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• » Top 5 Railway Trips for Children in Scotland

Top 5 Railway Trips for Children in Scotland

30 June 2023

If you're looking for a fun and affordable family holiday, consider taking your children on a railway trip through Scotland. There are several different routes to choose from, each with its own unique charms. Here are five of the best railway trips for children in Scotland.

The Jacobite Train

What could be more magical than a train journey through the stunning Scottish Highlands? The Jacobite Train, which starts near Ben Nevis, is considered one of the most incredible railway journeys in the world. As the train winds its way along narrow tracks and over lofty bridges, passengers are treated to magnificent views and breathtaking scenery. It's truly a unique experience and one that any child (and parent!) will remember for a lifetime. So if you're planning a trip to Scotland with your family, put the Jacobite Train at the top of your list.

The Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway

The Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway is a heritage railway that offers an excellent trip for children in Scotland. Climb aboard a vintage steam or diesel-hauled train and enjoy ten-mile return train journey along the scenic Forth Estuary. You can also visit the Museum of Scottish Railways while you’re there and learn about the history of trains through the fun interactive displays. The railway also holds special events like Day Out With Thomas and Santa Steam Trains, where children are delighted by their favourite characters. 

This train line runs across the Scottish Highlands, from Inverness on the east coast to Kyle of Lochalsh, close to the Isle of Skye on the west coast, in under 3 hours. Sights along the way include mountains, herds of deer and lochs. From Kyle of Lochalsh, you can catch a bus over the bridge to beautiful Skye and explore its rugged landscape and historic ruins. 

West Highland Line

The West Highland Line is another excellent railway trip for children in Scotland. The route runs from Glasgow to Mallaig, and the railway was made famous when it was featured in the Harry Potter movies. The scenic steam train ride over the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct is a highlight of the trip. There are also many other things for kids to see along the way, such as castles, lochs, and mountains. The West Highland Line is a great way to see some of the most beautiful scenery in Scotland, and it's sure to be a hit with young Harry Potter fans.

Strathaven Miniature Railway

The Strathaven Miniature Railway is a great way to entertain kids of all ages. It's the oldest miniature railway in Scotland, and it's been operating for over 70 years. The railway is open on weekends and holidays from Easter till September. Kids will love riding the little trains and seeing the different sights along the way. Strathhaven Park also features a boating lake, so you can enjoy a trip on the water while you’re there.

So there you have it, the top 5 railway trips for children in Scotland. Each one is sure to provide a memorable experience for your family. With breathtaking views and plenty of things to see and do, these railway trips are a great way to spend a day (or more) in Scotland.

Photo by Adryan RA on Unsplash

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ScotRail announces free rail travel for children next weekend

The rail operator confirmed that all children aged five to 15 will travel free on trains anywhere in the country. The ‘Yours to Use’ Kids Go Free weekend will mark ScotRail's first weekend of operation as a public railway.

• 10:11, 27 MAR 2022
• Updated 15:01, 27 MAR 2022

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Children will be able to travel anywhere in Scotland for free next weekend on ScotRail trains .

The rail operator announced the initiative for children aged between five and 15 to give families the chance to spend quality time together ahead of the Easter break.

Funded by the Scottish Government , the ‘Yours to Use’ Kids Go Free weekend will mark ScotRail's first weekend of operation as a public railway.

With the offer, up to four children can travel for free with each fare-paying adult, encouraging more families to travel by train and discover the Scotland's hidden gems.

Read more: Elderly Ukrainian couple fly to Glasgow to reunite with daughter after visa ordeal

Along with enabling children, parents, and carers to rediscover their sense of adventure, the offer hopes to persuade families to consider more sustainable forms of travel and leaving the car at home. ScotRail is committed to achieving net zero by 2035 and is cutting carbon emissions by more than 10,000 tonnes a year - equivalent to removing 2,238 cars from the road every year.

Jenny Gilruth, Minister for Transport, said: “From 1 April Scotland’s Railways come into public ownership – as life begins to return to normal, we want to do all we can to make rail an attractive choice for everyone - that includes families and friends looking to enjoy time together over the Easter holidays.

“This offer is an early taste of the passenger focused approach we will be taking to support leisure travel as we move ScotRail forward under public control. I’d encourage as many people as possible to get out and about and enjoy all that Scotland’s Railway has to offer by taking advantage of our ‘’Yours to Use’ Kids Go Free weekend.”

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Lesley Kane, ScotRail Commercial Director, added: “Life is busy, especially when kids are involved, so we are delighted to be able to play our part in helping families make the most of the Easter break together by offering a ‘Kids Go Free’ weekend.

“There’s a lot to be said about travelling by train with the family. From the excitement of exploring new places, to the journey itself, there’s certainly plenty to keep kids entertained. It also means parents get a chance to relax with less time spent behind the wheel.

“We hope this offer encourages families to get onboard, enjoy a little escape this weekend, and spend some quality time together.”

The ‘Yours to Use’ Kids Go Free offer can be redeemed alongside most adult tickets until Sunday, 3 April by downloading a voucher from www.scotrail.co.uk/kidsgofree .

Children must be accompanied by a fare-paying adult. Under 5s are already eligible for free train travel.

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Getting Around Scotland by Train FAQs

Travelling around Scotland by train is often a rewarding way to see the very best of the country. Once aboard a train, you can sit back and enjoy your journey to some incredible destinations.

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Getting Around by Train Faqs

Top tip for train travel: you can get cheaper travel by booking your tickets in advance.

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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:

• 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.

Learn more about the Levenmouth Rail Link

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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.

Plan a Scenic Train Trip

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Train Holidays in Scotland - Getting Around by Rail

Hop onboard a train, sit back and enjoy your journey to some incredible destinations.

Useful Information

Find out which destinations are on the rail network and get routes, timetables and tickets with ScotRail, as well as accessible train travel info.

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Find out which destinations are on the rail network and get routes, timetables and tickets.

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ScotRail is dedicated to assisting disabled customers and anyone who needs support to travel.

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It's possible to reserve a seat which is accessible, or even book assistance at a train station. See accessibility information.

Accessible Travel Hub

The Accessible Travel Hub can provide you with information and resources about accessible travel in Scotland.

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Download the Thistle Assistance app to help you during your journey.

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Kids travel by train for a quid in Scotland this summer

With Scotland 's school summer holidays approaching, train operator ScotRail is reminding families that children can travel for just one pound off-peak when travelling with a fare-paying adult.

‘Kids for a Quid' tickets, which ScotRail first introduced in 2021 , can be used with almost all adult ticket types, including Advance tickets, Season tickets, Club 50 membership and National Entitlement Card.

ScotRail has added content to its website that highlights activities and attractions that families might like to travel to, including beaches and other free attractions. The operator hopes that this content will provide ideas for day trips and outings.

Claire Dickie, ScotRail Head of Retail, said: “We understand the challenges that parents, grandparents, and guardians face during the school summer holidays when thinking of things to do to keep children entertained throughout the long break.

“Our ‘Kids for a Quid' tickets not only ensure affordable travel for families but also encourages them to consider train journeys as an exciting part of their summer plans.

“Travelling by train is such a great way to experience Scotland. Families can explore stunning destinations, discover new experiences, and create lasting memories together.

“Don't miss out on the incredible adventures that await this summer. Take advantage of ‘Kids for a Quid' and embark on an unforgettable journey, because Scotland's Railway is ‘Yours to Use.'”

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• Getting to Scotland

Kids for a Quid

Kids for a Quid (£1) are available on journeys within Scotland during the off peak periods on Scotrail and London North Eastern Railway (LNER).   No travel weekdays before 0915, and not valid leaving Glasgow or Edinburgh or Haymarket stations between 1641 & 1809 weekdays (also not on the 1815 from Edinburgh or Glasgow train).  Yes - just one pound for up to 4 kids per one adult ticket.  Does not apply to Rover type tickets,  or super off peak smartcard, but applies to most other fares, including season, flexi passes, Club50, and railcard discount tickets.  Child and adult must travel together.   These return tickets are available from ticket offices, or from onboard staff when no ticket office was open at your boarding station.   They are not available on ticket vending machines. Not valid to Lockerbie, Carlisle, Reston or Berwick Upon Tweed.

One child admitted for free

When you buy a Kid for a Quid  ticket, the following attractions will give you one free child's entrance per paying adult,  on presentation of your adult ticket and Kids for a Quid ticket.   Date of entry to the attraction must match the ticket date.   Some attractions are seasonal.   From Camera Obscura, to Edinburgh Zoo - there are many attractions, click here for the specifics

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News / Scotland

Children to travel free this weekend as ScotRail is nationalised

Up to four under-16s can travel with a paying adult on Saturday and Sunday.

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More on this story, scotrail enters public ownership after being nationalised, what changes for passengers when scotrail is nationalised.

Children aged between five and 15 can travel on trains for free this weekend as ScotRail returns to public ownership.

Up to four under-16s can travel with a paying adult on Saturday and Sunday in a bid to encourage more people to use the service.

Adults will need to show a Kids Go Free voucher which can be downloaded from the ScotRail website.

The franchise transferred from Abellio into public ownership on Friday after seven years under the control of the Dutch firm.

Abellio’s contract was due to run until 2025 but has been brought to an end three years earlier than planned.

Transport minister Jenny Gilruth said: “Bringing ScotRail passenger services under public control and ownership puts passengers and staff at the heart of Scotland’s rail services.

“It’s a historic occasion and one that marks a key milestone in our ambitious Programme for Government to support a greener, fairer Scotland.

“This is an opportunity to deliver a railway which is for the benefit of the people of Scotland and everyone who travels by rail – customers, staff and stakeholders, not shareholders.

“The national conversation that gets under way this spring will provide an opportunity for staff, passengers and communities to have their say in how we shape Scotland’s railway and ScotRail in particular.

“To celebrate this transition, under the banner It’s Yours to Use, we are providing free travel on April 2 and 3 for up to four children with every fare-paying adult.

