Glasgow Central Station
Where can I go by train?
There are rail connections to each of Scotland's eight cities. The rail network links many towns and villages across the country, with more options across the central belt.
You can buy tickets:
- Online
- At train stations
- At ticket machines
- From major travel agents
- Over the phone
If the ticket office at the station is closed, there is usually an automatic ticket machine, but you can also buy a ticket on board from the inspector using cash or a credit/debit card. However, the inspector cannot always issue discounted or special offer tickets.
There are five different types of train tickets available for most journeys:
- Off-Peak tickets are valid on all trains at any time of day (until the trial ends, currently 27 Sept 2024).
- Advance train tickets are available on selected routes, and can save you up to 60% on your journey.
- First Class tickets allow for travel in quieter carriages with extra space and comfier seats.
- Groupsave tickets allow for cheaper travel if you're travelling with a group of three or more.
- Kids for a Quid tickets allow up to four children to travel for just £1 return each per paying adult.
Not sure which ticket to get? When you search for your journey, different tickets will be shown if available. Be sure to check the luggage, bicycle and animal guidelines in advance if you wish to use these facilities.
What's new
The new Levenmouth Rail Link opens on 2 June providing another sustainable travel option connecting passengers with Fife, Edinburgh and the wider Tay area. A daily service will run from Edinburgh to Leven and Cameron Bridge stations via Kirkcaldy with a travel time of 1 hour 15 minutes approx.
A couple enjoying an afternoon aboard the Borders steam train
© VisitScotland / David N Anderson
Discount fares and passes
ScotRail trains offer ticket discounts for age, group travel, and advance bookings.
ScotRail also offer flexible travel passes and other passes for the benefits of travellers. These include:
- Spirit of Scotland Travelpass - gives unlimited train travel within Scotland. The pass is also valid for some coach, subway and tram travel, and gives discounts on Northlink ferries to Orkney and Shetland, some tours and car hire.
- Highland Rover and Central Scotland Rover - flexible tickets offering unlimited train travel in a particular region (Highlands or Central Scotland).
- Rail and Sail tickets - combines rail and ferry tickets (to some islands) for great value in one ticket and can be purchased from ScotRail.
Glasgow's subway
Scotland's only subway is located in Glasgow and is known as 'the Clockwork Orange' due to its bright exterior. It's a cheap and efficient way to travel around the city and several stations also provide a park & ride facility.
Singles, returns, all day and 7-day tickets are available from all Subway ticket offices and automatic machines, but you can also purchase a Smartcard online from the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport.
The Borders Railway
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Train travel around the UK and on to Europe
If Scotland is only a part of your itinerary, there are a range of passes available that allow unlimited travel across Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales.
You can purchase a BritRail pass before you leave your own country, through local travel agents or online. Look out for various discounts available for young travellers under the age of 26 or over the age of 60, and for families.
If you've been resident in a European country other than the UK for at least 6 months, an InterRail pass, allowing unlimited train travel within Britain, could save you money, if you're visiting Scotland as part of a longer European trip.
