Hello, I am traveling through the Highlands with my husband and son in late May. We would like to take the Jacobite Train over the Glenfinnan viaduct on either May 22 or 23 but it apppears to be completely booked through Western Railways’ site although I have heard tickets often become available on the day when tour companies release tickets. Is this true and how likely are we to be able to get tickets on the day of in late May?
Posted by
Duluth 🛶
8065 posts
The Jacobite train may not be running at that time. There are safety issues involved and West Coast Railways has until February, when a decision will be handed down as to whether the train will continue. https://www.euronews.com/travel/2023/12/05/harry-potter-fan-this-could-be-your-last-chance-to-ride-the-iconic-hogwarts-express
Posted by
San Diego, California
5629 posts
Is that the "Harry Potter" Train? If you aren't sitting in the correct side of the train, you sadly see nothing. Everyone rushes towards that side, and all we saw were people's heads. I'm just adding this in case it doesn't work out, so you don't feel too badly if it doesn't work out.
Good luck!
Posted by
Lake District, England
7976 posts
Assuming, a big assumption, the train runs book First Class.
At Mallaig everyone in First Class is re-assigned seats. So those who travelled on the seaward or loch side out trave!s on the landward side back and vice versa.
Also every day a small number of tickets are held back to buy on the p!atform, first come first served.
But honest!y just use the ordinary diesel train, fewer people and you actually get to choose your own seat.
You will get far better views and have a far better travel!ing experience.
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
2305 posts
Does it HAVE to be the Jacobite train? The normal service runs along exactly the same route and goes across teh Glenfinnan viaduct. It is more frequent, cheaper and visiblity is better too.