“We are encouraging everyone who can to travel by rail this weekend to show our pride in Scotland’s railway and our support for those who work hard to operate it on daily basis.”

A ScotRail statement confirming the news said: “Round up your friends and family and take to the rails for a brilliant day out.

“The railway is yours to use and is always waiting to whisk you away for some quality time with those you love. And for this special weekend, we invite you to make fun-filled memories for less.

“Each paying adult can take up to four children aged 5 to 15 with them for free when they show a Kids Go Free voucher.”

Timetables will remain the same as planned and train livery is not changing, though the word Abellio will be removed from signs and printed materials.

A publicly-owned company called ScotRail Trains Limited will operate train services, overseen by a public body called Scottish Rail Holdings.

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One-week scenic Scotland by train itinerary

Posted on Last updated: June 5, 2024

Explore Scotland by train in just one week on this Scottish rail itinerary featuring castles, lochs and mountains as you travel from Edinburgh and Glasgow to the Highlands and Isle of Skye.

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Travel across Scotland by train from the lowlands to the highlands, with historic cities, ruined castles, deep blue lochs, mountain peaks and wild moorland along the way. This one-week railway journey takes you from the cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow and heads north into the Scottish Highlands, crossing to the magical Isle of Skye before finishing in Inverness – and includes two of the UK’s most spectacular rail routes.

The Scenic Scotland by train one-week itinerary will show you which trains to take, how much they cost, how to book and what to see, do and where to stay along the way.

Day 1: Edinburgh

Start your Scotland by train trip with a full day in Edinburgh. Visit the historic highlights of the Old Town – listen to bagpipers on the cobbled streets of the Royal Mile, learn about Scotland’s history at the National Museum of Scotland, hear the One O’clock Gun being fired at Edinburgh Castle, take a tour of the Queen’s Scottish residence the Palace of Holyroodhouse, or follow in the footsteps of Harry Potter on Victoria Street.

Alternatively head across to the wide Georgian streets of the New Town to admire the artworks at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, climb to the top of the Scott Monument, wander along the leafy Water of Leith or watch the sun set from Calton Hill.

Or why not check out some of Edinburgh’s more unusual attractions ? You can go underground to the buried streets of Mary King’s Close , visit the gory Surgeons’ Hall Museum (if you’re not too squeamish) or take an evening ghost tour.

Edinburgh’s an unexpected gem for foodies, with a range of food and drink tours where you can try local delicacies – from handmade chocolates and Scottish cheeses to whisky tasting at the Scotch Whisky Experience * and distillery tours at Edinburgh Gin.

Where to stay in Edinburgh: Splash out on a stay on the Royal Mile at the gloriously over-the-top Witchery by the Castle *. This 16th-century Gothic hotel has nine suites with four-poster beds and rolltop baths, eclectically decorated with antiques, artworks, gilt and velvet. It’s full of old-school glamour, with one of the city’s most romantic restaurants.

Read more: A weekend in Edinburgh: 2-day Edinburgh itinerary

Day 2: Edinburgh > Glasgow

Next morning, catch a train from Edinburgh Waverley to Glasgow Central/Queen Street (a short walk from each other). The journey only takes an hour and trains run frequently, so you can decide how early you want to leave. Then spend the rest of the day in Glasgow.

Where Edinburgh is all about history, Scotland’s second city has a bit more of an edge, and has transformed itself from an industrial centre to a city of art and culture. Admire the Art Nouveau designs of Glasgow’s famous son Charles Rennie Mackintosh at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum or over afternoon tea at the Willow Tea Rooms.

Or explore some of the city’s more contemporary artworks on the City Centre Mural Trail , a self-guided walk through Glasgow which links 25 works by different local artists.

Take a walk along the River Clyde past the modern architecture of the SSE Hydro and Armadillo to the quirky Riverside transport museum, where you can take a tour of the Glenlee , a restored tall ship that’s one of just a few built on the Clyde that are still afloat.

Or visit Scotland’s oldest museum, the Hunterian, on the campus of the University of Glasgow, and explore the city’s medieval cathedral and atmospheric hillside Necropolis.

Where to stay in Glasgow: The Grasshopper Hotel * couldn’t be better located for train travellers – right next door to Glasgow Central Station, close to Merchant City’s shops, bars and restaurants. Rooms are smart and comfortable, with penthouse views over the city and special touches like handmade wallpapers, vintage cameras and free cupcakes.

Read more: A weekend in Glasgow: A 48-hour Glasgow itinerary

Day 3: Glasgow > Fort William

Then head north on the 3 hour 45 minute journey to Fort William in the Scottish Highlands, departing Glasgow Queen Street at 08.21 and arriving in Fort William at 12.08.

The West Highland Line is one of the world’s most scenic train trips, which runs along the banks of Loch Lomond, around Horseshoe Curve at Ben Dorain, past the UK’s highest altitude train station in Corrour (as featured in the film Trainspotting ) and across remote Rannoch Moor on a line suspended above a peat bog.

Fort William is set on the banks of Loch Linnhe in the shadow of the UK’s highest mountain – Ben Nevis – making the town a real hub for hikers, bikers and other adventure-seekers. The climb to the top of Ben Nevis takes five–seven hours, weather permitting, so you might have to add in an extra day to your trip if you want to tackle the peak.

If you fancy something more sedate, it’s a pretty 1.5-mile walk along the River Lochy to the ruins of 13th-century Old Inverlochy Castle and the Ben Nevis Distillery, where you can do a tour and tasting of their whiskies. You can also learn more about the history of the Highlands (and see Rob Roy’s sporran) at Fort William’s West Highland Museum.

Where to stay in Fort William: Spend the night behind bars in former police station The Garrison * in the centre of town. Choose from a modern en-suite room, or an original cell that’s been converted into compact double or bunk room with shared bathroom.

Read more: 13 things to do in Fort William and Glencoe

Day 4: Fort William > Isle of Skye

The following day, reboard the West Highland Line for the 1.5-hour journey from Fort William to Mallaig across the curving Glenfinnan Viaduct and past lochs and the sandy beaches of Morar. If you depart Fort William at 08.15 you arrive in Mallaig at 09.38.

Or from April–October you can also ride the Jacobite steam train , better known as the Hogwarts Express (departs Fort William at 10.15 and arrives Mallaig at 12.26).

Then swap the train for the ferry to the Isle of Skye. Ferry times vary throughout the year, with 8–10 sailings a day in summer. If you have time for lunch before you sail, try locally caught prawns or fish and chips at Mallaig’s Fishmarket Restaurant.

The ferry from Mallaig takes 45 minutes to reach Armadale in Skye. From Armadale you can catch the 52 bus to Portree (changing in Broadford), but buses are slow and infrequent so it may be worth taking a taxi if there are a group of you – it takes an hour and costs around £90–£100, but you do need to book taxis well in advance.

Portree is the capital and largest town on the Isle of Skye, set around a picturesque harbour with pastel-painted houses and surrounded by hills. It’s the hub of transport and tours for the island, and a good place to shop for souvenirs, with local producers including the Isle of Skye Soap Co, Skyeskyns and Isle of Skye Distillers all having shops in town.

Where to stay in Portree: The Cuillin Hills Hotel * is half a mile outside of Portree but comes with knockout views across the Bay of Portree to the Cuillin Mountains from its 15-acre gardens. Inside are traditional Scottish touches, from tartan fabrics to local seafood in the restaurant and a malt whisky bar with over 130 varieties to choose from.

Read more: Isle of Skye itinerary: The best of the island in 3 days

Day 5: Isle of Skye

Today you have the whole day to explore the Isle of Skye – buses connect Portree with many parts of the island, but it’s easier option to either hire a car for the day (book in advance as availability’s limited) or take a guided day tour of Skye’s highlights. A small group day tour * (£80 per person) departs Portree at 9am and returns at 6pm.

The Isle of Skye is known for its magical landscapes, with dramatic rock formations around the Quiraing which look like something from another planet (and are a film location favourite). Admire the 200-foot Old Man of Storr and the steep cliffs at Kilt Rock.

Visit the lighthouse at Neist Point and look out for dolphins and whales, or tour imposing lochside Dunvegan Castle, the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland.

Skye has plenty of myths and legends – get away with the fairies at the Fairy Glen, a grassy glen with rock spirals and ancient trees dripping with moss. Or follow the 1.5-mile path to the Fairy Pools with their clear green waters and cascading waterfalls.

Day 6: Isle of Skye > Inverness

The next day, catch the CityLink bus from Portree to Kyle of Lochalsh, where you pick up the train for the journey to Inverness. There are a couple of different options – the number 915 bus from Portree Square departs at 10.35 and arrives in Kyle at 11.36.

Or if you’d like to visit nearby Eilean Donan Castle, catch the earlier 07.30 bus from Portree to Dornie, arriving at 08.48. Spend a few hours at the castle before travelling back to Kyle of Lochalsh on the 11.44 service (which takes around 15 minutes).

Then catch the 13.46 train from Kyle of Lochalsh for the 2 hour 40 minute journey to Inverness, arriving at 16.27. The Kyle Line is another of the UK’s top scenic train routes. Opened in 1870, it runs through remote landscapes, following the coast with views of Syke, across moorland and past the Torridon Peaks – keep an eye out for deer on the way.

Spend the evening in Inverness – capital of the Highlands. Follow the path along the River Ness to the Ness Islands, a group of tree-covered islands connected by elegant Victorian footbridges. Or head up to Inverness Castle to watch the sun set over the city, before checking out some of Inverness’ live music scene at pubs like Hootananny.

Where to stay in Inverness: End your trip in style with a night at the five-star Rocpool Reserve *. This Georgian house has been converted into a lavish boutique hotel with bar and restaurant. Its luxurious rooms come with Egyptian cotton bedding, emperor-size beds and 24-hour room service – and some have outdoor hot tubs, saunas or balconies.

