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What is ScotRail?

Operating most rail services north of the border, ScotRail is Scotland’s national railway company and one of the major rail companies in the UK. ScotRail provides services across Scotland, from Glasgow Central to Edinburgh Waverley, Aberdeen, Inverness, Perth and Fort William.  

If you're after ScotRail tickets, look no further. At Trainline, we'll show you where ScotRail can take you and how to book the best value fares for your journey. To find ScotRail tickets, simply start a search above, and we'll show you the best available journey times and prices. 

Where can I travel by train with ScotRail?

Unsure about where to start your ScotRail adventure? Use our ScotRail route map to plan out where you want to go.

City to countryside

As the main operator of trains in Scotland, ScotRail takes you further. From major hubs like Glasgow and Edinburgh, find your way to the Scottish East Coast, the Highlands and beyond.

Cross-border travel

ScotRail takes you to destinations outside of Scotland including Newcastle and Carlisle that connect to the rest of Great Britain and places further afield. Want to learn more about the Scottish rail network? Head to our Scotland Rail Map for more information.

Most popular routes

ScotRail destinations: where can they take you?

With ScotRail, there are many fantastic places you can visit by train. To find some inspiration on where to go, check out these highlights below.

Edinburgh

Find out more about trains to Edinburgh

Glasgow

Find out more about trains to Glasgow

Inverness

Find out more about trains to Inverness

Aberdeen

Find out more about trains to Aberdeen

Stirling

Find out more about trains to Stirling

Dundee

Find out more about trains to Dundee.

Which ScotRail routes are the most popular?

If you want to explore Scotland with ScotRail, you can easily reach major towns and cities by train. To inspire your next trip, here are some of the most popular ScotRail train journeys in Scotland:

What classes are available on ScotRail trains?

On ScotRail trains, there are two classes to choose from: Standard and First Class.

Standard Class

In ScotRail’s Standard Class, you can charge your devices and store your luggage in the available storage areas.

  • Family-sized tables
  • Plug sockets
  • Generous luggage allowances
  • Free WiFi on some services.

First Class

In First Class, you’ll benefit from all the amenities of Standard Class, plus some additional extras, such as more comfortable seating and quieter coaches.

  • Quieter coaches
  • Comfortable leather reclining seats
  • Table at every seat
  • Adjustable curtains
  • Individual sockets and USB ports
  • Free Wi-Fi on some services
  • Hospitality on some services (subject to availability).

What are the different types of ScotRail tickets?

Buying train tickets in the UK can be a little confusing at times. That's why we’re stepping in to help sort out the Advance from the Anytime and more.

How can I buy ScotRail train tickets?

Buying ScotRail tickets in the UK is simple with the Trainline app!

Follow these simple steps to save money on your train tickets:

  1. Search online in our Journey Planner or download our app.
  2. Add your departure and arrival station.
  3. Choose your date – most Advance tickets go on sale 12 weeks before the date of departure, so the earlier you book the cheaper your tickets could be.
  4. Don’t forget to add your Railcard, if you have one, to get an even bigger discount. Alternatively, if you're travelling in a group of three to nine adults, you could use GroupSave for a discount of up to 33% on participating services.
  5. Book!

What are ScotRail Season Tickets?

If you make the same journey two or more times a week on a ScotRail route, you may be better off getting a Season Ticket. Sound interesting? Find out more below!

ScotRail Season Tickets allow you to travel at any time of day, and as much as you want for a specified period between two stations.

You can choose how long they last and make as many back-and-forth trips within that period as you please.

That’s not all – Digital Season Tickets live in the Trainline app on your phone, so you don’t need to queue at the station to collect a paper ticket or worry about losing it.

If you’re regularly travelling to work by train, buying a Season Ticket often works out cheaper than daily single or return tickets.

Season Tickets are all about flexibility. Travel between your home and destination station as many times as you like in one day - every single day if you want to.

