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Hogwarts Express and Scottish Highlands Tour from Edinburgh

4.8 · 1,727 ratings on Guidekin, Viator & Tripadvisor 96% of star-rated reviews are 4★ or 5★ Edinburgh Operated by Highland Explorer Tours Ltd Free cancellation · up to 24 hours before
Duration
13h 30m
Group
Shared tour
Guide languages
English
Start & pickup
07:15 · No hotel pickup: everyone meets at the start point
Booking
mobile ticket
Guidekin's take

Combine a Scottish Highlands coach trip with a one-way steam train ride from Mallaig to Fort William.

Guiding, air-conditioned transport and a standard train ticket are included; the train service can change or be cancelled at short notice. 4.81 from 1,727 reviews at €239 per person for 13h 30m.

In our comparison: #59 of 90 in Day Trips from Edinburgh, by rating weighted by review volume (see the comparison).

How we choose tours →Commissions never affect our verdicts.

Price and inclusions

One price for every traveller: €239 per adult.

Included and not included

  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Local English Speaking Guide
  • Jacobite Steam Train one-way ticket (Mallaig to Fort William)
  • Audio guides are available, but please bring your own headphones.
  • Food and drink
  • Hotel pick-up or drop off
  • Tips

Children from €236 (ages 5 to 15). Option texts and prices come from the operator's listing; prices checked on Viator on 1 October 2026.

Reviews

4.8
1,727 ratings
Guidekin, Viator & Tripadvisor

96% of ratings with a star breakdown are 4★ or 5★: 1,650 of 1,727

Star breakdown of all 1,727 ratings

5 stars
1,532 · 89%
4 stars
118 · 7%
3 stars
37 · 2%
2 stars
25 · 1%
1 star
15 · 1%

What reviewers say

Reviewers praise the guides and Highland scenery; some find the train's Harry Potter connection disappointing.

Praised

  • Guides' Scottish history, storytelling and humour
  • Highland scenery from the coach, train and photo stops
  • Riding the train across the Glenfinnan Viaduct
  • Stops to see Highland cattle along the route

Complaints

  • Long coach journeys leave some travellers tired
  • Brief stops and queues leave little time for food, toilets or exploring
  • Some enjoy the Harry Potter connection, while others find little film atmosphere on the train
  • Some travellers did not get the steam train they expected

Written by Guidekin from the 100 most recent English reviews on Viator & Tripadvisor (21 July 2026 to 2 October 2026). Refreshed as new reviews arrive; last checked 4 October 2026.

Latest reviews

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Ratings collected from Guidekin, Viator & Tripadvisor.

Meeting point and route

Meeting point

Where
This tour departs from 60 High Street, on the Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 1TB. We are unable to hold the bus or refund for any late arrivals, so please arrive at least 15 minutes before the stated departure time. · Open in Google Maps
Departure
07:15, daily except Mon; scheduled through October 2026 (operator schedule, seats confirmed at checkout)
Return
This activity ends back at the meeting point
Pickup
No hotel pickup: everyone meets at the start point
Operator
Highland Explorer Tours Ltd; booking and payment are completed on Viator

Itinerary

About this tour, from the operator

Walking, children and accessibility

The operator's own notes, grouped by topic. Nothing here is added by Guidekin.

Walking and health

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children

  • Children under 5 years old, including infants who do not require a seat, are not permitted to travel. We are unable to accommodate any child under the age of 5.

Accessibility

  • Public transportation options are available nearby

Good to know

  • Food not included bring or buy your own
  • Children from €236 ages 5 to 15

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

  • 1+ days: Full refund
  • 0-1 days: No refund

Compared with other Day Trips from Edinburgh

TourPriceDurationRatingGroup
This tour · #59 of 90€23913h 30m4.81 (1727)shared
Stirling, Highlands & Distillery in Spanish€7812h4.98 (406)shared
Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William€5412h4.93 (6417)shared
Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe and The Highlands€5412h 30m4.92 (6699)shared

Ranked #59 of 90 in Day Trips from Edinburgh by Guidekin score (rating weighted by review volume). Prices here run from €54 to €944, median €78; typical length 10h. 26 of 90 are private. Figures are live from the tour cards; the rubric is our handpicked set, not the whole market. Compare all 90 Day Trips from Edinburgh

From €239 per adult