The Jacobite steam train to Mallaig
84 miles return (West Coast Railways) ·
About
West Coast Railways' steam train runs from Fort William to Mallaig and back, an 84-mile return trip by the operator's count, over the line that ScotRail describes as crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct above Loch Shiel. It is seasonal and return only: there are no single tickets. In 2026 the morning train runs every day from Monday 1 June to Friday 23 October, leaving Fort William at 10:15, reaching Mallaig at 12:25, and leaving again at 14:10 to be back at 16:03. The afternoon train runs from Wednesday 10 June to Friday 25 September, out at 12:50 and back at 18:52. The operator says a small number of seats may be sold on the day at Fort William station, cash only and never guaranteed, so book ahead. Outside the season, or if it is sold out, ScotRail's ordinary trains run the same line to Mallaig all year.
Photos
Highlights
- ✓Steam on the line to Mallaig
- ✓In Mallaig from 12:25 to 14:10 on the morning train
- ✓First and Standard class
- ✓Leaves from Fort William station
Tips
- →Return tickets only. 2026 day returns: Standard £76 adult and £43 child (16 or under); First £116 adult and £76 child, per West Coast Railways' fare page.
- →Seats sold on the day at Fort William station are cash only, first come, first served and never guaranteed, the operator says.
- →The 2027 season dates were not published on 11 October 2026; check the operator's timetable page.
- →ScotRail's year-round service to Mallaig is the fallback: in the 2026 timetable the 12:18 from Fort William reaches Mallaig at 13:40 on weekdays.