You can still take the Hogwarts Express around Scotland

The Jacobite is the real steam train used in the Harry Potter movies and it’s still the perfect trip to take for all Potter fans in Scotland.

The next time you’re looking at a day trip or a weekend away in Scotland, make sure you get your Harry Potter head in gear. It’s still possible to take a trip on the Jacobite, which is the very real Hogwarts Express. Yes, this is the exact train used in the movies; no replicas needed.

You can catch the train from Mallaig or Fort William and then take the journey across the beautiful scenery. Coincidentally, Mallaig is the home of the new Harry Potter immersive experience opening in Scotland in March. It’s also run by the same people who ran the gift shop and catering on the Jacobite steam train!

A very real steam train experience

There aren’t many steam trains left in the UK, but they are beautiful masterpieces that shouldn’t be left the way of the Dodo. The Jacobite is one of the remaining steam trains, making it an excellent adventure for Potter fans and those just going along for a ride.

You’ll be whisked on a journey past Loch Morar, the deepest freshwater loch in Scotland, and then past Loch Nevis, the deepest saltwater loch. And yes, you will most definitely run over the bridge used in the movies on the journey to Hogwarts, giving you the full experience that all fans need.

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When can you travel?

This is the perfect time to start planning your trip. The Hogwarts Express only runs from April to October every year. So, get your tickets ready for the opening weekend in 2018! The first weekend this year actually cuts into March, so you’re extra lucky. It will make the perfect Easter trip. It will then run a normal service from Apr.9 until Oct. 29, 2018, for the morning weekday services.

If you’re looking for the afternoon and weekend services, you’ll need to plan further ahead into the year.

Weekday afternoons: May 14 to Sept 14

Weekend mornings: Jun 2 to Sept 30

Weekend afternoons: June 16 to Sept 2

Standard adult single tickets start from £30 ($42). But you’ll definitely want a return and you’ll want to consider the £59 ($83) fare for the First Class experience. It’s the only way when it comes to the legendary Hogwarts Express.

Next: A Harry Potter cruise is available, will you set sail?

Are you planning a trip to Scotland in 2018? Will the Jacobite stream train make your list of adventures to take? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

You can book your tickets directly through the West Coast Railways website.

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