Read more: A weekend in Inverness: A 48-hour Inverness itinerary

Day 7: Inverness

Spend the final morning of your Scotland by train trip seeing more of Inverness. Learn about the history and culture of the Highlands at the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery and shop for secondhand books at Leakley’s. Or if you have time you can take a half-day trip out to either Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle , or the battlefield at Culloden.

Then if you’re flying back home, Inverness Airport is 10 miles north of the city. The two are connected by the 11 bus, which takes around 35 minutes. Or if you’re travelling back to Edinburgh, the train journey from Inverness takes 3.5 hours. There’s also the Caledonian Sleeper overnight train which connect Inverness to London in around 11 hours.

If you have more time, you could head north to John O-Groats – most northerly point of mainland Britain – Caithness and the Cromarty Firth on a day tour * from Inverness. Or catch the train south to Aviemore in the Cairngorms National Park for mountain hikes in summer, skiing in winter and the Strathspey Steam Railway. There are also plenty more Scottish cities to discover nearby, including Dundee, Aberdeen and St Andrews .

How much does it cost?

When you’re planning a Scottish rail trip, you can either book individual tickets or get a railpass, which can be a better deal if you’re under 28/over 60, want more flexibility or are booking late. Here’s how prices break down for the two different options on this route.

Individual tickets

Ticket prices depend on how early you book and if you’re booking a specific train or want to be flexible. There are three main fare categories: Advance, Off-Peak or Anytime. Advance are cheapest and can be booked 8–12 weeks in advance, but are non-transferable so you’re tied to a specific train. Off-Peak services are valid on any train outside weekday peak hours. And Anytime are most expensive but can be bought on the day and used on any train.

Using the cheapest Advance fares, the cost of trains on this route starts at £69 per person:

• Edinburgh > Glasgow: from £14.70
• Glasgow > Fort William: from £26.60
• Fort William > Mallaig: from £8.20 (£65 for The Jacobite )
• Mallaig > Armadale (by ferry): from £3.20
• Kyle of Lochalsh > Inverness: from £15.90

You can also save a third on all rail fares with a Railcard *. These cost £30 with different versions for 16–25s, 25–30s, Seniors and Disabled People. You can also get a Two Together railcard for two named adults travelling together, or a Friends and Family Railcard for up to four adults and four children. Both UK and overseas residents are eligible.

The railpass option

There are various rail passes available, and which you’re eligible for depends on where you live. If you live outside the UK, you can can get a InterRail/Eurail pass (InterRail is for European residents and Eurail is for non-European residents).

For the Scotland by train itinerary, the best InterRail / Eurail option is the One Country Great Britain pass for 4 travel days within 1 month , which costs £199 for adults, £167 for youths aged 12–27 or £179 for seniors in second class.

ScotRail also offers its own rail passes, which are available to both UK and overseas residents. The best option for this itinerary is the Spirit of Scotland Pass for 4 days within 8 days , with unlimited travel by train, ferry and coach. It costs £149 for adults and is half price for children aged 5–15, with discounts for Railcard holders.

Passholders are recommended to make seat reservations – though it’s probably only worth doing for long-distance services or at busy peak times so you’re guaranteed a seat – which you can do for free at any UK train station up to two hours before departure.

Please note The Jacobite steam train is privately owned so isn’t covered by any rail passes.

How to book

There are a variety of websites where you can book UK train journeys, but some charge a booking fee. To avoid fees you can book direct with ScotRail and either use a mobile ticket on your phone or collect them from a ticket machine or a counter at the station. Or if you have an international credit card you can book with The Trainline for a small fee.

Don’t want to do it yourself? You can also book a custom trip based on this Scenic Scotland by train itinerary through our partners Byway ,* the flight-free holiday platform. And you can save £100 off your first booking using the code LUCE100 if you book before the end of June 2024.

Save for later

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Sunday 21st of January 2024

Hi Lucy, Thanks a lot for this itinerary, looks great. We are actually planning a week in Scotland in May. We are not really interested in Glasgow and we were thinking about making our first stop after Edinburgh at Tarbet (have a cruise on the Loch and walk around) Can you let me know your opinion and any suggestion ? Thanks a lot. Serge

Lucy Dodsworth

Monday 22nd of January 2024

Hi Serge, yes you could definitely swap that in. It's 2.5 hours by train from Edinburgh to Arrochar and Tarbet (with a change in Glasgow), so if you took a morning train on Day 2 you could do a boat trip in the afternoon and stay the night there, then catch the train to Fort William the next day which is 2.5 hours and carry on the itinerary from there.

Monday 15th of January 2024

Great itinerary! I am considering taking the train from Glasgow to Mallaig, ferry to Armadale and bus to Portlee in one day next month. How do the buses run from Armadale to Portlee this time of year? Are there tours of Skye running in February? I'm planning on a three day stay in Portlee. Any suggestions?

Hi Tim, there are buses Stagcoach 52 buses between Armadale and Portree but they're not very frequent this time of year to you would need to time it carefully (timetable here: https://tiscon-maps-stagecoachbus.s3.amazonaws.com/Timetables/North%20Scotland/Highlands/Skye%20Revised%202022.pdf). You would probably need to take a private tour in February – try Real Scottish Journeys who do winter tours.

Sunday 7th of January 2024

Hi, Great itinerary. Would like to go Glasgow to Oban, Oban to Fort William. What is the best way Oban to Fort William. Additionally, recommend a stop between Inverness and Edinburgh. Thanks

Sunday 4th of February 2024

@Karen, Thank you Lucy for your insight. Any thoughts on the Spirit of Scotland pass? In short,we are two seniors traveling, Edinburgh to Glasgow,train, to Oban,train,to Ft. William,bus,to Skye,train,taxi to Dorrie,bus,Kyle of Lock to Inverness,train, Inverness to Edinburgh,train. In April. I tried to add up separate fares,still confusing.Need flexibility in case of changes.Also, is it advisable to reserve a seat on the Ft. William to Mallaig , ferry section. Would appreciate your guidance

Hi, Oban to Fort William is slow by train (4 hours) but you can take the West Coast Motors 918 bus instead which is less than two hours. It does only run a couple of times a day though (https://passenger-line-assets.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/westcoastmotors/WCMO/918-timetable-20220815-14e38acb.pdf). Between Inverness and Edinburgh you could stop off in Aviemore to see the Cairngorms, or do a short diversion to Leuchars to visit St Andrews which is a lovely city.

Saturday 6th of January 2024

Thank you for your helpful ideas. We will be touring Scotland by train in late April using a very similar itinerary. We plan to purchase the Spirit of Scotland Rail pass. Once I purchase that, am I able to reserve seats for the various legs of the train journey? We live in the US, so I need to do everything I can online. On the Scotrail website, it looks like I need to buy individual tickets in order to get a seat reservation online. If we can't make seat reservations, do we just arrive early to help guarantee we get on the desired train? Thank you for any insight on reserving seats with the Spirit of Scotland Rail pass!

Hi, you don't need to make seat reservations with the Spirit of Scotland pass, and a lot of trains don't take reservations. The ones that do on this route are Glasgow > Fort William and Inverness > Edinburgh – you can't reserve online using the pass but you can do it at stations, so could make reservations when you first get to Scotland, or call 0344 811 0141 when you arrive in the UK.

Friday 29th of December 2023

I am planning a trip from May 4-13. For now, I have a couple nights in Edinburgh, one in Glasgow, and one in Fort William.

Here are some concerns and questions I have: I booked the Jacobite on Thursday. It’s a return—so it’ll go from Fort William to Mallaig, and the back. I’m a little worried about how to get from Armadale to Portree without a vehicle. Should I just take the return train to Fort William and try to go to Iverness?

I’ve never been and we are trying to avoid renting a vehicle if possible.

Also, for the other train trips, other than Jacobite, should I try to book trains in advance?

I’m just worried and I don’t want to get stuck. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Thursday 4th of January 2024

@Lucy Dodsworth, Do you know if there are buses that run from Fort William to Inverness daily?

Saturday 30th of December 2023

Hi Maggie, for the Jacobite you have to buy a return ticket but you can get off at Mallaig and not go back to Fort William. For the journey from Armadale to Portree, I'd advise pre-booking a taxi if you're not keen on relying on the buses (Fort William to Inverness isn't really advisable by train – you have to go all the way back to Glasgow so it takes 8+ hours!). You shouldn't need to book the other trains in advance but you can do if you want to be sure of a seat – they can be booked via Scotrail normally 2-3 months in advance. Hope you have a great trip!

Young Persons’ (Under 22s) Free Bus Travel

Find the latest information on free bus travel for under 22s.

All young people and children aged 5-21 years can apply for a card to access the Young Persons’ (Under 22s) Free Bus Travel Scheme.

You will need a National Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot NEC with the valid free travel entitlement with you whenever you want to take the bus – otherwise you’ll have to pay for your trip.

Eligibility

If you live in Scotland and are 5-21 years old you are eligible for a card giving you free bus travel. You must be resident in Scotland for the majority of the year (at least six months). Children under 5 years old already travel for free on buses and don’t need a card.

Children and young people aged 5-21 years old will need a new or replacement National Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot National Entitlement Card (Young Scot NEC) before hopping on board. Previously issued cards will not allow access to the scheme.

Learn more about how you can apply for the scheme .

If you’re aged between 16 and 21 and you already have an active NEC or Young Scot NEC issued prior to when applications opened on 10 January 2022, you can download free bus travel onto your existing card using the Transport Scot Pass Collect app. This means you may not need to apply for a new card to access your free bus travel.

Active cards are those received since 2016 – they’ll have a long number next to the ITSO logo and, if there’s a date of birth shown, it will be highlighted with a pink strip.

Find out more about how to download and use the app .

The Scottish Government is working in partnership with the Improvement Service (who are accountable for the NEC Scheme), National Entitlement Card Programme Office (who are responsible for the management of the NEC and support local authorities with the application process), and Young Scot to deliver the scheme.

The acceptable 'proofs' you can provide for the Young Persons' Free Bus Travel Scheme whether applying online or through offline application routes allow some extra flexibility - see Frequently Asked Questions for full details. Briefly, 'out of date passports' can be used to support an application and proof of residency documents may be dated within the last 12 months.

