ScotRail has issued travel advice for sports fans as it prepares for multiple sporting events taking place this weekend.
Train services will be much busier than normal across the weekend as rugby fans travel to the BT Murrayfield stadium for Scotland’s final Autumn Nations Series match, while football supporters flock to Hampden Park for the Premier Sports Cup semi-finals.
The bumper weekend of sport gets underway on Saturday, 20 November, when Scotland host Japan in the final Autumn Nations Series match at the BT Murrayfield stadium (KO 1pm) before Celtic play St Johnstone in the first Premier Sports Cup semi-final at Hampden Park (KO 5.15pm).
Elsewhere on Saturday, Hearts fans travel to Motherwell and Aberdeen supporters make the trip to Dundee to watch their team take on Dundee United, with both matches kicking off at 3pm.
Then on Sunday, 21 November, Rangers take on Hibernian in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final at Hampden Park (KO 4pm).
ScotRail is adding extra seats to as many trains as possible to help fans travel to the games, however the train operator is advising supporters to leave extra time for travel as trains will be much busier than normal, particularly on Saturday, 20 November. Fans are also encouraged not to leave it to the last train to travel home.
Queuing systems will be in place at Glasgow Central before the football and at Mount Florida and Kings Park after the final whistle, as well as at Haymarket after the rugby.
To reduce the need to queue, customers should buy their return tickets to Mount Florida, Kings Park, or Haymarket in advance via the ScotRail app or website.
On Sunday, 21 November, separate queues will be in place for Rangers and Hibs fans at Glasgow Central station. Rangers fans will queue for services to Mount Florida via the carriage drive on Hope Street, while Hibernian supporters will queue for services to Kings Park via the main concourse in Glasgow Central station.
After the match, Rangers fans should travel home via Mount Florida, while Hibernian supporters should make their way home from Kings Park station.
Customers are also reminded that the wearing of a face covering is mandatory on trains and in stations, and the consumption of alcohol remains prohibited on ScotRail services.
Phil Campbell, ScotRail Head of Customer Operations, said:
“We’re preparing for another big weekend of sport with fans travelling all across the country to cheer on their team.
“To help the events run smoothly, we’ll be adding more seats as many trains as possible over the weekend, however, trains will be much busier than normal so please plan ahead.
“I encourage anyone travelling this weekend to allow extra time for travel, and to minimise your need to queue, buy your tickets in advance on the ScotRail app or website.”
NOTES
ScotRail’s top tips for travelling to Hampden Park and BT Murrayfield stadium.
- Buy your ticket before you board. You’ll need a valid ticket for travel and checks will be in place at many stations – including Mount Florida / Kings Park / Haymarket
- Check your train times. Remember to leave plenty of time to catch any connecting services that you need.
- Listen up! We’ll have extra staff on the ground to help things go smoothly. To help them help you, please listen to their instructions.
- Download the ScotRail app. You can use it to buy tickets, check train times, and see live service information.
- Don’t leave it too late – there will be queuing systems at key stations before and after the game. Services will be busy, and you might not be able to board your first choice of train.