
Hogwarts Express and the Scenic Highlands Day Tour from Inverness
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 2,076 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Hogwarts Express and the Scenic Highlands Day Tour from Inverness worth booking?
Hogwarts Express and the Scenic Highlands Day Tour from Inverness is a 12-hour experience in Inverness, United Kingdom, from $272 per person. It scores 86 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 2,076 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 86 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (2,076)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $272 per person
Enjoy a full-day of stunning scenery and fresh Highland air, as we travel all the way around Loch Ness and along the idyllic West Coast. Our journey reveals ancient ruins, a poignant war memorial, beautiful beaches and gorgeous Scottish wilderness – with untamed mountains never far from sight. Embark on the the Jacobite Steam Train for a magical 2-hour ride along beautiful coastal scenery and over the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct. Made famous by the Harry Potter films, and voted one of the world’s most scenic railways, this is a trip you’ll never forget!
What you get
About this experience
Enjoy a full-day of stunning scenery and fresh Highland air, as we travel all the way around Loch Ness and along the idyllic West Coast. Our journey reveals ancient ruins, a poignant war memorial, beautiful beaches and gorgeous Scottish wilderness – with untamed mountains never far from sight. Embark on the the Jacobite Steam Train for a magical 2-hour ride along beautiful coastal scenery and over the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct. Made famous by the Harry Potter films, and voted one of the world’s most scenic railways, this is a trip you’ll never forget!
What's included
Included
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Local English Speaking Guide
- Jacobite Steam Train one-way ticket (Fort William to Mallaig)
- Please note that the itinerary will be reversed on dates when the tour starts at 9:30am.
Not included
- Lunch
- On-board restrooms
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Urquhart Castle
We depart Inverness and begin our journey along the world-famous Loch Ness, stopping for photos above the ruins of Urquhart Castle.
10 minutes here · Admission not included
Commando Monument
We continue west, and visit the Commando Memorial which overlooks the Nevis Range; home to the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis.
15 minutes here
Fort William
Now is your chance to board the Jacobite Steam Train in Fort William, one of the most spectacular railway journeys in the world. The train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct where a monument to Bonnie Prince Charlie’s campaign now stands. The train ride is approximately 2.5 hrs and will take you to Mallaig where your guide will meet you.
120 minutes here
Mallaig
Enjoy your lunch stop in the fishing village of Mallaig. We would suggest sampling some of the local seafood!
60 minutes here
Fort Augustus
The beautiful scenery continues into the evening with a stop in Fort Augustus to see the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness up close.
45 minutes here
Suidhe Viewpoint
Enjoy some unspoiled views on the less travelled road on the south side of Loch Ness.
15 minutes here
Dores
Before we head back to Inverness, we visit Dores Beach on the banks of Loch Ness.
10 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Inverness
Meet 15 minutes before departure, across from the Victorian Market entrance, for check-in. Look for a blue or yellow bus.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, pt, cmn, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Highland Explorer Tours Ltd
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please note that the Jacobite Steam Train service may be subject to alterations and cancellations at short notice, outwith our control
- 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.
- 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.
- From 1st April 2025 the 7:30 am tour will return at 7:30 pm.
- It is not possible to upgrade your Standard steam train ticket to a First Class ticket
- Children under 5 years old, including infants who do not require a seat, are not permitted to travel. We are unable to accommodate any child under the age of 5.
- If downloading an audio guide, remember to bring your headset.
- The tour may operate with our sister company, HAGGiS Adventures.
- The order of the itinerary route is subject to change.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 2,075 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
2,075 verified traveler reviews for Hogwarts Express and the Scenic Highlands Day Tour from Inverness. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Hogwarts Express and Highlands tour with Craig
What a lovely day trip on Hogwarts Express living our dream of being in harry potter world and exploring Scottish Highlands with Craig who shared so many scottish tales about lochs, nevis, ben, etc. I will highly recommend this tour!
via Tripadvisor
Great trip-Jacobite Train
A great experience with my daughter seeing some of the highlights of Scotland and those affiliated with Harry Potter too :D Thank you to The Rock (aka Craig) for being a great guide.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing Trip and tour guide Tim!
