The Real Hogwarts Express: Jacobite Steam Train Review – Magical or Overhyped?

ABBEY: Our adventure began bright and early at 7 AM, as we joined the much-anticipated Hogwarts Express and Scottish Highlands Tour. The crisp morning air greeted us as we made our way to the meeting point at St. Andrew Square in Edinburgh. Shortly after our tickets were checked, our cozy tour bus pulled in—and just like that, the journey began.

From the start, our tour guides made the trip unforgettable. Far from being dull, they filled our ride with interesting facts, local legends, and witty stories that kept everyone laughing, clapping, and thoroughly entertained.

Our first stop was a charming little town, the perfect place to warm up with a hot cup of coffee. While some of us grabbed caffeine, others took the chance to enjoy a quick breakfast bite. Then, we had a brief but breathtaking stop at the Glenfinnan Viaduct—the iconic bridge made famous by the Harry Potter films. Standing there, watching the sweeping curves of the viaduct against the rugged Highland backdrop, felt like stepping into the wizarding world.

As we continued our journey, the Scottish landscape unfolded around us in all its glory—majestic mountains, serene lochs, and cinematic vistas. One of the highlights was catching a glimpse of the film location used as Dumbledore’s grave, nestled quietly in the distance.

By lunchtime, we arrived at the coastal town of Mallaig. We tucked into a hearty serving of traditional fish and chips at Jaffy’s and enjoyed another brew at The Tea Garden Café. The seaside views and fresh Highland air made it a perfect midday break.

Then came the moment we were all waiting for—boarding the Jacobite Steam Train, famously known as the Hogwarts Express. As the steam curled into the sky and the whistle blew, it felt like we were truly heading to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Although we didn’t get window seats, the magical atmosphere more than made up for it.

Our cheerful and enthusiastic train conductor made the ride even more enjoyable, sharing stories and pointing out sights like Neptune’s Staircase, a remarkable series of canal locks near Fort William, where our steam train journey ended.

Back on the bus with our Highland guides, we had one more surprise waiting—meeting the adorable Highland Cattle, often affectionately called “emo cows” for their shaggy hair. We even got to feed them before making our way back to Edinburgh.

The Real Hogwarts Express: Jacobite Steam Train Review – Magical or Overhyped?

WILL: If you’re a true Harry Potter fan, the Jacobite Steam Train ride is likely on your UK bucket list. Even for non-fans, this is the exact steam train featured in the first Harry Potter movie — and that alone makes it worth looking into.

So how can you ride the real Hogwarts Express?
Option 1: Do-It-Yourself (DIY Route)
You can travel independently to Fort William or Mallaig, which are the departure and arrival points for the Jacobite Train.

However, there are some drawbacks:
•The journey from London takes about 9 hours by train
•Limited accommodation options in both towns
•The towns themselves are quiet, and not ideal for extended stays
This option can be complicated and requires a lot of planning.

Option 2: Join a Guided Tour from Edinburgh
We chose the Highland Tours experience via GetYourGuide, and it turned out to be the smarter option.

Compared to booking directly, this tour saved us over SGD100 and included convenient transportation from Edinburgh, scenic stops, and entertaining guides.

From the start, guides/bus drivers — Rich and Mat — were both informative and engaging. They kept the mood light and fun throughout the long day trip. It felt like a field trip, complete with stories, music, and a few Harry Potter trivia moments.

Please note:
•The Jacobite Steam Train does not run year-round. It closes during winter and usually resumes service around April.
•We paid SGD641 for two people, not including meals.
•Bus do not have built-in toilet so plan your drinks.

Is It Worth the Price?
➡️Yes, if:
•You’re a Harry Potter fan looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience
•You enjoy scenic rides through the Highlands
•You want to be surrounded by fellow Potter fans and share the excitement

➡️Maybe not, if:
•You expect a luxurious experience or dramatic reenactments
•You’re not familiar with the Harry Potter series and may not connect with the nostalgia

Alternative Option
If the full experience is out of your budget, GetYourGuide also offers tours that stop at the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the iconic bridge featured in the films. You won’t ride the train, but you’ll still capture that postcard-perfect moment.

