The Jacobite from Fort William: 2026 times, fares and the train that runs all year

The Jacobite is the steam train from Fort William to Mallaig and back, run by West Coast Railways. It has rules that catch people out. Here is what the operator publishes for 2026, and what to do if it does not fit your plans.

The season is shorter than you might think

In 2026 the morning train runs every day from Monday 1 June to Friday 23 October. The afternoon train runs every day from Wednesday 10 June to Friday 25 September. Outside those dates there is no steam service. The 2027 dates had not been published when we checked on 11 October 2026, so do not assume next year matches this one.

The 2026 timetable

• Morning train: leaves Fort William at 10:15, arrives in Mallaig at 12:25, leaves Mallaig at 14:10, back in Fort William at 16:03.
• Afternoon train: leaves Fort William at 12:50, arrives in Mallaig at 15:06, leaves Mallaig at 17:00, back in Fort William at 18:52.

The operator gives the trip as 84 miles return. On the morning train you are in Mallaig from 12:25 to 14:10.

It is return only

West Coast Railways says plainly that this is a return trip and it does not sell one-way tickets. If you want to arrive in Mallaig by steam and carry on from there, this is not the train to plan around.

What it costs

The operator's fare page lists these day returns for 2026:

• Standard class: £76 adult, £43 child (16 or under)
• First class: £116 adult, £76 child

It adds that prices can change, so check at booking.

Turning up without a ticket

The operator says a small number of seats may be sold on the day at Fort William station. They are cash only, strictly first come, first served, and can never be guaranteed, and its own advice is to book ahead. If you do try your luck, bring cash.

Where it leaves from

Fort William station, at Station Square, a short walk from the High Street. National Rail lists the station as step-free to all platforms, with accessible toilets, a Changing Places toilet, refreshments and 50 parking spaces, two of them accessible.

Arriving by train from Glasgow on the day

In ScotRail's 17 May to 12 December 2026 timetable the first weekday train from Glasgow Queen Street leaves at 08:22 and reaches Fort William at 12:12, after the morning Jacobite has gone. It does arrive before the 12:50 afternoon train, which ran until 25 September in 2026, but that leaves a 38-minute margin, and the afternoon train is not back until 18:52, so check ScotRail's times south before you try it as a day trip from Glasgow. Staying the night before is simpler.

The ordinary train does the same line all year

ScotRail runs the line from Fort William to Mallaig all year, and its own description of the route includes the Glenfinnan Viaduct curving over Loch Shiel. In the 17 May to 12 December 2026 timetable the 12:18 from Fort William on weekdays reaches Mallaig at 13:40. That is a modern train rather than a steam engine, but it is the same view out of the window, it runs outside the Jacobite's season, and you can buy a single. It is also the answer if the Jacobite is sold out.

Making a day of it

The morning train is back at 16:03, which leaves an evening in town. Sonas on the High Street opens at 16:30 from Monday to Wednesday and from noon Thursday to Sunday, and recommends booking. Crannog at Garrison West on Cameron Square starts dinner at 17:00. The Black Isle Bar in Gordon Square is walk-in only and, in October 2026, open from noon every day.

If you are staying more than a night, do the Jacobite on the day the forecast is worst for the hills. The train runs in the rain; the Ben is a different proposition.

Accessibility and the small print

West Coast Railways publishes a disability policy and booking conditions on its Jacobite pages. Read both before booking if anyone in your party needs assistance, and ask the operator directly about your needs. Enquiries go to enquiries@westcoastrailways.net.