Jacobite Steam Train

The West Highland Mallaig Extension, as this line is known, is one of the most scenic railway journeys in the world.

The line and the steam service were made famous by the Harry Potter films and since then has been hugely popular. There are two steam services a day departing from Fort William train station, run by West Coast Railways.

The steam train shares the line with the normal, non-steam service – see our guides to Banavie to Morar and Mallaig for details of these locations.

For rravel to Fort William see our guides to the West Highland Line and Getting to the Highlands. For other places to visit in Fort William, as well as accommodation and restaurants, see our Fort William guide.

Jacobite Steam Train at Fort William Station

Tickets

Tickets sell out months in advance so plan early. Bookings for the 2026 season open in mid-November 2025. Standard and First Class ticket are available. Compartments are currently unavailable (October 2025).

High Tea can be ordered as an extra on some services. Other extras available on all services are champagne, chocolates, flowers and the limited edition guidebook.

The only ticket is a Fort William to Mallaig return and you must return on the same train i.e. it is not possible to travel to Mallaig on the morning service and return on the afternoon service.

By request, it is possible to alight at Arisaig and board the train on its way back; there is no fare reduction for this and it is not possible to do the Arisaig to Mallaig section on a later service (unless you purchase a separate ticket for the normal, non-steam service).

Options if tickets are sold out:

1. A limited number of tickets may be available on the day (cash only, first come first served). These are sold on the Platform direct from the Guard and the operators recommend arriving around an hour before departure.

However, there is no guarantee that any tickets will even be available, so if it would be too disappointing to try this and miss out, we recommend delaying your trip until you can secure pre-booked tickets.

2. Buy a ticket on the normal, non-steam train which travels the same route. You will have the same scenery and cheaper fare.

You can also break your journey at Glenfinnan if you wish (this stop is brief and subject to time on the Jacobite train). See our guide to Glenfinnan for where to visit, accommodation and places to eat.

3. If travelling by steam train is the main draw, visit the Strathspey Railway in Aviemore instead.

The route

Glenfinnan Viaduct and Station (time permitting)

The train may pause on the viaduct to allow you to admire the view. It will then make a brief stop at the station, giving time to visit the Glenfinnan Station Museum in the station building.

Note: the train doesn’t stop at Glenfinnan on the return journey, so there is no option to explore Glenfinnan and catch the train on the way back, or to do the Glenfinnan to Mallaig section on a later service, unless you purchase a separate ticket for the normal, non-steam service.

Arisaig (by request)

Ensure you are back at the station in good time for the train’s return journey, and have spoken to the guard on the outward journey to clarify arrangements for the return journey.

You will have around 2 hours 30 minutes here. Arisaig is an attractive village on Loch nan Ceall with views including over to Rum and Eigg.

While you are here you can visit the Land, Sea and Islands Centre, a community owned and run heritage, wildlife and visitor hub with a small exhibition and shop.

The Strath of Arisaig walk is a gentle three mile circular walk through woods and farmland.

Places to eat

The Old Library Restaurant

Reviews: 4.6 on Google, 4.5 on TripAdvisor

The Crofter's Rest, Arisaig Hotel

Reviews: 4.3 on Google, 4.1 on TripAdvisor

Sound Bites

Retro music themed cafe

Reviews: 4.8 on Google, 4.7 on TripAdvisor

Arisaig Marine Takeaway Cafe

Reviews: 4.5 on Google, 4.1 on TripAdvisor

Photo credit: “Arisaig 01” by michael clarke stuff, CC BY-SA 2.0

Mallaig

The seaside terminus at Mallaig has a special small town feel. For those who enjoy west coast scenery and life it does not get more authentic than this.

Even today there is a working fishing port which visitors can view, a ferry terminal for some of the west coast islands, and the life of a remote Scottish village.

You will have around an hour and a half in Mallaig before the return.

Situated alongside the station, the Heritage Centre is filled with exhibits about the town, fishing and railways.

The Mallaig Circuit is an easy, short walk with views over Mallaig harbour and across Loch Nevis to Knoydart. If you are a fast walker you may have time to complete this.