ScotRail urges rugby fans to plan ahead

Last updated: Wednesday, 2 February 2022

ScotRail is encouraging fans travelling to Scotland’s opening Six Nations match this weekend to plan ahead to ensure their day runs smoothly.

Scotland host England at the BT Murrayfield stadium in front of a sell-out crowd on Saturday, 5 February (KO 1645).

The train operator is reminding customers that its temporary amended timetable remains in place following the rapid spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 which has resulted in an increase in the number of staff absent or self-isolating.

Train services to and from the capital city are expected to be extremely busy throughout the day with queuing systems in place at key stations.

More seats will be added to as many services as possible between Edinburgh and Glasgow Queen Street, Fife, and the Borders throughout the day.

Supporters heading to the game are advised to allow additional time for travel, and to head to the station soon after full time, where a queuing system will be in place at Haymarket.

ScotRail is also urging anyone travelling on Scotland’s Railway to stay safe by continuing to follow Scottish Government guidelines.

This includes maintaining good hand hygiene and the mandatory wearing of a face covering for the entirety of their journey, which includes on trains and in stations – both enclosed and open-air platforms. Customers are also asked to take a lateral flow test before travelling.

The carrying and consumption of alcohol is prohibited on ScotRail services.

Phil Campbell, ScotRail Head of Customer Operations, said:

“Scotland versus England is one of the biggest games in the rugby calendar, and we will be doing all we can to make things run smoothly.

“However, our temporary timetable is still in place meaning services will be much busier than normal, so I urge customers to plan ahead.

“If you are going to Murrayfield, please be patient, allow extra time for travel, and buy your return tickets to Haymarket in advance, not on the day.

“The last trains of the night will be very busy, so please aim for an earlier service to avoid disappointment.”