Loading Page...

Can you bring your own food on The Jacobite train?

“can you take your own picnic on board ? ” Yes you can. My wife and I took a picnic lunch with us. After the train arrives in Mallaig, they'll make you get off for about 15 minutes while the train turns around.



Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and drink on The Jacobite Steam Train. While the train offers a buffet carriage where you can purchase snacks, light refreshments, and "Harry Potter" themed treats, there is no restriction on carrying your own picnic. This is a "pro-tip" for 2026 travelers, as the journey from Fort William to Mallaig takes about two hours each way, and having your favorite snacks can enhance the experience while you watch the Scottish Highlands pass by. If you are traveling in First Class, you will receive complimentary tea or coffee, but no full meals are included in the base ticket price. For those in Standard Class or the "HP" Compartments, no food is provided at all, making a packed lunch a very sensible choice. Just remember to be courteous to fellow passengers by avoiding "smelly" foods and ensuring you take all your rubbish with you when you depart the vintage MK1 or MK11 carriages.

People Also Ask

Top Tip: For the best views, sit on the left hand side on the way to Mallaig and on the right hand side on the way back! Whilst Mallaig may be the destination, a trip aboard The Jacobite is just as much about what you will see and experience on the journey, as it is about where you end up.

MORE DETAILS

You can ride the Jacobite Express one way between Fort William and Mallaig, or choose a round-trip ticket that allows for an hour and a half to explore Mallaig before the return journey. Advance booking is highly recommended?a very limited number of same-day tickets are available.

MORE DETAILS

It takes an average of 5h 15m to travel from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Fort William by train, over a distance of around 95 miles (152 km).

MORE DETAILS

You can ride the steam train from Fort William to Mallaig, or you can watch it go by across the stunning Glenfinnan Viaduct.

MORE DETAILS

Our Journey PlannerGet the ferry to Skye from Mallaig on the mainland, or Lochmaddy from North Uist and Tarbert (Harris) from Harris. Vehicle reservations are recommended on these routes. You can book travel online, and when you do, you'll immediately receive an eTicket direct to your inbox - ready to board..

MORE DETAILS

The popular tourist train The Jacobite was made famous by its appearances in the Harry Potter films. Safety inspectors said door locking issues put passengers at risk of falling from carriages or being hit while leaning out of windows.

MORE DETAILS