West Highland Line by train
Glasgow Queen Street → Mallaig · 164 miles · from 5h 15m
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164 miles
5h 15m
4x daily
2
West Highland Line
Rannoch Moor, Loch Treig, Ben Nevis and finally the Glenfinnan Viaduct — the most famous stretch of railway in the world thanks to a certain wizard.
Why this journey is worth it
- Glenfinnan Viaduct — the Harry Potter bridge
- Rannoch Moor wilderness crossing
- Ben Nevis at Fort William
- Connects to the Jacobite steam train
Travel tip
Sit on the left leaving Fort William for the Glenfinnan Viaduct. We note it on your reservation.
Operators on this route
More than one company runs this route, and their pricing is entirely independent of each other. That is genuinely good news — it means there is a real comparison to make, and a real saving available to whoever bothers to make it. We check every operator on every quote.
Principal calling points
| # | Station |
|---|---|
| 1 | Glasgow Queen Street |
| 2 | Helensburgh Upper |
| 3 | Arrochar & Tarbet |
| 4 | Ardlui |
| 5 | Crianlarich |
| 6 | Bridge of Orchy |
| 7 | Rannoch |
| 8 | Corrour |
| 9 | Tulloch |
| 10 | Roy Bridge |
| 11 | Spean Bridge |
| 12 | Fort William |
| 13 | Glenfinnan |
| 14 | Arisaig |
| 15 | Morar |
| 16 | Mallaig |
Calling patterns vary by departure and by operator. Some services run non-stop between the principal cities. Timetables are set by the operators and change without notice — confirm at the time of booking.
Getting the cheapest fare
Advance fares on this route release roughly twelve weeks before departure and the lowest tier can disappear within days. A Railcard takes a third off most fares. And on longer journeys a split at an intermediate station frequently saves more than either.
Tickets are sold by the operators and by National Rail retailers. One thing worth knowing if you are travelling from overseas: some fares issue as a collection code that requires a station machine and the original payment card, which is awkward on arrival. Ask for an e-ticket where the fare allows it.
Want to talk it through first? Call +1 (888) 821-4679 — free, and no obligation.