
Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William Guided Tour
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 1,427 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William Guided Tour worth booking?
Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William Guided Tour is a 12.3-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $78 per person. It scores 84 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 1,427 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 84 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (1,427)
- Duration
- 12.3 hours
- From
- $78 per person
A perfect tour for Harry Potter fans; visit Glenfinnan Viaduct, famous for the Hogwarts Express, and take your iconic photo as the train crosses the bridge; explore Fort William and Glencoe in this one-day tour. This tour is also now available in two departure timeslots: 7:15am or 8:15am. Please pay close attention to what timeslot you select. Please note: This tour is designed to pack into one day as much as possible of Scotland’s highlights! While much of the journey is enjoyed from the comfort of the coach due to the distance covered, you will experience breathtaking views and scenery along the way. Please note: The Jacobite Steam Train is operated by an independent third-party provider. Running dates, timetables, and service updates are subject to the train operator. Please refer to the official Jacobite Steam Train website for the latest service updates and information.
What you get
About this experience
A perfect tour for Harry Potter fans; visit Glenfinnan Viaduct, famous for the Hogwarts Express, and take your iconic photo as the train crosses the bridge; explore Fort William and Glencoe in this one-day tour. This tour is also now available in two departure timeslots: 7:15am or 8:15am. Please pay close attention to what timeslot you select. Please note: This tour is designed to pack into one day as much as possible of Scotland’s highlights! While much of the journey is enjoyed from the comfort of the coach due to the distance covered, you will experience breathtaking views and scenery along the way. Please note: The Jacobite Steam Train is operated by an independent third-party provider. Running dates, timetables, and service updates are subject to the train operator. Please refer to the official Jacobite Steam Train website for the latest service updates and information.
What's included
Included
- Entrance to Glenfinnan Visitor Centre
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Live commentary on board
- Walk to Glenfinnan`s viewpoint.
- Knowledgeable driver-guide
Not included
- Food & Drinks
- Gratuities
- On-board restrooms
- On-board WiFi
What you'll see and do
Callander
Our Glenfinnan, Glencoe and Fort William Adventure begins in the heart of Edinburgh city centre, at our departure point in the city centre. Departing Edinburgh's bustling streets, passing some of its most iconic sights like Edinburgh Castle on your way out, and begin your journey north into the rugged Scottish Highlands. We pause for refreshments at Callander, the gateway to the Highlands
30 minutes here
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
We will journey through the Trossachs National Park on our way to Glencoe.
Pass by without stopping
Glencoe
Our next stop is Glencoe! The well-known, dramatic Glen features in many films, such as James Bonds' Skyfall, and is the backdrop to some scenes from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, perfect to get you in the mood to visit the famous "Harry Potter Bridge" that you will see later in the tour. We pause here for photos and to learn all about the history of Glencoe, including the massacre of the MacDonald clan in 1692.
10 minutes here
Fort William
From the atmospheric Glencoe, we travel further along the banks of Loch Linnhe to the Highland town of Fort William, which sits at the foot of Britain's tallest mountain - Ben Nevis. We stop here to allow you to stretch your legs and have an early lunch break, before we journey onwards to the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
30 minutes here
Neptune's Staircase
Time permitting, we'll pause for photos at Neptune's Staircase. The staircase lock comprises of eight locks on the caledonian canal, and raises the canal by 19m (62ft). It was built in the early 1800s and is the longest staircase lock in Britain.
Pass by without stopping
Glenfinnan Viaduct
The Glenfinnan Viaduct was arguably made most famous from its scenes in Harry Potter and is surrounded by mountains on the stunning shores of Loch Shiel. Not only is this location famous for the Jacobite Steam Train (not to be confused with the Hogwarts' Express), Loch Sheil was the location of the "Black Lake". See if you can spot a "grindylow" causing trouble under the surface! It's also the setting for Buckbeak's beautiful flight, scenes from the Triwizard Tournament, and also the stunning loch on which Hogwarts sits. We take in the viaduct and a photo opportunity before a visit to the nearby Glenfinnan Monument, which symbolises one of the most important events in Scottish history; the 1745 Jacobite uprising. Please note: The Jacobite Steam Train is operated by another company. We cannot always guarantee that your tour and the train will meet up at the same time.
60 minutes here
Pitlochry
Departing Glenfinnan, we begin our return journey to Edinburgh, passing through the spectacular Cairngorms National Park, stopping along the way for refreshments at the small village of Pitlochry*. Enjoy time to stretch your legs and grab a quick bite to eat before we return to Edinburgh where our Glenfinnan, Glencoe and Fort William Adventure will end. *During peak months the itinerary may be run in reverse to avoid congestion at attractions and refreshment stops. When running in reverse we will pass through Pitlochry but stop at an alternative location for refreshments.
