Future of Scotland’s ‘Harry Potter’ Train in Doubt

Image: Glenfinnan Railway Viaduct in Scotland with the Jacobite steam train passing over. (Photo via miroslav_1 / iStock / Getty Images Plus( (Photo Credit: miroslav_1 / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

by Scott Hartbeck
Last updated: 1:00 PM ET, Sat December 9, 2023

Time might be running out for Muggles to enjoy a ride on Scotland's so-called "Hogwarts Express."

The operators of The Jacobite steam train—made famous when it appeared as the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films—have said that the future of the service will be in doubt if they have to undertake costly train safety improvements.

West Coast Railways (WCR), the company that runs The Jacobite, is challenging a mandate from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) that would force it to equip the train with modern central locking systems on its doors.

According to the BBC, following an inspection in July, the ORR called attention to problems related to door locks that put passengers "at risk of serious personal injury."

The railway had previously been operating under a temporary exemption, which expired on November 30.

WCR contends that it has stewards stationed in each carriage and warnings at each window that keep passengers safe. The railway warned that adding these modern locking systems to its vintage 1950s carriages would cost about £7m ($8.78m), calling into doubt its entire operation.

A decision is due in early 2024.

Over 700 people travel on The Jacobite every day in the peak season, with scores more admiring—and often photographing—the train from nearby vantage points.

The train operates on the scenic West Highland Line between the Scottish towns of Fort William and Mallaig, a route that traverses the Glenfinnan Viaduct—a wonder of Victorian engineering and a tourist attraction in its own right.

Travelers should know that even if The Jacobite service ends, regular passenger trains will continue to serve the West Highland Line between Fort William and Mallaig. The views will be identical to the "Hogwarts Express," but the atmosphere in the carriages might not be quite as magical.