Scotland’s railway system offers one of the world’s most beautiful and varied rail experiences. From the iconic West Highland Line winding past lochs and mountains, to urban commuter trains serving the central belt, rail travel is a scenic, efficient, and sustainable way to explore the country. Whether you’re a local commuter, a heritage steam enthusiast, or a visitor eager to cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct made famous by Harry Potter, Scotland’s trains offer something for everyone.
ScotRail
ScotRail – The Backbone of Scotland’s Railway Network
ScotRail is the primary train operator in Scotland and is responsible for most domestic rail services. From bustling commuter lines in the Central Belt to breathtaking rural routes that span the Highlands and islands, ScotRail connects cities, towns, and remote communities across the country.
Key ScotRail Routes and Services
Intercity Services – ScotRail runs fast and frequent trains connecting major cities, such as:
Glasgow ↔ Edinburgh (via Falkirk High, Shotts, or Carstairs)
These services often include free Wi-Fi, catering trolleys, and first-class options.
Scenic and Rural Lines
These routes are some of the most scenic in Europe and popular with tourists:
West Highland Line:
Glasgow – Fort William – Mallaig
(Includes the Glenfinnan Viaduct and Rannoch Moor)
Far North Line:
Inverness – Thurso/Wick
(Britain’s northernmost rail line)
Kyle Line:
Inverness – Kyle of Lochalsh
(Winding through mountains to the west coast)
Borders Railway:
Edinburgh – Tweedbank
(Revived in 2015, connecting the Borders to the capital)
Stranraer Line:
Glasgow – Ayr – Stranraer
(Used for ferry connections to Northern Ireland)
Ayrshire and Inverclyde Lines:
Glasgow – Ardrossan / Largs / Gourock
(Great for coastal day trips and ferry links to Arran and Dunoon)
Ticketing and Railcards
ScotRail offers flexible ticketing:
Railcards (e.g. 16–25, Senior, Disabled Persons)
Special Passes:
Smart cards and mobile ticketing are also widely supported.
ScotRail Trains – Useful Links
- Official Website – Book tickets, check timetables, plan journeys, and find service updates.
ScotRail Timetables & Routes – Download the latest PDF timetables or view them by route.
Journey Planner – Real-time train info and journey planning tool.
Smartcard Portal – Manage your ScotRail Smartcard, top-up, and check your balance.
ScotRail Scenic Routes – Details on Scotland’s most scenic journeys, including interactive maps.
Rail & Sail Connections – Information on combined tickets for ferries to the islands.
Train Operators in Scotland (Beyond ScotRail)
Caledonian Sleeper
Route: London Euston ↔ Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness, Fort William.
Type: Overnight sleeper service with private cabins and seated coaches.
Unique Feature: Arrive refreshed in the Highlands or London after an overnight journey.
London North Eastern Railway (LNER)
Route: London King’s Cross ↔ Edinburgh, Dundee, Aberdeen, Inverness
Stops: Peterborough, York, Newcastle, Berwick-upon-Tweed, etc.
Type: High-speed intercity services
Unique Feature: Frequent and fast connections to/from Edinburgh and England’s east coast.
Avanti West Coast
Route: London Euston ↔ Glasgow Central
Stops: Birmingham, Warrington, Preston, Carlisle, etc.
Type: High-speed tilting trains
Unique Feature: Shortest rail journey from London to Glasgow (around 4.5 hours)
CrossCountry Trains
Route: Penzance/Bristol ↔ Edinburgh/Glasgow via Birmingham and Newcastle.
Type: Long-distance intercity.
Unique Feature: Direct trains linking Scotland with the South West of England.
TransPennine Express
Route: Manchester/Liverpool ↔ Edinburgh/Glasgow via Carlisle.
Type: Regional intercity services.
Unique Feature: Direct connection between northwest England and central Scotland.
Lumo (Low-Cost Operator)
Route: London King’s Cross ↔ Edinburgh Waverley.
Type: Budget open-access operator.
Unique Feature: Affordable and eco-conscious alternative to traditional operators.
Who Runs ScotRail?
As of April 2022, ScotRail is publicly owned and operated by ScotRail Trains Ltd, a company controlled by the Scottish Government via Transport Scotland. This change has renewed focus on accessibility, sustainability, and public service.
Rolling Stock and Sustainability
ScotRail operates a diverse fleet, from Class 385 electric units on the Central Belt routes to refurbished Inter7City trains on longer intercity runs. The operator is committed to decarbonising the network, with plans for more electrification and hydrogen-powered trains on rural routes.
Train Timetables
- National Rail Enquiries – the definitive source of customer information for all passenger rail services on the National Rail network in England, Wales and Scotland.
Railway Information
- Network Rail manages the railway infrastructure in the United Kingdom.
It owns, operates, and develops most of the railway network in England, Scotland, and Wales, including tracks, signalling systems, bridges, tunnels, level crossings, and major railway stations.
Your onward journey
- TrainTaxi – helping you find a Taxi at the end of your Train journey.
Friends of Scotland’s Railways
- The Friends of the Far North Line
- Friends of the Kyle Line and Kyle Station Museum – one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys. It goes from Inverness on the east coast of Scotland through to Kyle of Lochalsh on the west.
- Friends of the West Highland Lines – promoting the development of the train services through the West Highlands.