How to Visit (& Photograph) the Glenfinnan Viaduct
Sadly, the Jacobite Steam Train isn’t running at the time of writing (April 2026), though we’re hopeful it’ll return for summer. But the Glenfinnan Viaduct is still absolutely worth visiting without the train, and should be part of any Highlands itinerary.
The Glenfinnan Viaduct is an unmissable Scottish icon. And photographing the Harry Potter train, or Jacobite Steam Train, as it crosses the soaring archways of the viaduct, is a bucket list moment.
Dominating the Glenfinnan landscape, the 1,000ft long, 100ft high railway bridge elegantly sprawls across the valley floor.
Its 21 high, curving arches are windows to the mountains that peek tantalisingly behind, highlighting the breathtaking natural beauty surrounding this Highland gem.
More recently, the Glenfinnan Viaduct has been elevated to worldwide fame, thanks to a magical movie franchise - the ‘Harry Potter bridge’ drawing a new group of fans. For the Jacobite steam train, which puffs its way over the bridge four times daily, it’s now best known as the Hogwarts Express.
Whatever reason you wish to visit, the Glenfinnan Viaduct is a must-see on a Scotland road trip.
In this guide to the Glenfinnan Viaduct, I’m sharing the best viewpoints, how to photograph the viaduct and steam train, where to eat, and how to best immerse yourself in this wild landscape.
So, pack up the car with walking boots and your camera, and escape to Glenfinnan with my guide.
Helpful Guides to Plan Your Glenfinnan Viaduct Trip
If you’re planning a trip to the Glenfinnan Viaduct, don’t miss my 7 to 10-day Highland itinerary, guide to the best towns to base yourself, and guides to parking at Glenfinnan, where to eat, how to walk the trail, and other things to do there (coming soon).
How to photograph the Glenfinnan Viaduct
You’ll find the best viewpoint for photographing the Glenfinnan Viaduct - and the steam train, when it’s running - around halfway up the small hillside directly overlooking the bridge. This is ‘Viewpoint One’ mentioned below; it’s only a 10 to 15-minute walk from the car park and sits incredibly close to the train line.
This is the spot where those famous Instagram shots of both the viaduct and the ‘Hogwarts Express’ are taken. From above the arches, you get the most iconic perspective of the bridge sweeping through the glen.
We visited last summer and quickly realised two important things.
The first is that if you want to photograph the Jacobite Steam Train, timing is everything - you need to already be at the viewpoint as the train crosses the viaduct. And the second? The best way to reach the viewpoint is by walking over via the Glenfinnan Trail.
At the time of writing, the Jacobite Steam Train is not currently running. But even without the train, this is still one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the Scottish Highlands. The sweeping curve of the viaduct, surrounded by mountains and moorland, makes it worth visiting regardless.
Good to know
Because of its iconic reputation, this viewpoint can become extremely busy.
During peak season, my advice is to arrive early, choose your position, and settle in before the train is due. Visiting during the quieter shoulder seasons of spring and autumn can also make a huge difference if you’re hoping to avoid crowds and other people appearing in your photos. But even then, expect plenty of company.
If getting the perfect steam train shot is important to you, spend some time scoping out the hillside before the train arrives. Decide on your composition in advance, have your camera settings ready to go, and stay prepared - the train passes in just a few moments, so there’s very little time to react.
When the train isn’t running (whether during the off-season or due to unexpected cancellations), the hillside viewpoint tends to be far quieter, making it a lovely time to photograph the viaduct itself.
The best Glenfinnan Viaduct viewpoints
You can’t see the Glenfinnan Viaduct from the road, but there are a number of incredible viewpoints to photograph the bridge and steam train from. Park up, grab your camera, and follow the signposted route in - there’s a path, and it’s only a short walk to the Viaduct itself.
Glenfinnan Viaduct Viewpoint 1
For The Viaduct and the Steam Train
This is easily one of the most popular viewpoints in Scotland - and for good reason.
The views over the Glenfinnan Viaduct are simply incredible. Avid photographers should head up the small hill, where you’ll find the best place to photograph the Jacobite steam train. This is the best place to photograph the iconic steam train shot as it passes over the bridge on its westbound journey.
From here, it’s possible to capture the length of the viaduct with the valley beneath and the mountains behind. Plus, the higher up the hill you’re willing to go, the more magnificent the view of the curving viaduct. Even without the steam train, the surroundings from this Glenfinnan viewpoint are utterly beautiful.
To get to this Glenfinnan viewpoint, walk the short path from the Glenfinnan car park.
You’ll see a signpost for 'Viaduct Trail & Viewpoints' . Then, at the foot of the archways, is a slate sign pointing left, up the hill. Remember, be sure to wear boots or shoes with a good grip - it can be muddy higher up the hill.
Glenfinnan Viaduct Viewpoint 2
For the Viaduct, Loch Shiel and The Monument
For views over Loch Shiel to one side, and the Glenfinnan Viaduct to the other, head up the hill behind the visitor centre. Although the viaduct is further away, and you definitely won’t get a close-up of the steam train, you can see the entire bridge sweeping across the glen.
I’d recommend visiting this Glenfinnan viewpoint after you’ve photographed the steam train at viewpoint 1.
From here, look back down towards the shimmering waters of Loch Shiel, guarded by the rather haunting Glenfinnan Monument. It is breathtaking and, in general, a less crowded spot than other Glenfinnan viewpoints. Again, park at the Glenfinnan Visitor Centre; the Loch Shiel viewpoint is just behind, up a small hill.
Tips
To find out when the Jacobite Steam Train starts running, sign up for updates on the official website.
You can take a much less expensive local train over the Viaduct from Fort William to Mallaig.
Be prepared for the hillside viewpoints at Glenfinnan to be muddy and wet. This area isn’t developed; it’s wildland, and the hillside is steep in parts and frequently slippery.
You’ll be sitting or standing on a grassy, exposed hillside whilst you wait for the train - so dress appropriately for the weather and wear boots if you have them.
Lastly, at the time of writing, flying drones over the Glenfinnan Viaduct is restricted to commercial videography and requires advance permission from the Glenfinnan Estate. You can contact the estate on 07799 114 891.