Asylum seekers and refugees

Asylum seekers and refugees aged between 5 and 21 can access the scheme. As with all others of those ages living in Scotland, they can apply for a National Entitlement Card (NEC) to access free bus travel.

To apply, find out what documents you can use to provide proof on the  NEC website .

The Application Registration Card (ARC), issued by the Home Office, can be used in conjunction with other information/evidence to apply for a NEC in person, through your local council.

When an application is made in person, officials can vouch for an applicant (or a parent acting on their behalf) by considering other information/evidence which cannot be used in the online application process.

The ARC is not accepted as proof of identity on its own, or for online applications as, under the UK Proof of Age Scheme (PASS), it cannot be used to establish evidence of identification online and there is no online equivalent to the help provided offline to support applications.

Where can I travel?

The scheme will give you free travel on any bus in any part of Scotland on registered bus services. You can travel on buses outside the area you live in using your card. Only a few services, such as premium-fare night buses and City Sightseeing buses, will not accept the card. Contact the bus company before you travel if you are unsure.

If travelling, you should always follow the latest advice to keep yourself and others safe.

Find out more about the benefits of free bus travel at freebus.scot

Using your card

Using your card is really easy. Make sure you have your card with you and then when you get on the bus, tell the bus driver where you are going, tap it on the electronic card reader to use it and the smart technology will do the rest.

If you are over 11 years old you can choose to apply for the Young Scot NEC. You can use it to save money with in-person and online discounts – with over 500 discounts in Scotland and over 100,000 deals across Europe. It also acts as proof of age. What’s more, you can collect points by taking part in activities and exchanging these for Rewards. Find out more at Young Scot’s website .

• You will need a new or replacement NEC or Young Scot NEC to travel for free on the bus.
• It’s your card and only your card – your friends can’t borrow it.
• Take good care of it – if you forget it or it gets damaged and doesn’t work, you’ll need to pay the fare.
• If your card has a photo, make sure it is up to date and it looks like you
• Always keep in touch with your family and friends to let them know where you are – it’s important to stay safe

The main thing is to have your card with you whenever you want to take the bus – otherwise you’ll have to pay for your trip. Parents or guardians – this means you too! Don’t forget your child’s card when they are travelling with you.

Read some top tips on planning your bus journey and what to expect at freebus.scot

Tickets for Concessionary Bus Travel

The National Concessionary Travel Scheme legislation does not require paper tickets to be issued to cardholders for concession journeys. The issuing of paper tickets to passengers is an operational decision at the discretion of the bus operator.

When a National Entitlement Card is placed on the ticket machine this will automatically record the boarding stage, to receive reimbursement for the journey the driver must accurately record the requested destination stage. Whilst this information forms the record of this journey, all concession claims undergo comprehensive audit compliance and analysis checks before any reimbursement is made.

Concerns of misuse of the Concessionary Travel Schemes should be reported to our 24-hour dedicated Freephone line 0800 328 5690. If you have any other questions about concessionary bus travel, please email us at [email protected]

How to apply

If you are 5-21 years old and live in Scotland you are eligible for free bus travel.

All children and young people aged 5-21 will need to apply for a new or replacement National Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot National Entitlement Card (Young Scot NEC) to access free bus travel. Previously issued cards will not allow you access to the scheme. Children aged under 5 years do not need a card as they already travel for free on commercial bus services across Scotland.

However, if you’re aged between 16 and 21 and you already have an active NEC or Young Scot NEC, you can download free bus travel onto your existing card using the Transport Scot Pass Collect app. This means you may not need to apply for a new card to access your free bus travel.

The photograph on the card must look like you (if your NEC or Young Scot NEC includes a photo) to travel by bus for free.

Read the scheme’s full terms and conditions .

How to Apply

You can either apply online at getyournec.scot  or (if your child’s school uses it) on parentsportal.scot . If you’re applying online, you may find it useful, before starting the application process, to download or look out the documents as outlined on  getyournec.scot  that you will need. You can apply using a smartphone/tablet or a computer depending on your preference, and if you don't have scanned copies of your documents, you can take photos of your proofs during the application process using a smartphone/tablet. Alternatively you can apply directly with your local council. 

• If you are aged 16-21 you must apply for a new NEC yourself
• A parent, guardian or carer must apply on behalf of 5–15 year olds and provide approval for them to travel for free by bus
• Children under 5 years old do not need a card as they already travel for free on commercial bus services

To aid applications made through getyournec.scot , videos have been made which walk you through the online application process step-by-step:

• How to apply for a card for your child
• How to request a replacement card with free bus travel

What you will need to apply online

Before you apply online this is what you’ll need. You won’t be able to save and resume your application, so please get this information ready before you start.

Applying for a National Entitlement Card for yourself aged 16+? 

To apply you will need:

• a device with a camera or webcam (laptop/tablet/phone).
• to sign in using your mygovscot myaccount (click register if you don’t have one).
• a recent digital photo showing your head and shoulders.
• proof of identity (passport, driving licence, Young Scot card, Biometric Residence Permit or use your  Yoti account ).
• proof of address (such as Council Tax bill or bank statement).

Parent/guardian/carer applying on behalf of your child aged under 16?

• parent/guardian/carer proof of identity (passport, driving licence, Young Scot card, Biometric Residence Permit or use your  Yoti account ).
• parent/guardian/carer proof of address (such as Council Tax bill or bank statement).
• proof of your child's identity (eg. birth certificate (if under 11 only), passport, Biometric Residence Permit or Young Scot card).
• proof of your child's address (only if they live at a different address from you).
• a recent digital image of the child (if aged 11+) showing head and shoulders.

Proof of relationship

There are a number of documents you can use to show your relationship with your child:

• Full Birth Certificate (abbreviated certificates cannot be used), or
• Adoption Order, or
• Kinship Care Order, or
• Compulsory Supervision Order, or
• Residence Order, or
• Permanence Order, or
• Guardianship Order, or
• Parental Order, or
• Something that shows you’re the main person looking after your child. This can be a copy of either a letter from your local authority or a legal order.

View a full list of accepted proof of address and photograph guidelines

Once you have applied on getyournec.scot , you can log back in to check the status of your application – i.e. submitted, approved, rejected.

If you cannot apply online, there are many other ways to apply, please contact your local council .

In some local council areas, schools are coordinating applications on behalf of their pupils. Schools will contact parents or guardians and pupils directly if this arrangement is in place.

You should allow up to ten working days from the date your application was approved for your card to arrive.

Some local councils may not be able to offer in-person applications at all times so please do check their website or call before setting off.

Parentsportal.scot

If you live in any of the local council areas which uses parentsportal.scot you might find it convenient to apply for a new card through that route.

The local council areas are:

• Aberdeenshire
• East Renfrewshire
• North Lanarkshire
• Perth and Kinross
• Renfrewshire
• West Lothian.

The type of National Entitlement Card you apply for and whether you need approval from a parent or guardian depends on your age.

For those aged 11+ it’s your choice whether you apply for the Young Scot NEC or a standard NEC. Remember that Young Scot offers discounts, rewards, membership and is PASS accredited, meaning you can use a Young Scot NEC as proof of age. Find out more at Young Scot’s website .

Your responsibilities

• The NEC is only valid for use by the person it’s issued to – no one else can use it
• Take good care of your card. You must be physically carrying your card to access the scheme – if you forget it or it gets damaged and doesn’t work, you’ll need to pay the fare
• Always keep in touch with you family and friends to let them know where you are – it’s important to stay safe

Read the scheme terms and conditions .

Transport Scotland’s Pass Collect app

If you are aged between 16 and 21 and already have an active NEC or Young Scot NEC you can download your free bus travel using the Transport Scot Pass Collect app.

Active cards are those received since 2016 – they’ll have a long number next to the ITSO logo and, if there’s a date of birth shown, it will be highlighted with a pink strip. Please note, any NECs which are dedicated matriculation cards aren’t compatible with the app.

Download the Transport Scot Pass Collect app on the App Store or Google Play to add free bus travel your existing card.

How to download the app

You can use the app with an Android (version 6 or later) or iOS (version 6 or later) phone that is connected to the internet by Wi-Fi or mobile connection.

The phone must have Near Field Communication (NFC) compatibility. This is the same function you use for mobile contactless payments and is usually available on newer smartphones.

To download the app you will need to either be connected to Wi-Fi, or have 3G, 4G or 5G network connection with good mobile signal.

How to use the app

The app is simple and easy to use – just follow the instructions to read your card and download your free bus travel.

Watch this video from Young Scot for a useful step-by-step guide on how to use the app.

Collecting free bus travel on your card

When you place your card at the back of your phone to download your free bus travel – in the same way you would use contactless payment – it’s important to make sure you hold it in the right place.

This is different depending on whether you have an Android or iOS phone. The correct place is usually at the top for iOS and in the middle for Android, as shown below.

Checking what is on your card

The app can also be used by anyone to ‘read’ an NEC or Young Scot NEC to see what smart travel concession products/entitlements are stored on the card.

There are a few different products which might come up when you read your card. For under 22s free bus travel, you should look for one or both of the following:

• Bus Pass (Y)
• Bus Pass (Y 16+)

If you do not see one or both of the above when you read your card, you don’t have free bus travel on your card. You may have other products stored on your card,  such as Bus ID (Y) which indicates this is a young person’s card – but it is not free bus travel.

If you’re eligible, you can use the app to collect free bus travel on to your card. Otherwise, you will need to apply for a new NEC with free bus travel.

Top tips and more information about the app

• The app is not personalised. This means you can use it to download someone else’s bus travel to their card – for example you could also help your friends download free bus travel onto their cards too – or use their app to download your own.
• The app doesn’t store any personal information. You can read the full app terms and conditions for more information.
• Please remember, only those aged 16 and over can download free bus travel on to an existing NEC or Young Scot NEC.