If you’re still undecided, think of it this way: if you grew up watching Harry Potter, this isn’t just a ride — it’s a small piece of your childhood coming to life.

***

From Edinburgh: Hogwarts Express and Scottish Highlands Tour

(W) https://gyg.me/38Pye1nz

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Why We Skipped the Plane and Took LNER First Class to Edinburgh

ABBEY: If you’re planning a trip from London to Edinburgh, one of the best ways to travel is by train—and for a truly comfortable experience, we highly recommend booking first-class tickets.

We began our journey at the iconic King’s Cross Station in London. Before boarding, we had access to the First Class Lounge, which offers a lovely view of the trains arriving and departing. The lounge provides light refreshments, including chips, tea, and coffee. While I wasn’t a fan of the coffee’s taste (perhaps something to do with the water), the shortbread cookies were a delicious treat—definitely worth grabbing a few before the ride!

Boarding the train was smooth. We easily found a spot for our luggage and settled into our assigned seats, which were spacious, clean, and comfortable. Shortly after departure, staff came around to check our tickets and offered hot drinks. I’m glad to report that the coffee on board was much better, especially enjoyed with the scenic countryside viewsrolling by the large windows.

For our onboard meal, we were served a roast chicken brioche roll, a tasty option that hit the spot. The onboard toilet facilities, however, were a bit underwhelming and could use some updating—but that was a small drawback in an otherwise pleasant journey.

After nearly five hours, we arrived in Edinburgh, greeted by a light drizzle and chilly air—exactly the kind of weather we had anticipated in this historic and charming city.

If you’re considering train travel between London and Edinburgh, especially in first class, it’s a comfortable and scenic alternative to flying. Plus, it’s a great way to see more of the British countryside while traveling in style.

Why We Skipped the Plane and Took LNER First Class to Edinburgh

WILL: Another trip, another train ride — and yes, I’m still loving it! I don’t know when exactly I fell in love with long train journeys, but I do know that they’ve become one of my favourite ways to travel. Especially when Abbey and I are together.

This time, we needed to get from London to Edinburgh. Flying? Nope. We wanted to avoid the long airport lines, baggage hassles, and all the stress that comes with flying these days. So once again, we turned to the train — and not just any train, but LNER First Class.

There are a few ways to travel this route, but here’s why we picked LNER First Class:

🚫 Sleeper trains were out of the question for us. We’d read too many reviews saying the ride wasn’t comfortable, sleep was impossible, and the toilets — well, let’s not go there. 

🚫 Regular economy class didn’t appeal to us either — crowded carriages and stories of missing bags weren’t very reassuring.

✅ So we chose LNER First Class — and it was the right choice.

Before boarding, we hung out in the LNER lounge. It was a decent waiting space — quiet, clean, and had chips, tea, and coffee. Not exactly luxurious, but still better than standing around at a crowded platform.

Once we got on the train, though, it felt like First Class for real. The seats were spacious and comfortable, and our steward was genuinely cheerful, always walking by with more tea and snacks. There was a calm, relaxed vibe that you don’t usually get in crowded public transport. And yes — the toilet was clean the entire trip! That may seem like a small thing, but on long journeys, it really matters.

What I appreciated most was the peace of mind. I wasn’t worried about my belongings. I didn’t have to deal with overhead luggage bins or people bumping into me. We could just sit back, enjoy the views, sip on tea, and enjoy the ride together.

So, would we travel this way again? Absolutely. And if you’re someone who values comfort, quiet, and a smoother travel experience, I’d definitely recommend LNER First Class.

What about you — have you ever tried this train? Or would you still prefer to fly? Let me know in the comments!

***

LNER - London North Eastern Railway

(W) https://www.lner.co.uk/

SAVE MONEY ON YOUR TRAVEL HERE!!!

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Inside LNER First Class train from London to Edinburgh, showing spacious seats and calm travel atmosphere

🇮🇹Italy's Luxury Trains - Review of ItaliaRail and Italo

ABBEY: Our entry to Italy was by train. We onboarded TrenItalia from Bellinzona to Milano Centrale. Then ItaliaRail going to Firenze Santa Maria Novella until the final stop at Poggibonsi-San Gimignano.

