RIDE THE REAL-LIFE HOGWARTS EXPRESS: GREAT RAIL JOURNEYS INVITES HARRY POTTER FANS TO EXPERIENCE SCOTLAND'S ICONIC JACOBITE STEAM TRAIN

As HBO's New Harry Potter Series Arrives This Christmas, Travelers Can Experience the Magic of the Original Films Aboard Scotland's Famous Steam Train

CHICAGO, Nov. 10, 2026 — Great Rail Journeys (formerly Vacations By Rail), invites travelers to experience the magic of the wizarding world aboard Scotland's Jacobite Steam Train, famously associated with the Hogwarts Express in the original Harry Potter films. As HBO's new Harry Potter series approaches its December 25 premiere, fans can plan a 2027 escape through the Scottish Highlands, discovering the landscapes and filming locations that helped bring the beloved stories to life.

Known worldwide as the real-life Hogwarts Express, the Jacobite travels an 84-mile round trip between Fort William and Mallaig. Its signature moment comes as the steam train crosses the 21-arched Glenfinnan Viaduct, immortalized in the films as the Hogwarts Express makes its way toward the magical school. The crossing offers travelers the chance to experience one of cinema's most recognizable railway scenes firsthand.

The adventure begins in Fort William, beneath Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the British Isles. From there, vintage carriages carry passengers past dramatic mountains, shimmering lochs, remote villages and sweeping green glens before reaching the fishing village of Mallaig. Along the way, travelers can take in views toward Loch Shiel, another landscape recognizable from the films. The rhythmic clickety-clack of the rails, the locomotive's whistle and clouds of steam create an atmosphere reminiscent of a bygone era of travel.

"Stepping onto the platform at Fort William, it's like you've gone back to a golden age of travel. Vintage carriages line the tracks, steam billows from the mighty engine, and you can feel the excitement building all around you. Then, you step aboard and are whisked off to Hogwarts through some of the most spectacular scenery on Earth. Having experienced the Jacobite several times, it's truly a wonder to behold. Seeing the smiling faces of Harry Potter fans along the way makes you wonder whether magic really does exist," said Gary Crompton, Product Manager at Great Rail Journeys.

Although its Harry Potter connection has transformed the Jacobite into a bucket-list experience for fans, the railway's appeal extends far beyond the screen. Passengers have traveled through the Scottish Highlands on this route for more than 120 years, experiencing landscapes that change with the seasons. Traveling at a leisurely pace of no more than 50 miles per hour, the steam-hauled journey offers an immersive way to discover Scotland's natural beauty while embracing the nostalgia of rail travel.

Great Rail Journeys, a trusted leader in rail travel for more than 50 years, offers a selection of 2027 Scottish vacations, including Edinburgh, the Highlands & Islands; Highland Adventure; and The Best of Scotland & Ireland. These curated itineraries showcase Scotland's spectacular scenery, historic destinations and railway heritage, combining rail experiences with cultural exploration. Jacobite train experiences vary by tour and departure, with service generally operating seasonally from April through October. Travelers should review individual itineraries to confirm whether a Jacobite ride is included.

For longtime fans revisiting the original films and newcomers discovering Harry Potter through the upcoming series, the Jacobite offers an unforgettable reason to explore Scotland. From the first burst of steam at Fort William to the celebrated crossing of Glenfinnan Viaduct, this railway journey brings a touch of cinematic magic into the real world.

For more information about the Jacobite Steam Train and Great Rail Journeys' Scotland vacations, visit greatrail.com/us/trains/jacobite-steam-train/ or call (877) 929-7245. Follow Great Rail Journeys on Instagram and Facebook at @greatrailjourneys.us.

SOURCE Great Rail Journeys