If you’ve successfully downloaded the app onto your phone but you’ve received an error message when using it, the message will provide details about what has gone wrong and tell you what to do next or who to contact. Check the error messages below to help.

It looks like you’re offline

Check you are connected to the internet. If you’re connected via mobile network, check you have a strong signal.

The NFC (Near Field Communication) is disabled

If you have NFC, you may need to switch this on in your settings. NFC is the same service used for mobile contactless payment – you can check online or with your phone provider to see if your phone has this.

Card read but nothing to collect

Only those aged 16-21 who have an active NEC or Young Scot NEC can use the app to download free bus travel on to an existing NEC or Young Scot NEC.

Check your card is active – this means it was received after 2016, it should have a long number next to the ITSO logo and if your date of birth is on it, it will be highlighted with a pink strip.

If you have already applied for a new card, this means your application has nearly finished being processed and your new card will be with you soon.

If your card is active, and you have not already applied for a new card, please contact us using the details below as there may be an issue with your card.

Uh oh! Something went wrong, or we are busy

This message appears when there are too many people trying to collect bus travel at the same time. Please try again in a few minutes.

Remember to hold your card very still at the back of your phone. It’s important to place the card in the correct position, which is different depending on whether you have an Android or iOS phone. This correct position is usually at the top for iOS and in the middle for Android.

Oops that didn’t work – looks like your card is full

This message appears if you have lots of other travel tickets on your card. Please try again and if it still doesn’t work, please contact us using the details below.

Oops that didn’t work – we’re having trouble reading your card

This message usually appears if you have accidentally moved your card when holding it to the phone. Try again, putting your card on a table and holding your phone above it to help keep it steady. If you have a cover on your phone, please try removing this as well.

If it doesn’t work again after doing this, get in touch with us using the details below in case there is something wrong with your card (please remember to check you are using an active NEC or Young Scot NEC first).

Oops that didn’t work – looks like your card is not supported by this app

This usually appears if you try and read a smartcard that is not an NEC or Young Scot NEC – for example, a Subway or ScotRail card.

There is no supported app for this NFC tag

This usually appears if you try and read a smartcard that is an old version of the NEC or Young Scot NEC. If you are aged 16-21 and receive this message, you will need to apply for a new card. Find out how to apply for a new card .

Oops that didn’t work – looks like your card is expired

This usually appears when your card is no longer valid and means you will need to apply for a new card. Find out how to apply for a new card .

Oops that didn’t work – looks like your card is blocked

This usually appears when your card has already been replaced by a newer version. Please find your most recent card and use this instead.

If you cannot find the newer version, you will need to apply for a new card. Find out how to apply for a new card .

Get in touch

If the information above and the Frequently Asked Questions page don’t answer any queries you have about the app, or if you have issues using it, please contact us.

Don’t forget you can always use someone else’s Pass Collect app to check your card and download your free bus travel, if your phone isn’t compatible.

Email:  [email protected]

Staying safe

There’s lots to think about as you travel on the bus. Read some top tips for travelling safely at freebus.scot

There are no COVID-19 rules or restrictions in Scotland. There are things you can do to stay well and protect others, read these and find out more about Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Scotland.

Top tips for parents and guardians

Letting your young person use free nationwide bus travel may feel daunting. It’s a big responsibility and it can be difficult to know they’re safe. This is why we’re encouraging all parents and guardians to have conversations with their children about being safe and confident when travelling.

• It’s never easy to start a serious conversation, so try to make it relevant for you. It can be helpful to break up discussions into bite-sized chats over a period of time. That gives you both a bit of space to process what you’ve spoken about and avoids anyone feeling like they’ve been lectured.
• Have a chat about what they might expect to see while they are out, how to interact with the driver and other passengers, and how to use their card –especially if they are new to bus travel.
• Getting your child used to using bus from a young age can build their confidence and independence.

Driver training

We’ve been working closely with Barnardo’s Scotland to provide simple and clear guidance for bus drivers on protecting children and young people and keeping them safe from harm. This covers a huge range of issues and provides helpful advice for drivers on how to report issues if they arise.

Access the training for drivers .

Martin Crewe, Director for Barnardo’s Scotland said:

"Barnardo’s Scotland is proud to have worked with Transport Scotland to create a bespoke training package on child safeguarding for bus drivers across Scotland. Through training in general safeguarding and the signs of exploitation, we have helped to give bus drivers the confidence to recognise risks to young passengers’ safety and provided them with the knowledge of what to do and who to speak to if they have any concerns.”

Visit Barnardo’s Scotland for more information on their work and support.

Useful Contacts

Get help with applying or replacing your nec or young scot nec.

• Get help with GETYOURNEC.SCOT
• Get help with Young Scot
• Get help with parentsportal.scot

At your local council

Contact your local council

Some local councils may not be able to offer in-person applications at all times so please do check their website or call before setting off. Your local council will be able to advise you about their processing times.

Bus operators

If you have any questions about individual bus routes, services or journeys please contact the bus operator directly.

Get help with Transport Scotland’s Pass Collect app

For any questions about our app, or if you’re having any issues using the app, please contact:

Email:  [email protected] Address: Concessionary Travel and Smart and Integrated Ticketing, Transport Scotland, George House, 2nd Floor, 36 North Hanover Street, Glasgow, G1 2AD.

Enquiries about the free bus travel scheme

Transport Scotland is responsible for the policy and some aspects of the delivery of the Young Persons’ Free Bus Travel Scheme including the reimbursement of bus operators. The scheme is delivered through the National Entitlement Card (NEC). The Improvement Service is the accountable body for the NEC Scheme. It also operates and manages GETYOURNEC.SCOT  and parentsportal.scot .

The National Entitlement Card Programme Office supports the Scheme’s operational management and delivery under a Service Level Agreement with the Improvement Service. This includes support to all Scottish local authorities for the NEC application process, including for card issue, renewals and replacements. 

For general information on the Young Persons’ (Under 22s) Free Travel Scheme, or if there's anything you're not sure about, please contact:

Concessionary Travel and Integrated Ticketing Unit

Transport Scotland, George House, 2nd Floor, 36 North Hanover Street, Glasgow, G1 2AD.

Email: [email protected]

Policy and legislation

Legislation was approved by the Scottish Parliament in March 2021 enabling the introduction of a new statutory scheme to allow 5-18 year olds resident in Scotland to access free bus travel through the National Entitlement Card (NEC) and the Young Scot branded NEC (Young Scot card).

Following a further commitment made by the Scottish Government, legislation to allow the scheme to be extended to include those aged under 22 was approved by the Scottish Parliament in autumn 2021.

Read more about the scheme legislation and Impact Assessments .

Terms and Conditions

National entitlement card (nec) and young scot national entitlement card (young scot nec) must be in good working order.

• You – and parent/ guardians of cardholders aged between 5-15 years old – must ensure that your NEC or Young Scot NEC is kept in a good condition and presented to the bus ticket machine or other transport ticketing equipment in good working order i.e. undamaged in any way.
• If your NEC or Young Scot NEC is damaged so that it cannot be scanned on the bus ticket machine (or other transport ticketing equipment) you will be required to pay the full fare for your journey. You – and parents/guardians of cardholders aged 5-15 years old - will have to ensure that the appropriate bus fare or other transport ticket can be paid in full by cash or other alternative payment methods.
• If your NEC or Young Scot NEC is damaged it is your responsibility (or parents/guardians of young people aged between 5-15 years old) to request a replacement card from your local authority to allow access to free bus travel and any other transport discounts.
• If you need a new or replacement NEC or Young Scot NEC then please see the advice above on how to a new card may be requested by using GETYOURNEC.SCOT , parentsportal.scot or by contacting your local council

NEC/Young Scot NEC – Not Transferable

• Those eligible to access the young persons’ free bus travel scheme will be provided with a NEC or Young Scot NEC that is unique to them. Please carry your card with you when you are travelling.
• Cards should be kept safe and must be used by the named cardholder only to access free bus travel.
• Cards must not be used by or given to any other person for their use.
• Transport operators may refuse free travel to anyone where the image on the card doesn’t match the person presenting it.
• Transport Scotland has a fraud policy and any person(s) found to be misusing any aspect of the scheme (including allowing a card to be used by someone else) may have their entitlement to free bus travel suspended. Incidents of misuse may also be reported to the Procurator Fiscal.
• Cardholders (and parents/guardians of cardholders aged 5-15 years old) have a duty to report any changes of circumstances which may affect entitlement, including changes of address, to their local authority.

General Information

• Travel using a NEC or Young Scot NEC is subject to the normal regulations and conditions of carriage of each transport operator.
• Your card gives you the same rights as a full-fare paying passenger.
• The Young Scot NEC is part of the accredited proof of age card scheme PASS. This means that the Young Scot NEC can be used as proof of age.
• The photo on your card needs to be kept up to date to use it to prove your age for age restricted products or services. Your card must not be used by any other person.

Privacy Policy

This  Privacy Policy  outlines how we use, store and share the personal information we hold about you in connection with our national concessionary travel schemes.

App Terms and Conditions

Read the terms and conditions for the Transport Scot Pass Collect app .

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting your card, who can get free bus travel.

Every 5-21 year old living in Scotland for more than 6 months of the year can travel for free by bus if they have a valid National Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot National Entitlement Card (Young Scot NEC).

If you are 5-15 years old, your parent or guardian must apply for you. If you are 16-21 years old, you must apply for your own NEC or Young Scot NEC.

Children under 5 years old do not need an NEC as they can already travel for free on buses.

How do I get free bus travel?

You will need a NEC or a Young Scot NEC. You will not be able to travel for free on the bus without one. If you already have a card, you will need to apply for a replacement which will allow free bus travel.

What will I need to get a National Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot NEC?

You will need to provide proof of person (your name and age), proof of residence (where you usually live) and a photograph if you are 11 years old or over.

Parents, guardians or (in some cases) carers will need to provide proofs of person and address for both themselves and their child, as well as proof of the relationship.

