From next Monday, 1st September, peak fares in Scotland will be abolished for passengers travelling by train with ScotRail.

Train fares for passengers in Scotland will be the same regardless of the time or day they travel. Removal of the peak fares is designed to make train fares simpler and more flexible, and to persuade more people to travel by train instead of by car.

On routes where there are already no off-peak fares, passengers will not see any difference.

By removing peak fares, passengers will make significant savings, such as:

• Edinburgh Waverley – Glasgow Queen Street, £15.80 saving (48%)/
• Perth – Dundee, £5.10 saving (31%)/
• Glasgow Queen Street – Stirling, £7.40 saving (40%).
• Inverurie – Aberdeen, £10.10 saving (20%).
• Inverness – Elgin, £8.50 saving (45%)@

Other upcoming changes include:

• Season tickets, which will only remain at their current prices until 27th September, because it marks the end of a 12-month discount started in September 2024.
• Prices of Flexipass tickets will change to ensure they continue to provide savings compared to buying multiple Anytime Single or Return tickets.
• Super Off-Peak Day Return tickets will be withdrawn because the removal of peak fares will make them redundant.

Railcards, concessions, and enhanced discounts will still be available.

Earlier this year, ScotRail changed the conditions of use for its Highland Railcard in the North and West Highland regions of Scotland, to allow its use with the ‘Kids for a Quid’ offer that enables customers to travel with up to four children for just £1 return each.

Joanne Maguire, ScotRail Managing Director, commented that it is fantastic news, not only for existing customers, but for everyone, as travelling by train remains one of the most convenient ways to get around.

“Public ownership has created the opportunity to deliver a railway which is run for the benefit of the nation. ScotRail is one of the fastest-growing operators, with one of the best passenger satisfaction rates and we are building even further on this success by removing peak fares for good.”

“We want more people to choose to travel by public transport for work, study and leisure, but we know that many are still struggling with cost-of-living pressures. By removing peak fares, we are making ticketing more simple and more straightforward while at the same time supporting a shift towards sustainable public transport, protecting the climate, and saving people money.”

Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Transport