Frequently asked questions

The Under 25 Advance Purchase discount entitles you to 10% off Advance fares on ScotRail services, for Standard Class travel on a range of longer distance routes.

It is available to anyone under the age of 25, exclusively on Smartcard.

How to apply

  • Visit My ScotRail to sign up for a Smartcard or log into your existing Smartcard account
  • You'll be asked to provide your date of birth and, if you qualify, the Under 25 Advance Purchase entitlement will automatically be added to your Smartcard
  • ​Follow the instructions online to complete your order

​Buying tickets

  • Buy tickets online
  • Enter your journey details and select UNDER 25 ADVANCE from the Railcard drop down list
  • If an Advance fare is available for your selected journey, the prices shown will include the Under 25 Advance discount
  • Follow the instructions to purchase the ticket and put on your Smartcard​

Note: Normal conditions of Advance fares apply. Reservations are compulsory and will be made at the time of purchase - you'll need to present your booking confirmation along with your Smartcard when you travel.

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  • Travel with Scottish Citylink* between:
    • Oban/Fort William - Inverness
    • Fort William - Kyle of Lochalsh - Uig
  • Travel with West Coast Motors between Oban/Fort William - Inverness
  • Travel with Stagecoach in the Highlands between Thurso - Scrabster

*We would recommend pre-booking your coach travel with Scottish Citylink. To book your Scottish Citylink journey and seat reservation in advance you can do so by visiting any VisitScotland iCentre or CityLink Bus Station. Please note a £1.50 booking fee applies.

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A Railcard is a personalised travel pass that entitles the holder to discounts on train travel in Scotland and across the UK. Valid for either one or three years, most Railcards offer the holder a saving of at least 1/3 off selected train tickets. All Railcard terms and conditions vary so always read the details for your specific Railcard before buying your discounted ticket and travelling. For frequent travellers the savings can be huge.

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Most Railcards give you two options when you buy them. You can either buy an annual Railcard, valid for one year from the date of purchase, or choose one that is valid for three years.

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Railcard prices vary. Most Railcards tend to cost £30 for one year and £70 for three years (if applicable.) A Disabled Persons railcard costs £20 for one year and £54 for three years. Please note that not all Railcards can be purchased for three years. Railcards can be purchased online through the Railcard app or from a booking office. Most people find they make the cost of their Railcard back within just a few journeys with their saving of 1/3 off their rail fare.

Railcards help you save at least 1/3 off your train fare every time you travel. For most people, this means that with the Railcard discount they make back the cost of the railcard in just a couple of journeys. Some Railcards also give you access to other discounts on days out, theatre tickets and more.

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To get a Railcard you first need to fit in with the specific Railcard’s eligibility. There are lots of types of Railcards available with varying eligibility so there should be one that works for you.

For most Railcards there are two ways to buy:

  • You can either fill in a paper form and take it along to a station booking office.
  • You can buy your Railcard online. When you buy your Railcard online you have the option of downloading it to your phone and storing it within the Railcard app. Or, you can opt to have a plastic card posted out to you.

The exception to this is if you are buying a 26-30 Railcard as this is a digital-only Railcard.

Visit Railcards | Digital Railcard and Prices | National Rail to buy your Railcard.

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Yes. If you have booked a ticket and gained the Railcard discount you must show your Railcard alongside your rail ticket when travelling. If you cannot show your Railcard or do not meet the terms and conditions of the Railcard you are carrying, you will be asked to purchase a new train ticket at full price.

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Yes. When you buy your Railcard online through the Railcard website choose a Digital Railcard. Once purchased you will receive a download code to add it to the Railcard App on your phone.

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The majority of Railcards have restrictions during peak times. There are some exceptions, and some instances where a minimum fare is offered but this varies depending on routes and operators. Therefore, you must check the terms and conditions of your specific railcard before you purchase to ensure it is suitable for your needs

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You can use your Railcard to book tickets online, from a station ticket office or from a ticket vending machine. When booking your train tickets online or from a ticket vending machine, select your specific railcard from the dropdown menu. This will then show you the ticket price including your discount. When buying from a ticket office, you will need to show your Railcard to the staff member for them to process your discounted ticket. You must then carry your Railcard with you when you travel.