The acceptable proofs you can provide for the Young Persons' Free Bus Travel Scheme whether applying online or through offline application routes allow:

• 'out of date' passports to be regarded as acceptable proof documents. The key criterion will be the physical likeness of the photo, with no timeframe restriction being applied to a passport expiry date
• a suitable proof of residency type document with either current date or dated within the last 12 months will be accepted.

Find out what documents you can use to provide proof on the  NEC website . If you are aged 5-15 years old, your parent/guardian/carer must apply for your NEC on your behalf. If you are aged 16-21 years old, you must apply by yourself.

Why do I need to provide proofs to apply for free bus travel?

We need to be able to check and verify who you are and whether you are eligible for the scheme, so we ask for proof of person (your name and age) and proof of residence (where you live).

For children aged 5-15 years old, we also need to carry out some extra checks for child safety reasons. We need to be able to verify who the person making the application is, the child is, and know that they are authorised to act on behalf of that child.

When doing this, we need to make sure we comply with identity verification standards and protocols, and with standards required by the UK National Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) . Young Scot NECs carry the PASS logo and can be used as proof of age.

I live in Scotland for part of the year. Can I still get free bus travel?

If you live in Scotland for most of the year (at least 6 months), then you are eligible.

I already have a disabled National Entitlement Card (NEC) for the Older and Disabled Scheme. Will I need a new card?

It is your choice. Some local council areas provide discounted travel on rail, tram or subway with a Disabled Persons’ NEC, but you are likely to have to renew that card more often. Currently, a Disabled Persons’ NEC is valid for up to three years. Further information can be found on our website.

However, if you have a Disabled Companion NEC, allowing a companion to travel for free with you, then you should not change to the new scheme. The new scheme does not allow anyone to travel with you for free.

My application’s been rejected. Why?

You should be told why your application has been rejected and given advice on how to submit a successful application. Check to see that your details are all correct and your photo meets all the requirements. If that doesn’t work, get in touch with your local council.

How long do I need to wait for my new National Entitlement Card (NEC)/Young Scot NEC?

New or replacement cards generally arrive in the post within 10 working days from the date each application is approved.

If it has been more than 10 working days (2 calendar weeks) and you have not received your card remember, you can login to see the progress of your application or get in contact through getyournec.scot .

If you have applied for a Young Scot NEC through your school, the school can provide more information on when your card will be delivered.

My details aren’t right. What do I do?

Most cardholders can update their details at  getyournec.scot  or get in touch with your local council to have your details amended.

Why does my parent or guardian have to apply for a National Entitlement Card (NEC)/Young Scot NEC on my behalf?

If you are 5-15 years old, then your parent or guardian must apply on your behalf. This will make sure they are aware that you get to travel for free by bus, so that they can ensure you are safe and well. If you are 16 years old and over, you must apply yourself.

I don’t want to throw away my old National Entitlement Card (NEC)/Young Scot NEC. Can it be safely disposed of?

Yes it can. If you would like to  safely dispose your old card, you can send it to:

Transport Scotland George House 2nd Floor 36 North Hanover Street Glasgow, G1 2AD

Why do parents/guardians of 5 -15 year olds have to apply on their behalf?

If you are a parent or guardian of a 5-15 year old, then you must apply on their behalf. This will allow you to continue to exercise responsibility over their wellbeing and safety.

By applying on their behalf, you are agreeing for them to receive an NEC or Young Scot NEC that allows them to travel for free on any registered bus service in Scotland, as well as a limited number of local cross border services into northern England.

I am a parent, but my child doesn’t live with me. Can I apply on their behalf?

Your child can only have one National Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot NEC. You should decide which parent or guardian applies on their behalf.

Young people who are 16-21 years old must apply themselves. If your 16-21 year old needs additional support with their application, please contact your local council.

I don’t want my child to have free bus travel. How do I make sure that they don’t get it?

You should not apply for the free bus travel scheme. Also, a parent or guardian must apply on behalf of 5-15 year olds. If you are applying on behalf of your child for a National Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot NEC, do not ‘opt in’ to the free bus travel entitlement. This will allow them to receive their card without access to free bus travel.

Once a young person is 16 years old and over, they can apply for their own NEC or Young Scot NEC and get access to free bus travel.

My child will soon be five. How soon can I apply?

You can apply for a National Entitlement Card from two weeks before your child’s fifth birthday.

Will my child’s school be arranging to help apply for cards, including getting parental approval?

Your local council will let you know if they are offering to place bulk orders for National Entitlement Cards (NEC) or Young Scot NECs in your area. These come in three types:

• a photoless NEC (primary school age)
• a Young Scot NEC (secondary school age).

My child is 16 (or older) and needs help to apply. Can a parent or guardian, do this on their behalf?

You should contact your local council if you need additional support with the application process.

I don’t read English. How do I apply for free bus travel for my child?

Please contact your local council to find out more and get support.

Should I get a Young Scot NEC or standard NEC?

If you are over 11 years old you can choose to apply for the Young Scot NEC or a standard NEC. If you choose a Young Scot NEC, you can use it to save money with in-person and online discounts – with over 500 discounts in Scotland and over 100,000 deals across Europe. It also acts as proof of age. What’s more, you can collect points by taking part in activities and exchanging these for Rewards. Find out more at  young.scot/card .

Is GETYOURNEC.SCOT new?

No, GETYOURNEC.SCOT has been available since July 2020. Thousands of people have already used it to apply for their NEC to access the Older and Disabled Persons’ Free Bus Travel Scheme or order a new or replacement Young Scot NEC. This has now been extended to enable people to apply online for the Young Persons’ Free Bus Travel Scheme.

Why do you use biometric scans during the online application process?

GETYOURNEC.SCOT checks proofs digitally during the application process. A face scan is used to make sure that the person submitting the application is the same person as on the identity proofs supplied. It’s a way of replicating the in-person application process. Biometric scans are only used when applying online, not when making in-person applications.

Can I save progress on my online application as I go along?

Yes, you can save and return to an incomplete application on getyournec.scot

Can you make the application process simpler?

We continually review the application process to make it as straightforward as we can. However, we must also make sure that we meet child safety requirements, and comply with identity verification standards, protocols and PASS standards.

We have made video guides to GETYOURNEC.SCOT which take you through the online application process step-by-step.

You can also ask for help if you run into problems when applying through GETYOURNEC.SCOT.

I can’t apply online, how do I get a card?

If you cannot apply online, there are other ways to apply provided by your local council, such as face-to-face, in-person applications or, in some cases, through schools. Please contact your local council for more information.

I don’t have a passport or driving licence. How do I apply?

If you don’t have proofs such as a passport or driving licence, you can apply directly to your local council.

There are other documents you can use as proof of person if you don’t have a passport, driving licence, Yoti account or birth/adoption certificate. A full list of acceptable documents is on the  NEC website .

Why do I need a new NEC/Young Scot NEC to get free bus travel?

Your new card will have the free travel entitlement digitally encoded.

All bus journeys made under the scheme must be recorded so that the Scottish Government can reimburse operators for the fare. Tapping your NEC or Young Scot NEC on the ticket machine each time you travel makes this possible.

This also helps keep card holders safe as once you’ve tapped, the driver knows that you are eligible for free bus travel. This is important if you are 5-15 years old as your parent, guardian or (in some cases) carer must approve you to travel for free by bus.

Will applications be prioritised based on who needs to make essential journeys?

All applications submitted will be processed and there is no prioritisation of one person’s application over another.

Due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on staffing levels, some local councils may not be able to always offer in-person applications and applications may take longer to process. Please contact your local council to find out how you can apply before setting off.

If you have questions or concerns about the application process that cannot be answered on this website

For online, get in contact through getyournec.scot

For offline, please contact your local council .

How do I use my National Entitlement Card (NEC)/Young Scot NEC on the bus?

In most cases, you place your card on the card reader machine next to the bus driver. Ask the driver if you have any questions.

What do I do if my National Entitlement Card (NEC)/Young Scot NEC is not working?

For information on how to apply for a replacement card go to  getyournec.scot . You will need to pay any fares until the replacement arrives.

How much will it cost to get a replacement card?

Replacements are free of charge.

My friend has lost their National Entitlement Card (NEC)/Young Scot NEC. Can they use mine?

No. It is only for you and you should not share it with anybody else.

If your card has a photo, then please keep it up to date, as the bus driver might not let you travel if you do not look like your photo. The photo on your Young Scot NEC also needs to be kept up to date to use it to prove your age for age restricted products or services.

You can update the photo for free.

Can my access to free bus travel be stopped?

Yes, if you misuse the free bus travel scheme (such as letting someone else use your card), then you might have free bus travel removed from your card.

Can I load my National Entitlement Card (NEC)/Young Scot NEC on an app rather than carrying the card?

No, you must have your NEC or Young Scot NEC with you if you want to travel for free.

Where can I go under the free bus travel scheme?

You can travel Scotland wide on local and long distance bus services, apart from a few exceptions such as premium-fare night buses, city sightseeing buses, and some airport transfer services. Check with your bus operator if in doubt.

If you are travelling to England, you will be able to travel to Carlisle or Berwick-Upon-Tweed, but it cannot be used to travel within these towns.

Does my National Entitlement Card (NEC) allow me discounts or free travel on rail, tram, subway or ferry?

The free travel scheme is for bus only. However, there may be other discounts available.

More information on concessionary travel

Do children need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian to access free bus travel?

No. However, if you are in any doubt check with the bus operator before travelling. All bus operators have conditions of carriage which set out who can travel on their services and they may require younger children to be accompanied.

If you have problems using the card once you are on the bus

Contact  [email protected]

If you have a question about Young Scot services, contact  [email protected]

What are the terms and conditions for my National Entitlement Card (NEC)/Young Scot NEC?

You must ensure that your card is in good condition and presented to the bus ticket machine or other transport ticketing equipment in good working order (e.g. it’s not damaged).

Full terms and conditions

What measures are being taken to support children to travel safely?

We are undertaking an awareness campaign with partners to support children, young people, parents and guardians, and bus operators.