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Edinburgh
Our Edinburgh tours depart from Castle Terrace, Edinburgh EH1 2EW, outside the NCP Car Park. What3Words Address: ///casino.cove.works
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Our Edinburgh tours depart from Castle Terrace, Edinburgh EH1 2EW, outside the NCP Car Park. What3Words Address: ///casino.cove.works
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Timberbush Tours
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Minimum age is 4 years old
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or a full refund.
- Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark the bus.
- Please arrive a minimum of 15 minutes before your tour's departure time.
- Digital translations in English, German, French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Russian & Mandarin available on request.
- Please note: This tour is designed to pack into one day as much as possible of Scotland’s highlights! While much of the journey is enjoyed from the comfort of the coach due to the distance covered, you will experience breathtaking views and scenery along the way.
- This tour is available in two time slots: 7:15am departure, or 8:15am departure. Please pay close attention to what time slot you book.
- The Jacobite Steam Train is operated by an independent third-party provider. Running dates, timetables, and service updates are subject to the train operator. Please refer to the official Jacobite Steam Train website for the latest service updates and information
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 1,420 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
1,420 verified traveler reviews for Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William Guided Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing!
Our gide was lovely, and the bus driver was a legend! It was an amazing experience and they showed us great things through the whole country.
via Tripadvisor
Great experience
Great experience, lots to see and our guide and bus driver GEORGE was the best!
via Tripadvisor
A must-do experience!
Everything was perfect! We especially want to thank and appreciate our Tour guide and driver George for running the entire tour flawlessly while sharing great insights about Scotland.
via Tripadvisor
Gregor & Levi made me fall in love with Scotland
I’m really glad I booked this tour. I was SO lucky to end up on coach number 2, where Levi and Gregor were waiting for us. Levi is a phenomenal driver and I felt completely safe throughout the entire tour. He’s such a cool guy. Gregor, our guide, did an absolutely amazing job. Somehow, he managed to make even the driest bits of history interesting and enjoyable and he had me laughing so many times. The way he tells stories and shares facts is incredible. You can really tell how much he enjoys what he does 😍 I wish I could do every tour possible with Levi and Gregor. They’re such a great duo and I learned so many things while having an absolute blast. I’m officially in love with Scotland. Thank you, Gregor and Levi, for making this experience so special 💙 I really hope I’ll be lucky enough to join another tour with you two someday.
via Tripadvisor
Very disappointing and misleading tour. Not recommended!
Very disappointing and misleading tour. Not recommended! We booked this tour specifically to see the Jacobite steam train crossing Glenfinnan Viaduct. However, our guide repeatedly claimed that the train only runs in summer and that there were no trains in October. This was simply incorrect! The train was scheduled to cross the viaduct at 3:20 pm on 19 October, but our tour arrived at 1:20 pm and left at 2:20 pm. We were so closed -just 1 hour away from the train This means the tour was scheduled to miss the train, yet there was absolutely no warning about this when booking! We felt completely misled and extremely disappointed. Besides that, the tour itself was rather boring. We spent almost the entire day on the bus, with only few short stops, mainly for toilet breaks. A disappointing experience and definitely not worth recommending.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 12.3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 499
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Timberbush Tours, who run 32 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 74.1 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Timberbush Tours runsWhy this scores 84
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William Guided Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.
How much does Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William Guided Tour cost?
+
Prices start at $78 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Edinburgh usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William Guided Tour take?
+
Plan for about 12.3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Edinburgh is not rushed.
Is Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William Guided Tour worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 84 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 1,427 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Edinburgh, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William Guided Tour?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William Guided Tour suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12.3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William Guided Tour?
+
Around 499 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Edinburgh can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Edinburgh and add a light layer if any part of the 12.3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William Guided Tour start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Edinburgh within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Edinburgh?
+
On Outty we rank every Edinburgh experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh, The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Old Town: Historical Guided Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Edinburgh?
+
Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Edinburgh?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William Guided Tour?
+
Included: Entrance to Glenfinnan Visitor Centre; In-vehicle air conditioning; Live commentary on board; Walk to Glenfinnan`s viewpoint; and Knowledgeable driver-guide. Not included: Food & Drinks; Gratuities; On-board restrooms; and On-board WiFi. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William Guided Tour?
+
Our Edinburgh tours depart from Castle Terrace, Edinburgh EH1 2EW, outside the NCP Car Park. What3Words Address: ///casino.cove.works Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William Guided Tour offered in?
+
It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William Guided Tour?
+
Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William Guided Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William Guided Tour if the weather is bad?
+
This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William Guided Tour?
+
Across 1,427 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William Guided Tour.
Pick your date




