The final journey of the Harry Potter train: Hogwarts Express at risk of closure

By Tychyna TetianaDec 11, 2023 20:19 PMNews
Share:
The final journey of the Harry Potter train: Hogwarts Express at risk of closure
Jacobite steam train. Source: instagram.com/gabrielapalai

The iconic journey made famous after the release of the Harry Potter book series, is set to be discontinued. The scenic route across the Glenfinnan Viaduct in Scotland might cease operations next year.

The well-loved tourist attraction, sought after by fans, is encountering safety issues. WalesOnline reports on the current situation with the Harry Potter train.

The vintage Jacobite locomotive and viaduct gained fame through their appearances in the Harry Potter film series, transforming Invernessshire into a popular tourist destination.

It is highlighted that the West Coast Railways (WCR) train fails to meet the safety requirements set by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) due to issues with locking doors.

The final journey of the Harry Potter train: Hogwarts Express at risk of closure
Harry Potter train. Source: Twitter@cfmbetricky2

The issue lies in the fact that the train doors lack central locks, a requirement set by the UK rail regulator, posing potential risks to passengers. However, the installation of these locks is deemed prohibitively expensive for the organizers.

According to the WCR regulator, the cost of implementing the locks can reach up to £7 million. This expense would significantly erode most of the operator's profits from the past decade.

The company had been granted two 10-year exemptions from the regulations on locking car doors, but these exemptions expired in March 2023.

An inspection conducted in July revealed violations of passenger safety. Stewards failed to prevent passengers from leaning over or sticking out of moving train doors.

The owners of the tourist locomotive were granted another reprieve, lasting until early next year. Simultaneously, a lawsuit regarding the locking of train doors is expected in January. Meanwhile, WCR has permission to continue operating until a verdict is reached or until February 29, 2024, whichever comes first.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the use of the locomotive, train tickets for the 2024 season are already on sale. A round-trip ticket for an adult costs £65, while a premium compartment is priced at £398.

According to reports, approximately 500,000 people travel on this train annually.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Seating area inside Dublin Airport lounge overlooking runway with international aircraft in view

Dublin Airport Broadens Global Reach for Summer 2025

Mar 29, 2025 13:43 PM
A passenger taps their card at a train station ticket barrier using contactless payment

Ticket Office Cuts Raise Travel Concerns

Mar 29, 2025 11:27 AM

Brussels Airlines Unveils Refined Inflight Dining

Mar 29, 2025 09:36 AM

Southern Italy Rail Upgrades to Disrupt Travel

Mar 29, 2025 07:41 AM
flydubai aircraft on runway with mountain backdrop

flydubai Restores Pisa Flights Ahead of Summer

Mar 29, 2025 05:29 AM
Man participating in a public protest or demonstration, facing another person in conversation

Easter Travel at Risk Amid Heathrow PRM Staff Strike

Mar 29, 2025 03:34 AM
Silhouettes of travellers waiting at an airport terminal during sunset

Edinburgh Airport Unveils Passenger-Focused Upgrades for Summer

Mar 28, 2025 23:42 PM
A quiet British railway station with footbridge and empty platforms on a cloudy day

Historic Rail Celebrations Unlock New Travel Routes Across the UK

Mar 28, 2025 20:38 PM
Tail fins of Iberia aircraft parked at Madrid-Barajas Airport on a clear day

Airline Alliance Expands Travel Options Between Spain and Argentina

Mar 28, 2025 18:24 PM

Benidorm Reinvents Itself as Eco-Friendly Holiday Destination

Mar 28, 2025 16:43 PM

Air France Adds Hotel-Style Bedding to Business Class for Long-Haul Flights

Mar 28, 2025 14:37 PM
Passengers at London King’s Cross station beside LNER and other trains under a large arched roof

LNER Opens Advance Ticket Sales for Summer 2025 Travel Across the UK

Mar 28, 2025 12:26 PM
Jet2holidays airplane flying low over a coastal road near a populated area with parked vehicles and scenic green hills

Jet2 Adds Norway Fjord Trips from Newcastle and Leeds Bradford

Mar 28, 2025 10:50 AM
Dark storm clouds forming in the sky before heavy rainfall

Polar Vortex Raises Storm Risk for UK Travelers

Mar 28, 2025 02:41 AM
easyJet aircraft parked at airport gate on a sunny day

easyJet Expands Inflight Services for Summer Travellers

Mar 28, 2025 00:39 AM

Delays Expected on Northern Italy Rail Routes

Mar 27, 2025 22:45 PM

Jet2 Opening New Travel Horizons With Expanded Winter 2025/26 Routes from Newcastle

Mar 27, 2025 20:28 PM
People walking along a historic street in central Torino at sunset

Torino Opens to Travelers as 2025 European Capital of Smart Tourism

Mar 27, 2025 18:33 PM
Ryanair plane landing at sunset at Manchester Airport

Manchester Expands African Flight Options

Mar 27, 2025 16:46 PM
Young woman using smartphone at a European train station

Interrail Booking Becomes Effortless with New Digital System

Mar 27, 2025 14:29 PM
Emirates A380 aircraft taxiing at Sydney Airport during sunset

Emirates Marks 25 Years with Enhanced Sydney Travel

Mar 27, 2025 12:31 PM
A First Class train operated by Transport for Wales approaching a station through a residential area

Michelin-Level Dining on Welsh Rails

Mar 27, 2025 10:44 AM

Travel Disruptions Expected as Helsinki Airport Protest Approaches

Mar 27, 2025 08:27 AM

Heavy Fog Disrupts Transport in Southern England

Mar 27, 2025 06:32 AM
Airplane with Star Alliance livery parked at gate at the airport

Star Alliance and ÖBB Partner to Boost Train-Flight Integration

Mar 26, 2025 23:37 PM
Dark railway tunnel with visible train tracks leading to a lit station exit

Weekend Rail Works to Disrupt Derbyshire Routes

Mar 26, 2025 21:41 PM