The Lovely Escapist
Google
DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY!!!!
I've been wanting to ride the Jacobite train for years and sadly, it did not live up to my expectations. Not even close.
I paid for the first class tickets, which are £100 each, because I wanted to experience the luxury vibes of an old steam train. But what they do not tell you is that there are different types of carriages for first class. In the photo I share featuring the seats, you can tell I was first put into the more modern looking carriage, but in the background you can see there are different carpets and seats in the next carriage.
You do end up changing carriages on the way back from Malliag so you get views from both sides of the train. And the seats in the second carriage were much more comfortable and give off the old-time steam train, first class vibes - which is part of what you're paying for when riding the Jacobite train.
THE WINDOWS DO NOT OPEN SO YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GET A PHOTO WITHOUT REFLECTION OR SOME KIND OF OBSTRUCTION. The reason so many people book the Jacobite train is the experience the famous crossing of the Glenfinnan viaduct, where the train slows down or stops and allows people to hold their phones or cameras out the windows to take amazing photos. But with these new rules that were implemented in 2024, you will no longer get this photo/video. If I had known this, there's no way I would have booked a ticket (let alone a first class ticket). Instead, I would have driven my car along the route the train takes from Fort William to Mallaig. Or you could pay £20 for the regular train that goes the same route and is much faster.
I do want to say that I totally understand why they keep the windows shut and have this new rule about not opening/leaning out the windows. I am not angry about this new rule. It's definitely safer. However, I am annoyed at the fact they do not have this new rule displayed obviously on their website. Again, many people book this train since they've seen gorgeous photos of the viaduct crossing with unobstructed view, so to not note this change on their website is MISLEADING.
The fact you cannot select your seats (especially when you book first class tickets) is ridiculous. I booked these tickets months in advanced, setting an alarm for when they first became available. However, I was given seats that did not have the best view on either part of our trip. Going to Mallaig, I was in a seat that did not have a view of the viaduct crossing. And on the return, I was given a seat that faced away from it. The only way you can see the crossing is if you're in a seat next to a window that faces it. Or you'll have to stand up - which they'll yell at you for doing until it's too late to even get a decent photo.
You're also give complimentary tea and coffee if you book first class tickets. But what they don't tell you when booking is that you'll only get 2 cups (one each way) for a 4 hour train ride. . . Also, you feel rushed to finish because they come to collect the cups maybe 15 minutes after you finish.
Anyways, all this to say, I would NOT recommend riding the Jacobite steam train, especially first class. Even standard is £64 and I just don't feel like the experience is worth it. Honestly, if you have a rental car, just drive from Fort William to Mallaig and make some scenic stops along the way.
Or better yet, hike up the hill by the Glenfinnan Viaduct to witness the cross. It is a much better experience where you'll get amazing photos. Plus, it's free. Just be sure to check crossing times and arrive early to get parking and hike up the hill.