We have been working closely with Barnardo’s Scotland on how to safeguard young people travelling on the bus network, including providing training material for bus drivers. This will help drivers to recognise and respond to children or young people who need support while travelling on the bus network and help ensure that they can travel safely.

More information on staying safe

Transport Scot Pass Collect app

I’ve already applied for a new nec or young scot nec but it hasn’t arrived yet. can i use the app.

If you’ve already applied for a new card, depending on where you are in the application process, you may be able to download free bus travel onto your current card so you can use it until your new card is issued.

However this will only work temporarily until your application is processed. This is because when your new card is issued, your old card will automatically be set to stop working. You can then recycle or dispose of your old card.

If you’ve applied for a new card and your application has now been processed but you’ve not received it yet (for example, it is in the post), then you may not have free bus travel available to download via the app. But don’t worry – this means your new card is coming.

If you have applied on getyourNEC.scot , you can log back in to check the status of your application.

What if my application for a new card has been approved and a new card is sent to me, after I have already used the app to get free bus on my existing card - will both work?

When your new card is issued, your old card will automatically be set to stop working and you can recycle or dispose of it.

If you would like to safely dispose your old card, you can send it to:

Why can’t there be an app instead of a card we can use on the bus – it would be much easier?

We recognise that there is an interest in an app based travel solution. Unfortunately, the compatible technology is not yet available to provide an app for concessionary travel, but we continue to monitor technology advancements in this area.

Why can’t Young Scot cardholders under 16 use the app?

For young people aged 5-15, a parent, guardian or carer must apply on for free bus travel on their behalf. This is to make sure the parent, guardian or carer knows that the young person is able to travel for free by bus, and can ensure their child is safe and well.

During the application process, it is important to verify who the person making the application is, who the child is, and know that the person making the application is authorised to act on behalf of that child.

As the app cannot store personal data, this information cannot be captured or verified. This means that for anyone aged 5-15, parents, guardians or carers will need to apply for a new card either online or through their local council.

I am turning 16 next week/soon – can I use the app?

Yes, the system will be updated regularly so that free travel will be available to collect on your 16th birthday. Remember that this only applies if your existing application has not been processed.

Can I use someone else’s card to collect my free bus travel?

No – your card is unique to you. To download your free bus travel you must use your own card.

Can I use someone else’s Transport Scot Pass Collect app to download my free bus travel?

Yes – the app will check your card with the details held on the system and will download the free bus travel for you, via anyone’s Transport Scot Pass Collect app.

Can my friend/child download their free bus travel using my phone?

Yes. The app will check their card details with the system and download the bus travel for them. You can only download the free bus travel for the intended person onto their card – you cannot download it onto your card, for example.

I couldn’t download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple Store. What should I do?

Check your smart phone is connected to the internet with good signal and you have space on your mobile device to download the app.

If you still cannot download the app your phone may not be compatible – it needs to be Android (version 6 or newer) or iOS (version 6 or newer) and have Near Field Communication (NFC) compatibility - the same function you use for contactless payment with your phone.

If you still don’t have access to the app, you can use someone else’s Transport Scot Pass Collect app to download free bus travel onto your card.

What if I have other tickets or money already loaded on my NEC or Young Scot NEC card?

The app will ignore these and download free bus travel onto the card as well.

In the unlikely event that your card is full (for example, you have lots of other travel products/entitlements already stored on your card) the app will tell you and you may need to remove some of the old tickets to free up space. You can do this by presenting your card to the relevant operators’ ticket or gate machine and it will clear them for you automatically, freeing up room for your bus pass.

Is any personal data held on the app?

• There is no data, personal or other, held or stored on the app.
• View the app terms and conditions .

How much data space does it take?

The app doesn’t take up too much space or take long to download. It’s around 100mb on Android and only 30mb on Apple - but you do need a good signal to download it (3G + or stronger).

How to Save Money on Train Tickets in Scotland

It’s always nice to save money on your holiday in Scotland, especially when travelling around the country is becoming more and more expensive. On average it costs a whopping £90 for an individual return train ticket from Edinburgh to Inverness and £75 to travel from Edinburgh to Aberdeen, which can put a serious dent in the holiday budgets of travelling families.

It’s certainly true that train travel is one of the most expensive ways to travel in Scotland but the fact is it doesn’t have to be – as you’ll discover in this information-packed article.

Avoid Peak Times and Expensive Upgrades

Like the rest of the UK, there are three different types of train tickets you can purchase for your rail journey in Scotland. These are:

• Off-peak : These tickets are restricted for use between the morning and evening peak times. These times are dependent on the train operator so check with them before making a purchase. These are the tickets to buy if you want the cheapest option.
• Anytime : These tickets are valid for use at any time of the day and are usually more expensive than off-peak tickets.
• First-class : These tickets are more expensive than the other two types but offer a higher standard of service with free Wi-Fi, food and drink, and entry to station lounges.

For more information about national rail times, fares and ticket types, view the National Rail Enquiries page .

It’s entirely up to you with regards to your preferred ticket types but I have to say I rarely travel first-class because it’s so expensive (often up to twice the price of a standard ticket). To give you an idea of rail prices in Scotland, for a single off-peak ticket from Edinburgh to Aberdeen it costs approximately £40, but that soars to nearer £90 if you upgrade to first class. You get tea, coffee, and a snack, but at more than a 100% price increase it’s safe to say it isn’t very good value for money.

That being said, those prices only apply if you purchase tickets directly from the operator and it’s usually much cheaper to book via an auction site instead – which I’ll go into detail about further down this page.

Always Book Early

You can occasionally get cheap tickets by buying in advance, and once or twice I’ve found early-bird first-class tickets that were even cheaper than standard-class anytime tickets.

To be in with a chance of finding discounted tickets you’ll have to check The Trainline website at least a month before your travel date instead of wandering up to the ticket kiosk on the day. Cheap tickets are usually released by the operators around 12 weeks before the date of travel but they tend to sell out quickly so try to book as early as you can.

The longer you leave the booking date, the more expensive your ticket will be. One handy tip for booking early is to go on the operator’s website 12 weeks or more in advance and search for your journey, then change the date to the furthest ahead that you can book. Keep checking daily until the furthest date matches your date of travel to secure the cheapest possible tickets.

You can also sign up for email alerts from the train company so you get notified when tickets go on sale as well as be the first to hear about special offers. Each operator has a different notification system but for Scotrail you can head to the News and Offers page and subscribe to their email which includes offers such as ScotRail 2 for 1 tickets and ScotRail £5 tickets.

Although I mentioned above that the cheapest tickets are the ones available months in advance, if you leave it till the absolute last minute you can also bag a bargain as operators look to offload empty seats. This is a gamble as sometimes the train will be fully booked and sometimes the discounts aren’t that great, but if you’re lucky then 20% or more savings can be made.

The only caveat is that you have to travel on the train you’re booked on so there’s no flexibility to change times. A good resource for finding information about different rail operators and their advance ticket purchasing times is the National Rail Enquiries website .

Be Flexible With Your Dates and Routes

It’s going to be more expensive to travel on a train at rush hour on a Monday morning than the same journey on a Sunday afternoon, so if you’re ok with changing the dates you travel you’ll save a bundle by going for less busy times.

Following on from this you’ll also often find competing operators running trains between the same destinations so it’s always a good idea to compare services. A great resource for this is Red Spotted Hanky which does all the heavy lifting for you by comparing all times and routes when you enter your departure and destination points on their website.

Red Spotted Hankey charges no additional fees and they have a bonus points scheme for return users. In addition, they also have a very handy app that allows you to book online and view details about the journey including all stops, station changes, and times between the start and endpoints. Alternatively, you can perform the same search on The Trainline website which displays all upcoming trains on any given date with the cheapest fares highlighted in yellow.

The only negative is that the latter website doesn’t give recommendations for split tickets (described further down the page), although their app does allow you to submit refund requests with a single tap and even submit expense receipts for business travellers.

Get a Railcard

You can save a packet on Scotland’s rail fares with a railcard , though bear in mind if you’re a visiting tourist they’re not much use as you have to pay an annual fee upfront which makes them more suited to frequent UK travellers.

That being said, if you live in Britain and want a discount on your fare you should probably get one depending on your circumstances. I’ll list the most popular rail cards below:

Two Together Railcard . Gives you a third off all rail travel on off-peak journeys for any two people over the age of 16 – but only when they travel together. It costs around £30 for a year which is easily recouped if you do just a few trips – but make sure you keep your card with you as you’ll need it as proof of purchase when you buy your discounted ticket.

Friends and Family Railcard . This discount card is similar to the Two Together card except that it also includes a 60% discount on children’s fares. The card is valid for up to 4 adults and up to 4 children who are aged between 5 and 15. Note that adults and children do not have to be related to benefit from the Friends and Family discount.

As a top tip, when ordering your next rail card get a digital pass instead of a plastic card (you can’t have both). While you might forget your wallet, I bet most people will always have their phones with them.

26-30 Railcard . This card is designed for 26 to 30-year-olds (obviously) and can be ordered here . Like the Two Together card, it costs around £30 per year and gives a third off rail travel.

16-25 Railcard . As above but for people aged 16 to 25.

Disabled Persons Railcard . This card costs around £20 per year and gives 1/3 off rail fares for disabled people and one person travelling with them. Cards are available in digital and plastic formats and can be used without restrictions at any time of the day.

Senior Railcard . Just because you’re a senior doesn’t mean you have to miss out on Scotland’s railways and with this card, you’ll save 1/3 on fares as long as you’re age 60 or over. Unlike the other cards I’ve listed, you can purchase a Senior Railcard that lasts up to 3 years for a discounted price of around £70.

Highland Railcard . Those living in the wilds of the Scottish Highlands can often feel isolated from the rest of the country which is one of the reasons this money-saving card makes so much sense. Only available to people living in selected postcodes, the Highland Railcard allows owners to travel for a flat rate as well as giving a generous 50% off travel on selected routes.

