Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ScotRail
(
08457 55 00 33;
www.scotrail.co.uk
)
Operates most train services in Scot-
land; website has downloadable timetables.
Costs & Reservations
Train travel is more expensive than bus, but usually more comfortable: a standard return
from Edinburgh to Inverness is about £62 compared with £28 on the bus.
Reservations are recommended for intercity trips, especially on Fridays and public holi-
days. For shorter journeys, just buy a ticket at the station before you go. On certain routes,
including the Glasgow−Edinburgh express, and in places where there's no ticket office at
the station, you can buy tickets on the train.
Children under five travel free; those five to 15 usually pay half-fare.
Bikes are carried free on all ScotRail trains but space is sometimes limited. Bike reser-
vations are compulsory on certain train routes, including the Glasgow−Oban−Fort Willi-
am−Mallaig line and the Inverness−Kyle of Lochalsh line; they are recommended on
many others. You can make reservations for your bicycle from eight weeks to two hours
in advance at main train stations, or when booking tickets by phone (0845 755 0033).
There are several types of ticket. In general, the further ahead you can book the cheaper
your ticket will be.
Advance Purchase
Book by 6pm on the day before travel; cheaper than Anytime.
Anytime
Buy any time and travel any time, with no restrictions.
Off Peak
There are time restrictions (you're not usually allowed to travel on a train that
leaves before 9.15am); relatively cheap.
Discount Cards
Discount railcards are available for people aged 60 and over, for people aged 16 to 25 (or
mature full-time students), and for those with a disability. The
Senior Railcard
(
www.senior-railcard.co.uk
;
£28)
,
Young Persons Railcard
(16-25 Railcard;
www.16-25railcard.co.uk
;
£28)
and
Disabled Persons Railcard
(
www.disabledpersons-
railcard.co.uk
;
£20)
are each valid for one year and give one-third off most train fares in
Scotland, England and Wales. Fill in an application at any major train station. You'll need
proof of age (birth certificate, passport or driving licence) for the Young Persons and Seni-
or Railcards (proof of enrolment for mature-age students) and proof of entitlement for the
Disabled Persons Railcard.