We were shocked by the amount of people at Milano Centrale. Maybe because it is the last days before the New Year and everyone is eager to go home and be with their families. The ride is the usual; food is included in the ticket. The seats are comfortable and almost clean. There is no lounge for ItaliaRail as well as TrenItalia unlike with Italo when we went from Firenze S.M. to Roma Tibirtuna. 

We were given drinks as well as pastries on the lounge and got good seats while waiting for our train. The locomotive didn’t disappoint. The first class has large space for our luggages, is almost quiet and organized. We enjoyed our coffee, warm pastry and munchies.

Italy's Luxury Trains - Review of ItaliaRail and Italo

WILL: In our 20 years of travel experience, comfort has always been a priority, balancing it with the cost to fit within our budget. Today, as we wrap up our Italy trip, let's dive into Italy's Luxury Class train travel.

EUR47.90 / pax — From Milan to Florence we booked through ItaliaRail Business Quiet. I do not want to rant but can’t let this pass:

• Purchasing tickets through ItaliaRail led us to an unexpected twist – being assigned to a Trenitalia Train. Foolishly, I assumed there'd be lounges aplenty at major Italian stations. Milan's bustling crowds proved me wrong, highlighting the need for better lounge access planning.
• Despite the "Quiet" label, the Business Coach was anything but tranquil. Chatter about food drowned out any hopes of a nap, and dusty windows obscured the scenery.
• On the bright side, a steaming cup of coffee accompanied by hot bread was a pleasant surprise. Plus, the pristine water closets were a saving grace.

Eur75.90 / pax — From Florence to Roma Tiburtina we booked Italo Club Executive Class. It only tooked us less than an hour riding this Italy’s luxury train. 

• The Florence Italo Club Lounge offered a dedicated space with an attendant serving drinks and sandwiches, unlike other self-service lounges.
• Snagging seats just before the driver's cabin gave us an air of exclusivity. Quiet and spacious, with foldable tables providing ample legroom, it was a journey worth savoring.
• While reveling in comfort, we almost missed the underwhelming snack – more suited for a schoolyard than a luxury train. 

In conclusion, ItaliaRail fell short of our expectations, while Italo exceeded them, making our journey to Rome a pleasant one. Cheers to comfortable travels! On to our next adventure :) 

***

ItaliaRail

(W) https://www.italiarail.com/

Italo

(W) https://www.italotreno.it/en

🇨🇭Exploring Switzerland with the Swiss Travel Pass: Is It Worth It?

Traveling from Singapore to neighboring countries here in Asia is a breeze, thanks to our robust currency. We are just hailing Grab or taxi our way to our next place to visit. BUT Europe means experiencing a significant currency conversion, especially in countries like Switzerland, where the Swiss Franc's value is considerably higher than our Singapore Dollar. Public transportation will significantly impact our budget, thus Switzerland tourists require more strategic planning.

So, when planning a trip to Switzerland, one question looms large: Is the Swiss Travel Pass worth it?

To answer this question, read our Switzerland itinerary and compare the costs of individual tickets versus the convenience of the Swiss Travel Pass. Note: We opted for 1st Class tickets to enjoy a more exclusive experience and avoid overcrowding, particularly in the Jungfrau region.

Swiss Travel Pass -  Worth It?
Read our Itinerary with the usual Public Transportation Costs Here

Calculate your next Switzerland Trip:

By meticulously planning our itinerary and estimating the costs of individual train and bus tickets, we realized the huge savings offered by the Swiss Travel Pass. Using the official SBB app, we calculated the fares for each leg of our journey, making informed decisions about our transportation needs.

Here are the freebies/discounts because we have the Swiss Travel Pass:

1.Glacier Garden — FREE

2.Callier Maison — FREE

3. Zermatt Bergbahnen — 50% Discount

In conclusion, the Swiss Travel Pass is undeniably worth it for travelers exploring Switzerland. By pre-planning your itinerary and considering your transportation requirements, you can maximize the benefits of the pass and enjoy seamless travel across Switzerland's picturesque landscapes.

