Rail passes for Scotland

1)  All of Scotland - all rail and train companies, all Cal Mac ferries, and some buses - the SPIRIT OF SCOTLAND pass  4 days in 8, or 9 in 15.  0915 time restriction in the central belt for trains.    If travelling as 2 or 4 people, then it is a good idea and a definite saving to also buy the TWO TOGETHER rail card where you get a third off the rail pass, as long as you travel from 0930 weekdays, anytime at the weekends, and provide a photo and £15 each person (£30 in total) for the card.  You can purchase this at any staffed station - allow 5 minutes for issuance.  Or buy online and have it posted to you.  The Edinburgh tram to/from Edinburgh airport is included too (normally £5.50 per direction)  Senior, and Young Persons railcards also apply. 

2)  If you just need the west coast and the north of Scotland, then the HIGHLAND ROVER may suit your needs better.  From Glasgow up the West Highland way, Kyle to Inverness and up to Wick/Thurso.  As far south as Aviemore, and as far East as Aberdeen from Inverness. Very limited ferries on this more restricted rover.    4 days travel within an 8 day period.   Railcard discounts apply for those under 30, or for two travelling together, or if you have reached 60 years of age. 

3)  CENTRAL SCOTLAND 3 days consecutive rover :   Railcard discounts apply   Includes both Edinburgh and Glasgow - and the Glasgow Subway too. The North Berwick & Tweedbank lines are included, as is Stirling, Dunblane and Alloa. The Fife circle also - as far as Markinch, so you can visit beautiful Aberdour, take the kids to Burntisland, visit the Ancient Scottish Capital - Dunfermline, and see the famous Forth Bridges at Queensferry. 

4)   SCOTTISH GRAND TOUR - a very popular journey, and now there is a ticket to accommodate this trip.   Start in Edinburgh or Glasgow, and make your way to Fort William or Mallaig, then  use the train from Kyle/Inverness back to Glasgow or Edinburgh.  Use in either direction, but no back tracking permitted. Railcard discounts apply.   Valid on Scotrail trains only - no travel permitted on the LNER Highland Chieftan Service to Inverness, or the LNER & Cross Country services to Glasgow and Stirling.   This is a circle trip.  It also includes the ferry between Mallaig and Armadale on Skye.  The StageCoach bus that operates in the Summer season only is also included between Armadale and Kyle of Lochalsh.  Timetables are very limited, and at least one night on Skye may be required .  No travel before 0915 weekdays out of Edinburgh, or out of Glasgow to Inverness route (but is allowed from Glasgow on the West Highland route).  4 days travel in 8 - only £89.     Railcard discounts apply - check out the Two Together railcard if travelling in even numbers  .   Likely stops might be Stirling, Queensferry, Aberdour, Perth, Dunkeld/Birnam, Pitlochry/Blair Athol, Aviemore or Kingussie, and the very beautiful Plockton. The West Highland line attracts many walkers along the way- so if prepared, walk between stations, and re-join the train somewhere else between Mallaig and Loch Lomond/Glasgow area.

5) For rail day trip options  in central Scotland, click here for the day trip ideas page