ScotRail
ScotRail runs over 2,000 daily services across more than 340 Scottish stations, publicly owned by the Scottish Government since 2022.
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Official website
- Official website
- Train tickets
- Direct
ScotRail is the national train operator for Scotland, running intercity, regional and suburban services across the country under a single publicly owned company.
Public ownership
On 1 April 2022 the ScotRail franchise transferred into the public sector. Trains and stations kept the ScotRail brand; only the previous operator's name, Abellio, was removed from signage and materials. ScotRail Trains Limited now runs the network and is owned by the Scottish Government, with governance overseen by Scottish Rail Holdings, a body set up under the Railways Act 1993 to oversee train operating companies transferred to public ownership. Tickets, season tickets and Railcards bought before the transfer stayed valid, so the change affected ownership rather than day to day travel.
The network
ScotRail operates more than 2,000 intercity, regional and suburban services a day across over 340 stations, with a fleet of just under 800 trains carrying close to 100 million passenger journeys a year. It is one of Scotland's largest employers, with more than 5,000 staff working in stations, on board and in engineering roles across the network.
Tickets and booking
ScotRail tickets are sold through the ScotRail app or Journey Planner. Railcards purchased before the 2022 ownership transfer, along with season tickets and other pre purchased tickets, continue to be accepted exactly as before. For live times, fares and the full range of ticket types, National Rail Enquiries provides UK wide journey planning and ticket information alongside ScotRail's own channels.
Bikes and stations
There is no additional charge to take a bike on a ScotRail train, though some journeys need the bike space reserved in advance. Stations across the network have been adding secure cycle parking, and a growing number offer cycle hire points, making it easier to combine a bike ride with part of the journey by train. Every station has a Help Point that connects directly to ScotRail staff, useful for checking a platform, reporting an issue, or getting help outside normal ticket office hours.
Where to book
Train tickets
- Buy direct from ScotRail
ScotRail
Frequently asked questions
Who owns ScotRail?
ScotRail Trains Limited has been publicly owned by the Scottish Government since 1 April 2022, when the franchise transferred from Abellio into the public sector. Governance is overseen by Scottish Rail Holdings.
Are tickets bought before ScotRail became publicly owned still valid?
Yes. Tickets, season tickets and Railcards purchased before 1 April 2022 continue to be accepted exactly as before.
How many stations does ScotRail serve?
ScotRail serves more than 340 stations across Scotland, running over 2,000 intercity, regional and suburban services a day with a fleet of just under 800 trains.
Can I take a bike on a ScotRail train?
Yes, at no extra charge. Some journeys need the bike space reserved in advance, and many stations now have secure cycle parking or cycle hire points.
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Official website
