ScotRail and Network Rail Scotland have made preparations to ensure that Scotland’s railway services are ready to support the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, which get underway this week.

The Games begin with the opening ceremony this Thursday (23 July), and continue until Sunday 2 August. Competition events will be taking place at four venues: the Glasgow International Arena, Scotstoun Stadium, Tollcross International Swimming Centre, and the Scottish Event Campus (SEC).

Train services in Scotland will be assisting athletes, volunteers, spectators and staff to travel to and from competition venues across the city.

Around three thousand athletes from 74 countries will compete across ten sports during the eleven days of the Games. Thousands of Games spectators are expected to travel by rail.

Across the full duration of the Commonwealth Games, ScotRail will add 1,452 additional carriages to its services. This will provide significantly more seats on routes that serve the competition venues. ScotRail will operate extra services calling at Dalmarnock, Exhibition Centre and Scotstounhill, and will also run additional evening services to help journeys home after events.

Network Rail’s station, engineering and operations staff have undertaken six months of preparation work, increasing the resources available to ensure the network is able to respond to expected demand.

Extra ScotRail staff will be on duty.

The operator is advising passengers travelling during the period of the Games to plan their journeys in advance, including being prepared for whatever the weather may be. It is urging people to buy their tickets before boarding the train, where the facility for them to do so is available.

“With the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games just days away, we’re looking forward to helping thousands of people travel to venues across the city.

“We’re providing more than 1,400 additional carriages, operating extra services on key routes, and adding staff across the network to support customers throughout the Games.

“If you’re travelling to an event, please plan ahead, buy your ticket before you board where possible, and check your journey before setting off.

“We look forward to welcoming customers on board and helping everyone enjoy a fantastic Games.”

Phil Campbell, ScotRail Customer Operations Director