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UK rail journey

West Highland Line by train

Glasgow Queen Street → Mallaig · 164 miles · from 5h 15m

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Distance

164 miles

Fastest journey

5h 15m

Frequency

4x daily

Operators

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

ScotRail Caledonian Sleeper

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
1Glasgow Queen Street
2Helensburgh Upper
3Arrochar & Tarbet
4Ardlui
5Crianlarich
6Bridge of Orchy
7Rannoch
8Corrour
9Tulloch
10Roy Bridge
11Spean Bridge
12Fort William
13Glenfinnan
14Arisaig
15Morar
16Mallaig

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.

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