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You can save up to a third off the standard rail ticket price. You can also use your Railcard to get a further discount off Advance tickets, which can lead to hugely discounted train tickets. Advance tickets can be booked up to twelve weeks in advance with most train operators. Remember to check the terms and conditions of your specific railcard before you purchase.

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If you bought your original Railcard online, you can renew it online by logging into your Railcard account at www.railcard.co.uk. If you bought your original Railcard from a ticket office, you can either go along to your nearest staffed station and purchase a new one or buy a new one online when your current one expires. For all Railcards, except the 26-30 Railcard, you have the option to have your Railcard delivered as a plastic card or you can use it as a Digital Railcard, stored within the Railcard App on your phone.

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No, we don’t sell Railcards on the ScotRail website. To buy a Railcard online you need to visit www.railcard.co.uk. You can then redeem your Railcard discount when buying rail tickets on our website.

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For most Railcards, if you apply for a digital Railcard, you will receive it immediately after making your application. There are exceptions to this, and some Railcards ask you to allow up to five working days for your application to be approved. Please check your Railcard at www.railcard.co.uk for specific timescales.

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No, you cannot use someone else's Railcard. A Railcard is non-transferable, and the named cardholder must be able to show identification when travelling if asked.

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Enjoy great savings and hassle free travel when you book in advance on your own or with friends.

Advance Singles

Book ahead and save up to 65% - plus added savings if you use a Railcard. For the best fares, book early – Advance Single tickets are available from 12 weeks before travel. Find out more

Where to buy

  • Online
  • From the ticket office at a staffed station
  • By phone on 0344 811 0141
  • From a Rail Appointed Travel Agent
Benefits Don't forget
  • Incredible savings
  • Use your Railcard for even lower fares
  • Available seven days a week for many longer distance journeys
  • It’s a single ticket – book your return separately
  • You can’t refund this ticket
  • It’s valid only for the train you book
  • There’s no seat reservation with our lowest priced advance fare tickets
  • Valid on ScotRail services only
  • Advance ticket FAQs
Save up to a whopping 65%
Book now

Friends Fare

Got a city break planned with your pals? Leave the car at home and go by train. Save money when three or four of you are travelling together, and save yourself the hassle of choosing a designated driver.

Where to buy

  • Online
  • From a ticket office at a staffed station
  • By phone on 0344 811 0141
  • From a Rail Appointed Travel Agent
Benefits Don't forget
  • Travel as a group of 3 or 4 people and save money
  • Book up to 12 weeks in advance - subject to availability
  • Sit together, with group seat reservations
  • Available on these routes:
    • Aberdeen - Inverness
    • Aberdeen - Edinburgh/Glasgow
    • Inverness - Edinburgh/Glasgow
  • It’s a return ticket, only valid for the trains you book
  • You must book outward and return travel at time of purchase
  • Non-refundable, and a £10 admin fee applies to any changes
  • You can’t add Railcard discounts or upgrade to First Class
  • No break of journey (unless it’s a connection)
Save with Friends Fare
Book now

When can I travel?

  • You can travel on a range of services every day of the week
  • Your Friends Fare ticket is only valid for the train journeys shown on your ticket
  • Return travel is valid for one month from the date of outward travel
  • Both outward and return travel must be booked at time of purchase and seats will be reserved for your group

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, Friends Fare tickets must be booked no later than 18.00 the day before travel.

Is the ticket subject to availability?
Yes, so book early to make sure you get the ticket you want.

Do I need to make a reservation?
Yes, seats will be reserved for your group on your chosen trains at the time of purchase.

Do railcard discounts apply?
No, railcard discounts aren't valid with Friends Fare.

Do child discounts apply?
No, but children aged 5-15 are classed as one person and under 5's travel free.

Can I upgrade to First Class?
No, not with Friends Fare

Can I get a refund?
No, refunds aren't available with this ticket.

Can I make a change to my travel plans?
You can change your travel plans before the outward journey. You will have to pay any difference in fare and a £10 administration fee for each ticket.

Visit any booking office, call the telesales outlet or visit the website that you bought your ticket from. Changes cannot be made on-board the train. If you board a train without a ticket and reservation for that service, a new ticket must be purchased.

Can I break my journey?
No, you can't break up your journey unless it's for connectional purposes.

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