From 1 September 2025, ScotRail will make history as the first train operator in Britain to permanently scrap peak-time fares. Whether you travel during the morning rush hour or on a quiet afternoon service, you’ll now pay the same price.
This is a game-changer for anyone commuting, planning a day trip in Scotland, or heading off to visit friends and family, because you no longer have to work around train peak hours to save money.
Image credit: Scotrail
Why this is a big deal for train travellers in Scotland
For many popular routes, the savings are significant:
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Edinburgh to Glasgow: return fare cut from £32.60 to £16.80 – a saving of 48%
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Edinburgh to Inverkeithing: return fare cut from £12.60 to £7.40 – a saving of 41%
This change means you can commute, plan day trips, or visit family without having to plan around avoiding peak hours just to keep costs down.
If you’ve ever had to delay travel just to avoid paying a premium at peak times, those days are over.
Why ScotRail is removing peak pricing
This move is backed by the Scottish Government as part of a wider push to make train travel more accessible, affordable, and sustainable. The aim is to encourage people to leave the car at home and reduce congestion and emissions.
Joanne Maguire, Managing Director of ScotRail, explains:
“Travelling by train remains one of the most convenient ways to get around, and with simpler, more affordable fares, we hope to see many more people choose ScotRail.”
How to get the most out of the new ScotRail fares
Even though peak and off-peak prices will be the same on ScotRail services, there are still ways to get the lowest possible fare for your trip.
1. Still book in advance where possible
If your journey involves operators outside Scotland, advance tickets could still be much cheaper than buying on the day.
2. Use split-ticketing to save even more
If your trip goes beyond Scotland or involves more than one train company, you can still boost your savings. Use our split-ticketing search to book the cheapest combinations of tickets, on top of the lower fares from ScotRail’s new pricing.
3. Review your season ticket options
If you currently buy a peak season ticket, you may now be able to switch to a cheaper flexible ticket.
4. Consider multi-mode travel
Combine trains with coaches for longer journeys to cut your travel costs even further.
5. Explore Scotland without the time pressure
You can now travel during the morning rush to get the most out of your day without paying extra, ideal for day trips to the Highlands, beach days in Fife, or weekend breaks in Edinburgh.
How to book your ScotRail journey with us
From 1 September, simply search for your trip with us and the lower ScotRail fares will automatically appear for any eligible services. Our system will also:
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Highlight split-ticket savings where possible
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Suggest alternative routes or combinations for the best overall price
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Show train + coach options where they’re cheaper than rail alone
Whether you’re commuting to Glasgow, heading to Edinburgh for the Fringe, or planning a scenic journey along Scotland’s famous rail routes, you can now travel for less at any time of day.