We had an absolutely amazing trip yesterday with Tim, what an experience! Tim was a fantastic mix of knowledge and humour, what a skill to be able to do whilst driving a coach along those beautiful Scottish roads. We unknowingly picked the perfect time of year to do this tour with the autumnal colours amongst the trees and the low sun shining down on us. A truly unforgettable experience, thank you. We can’t wait to book another tour with you!
via Tripadvisor
Do not hesitate booking with Dave Fyfe
We are 2 Canadian couples that went on a UK vacation. 3 of the days were spent with Dave on a whisky/education tour. I say education because Dave is just a plethora of information. You can ask any question about Scotland, Inverness, history anything pertaining to the area and he knows. He surprised us with extra stop like Loch Ness and visiting the Hylin Coos (Highland Cows). Our obsession...lol. I told him that I started watching Outlander so he brought us to see the "split stone" that the author wrote about. Dave is yes knowledgable, but he is also caring and wants you to have the best experience ever!!! If you are hesitating reserving with this company , DON'T!!!! You will not be disappointed. Thank you for giving us the best vaction ever.
via Tripadvisor
Expensive Disappointment
Our guide was amazing and the landscape was breathtaking. Period. We paid a lot of money to be hustled to a lot of locations to souvenir shop. No idea how you reserved a decent seat on the Jackobite train because our car was shabby with threadbare seats and rusty window frames. The overhead lights had no bulbs. It was like having the 3rd class ticket on the Titanic, minus the iceberg. 3 guest tickets that cost over $800 and one full day that could have been filled with better locations. This is the second excursion where souvenir shopping in small towns seemed to be the main point of the trip. If that's the focus, it needs to be advertised as such so those not interested won't waste time and money.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 727
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Highland Explorer Tours Ltd, who run 24 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 81.9 and 6 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Highland Explorer Tours Ltd runsWhy this scores 86
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Hogwarts Express and the Scenic Highlands Day Tour from Inverness: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Inverness.
How much does Hogwarts Express and the Scenic Highlands Day Tour from Inverness cost?
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Prices start at $272 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Inverness usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Hogwarts Express and the Scenic Highlands Day Tour from Inverness take?
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Plan for about 12 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 Inverness is not rushed.
Is Hogwarts Express and the Scenic Highlands Day Tour from Inverness worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 86 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 2,076 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Inverness, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Hogwarts Express and the Scenic Highlands Day Tour from Inverness?
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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 Hogwarts Express and the Scenic Highlands Day Tour from Inverness suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Hogwarts Express and the Scenic Highlands Day Tour from Inverness?
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Around 727 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 Inverness 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?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Inverness and add a light layer if any part of the 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Hogwarts Express and the Scenic Highlands Day Tour from Inverness start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Inverness 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 Inverness?
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On Outty we rank every Inverness experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Ultimate Isle of Skye Day Tour from Inverness, Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Day Tour from Inverness, Loch Ness, Outlander & Urquhart Castle from Inverness. 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 Inverness?
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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 Inverness?
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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?
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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 Hogwarts Express and the Scenic Highlands Day Tour from Inverness?
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Included: In-vehicle air conditioning; Local English Speaking Guide; Jacobite Steam Train one-way ticket (Fort William to Mallaig); and Please note that the itinerary will be reversed on dates when the tour starts at 9:30am. Not included: Lunch; On-board restrooms; Hotel pick-up and drop-off; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Hogwarts Express and the Scenic Highlands Day Tour from Inverness?
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Meet 15 minutes before departure, across from the Victorian Market entrance, for check-in. Look for a blue or yellow bus. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Hogwarts Express and the Scenic Highlands Day Tour from Inverness offered in?
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It is offered in German, Portuguese, Chinese, English, Italian, French and Spanish. 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 Hogwarts Express and the Scenic Highlands Day Tour from Inverness?
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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 Hogwarts Express and the Scenic Highlands Day Tour from Inverness wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Children under 5 years old, including infants who do not require a seat, are not permitted. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Hogwarts Express and the Scenic Highlands Day Tour from Inverness if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Inverness. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Hogwarts Express and the Scenic Highlands Day Tour from Inverness?
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Across 2,076 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, photo opportunities. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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