Harry Potter Bridge: Glenfinnan Viaduct
Glenfinnan Viaduct: The Harry Potter Bridge from the Movies
Also known as the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the Harry Potter Bridge is one of the most popular locations for visitors coming to Scotland. It’s not all Harry Potter fans either although that is, of course, the main reason that people know about the bridge.
Located in the breathtaking Scottish Highlands, the Glenfinnan Viaduct, one of Scotland’s most iconic railway bridges, stands at 30 meters (100 feet) tall and stretches 380 meters (1,248 feet) long. It features 21 elegant arches, each spanning 15 meters (50 feet), curving over the picturesque Glenfinnan valley.
Just over the road you’ll find Loch Shiel and the Jacobite Monument, which is in my opinion one of the most spectacular views in Scotland - I’ll be sharing a picture within this article! From a certain vantage point you can see both the viaduct from above and look all the way down Loch Shiel - truly spectacular.
In this article, we’ll answer all your burning questions about Glenfinnan, the bridge & the train as well as provide options for how to get there and guided tours that you can take to experience it for yourself. You can even ride on the train and see the Highlands from the on top of the tracks!
Click Below to Navigate to Sections About the Glenfinnan Viaduct
At Scotland’s Wild, our friendly, story-telling guides have led thousands of trips through Scotland. We share history, legends and tales to entice people to visit this incredible country!
If you’d like to check-out our selection of tours, from day trips to island hopping, multi-day adventures - click here
Where is the Glenfinnan Viaduct Bridge?
The Glenfinnan Viaduct is located in the Scottish Highlands, near the village of Glenfinnan, in the western part of Scotland. It spans the valley of the River Finnan, and sits opposite the banks of Loch Shiel. The viaduct is part of the West Highland Line, a scenic railway route that connects Fort William to Mallaig.
This is where the Jacobite Steam Train (also known as the Hogwarts Express) crosses in the Harry Potter movies on the way to Hogwarts.
It’s about a 3 and a half hour drive from Edinburgh and 3 hours from Glasgow - so it’s worth spending at least a day longer up in the Highlands if you’re planning a visit. Most tours heading out to the viaduct do so on 2, 3 or more day trips.
We stop at Glenfinnnan on our Isle of Skye tours where you can travel on a 3, 5 or 7 day tour. We also offer a 2-day tour where you can ride the train and go hunting for the Loch Ness Monster!
Can you Ride on the Hogwarts Express Train?
You can indeed! The Hogwarts Express is in reality called the Jacobite Steam Train and is an operational train network where you can take a ride from Fort William to Mallaig.
It’s running. fromApril to October in 2025, 7 days a week although you’ll find tickets for the train are VERY hard to come by and planning in advance is a must.
We prebook tickets for the train ride for out 2-day Hogwarts Express Train & Loch Ness Tour - it’s absolutely essential to make sure you plan far in advance if you’re going to be heading there yourself!
4 Need to Knows Before Travelling to the Glenfinnan Viaduct
Visiting the Glenfinnan Viaduct, famously known as the “Harry Potter Bridge,” is a memorable experience. Here are 12 things to know before you visit:
Primary Viewing Spot
The primary viewpoint is a 10-15 minute walk from the car park. The trail is well-defined and easy to follow although can be quite steep towards the end. There is also another viewpoint (which I believe to be even better), that’s up the hill to the right before you even get to the Viaduct. From there you’ll see the Viaduct on one side and the Glenfinnan Monument with Loch Shield behind, on the other. Absolutely Gorgeous.Train Sightings
If you want to see the train passing across the viaduct, you’ll want to time your arrival. The train operates from April to October, 7 days a week but check online to see when the train will be passing on any given day!
3. Photography Tips
Hoping to get the perfect photo? Makes sure to arrive early in the day before the bulk of tourists arrive. You may also consider arriving earlier in the year (April/May) to be in Scotland before peak tourist season.
The light will also be best in the early morning, so there’s another bonus!
4. Alternate View Points
There are actually 3 separate viewpoints from which to see the Viaduct. I’ve mentioned two earlier but there is also a third from far back behind the viaduct facing towards both the Glenfinnan Monument and Loch Shield behind it.