Bonus Savings Tip: We purchased our Swiss Travel Pass through Klook and saved CHF617 compared to the regular price of CHF665, enjoying an additional CHF48 off. For similar savings, consider purchasing your pass through Klook.

***

Swiss Travel Pass

(W) https://www.sbb.ch/

Buy on Klook: https://www.klook.com/en-SG/invite/Y9UUR6?c=USD

CHECK THIS OUT! 

Accommodation Excellence

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KKDAY: Not Just for Attractions. KKDAY offers excellent options for accommodations. Explore and book with confidence.

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🇨🇭Glacier Express vs. GoldenPass: Swiss Train Showdown

ABBEY: Switzerland is known for their trains and we didn’t pass the opportunity to board two of their famous trains; GoldenPass Express and Glacier Express. 

Both of the trains showcase a great experience. We were amazed by the snowy winter landscape on the trains’ panoramic windows. Our food was booked and served at the Glacier Express and I can say that nothing fancy about that; it was so-so. However there is a difference in service. 

GoldenPass Express took forever to take our order (we are almost at our destination) but for Glacier Express it was swift and we enjoyed our coffee along with the magnificent views. The Glacier Express also chimes to notify the passengers to put on their headphones and listen to information about their current location.

There are other trains that go almost or part of same route as these panoramic trains but we want to have the experience given by these luxury trains. The trip in itself is magical.

Glacier vs. GoldenPass Swiss Train Comparison

GoldenPass Swiss Panoramic Train Video

Glacier Express Swiss Panoramic Train Video

WILL: Did you know that Switzerland boasts not just one, but five premium panoramic trains, each claiming the title of the world’s most beautiful rail route? If you're planning a trip to this picturesque country, riding one of these trains is an absolute must-do. While time constraints and logistics may limit your choices, we've experienced two of these breathtaking journeys: the GoldenPass Express and the Glacier Express.

GoldenPass Express: December Reservation (CHF: 20.00/pax)

You might have caught glimpses of Switzerland's stunning landscapes in Roger Federer and Trevor Noah's Train Adventure video—that's the GoldenPass Route. What stands out for us? The sheer thrill of traversing cliffs while ascending mountains is unmatched. The engineering precision on display is awe-inspiring; you won't find a dull moment on this ride!

However, it's worth noting that the first-class train can feel a bit cramped, with limited space for luggage. Service can also be slow, which led Abbey to opt out of ordering food altogether. Considering the price per person, the level of comfort and service doesn't quite match expectations.

Glacier Express - December Reservation (CHF: 49.00/pax)

Known as the world's slowest express train, our journey from Zermatt to Chur aboard the Glacier Express was nothing short of spectacular. Picture-perfect scenes of snow-covered valleys unfold before your eyes (don't forget your sunglasses!). Witness locals embracing the winter wonderland with sledges and skis—it's a sight to behold.

With at least three stewards onboard, the service on the Glacier Express is exemplary. They attend to passengers' needs promptly and ensure a comfortable journey throughout. Each seat even comes equipped with earphones, allowing you to delve into the history and must-know facts about various points of interest along the route.

While the onboard food offerings may not be extravagant, the option to bring your own snacks, like chips and wine, adds a personal touch to the journey.

In conclusion, faced with the choice between the GoldenPass and Glacier Express, our vote goes to the Glacier Express without hesitation!

A quick reminder: The reservation fee is separate from the train fare, so be prepared to pay for both when booking your journey.

***

GoldenPass Express

(W) https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-sg/experiences/goldenpass-express/

Glacier Express

(W) https://www.glacierexpress.ch/en/

CHECK THIS OUT! 

Accommodation Excellence

Expedia Booking.com, Hostelworld: Your one-stop-shop for hotel and hostel bookings. Find your perfect home away from home with Expedia's extensive listings.

KKDAY: Not Just for Attractions. KKDAY offers excellent options for accommodations. Explore and book with confidence.

Bonus Tip: Zalora for OOTD Goals!

Oh, and speaking of dreams, let's talk OOTD (Outfit of the Day) goals. Head over to Zalora for some jaw-dropping fashion finds. Click [here] to explore and snag those Instagram-worthy outfits for your trip. A fashionable adventure awaits!