How to see the real-life Hogwarts Express

People say the wizarding world isn’t real! Well, I’ve seen the Hogwarts Express so it must be out there somewhere! While watching it pass by over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, I was tempted to disapparate my way onto it. But obviously, we aren’t supposed to use magic around muggles so I decided against it. After all, I don’t want to end up in Azkaban. Anyway, to see the Hogwarts Express the best place is ofcourse from the Glenfinnan Viaduct. This is the bridge that the train goes along in the film on the way to Hogwarts and the one that Harry and Ron were driving above in the flying car.

If you head to Mallaig and Fortwilliam you can get a close up view of it and you may even be able to sneak on board! (For a look I mean, not for the full on journey). For that you will need to either purchase a ticket or an invisibility cloak. Unfortunately they don’t accept galleons and nuts so you best bring muggle money with you so that you can get some goodies from the trolley. ‘Anything from the trolley dears?’.

How to get to the Glenfinnan viaduct –

By train

If not driving then you can reach the Glenfinnan viaduct by train. Either catch the train from Mallaig or Fortwilliam and get off at Glenfinnan. Check train times and fares here. If you wish to travel over the viaduct then catch the train from Mallaig or take the train from Fortwilliam to Mallaig and back again. Or even better, why not catch the Hogwart’s Express itself and head over the Glenfinnan Viaduct while inside one of the carriages eating a chocolate frog and swapping wizarding cards.

By car

If driving then you can park up at the visitor centre where there is now an extended car park. I arrived at 10am on a Tuesday morning and had the entire extended car park to myself! Parking costs a minimum of £3 for 3 hours. I recommend arriving at least half an hour before the train is expected to make an appearance. This will allow you time to head up to a viewpoint.

Get a close up look of the Hogwarts Express!

Time your arrival to the station for when the Hogwarts Express will be arriving in either Mallaig or Glenfinnan. Once the Hogwarts Express arrives it is there for quite a while. As a ‘happy accident’ (10 points to Gryffindor if you can remember who says that in Harry Potter, let me know in the comments and I’ll inform Professor McGonagall), I arrived in Mallaig with no plan to see the Hogwarts Express and there it was gleaming in the sunshine. I was ecstatic and immediately jumped out my car (after parking obviously). I ran over to the station and excitedly walked along the platform taking photos.

Insider’s top tip –

It dawned on me that there only appeared to be one staff member on board in the ‘shop’ part. So I decided to sneak on board for an even closer look! Unfortunately at that moment a grumpy member of staff that I hadn’t spotted hopped off board and informed me that I should be wearing a mask while on the platform – I hadn’t realised. And in my excitement to reach the platform I hadn’t brought one so sadly I thought I better not hop on board. However while wandering back to the car, I saw the same woman head to the toilets and another member of staff heading back with food. So I think around 20 minutes before departure, there is limited staff on board so use this opportunity for a sneaky hop (or disapparation) on board.

Glenfinnan Viaduct view points

Viewpoint 1 –

Head up behind the visitor cente for view point one which has limited space. I would only recomend this way for those who are unable to walk far because view point 2 is by far the best and has endless spots to watch from. Viewpoint one takes around fve minutes at most to walk up to. It’s very simple to follow. I would reccomend using a telephoto lens at this viewpint or perhaps bringing binoculars. From here, you will still be able to see the Hogwarts Express in all it’s glory though.

Viewpoint 2 –

Instead, I recommend heading to viewpoint 2 if possible. You find the start to this route at the back of the extended car park. Follow the path, it’s straightforward. Either on the way down or up, take a photo of the viaduct. It looks very majestic from down below. Once up at the view point, you can keep walking or stop lower down, up to you. Everyone just sort of dots about randomly. The view is incredible from anywhere!

Viewpoint tips –

• The path is hilly and rocky up towards both viewpoints so go slow and watch your footing. There could be a lot of people so definitely arrive as early as possible to ensure you have enough time to get up to the viewpoint. You might be stuck behind slow walkers.

• The time for the train appearing in view can vary so I recommend arriving 25 minutes after it leaves the train station. It could arrive anytime from 30 -50 minutes after leaving. For example, if the train leaves the station at 10:15 then aim to be at the view point from 10:45.

• Best to have an extra 5 minutes to get in place for your those fabulous photo shots. And of course it’s fun to let the excitement build up! You could use the time while waiting to practise your apparation skills – maybe you’ll be able to disapparate on board! Remember it is best to do this under an invisibility cloak though becuase you are most likely around a bunch of muggles!

• A nice idea is to bring snack sup with you and make a picnic out if it. Arrive early and you will have the pick of the whole area!

For more Scottish adventures check this post out!

Have fun!

I hope you enjoy this magical experience as much as I did! It is truly wonderful. Let me know in the comments if you have been or intend to go!