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Glenfinnan Viaduct

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Glenfinnan Viaduct

A curving 21-arch railway viaduct in the Highlands, crossed by a steam train in summer.

Tickets & tours Open in Google Maps
Time needed
1.5 hours
Entry
Free
Best time
Train crossing times (summer)
Area
Glenfinnan

The curved railway viaduct famous from the Harry Potter films.

Where it is & how to get there

Address: Glenfinnan, Highland PH37 4LT

  • By car: About 30 minutes west of Fort William on the A830.
  • Viewpoint: A 15–20 minute walk from the visitor centre car park.
  • Steam train: The Jacobite steam train crosses on scheduled summer days; check times.

The story of the Glenfinnan Viaduct

The Glenfinnan Viaduct was completed in 1901 on the West Highland Line. It was one of the first large structures built of mass concrete, with 21 arches curving across the valley.

It became world-famous after appearing in the Harry Potter films. Below it, the Glenfinnan Monument on Loch Shiel marks where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard in 1745.

Best time to visit

Best season

May to September for the steam train.

Best time of day

Arrive 30–45 minutes before the train crosses.

Parking

Car parks fill quickly in summer.

Tips before you go

  • Check the steam train times and walk to the viewpoint early.
  • Climb to the viewpoint early for a good spot.
  • Ride the Jacobite steam train from Fort William to cross it yourself.

Best hotels near the Glenfinnan Viaduct

Well-known hotels within easy reach. Check prices and availability for your dates.

Inverlochy Castle Hotel

Castle hotel near Fort William and Glencoe.

See prices

Rocpool Reserve

Boutique hotel in Inverness.

See prices

Kinloch Lodge

Country house hotel on the Isle of Skye.

See prices
All hotels near the Glenfinnan Viaduct

What's around the Glenfinnan Viaduct

  • Glenfinnan MonumentJacobite memorial on Loch Shiel.
  • Loch ShielLong freshwater loch.
  • Fort William30 minutes east.
  • MallaigFishing port at the end of the line.

Questions travellers ask

When does the steam train cross the viaduct?

On scheduled summer days; check the timetable.

Is it from Harry Potter?

Yes, it appears in the films.

Is it free to see?

Yes; parking is paid.

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Travel Plan · Glenfinnan Viaduct Travel times, prices and opening hours change. Check official sites before you go. Photos: Unsplash. Privacy & disclosure