The guide we have created includes everything you need to know, including tips, parking, timetables of the train and when to go.
Whether you are on a Scotland road trip or just a HUGE Harry Potter fan and want to see it, the Hogwarts Express train cross the impressive viaduct. It is likely that you will scream or rejoice in seeing the Harry Potter train in real life – we certainly felt the magic. We particularly enjoyed the sign that said no Muggles on the wooden gate.
It is a good idea to check the Glenfinnan Viaduct train crossing times before you go to avoid disappointment or waiting too long for the next train to cross. You have probably seen all the epic shots on Instagram. Still, if you come unprepared or arrive a little late – you might not get to the Glenfinnan Viaduct viewpoint in time – but do not worry – follow the advice we have put together ( learnt from our mistakes), and you will have no trouble at all.
Watching the Harry Potter train certainly lives up to the hype, and this post will reveal how you can find the best place to see the magic.
Visiting Glenfinnan Viaduct – Parking
You will find the Glenfinnan Viaduct Parking about 30-minutes from Fort William on the A830 and the car park is directly opposite Loch Shiel. However, if you arrive at Glenfinnan village, you have come too far!
The car park is owned by National Trust Scotland and costs £3.50 for cars, £6 for motorhomes, or free for National Trust Members. You can pay it in the visitor centre or by coins or card. A new car park opened in 2021 because of how busy and popular the Glenfinnan Viaduct viewpoint is. The good news is that there are many more spaces than before.
However, the car park still closes when it is full, so make sure you arrive as early as possible to avoid disappointment. It is recommended to come 1-hour before you want to see the train, especially in summer or at peak times.
The Glenfinnan Viaduct Viewpoint Postcode: PH37 4LT.
Public Transport to the Glenfinnan Viaduct Viewpoint
Bus: You can catch a Sheil Bus that runs between Fort William and Mallaig. It is number 500 or 502, and you can check the timetable here. Remember to arrive early so you can get to the Glenfinnan Viaduct Viewpoint on time. The journey will take about 45 minutes, but it is good to know there are limited services every day, which means you will have to plan very well.
Train: You can catch a train with ScotRail from Fort William to Glenfinnan station on the edge of Glenfinnan Village, and from here, it is a short walk to the visitor centre. The journey will take about 35 minutes. It is on the Crianlarich to Mallaig service.
The Glenfinnan Viaduct walk to the Viewpoint
Where is the best view of Glenfinnan Viaduct?
If you type into Google Maps the Glenfinnan Viaduct Viewpoint – there are several options. Whilst the viewpoint near the visitor centre is epic, and you should go, it is not the one you should aim to see the train go over the viaduct.
The best viewpoint is not the one closest to the visitor centre (unless you have mobility issues – but even then this is a short climb). This is because the train will be quite far in the distance – so unless you have a great camera lense – this is not the one to get the shot.
It would be best if you headed to this Google Maps marked viewpoint.
Follow the directions below to the best Glenfinnan Viaduct viewpoint. It will take about 15-30 minutes, depending on your speed and mobility. We have seen people running to make sure that they do not miss the train as it only takes about 1-minute to cross the viaduct, so it is imperative you get there on time.
- From the car park, walk away from the road, following the signs behind the car park to a path towards the viaduct.
- The river will be on your right-hand side, and you should walk along the path in the direction of the arches.
- Take a left at the green post, following the signs for Viaduct Trail and Viewpoints and continue to go underneath the arches, where the path curves left.
- Go through the fence and follow the track up towards the hill. The path is quite rocky here!
- Find your spot on the hill or go through the vegetation to get the angle you want! What a view – most people stand to watch the magic! Unfortunately, be prepared for many people, and trying to get your shot might involve a lot of movement as everyone is trying to take that perfect picture. It can be very BUSY! The trick is to be higher than everyone else.
- After watching the special train, head back the same way, stopping to take some pictures under the arches too.
There is also the option to photograph the steam train on the A830 road as it follows a similar route to the train. It would mean that you would have to be more creative in finding a spot, but you will have a unique experience without the crowds of people. It would be a risk, though, but this is an option if you seek a challenge.
When is the best time to go to the Glenfinnan Viaduct?
It is worth noting that whilst you can visit the Glenfinnan Viaduct viewpoint on the Glenfinnan Viaduct trail, the Jacobite Steam Train gliding over the viaduct is not something you will see every day of the year.
The train usually operates between May and October, but we recommend checking the West Coast Railway Timetable before you go.
It runs twice a day during these months, and there is one-morning service and one afternoon service, seven days a week.
Jacobite Steam Train Timetable – The Glenfinnan Viaduct Train Times
The Harry Potter train crosses over roughly 30 to 45 minutes after it departs Fort William. Therefore, it is a good idea to arrive (at the latest) for the time it has set off to make sure you are at the Glenfinnan Viaduct viewpoint in time to see the magnificent train.
There will likely be many people waiting to watch the train, and it can run late, so remember that these times are only approximate. It also only goes at around 50mph, which means that you should fully appreciate it and take the photographs or videos that you desire.
From Fort William: Sunday to Friday – 10:15 (morning) and 12:45 (afternoon) and Saturdays – 10:15 (morning) and 12:45 (afternoon)
A reasonable estimate is to be at the viewpoint before 10:45 am or before 1:15 pm to see the afternoon crossing (at the very latest). Be sure to check the current timetable, as it is subject to change. However, it will mean that you won’t miss it. If it has been updated, add 30-minutes to the time it departs Fort William. Find the current timetables here.
It is also possible to watch the train go over the viaduct on its way back from Mallaig. It will be about 45 minutes before it will arrive back in Fort William. However, this will mean that the front of the steam train is not facing you, and your pictures may not be as good.
Riding on the Jacobite Steam Train
Of course, you might want to be and ride the 84 miles on the epic steam train and if you do, remember to book your tickets in advance. The cost is currently £69 for an adult 1st class return or £49 for a standard adult return. For up to date prices and to book your tickets, you can go to the West Coast Railway site here. You will have beautiful views over Loch Shiel and the Glenfinnan Monument.
Are you interested in steam trains? You might also like the Goathland to Grosmont walk in North Yorkshire.
Viaduct Visitor Centre and Glenfinnan Monument
The Glenfinnan Visitor Centre and Monument are worth visiting after or before you visit the Glenfinnan Viaduct viewpoint. The 18m high monument was built in 1815 to remember the men who gave their lives for the Jacobite for Prince Charles Edward Stuart.
You can climb to the top to see Loch Shiel and the Glenfinnan Viaduct from above. You can buy tickets in the visitor centre or on the website.
In the visitor centre, you can read the displays and learn about the history behind them.
There are also toilet facilities and a café here, but it is helpful to know that it is not open every day depending on the season and time of year you visit.
Opening Times for the Visitor Centre are below:
1 January–29 April, closed
30 April–16 May, Monday & Thursday–Sunday, 10.00–17.00
May–31 October, daily, 10.00–17.00
1 November–30 December, daily, 09.30–16.00
Watching the iconic train is regularly on a Scottish bucket list, and we hope this guide helps you plan your trip so that you can feel the magic too. There are other Harry Potter filming locations nearby too. The Loch was a lake used in the films, and the Triwizard Tournament took place here too.
Loving Scotland? You may also be interested in:
A West Coast of Scotland Road Trip
We only recommend things that we have personally tried and love using on our travels and hikes.
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