Download our app

ScotRail stations

Discover more about the main terminals around the country that link the ScotRail network together.

What services are available on ScotRail trains?

Keep reading to find out more about the services available on ScotRail trains.

Can I take my bike on ScotRail trains?

Yes, you can take your bike on the train, and more importantly, you should take your bike on the train!

Planning a day out on your bike? Or cycling as part of your commute to work? You’re in luck. Taking bikes on trains in the UK is completely free.

If you’re travelling with a full-size bike on a ScotRail train, it’s a good idea to reserve a space for it on board before you travel. On some services, a bike reservation is compulsory; we’ll show you in our Journey Planner when a reservation is required. A cycle reservation is compulsory for services between:

  • Glasgow/Edinburgh and Aberdeen
  • Glasgow/Edinburgh and Inverness
  • Glasgow/Oban/Fort William and Mallaig
  • Aberdeen and Inverness
  • Inverness/Wick/Thurso and Kyle of Lochalsh

Please note that reservations are also available but not compulsory between Glasgow and Stranraer.

If you’re travelling with a tandem bike, there are a limited number of spaces on board the ScotRail Highland Explorer carriage that can accommodate tandems. Tandems must be reserved by 18:00 the day before travelling by calling the ScotRail Customer Relations team. You must remember to specify when booking that you are travelling with a tandem.

Find out more about taking bikes on trains in the UK.

ScotRail reviews

Want to read some first-hand reviews of ScotRail services? Check out some reviews below!

Travelling from Glasgow Queen Street to Edinburgh by train

Getting to Glasgow Queen Street station

After a wonderful day out spent in Glasgow, it was time for me to head back to Glasgow Queen Street station and hop on my train to Edinburgh. The third busiest train station in Scotland, Glasgow Queen Street is only a few minutes away from George Square, which is in the city centre, so it’s super easy to reach.

Travelling with ScotRail

I arrived at the station just five minutes before my train was due to depart. I quickly checked which platform the train was leaving from, got through the ticket gates after showing my e-ticket to the railway staff and hopped on.

I boarded a ScotRail train and I was so happy to get a forward-facing window seat in Standard Class – seats facing backwards are not for me, they make me dizzy! ScotRail offers plenty of amenities on board, including free WiFi, power sockets and an at-seat catering service so you won’t feel bored at all during your journey.

The journey

It took me about 50 minutes to get from Glasgow to Edinburgh – the train stopped at Croy, Falkirk High, Polmont, Linlithgow and Haymarket before pulling into Edinburgh Waverley station. As soon as you get off your train, you’ll find different exits, which can be confusing, but there are plenty of signs that will help you find your way around. As I was heading to the New Town, I took the Princes Street exit.

About Paola

Paola, a Trainline employee, chose to share her experience of the journey between Glasgow Queen Street and Edinburgh.

Can I cancel or refund my ScotRail train ticket?

Keep reading for useful information on how to cancel or refund your ScotRail ticket.

Frequently asked questions about ScotRail

Travelling with ScotRail? Find out everything you need to know before your journey.

Contact information

Got a query about a ScotRail journey you've booked with us? Get in touch online.

Customer service enquiries

If you want to get in touch with our customer support team about a booking you've made with us, visit our help section.

Delays, lost property and onboard services

If you would like more information regarding ScotRail train times, lost property or onboard facilities, then please call ScotRail on +(44) 344 811 0141

Find out more about UK train travel

Want to learn more about the UK rail network? Click on one of our UK train travel guides – we’ll provide you with all the information you need about UK train and ticket types, deals and discounts, popular destinations, and more.

Want to know more about train travel in the UK?

We’ve told you everything you need to know about commuting by train in the UK, but if you want to find out more about train companies in the UK or travel in certain regions, we’ve got all the helpful guides you need.

Average savings on advance fares booked at least one week before day of travel vs Anytime fares purchased on day of travel. Subject to availability. Excludes coach.

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