Young Scot National Entitlement Card . This railcard is designed to give discounts of 1/3 off most rail fares and 50% off weekly and monthly tickets for anyone aged 16-18. The card is ideal for use by travelling students who live in Scotland as it can double up as a smartcard by loading tickets onto it via a booking office.

Buy Scotrail Travel Passes

For visiting tourists a travel pass is the best way to get your ticket as it offers an all-in-one solution across a specific rail network.

You can stick to one region of the country with a single pass or combine two to see even more sights, but my recommendation is to just get one travel pass and buy separate train tickets as and when required because most travel passes are rather expensive.

Spirit of Scotland Rover : Offers unlimited rail travel throughout Scotland for either four or eight days. Four days of unlimited travel over eight consecutive days costs around £149, while eight days of unlimited travel over fifteen consecutive days costs around £189.

Note that these prices change regularly so check the ScotRail website before you buy the pass.

Scottish Grand Tour : Touted as one of the great rail journeys of the world, the Scottish Grand Tour is a circular route that passes lochs, mountains, forests and countryside. You’ll pass some truly dramatic scenery with the Scottish Grand Tour pass including the West Highland Line and the Highland Main Line, and you’ll also see the country’s top cities of Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Inverness .

As an all-in-one package to see the best of Scotland in one trip, it really does take some beating.

Highland Rover : Gives you four days of unlimited travel over eight consecutive days across the Scottish Highlands for around £100. Although it’s only valid for standard class you can travel at any time of the day and you’ll also get 20% off  Northlink ferry services to Orkney and Shetland.

Central Scotland Rover : Allows you to take unlimited journeys between Glasgow, Edinburgh, and the surrounding area for around £60. The pass lasts for three days and is valid for standard class journeys on ScotRail trains, but unfortunately, you can’t use it on the new Borders railway line.

Note that this is the pass to get if you just want to explore the main cities as it covers Edinburgh and Glasgow which are a mere 1 hour apart by train.

Rail and Sail : Getting to the north and west coast islands has never been easier thanks to ScotRail’s Rail and Sail, which combines rail and ferry travel in one ticket. These tickets take the hassle out of exploring Scotland as you can break the journey up to go and see different regions as you see fit.

Currently, the pass opens up the Orkney and Shetland islands along with Mull and the Outer Hebrides, and with children aged 5-15 getting a 50% discount they offer a great way to have a cheap(ish) family holiday by train.

Split Your Tickets

This train travel tip has been doing the rounds for a few years now but it’s just as popular as it ever was, purely because it works and is almost always guaranteed to give you big savings on rail fares. So what, exactly, is split ticketing?

Well, it basically means that instead of purchasing a single ticket from say London to Edinburgh (approx £80 in total), you purchase two or more separate tickets along the same line instead, so for example, London to Crewe and another ticket for Crewe to Edinburgh (approx £50 in total). This might seem overly complicated at first glance but the fact is you can save up to 90% on a long-distance rail journey by splitting your tickets, with the biggest savings coming from splitting the journey multiple times.

Be aware that while sometimes you will have to change stations, for the majority of journeys you stay on the same train the entire time and it’s just the tickets that get split.

Although planning routes around split tickets used to be a hassle there are now several websites that are dedicated to offering a free service where you just enter the departure and destination stations, the date and time of travel, and leave the website to book the separate tickets for you. The downside is that you could end up with ten different tickets, but as long as you keep track of them all for the conductor it shouldn’t have any impact on your journey.

Two of the best split ticketing websites in the UK are Train Split and Split My Fare , and having used both I can confirm they do exactly the same job and offer pretty much exactly the same level of service.

Purchase Groupsave Tickets

If you haven’t heard of Groupsave before it’s a booking scheme which does what the name says – you save money when purchasing train tickets as a group. You don’t need to do anything special to make a Groupsave booking as the offers are activated automatically as soon as more than 3 people are added at the checkout.

ScotRail has a three-tier system for group tickets starting with Friends Fare for 3 to 4 people, then Groupsave for 3 to 5 people, and finally Groupsave for more than 10 people. When combined with booking your tickets as early as possible you can save a bundle on travel costs, but bear in mind that group tickets have limited availability and they sell out fast in the peak tourist season.

Most operators offer Groupsave tickets of some kind and they’re usually pretty flexible – except for ScotRail which in my opinion is a wee bit stingy with their conditions:

Friends Fare: Discounts vary. Only available on Aberdeen to Inverness, Aberdeen to Edinburgh or Glasgow, and Inverness to Edinburgh or Glasgow. Return tickets only. Non-refundable. No additional railcard discounts.

Groupsave 3-5 people: Up to 1/3 off travel. Only available on Glasgow to Edinburgh, Dunblane/Stirling to Glasgow or Edinburgh, Alloa to Glasgow or Edinburgh, and Motherwell to Edinburgh. Off-peak journeys only. Non-refundable. No additional railcard discounts.

Groupsave 10+ people: 10-30% discount. Off-peak journeys only. Must be booked at least 28 days in advance. Non-refundable.

Grab a Bargain First-Class Upgrade

First-class tickets have traditionally been reserved for business people and luxury travellers due to the significant extra costs on top of standard class, but there are now services that aim to bring these upgraded tickets to the masses.

One of the best is Seatfrog which allows you to bid on first-class tickets on their own online auction which you access via their phone app. Think along the lines of eBay for first-class train tickets. You enter your standard ticket booking reference, enter a bid price, and if you win you just pay the additional fee. Seatfrog will then send you a new upgraded seat number along with a QR code to prove your purchase.

The extra fee is often a fraction of what the upgrade would cost directly from the operator and you don’t have to pay a penny more if you don’t win the auction so there really is nothing to lose. In fact, you could end up saving money on your journey when you consider that first-class tickets include free food and drinks and many also include entry to first-class lounges at the station.

Upgrade prices can be as low as £10 for a cross-country journey and as you already have a ticket you know you’ll still have a seat if your bid doesn’t win.

The big downside with Seatfrog is that they currently don’t offer upgrades on Scottish railways, but this will hopefully change soon. Still, if you’re intending to travel by train for a UK-wide tour it could be a nice way to upgrade part of your journey.

Can you save money with a Railcard?

Discounts on train tickets are available for eligible railcard holders. Each card applies to specific demographics such as students, over-60s, couples, Highland residents, and young adults. Discounts are usually 1/3 off the full ticket price. See the National Rail Enquiries website for further details.

How do I get free rail travel in Scotland?

Free train travel in Scotland is dependent on the local council area in which an individual lives. Some councils offer free rail travel for the disabled and over-60s. Other councils offer discounted fares.

Free bus travel across Scotland is possible with a National Entitlement card. To apply, see the Transport Scotland website .

How can I get the cheapest train tickets to Edinburgh?

The easiest ways to find the cheapest train tickets to Edinburgh are to: 1. Get a railcard which can save up to 1/3 off ticket costs. 2. Book in advance. ScotRail usually releases tickets 12 weeks before the date of travel. 3. Travel off-peak as tickets are around 1/3 cheaper than peak times. 4. Book as a group to save around 1/3 on standard ticket prices.

Can you get the train to Edinburgh?

Trains run directly into Edinburgh city centre from across the country. The main stations are Waverley and Haymarket. Travelling by rail from London to Edinburgh takes around 4.5 hours.

Can I use my National Entitlement Card on ScotRail?

The National Entitlement Card (NEC) can be used on several public transport networks across Scotland. The NEC is not valid as a ScotRail discount card. Young Scot NECs can be used on Scotrail for people aged 16-18.

Related Posts

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A Guide to The Best Clothes to Wear When Visiting Scotland

Craig Neil is the author, photographer, admin, and pretty much everything else behind Out About Scotland. He lives near Edinburgh and spends his free time exploring Scotland and writing about his experiences. Follow him on Pinterest , Facebook , and YouTube .

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

London Travel updates: Bakerloo, Jubilee, DLR and London Overground hit by closures and severe delays

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Passengers have been hit by travel chaos after parts of the London Underground and Overground have been shut.

A wave of disruption has hit travel on the Transport for London network ahead of rush hour today.

Multiple lines through central London have been partially suspended and others are experiencing severe delays, TfL warned.

Part of the Jubilee line and the London Overground is suspended.

There is no service between London’s busiest station Waterloo and Wembley Park, and severe delays on rest of the Jubilee line while engineers fix a signal failure at Willesden Green.

London Overground service is halted between Barking and Barking Riverside due to another signal failure at Walthamstow Queen’s Road and there are severe delays on the rest of the line.

Bakerloo line has severe delays due to an earlier fire alert at Queen’s Park and a points failure at Lambeth North.

Docklands Light Railway (DLR) has severe delays between Canary Wharf and Stratford because of a faulty train at Bow Church.

Central line has some minor delays between Leytonstone and Hainault in east London due to train cancellations.

The disruption comes just hours before the kick off of the England vs Slovenia Euro 2024 football game at 8pm.

Affected lines

Here are all the service hit by disruption today on the Transport for London network.

Bakerloo line – severe delays

Severe delays due to an earlier fire alert at Queen’s Park and a points failure at Lambeth North. Tickets are being accepted on London Buses.

Central line – minor delays

Minor delays between Leytonstone and Hainault due to train cancellations. Good service on rest of the line.

DLR -minor delays

Minor delays between Canary Wharf and Stratford due to an earlier faulty train at Bow Church. Good service otherwise.

Jubilee – part suspended and severe delays

No service between Waterloo and Wembley Park and severe delays on the rest of the line while a signal failure is fixed at Willesden Green.

Tickets are being accepted on London Overground, DLR, Elizabeth line, C2C, Southeastern, Thameslink and Buses via any reasonable route.

London Overground – part suspended and severe delays

No service between Barking and Barking Riverside due signal failure at Walthamstow Queen’s Road.

Severe delays on the rest of the line.

Tickets are being accepted on Buses and London Underground via any reasonable route.

Have you been affected by the disruption? Please email [email protected].

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] .

For more stories like this, check our news page .

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