The Magical Highland Tour + optional Jacobite Steam Train Journey
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 202 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is The Magical Highland Tour + optional Jacobite Steam Train Journey worth booking?
The Magical Highland Tour + optional Jacobite Steam Train Journey is a 13.5-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $80 per person. It scores 65 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 202 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 65 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (202)
- Duration
- 13.5 hours
- From
- $80 per person
On this day tour departing Edinburgh at 6am, you can see the Scottish Highlands, Glencoe, film locations and take a journey on the Jacobite Steam Train over the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. We travel together to Fort William & passengers who have selected the Jacobite Steam Train option board the train for one of the world's greatest railway journeys to Mallaig, crossing the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct. Guests on the coach-only option remain on the coach and travel the same route by road. In the fishing village of Mallaig, you'll have free time to explore and enjoy lunch before everyone rejoins the coach. We then stop at the Glenfinnan Visitor Centre for the chance to photograph the steam train crossing the viaduct (subject to parking availability and therefore not guaranteed) before returning to Edinburgh via Pitlochry. *This tour may operate in reverse. *Booking options: With Jacobite Steam Train or Coach Only (no train journey)
What you get
About this experience
On this day tour departing Edinburgh at 6am, you can see the Scottish Highlands, Glencoe, film locations and take a journey on the Jacobite Steam Train over the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. We travel together to Fort William & passengers who have selected the Jacobite Steam Train option board the train for one of the world's greatest railway journeys to Mallaig, crossing the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct. Guests on the coach-only option remain on the coach and travel the same route by road. In the fishing village of Mallaig, you'll have free time to explore and enjoy lunch before everyone rejoins the coach. We then stop at the Glenfinnan Visitor Centre for the chance to photograph the steam train crossing the viaduct (subject to parking availability and therefore not guaranteed) before returning to Edinburgh via Pitlochry. *This tour may operate in reverse. *Booking options: With Jacobite Steam Train or Coach Only (no train journey)
What's included
Included
- Coach Tour
- Knowledgeable tour manager on board.
- Jacobite Steam Train, single journey, if selected
Not included
- Exclusions
- Gratuities
- Lunch
- Hotel drop off service
- Bottled water
- Jacobite steam train unless option selected
What you'll see and do
Fort William
Disembark our coach at Fort William and board the Jacobite Steam Train to Mallaig.
120 minutes here
Kinloch Rannoch
Our guide will show you as we pass many locations used in the filming of the Harry Potter movies.
Pass by without stopping
Glenfinnan Viaduct
The train will take you over this magnificent viaduct. A truly unique view crossing this iconic set from several Harry Potter movies.
Pass by without stopping
Mallaig
The lunch stop is in this sleepy port, then onto Glenfinnan Visitor Centre for an excellent chance to photograph the steam train returning across the viaduct.
80 minutes here
Pitlochry
A brief 'leg-stretcher' stop in this lovely Victorian resort town.
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Edinburgh
The ORIGINAL Elephant House beside Frankenstein's George IV Bridge at 6am
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The ORIGINAL Elephant House beside Frankenstein's George IV Bridge at 6am
Options you can book
Excluding Jacobite Train
Coach Only: On this day tour from Edinburgh, you can see the Scottish Highlands, Glen Coe, Harry Potter film locations by coach ONLY.
The Magical Highland Tour Including the Jacobite Steam Train Journey
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- de, pt, en, zh-CN, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Gray Line Scotland
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Children must be 6 years of age to travel
- Tour departs at 6am promptly
- Tour may operate in reverse of the itinerary
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 202 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Pace and timing
3 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
202 verified traveler reviews for The Magical Highland Tour + optional Jacobite Steam Train Journey. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
What a disappointment
If you are looking for a Harry Potter themed tour this is definitely NOT for you. The experience we received was very different than what was advertised. There was no packed breakfast as advertised, ok not a huge deal. Our guide did speak about some interesting history but he knew very little about Harry Potter. The train ticket is one way, again not a huge deal. The train has a butter beer hot chocolate for purchase otherwise it’s just a dirty train ride. But the real disappointment was that we made no attempt to stop and watch the train cross the viaduct which was advertised. Our tour guide was too worried about getting us back early. Do not waste your money. I would suggest finding a cheaper tour that takes you to photograph the train. That would have been a much better experience.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your feedback. We are sorry to hear that the experience did not meet your expectations. We recognise that this is a premium-priced trip, and we understand that customers naturally have high expectations when booking. However, we would like to clarify a few points to ensure future customers have an accurate understanding of what the tour offers. The packed breakfast was withdrawn from the tour this year, and notifications were sent by email, including a reminder the day before departure confirming that breakfast would not be provided. We apologise for any disappointment this may have caused. Regarding the Glenfinnan Viaduct, our information states that a stop is not guaranteed, as the itinerary can be affected by timings and other operational factors. We appreciate that seeing the Jacobite Steam Train cross the viaduct is a highlight for many visitors, and we are sorry that this aspect of the experience was disappointing for you. We would also like to clarify that this is not advertised as an exclusive Harry Potter-themed tour. Rather, it is designed for visitors who wish to experience the beauty, scenery and history of Scotland on a day trip, returning the same day. The Jacobite Steam Train is a vintage steam train famously featured in the Harry Potter films, but the tour itself is not intended to provide an in-depth Harry Potter experience or commentary throughout the day. We are sorry that the tour did not align with what you were hoping for. We always encourage guests to read the tour description carefully before booking to ensure the experience is the right fit for their interests.