See the map to have an idea of where to go for each shot!
The Jacobite Steam Train/The Hogwarts Express
Often hailed as one of the world's most spectacular railway journeys, this 84-mile round trip showcases some of Britain’s most remarkable natural wonders. Departing near Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK, the route travels to Arisaig, the country’s westernmost mainland railway station. Along the way, it skirts the shores of Loch Morar, Britain’s deepest freshwater loch, crosses the River Morar, the country’s shortest river, and finally arrives at Loch Nevis, the deepest seawater loch in Europe. Each stop along the journey highlights the breathtaking diversity of the Scottish Highlands.
Fort William, at the southern end of the Great Glen, is the largest town in the Scottish Highlands and serves as a gateway to the West Highlands. Towering above the town is Ben Nevis, offering a dramatic backdrop to the start of this railway adventure.
The journey then takes passengers across the Glenfinnan Viaduct, a stunning 21-arch bridge that overlooks Loch Shiel and the Jacobite Monument. If time allows, the train may pause here, giving travelers the perfect opportunity to soak in the breathtaking scenery. At Glenfinnan Station, there’s a chance to stretch your legs and visit the West Highland Railway Museum, housed in a restored station building.
The peaceful village of Arisaig, meaning "Safe Place," is set on the shores of Loch nan Ceall and offers a serene retreat. From here, visitors can take a boat trip aboard The Sheerwater to the Small Isles, a service that runs until mid-September. Every year, on the last Wednesday in July, Arisaig also hosts the Highland Games, an event steeped in local tradition.
Other Harry Potter Filming Locations in Scotland
Check out these other Harry Potter filming locations on your way to the Glenfinnan Viaduct and further beyond into the Highlands!
Rannoch Moor (Bridge of Orchy) where in "Half-Blood Prince," the Hogwarts Express makes a fleeting journey through this region, while in "Deathly Hallows Part 1," the Dementors halt the train at the onset of the film.
Loch Etive in Glen Etive where in "Order of the Phoenix," the loch briefly appears in the background as the Hogwarts Express passes through the Highlands. Later, in "Deathly Hallows Part 1," Harry, Ron, and Hermione camp on the loch's shores while hunting for Horcruxes. It's during this time that Ron chooses to depart from the group, and Hermione leaves her scarf tied to a tree.
Clachaig Gully in Glen Coe where Hagrid's hut is located. Hogwarts students often gather for various reasons throughout the Harry Potter series. In "Prisoner of Azkaban," they visit Hagrid after Divination class and later for the execution of Buckbeak. In "Order of the Phoenix," Harry encounters the thestrals for the first time while visiting Hagrid. Additionally, the trio seeks out Hagrid before he's dismissed by Umbridge. In "Half-Blood Prince," Slughorn and Harry join Hagrid to mourn the loss of Aragog in this same place.
Harry Potter Bridge (Glenfinnan Viaduct) where the iconic hogwarts train takes the young wizards to school!
Steall Waterfall in Glen Nevis the picturesque backdrop for all Quidditch matches featured in the listed films and the setting of the initial Triwizard Tournament in "Goblet of Fire" (2005).
Eilean Na Moine, Dumbledore's Grave is an island on Loch Eilt that you can stop by the road and go see. It’s only about a 5 minute walk to be able to see the location for Dumbledores grave.
We can help craft your ideal trip in Scotland - visit all these locations and much more. Get in touch with us to see how we can help you have the best time in Scotland!
Featured Harry Potter & Other Filming Location Tours in Scotland
We hope that you’ve found this article about the Glenfinnan Viaduct to be useful, interesting and a great tool to plan your Scotland vacation. At Scotland’s Wild we’ve been planning and leading epic trips around the country for almost 10 years! (yes, it’s almost our birthday!) So we have a wealth of knowledge about Scotland and freely share it with anyone who wants it.
You can sign up to our mailing list below, get a free Scotland map and we’ll continue to send you free resources to help make your trip the best one EVER.
If you’d like to take a tour with us you can search the small-group tour options above or get in touch to see how we can personalise and craft your DREAM Scotland tour at this private Scotland tours page.