via Tripadvisor
Magical highlands tour with train
Whist an early start, we had a fantastic day. The sun was shining all day, scenery beautiful, my daughter loved the train as a mad Harry Potter fan, plenty of stops, good fun knowledgeable guide and driver. Long day but highly recommended to see what beauty Scotland has to offer.
via Tripadvisor
Magical day
We had an amazing day. It is a long day but it's worth it. We are staying in Edinburgh for a couple a days so this was de perfect excuse to see a little bit of the highlands. The train ride was a once in a lifetime experience. The guide is super! Has some nice stories about the history and Harry Potter. Highly recommend! Thank you for the lovely day Brian
via Tripadvisor
Absolutely worth it
What a great experience! Mr. Brian is amazing and has made this trip extra fun, the views were absolutely gorgeous and Scotland really has my heart. Enough breaks to stretch the legs and enjoy the views, a lot of information about the locations as well and I most of all appreciate being told in advance which way to look when something awesome passes by. Thank you, this is a once in a lifetime experience as a Harry Potter fan!
via Tripadvisor
Tour description
Rather than leaving a review, I want to provide a more accurate description of the tour as neither the name not the overview do that. You start off from Edinburgh at 6AM and drive for about 3.5 hours to Fort William. There are two short photo stops on the way. There is no packed breakfast that is mentioned in the tour description and the e-ticket. You board the steam train to travel from Fort William to Mallaig. The train steward points out some notable Harry Potter locations. Then you have an hour for lunch in Mallaig before you board the bus for the trip back. Unclear why the tour doesn't include a roundtrip train ride, as our e-ticket said we would "enjoy your round trip on the steam train and spend your time during the day however you please." After a shorter than expected lunch in Mallaig, the rest of the day is a 6-hour drive back to Edinburgh that includes a stop in Spean Bridge ("tourist trap" in the words of the guide), one short photo stop, and a stop in Pitlorchy (a charming little village).
Response from the operator: Thank you for your feedback. The tour itinerary was updated at the beginning of 2026, and notifications regarding the changes were sent to customers. We can confirm that an email advising of the updated itinerary was sent to the Viator account associated with your booking the day before travel. We are sorry if the changes were not clear and appreciate you raising your concerns.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 13.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $80 to $149
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 71
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 65
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
The Magical Highland Tour + optional Jacobite Steam Train Journey: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.
How much does The Magical Highland Tour + optional Jacobite Steam Train Journey cost?
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Prices start at $80 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 The Magical Highland Tour + optional Jacobite Steam Train Journey take?
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Plan for about 13.5 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 The Magical Highland Tour + optional Jacobite Steam Train Journey worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 65 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 202 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 The Magical Highland Tour + optional Jacobite Steam Train Journey?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is The Magical Highland Tour + optional Jacobite Steam Train Journey suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 13.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book The Magical Highland Tour + optional Jacobite Steam Train Journey?
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Around 71 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?
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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 Edinburgh and add a light layer if any part of the 13.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does The Magical Highland Tour + optional Jacobite Steam Train Journey 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 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?
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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?
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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 Edinburgh?
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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 The Magical Highland Tour + optional Jacobite Steam Train Journey?
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Included: Coach Tour; Knowledgeable tour manager on board; and Jacobite Steam Train, single journey, if selected. Not included: Exclusions; Gratuities; Lunch; and Hotel drop off service. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for The Magical Highland Tour + optional Jacobite Steam Train Journey?
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The ORIGINAL Elephant House beside Frankenstein's George IV Bridge at 6am Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is The Magical Highland Tour + optional Jacobite Steam Train Journey offered in?
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It is offered in German, Portuguese, English, Chinese, 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 The Magical Highland Tour + optional Jacobite Steam Train Journey?
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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.
What happens to The Magical Highland Tour + optional Jacobite Steam Train Journey if the weather is bad?
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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 The Magical Highland Tour + optional Jacobite Steam Train Journey?
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Across 202 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
What booking options are available for The Magical Highland Tour + optional Jacobite Steam Train Journey?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Excluding Jacobite Train, The Magical Highland Tour Including the Jacobite Steam Train Journey. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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