ScotRail prices set to be slashed as Scottish Governments scraps peak fares 'for good'

Tickets for ScotRail services are set to be slashed next month as the Scottish Government scraps peak fares for good.

From September 1, travellers will pay the off-peak price on all services regardless of time or day of the week.

Commuters who currently pay £32.60 for an anytime day return between Glasgow and Edinburgh will now see prices slashed by almost half to the off-peak rate of £16.80.

It is hoped the scrapping of peak fares, announced by John Swinney in May, will encourage more people to ditch their cars and travel by rail.

Why has the change been announced?

Peak fares were previously ditched by the Scottish Government by then-first minister Humza Yousaf in October 2023 in a bid to make transport more affordable while lowering emissions.

The scheme was extended for a period however it was scrapped in September 2024 by the Scottish Government “in light of financial challenges”.

However in May 2025, Swinney announced a U-turn on the decision in the SNP’s Programme for Government.

Swinney said: “Last year, in the face of severe budget pressures, we took the difficult decision to end the peak fares pilot on our railways.

“But now, given the work we have done to get Scotland’s finances in a stronger position, and hearing also the calls from commuters, from climate activists and from the business community, I can confirm that, from September 1 this year, peak rail fares in Scotland will be scrapped for good.”

ScotRail, which was nationalised in 2022, said the permanent change will see Scotland welcome a “new era in rail travel”.

“This is fantastic news, not only for our existing customers, but for everyone across the country considering rail travel for their commute or leisure journeys,” Joanne Maguire, ScotRail managing director, said.

“Travelling by train remains one of the most convenient ways to get around, and with simpler, more affordable fares, we hope to see many more people choose ScotRail.”

Peak fares will be scrapped from September 1. ScotRail

What do the changes mean for customers?

The ScotRail website and app will be updated by Friday, August 22, when the peak fare options will be removed for any tickets for travel from September 1 onwards.

However, there are some routes where no off-peak fare exists because the same fare is already available at any time of the day.

Customers will not see any change in those areas.

ScotRail said several other tickets will also be updated in the coming weeks, including season tickets, which will remain at their current pricing until September 27.

Flexipass ticket prices will also be adjusted from September 1 to ensure they continue to offer savings for part-time or hybrid commuters.

Super off-peak day return tickets will be withdrawn, while railcards, concessions, and enhanced discounts will continue to be available for travellers.

“We want more people to choose to travel by public transport for work, study and leisure but we know that many are still struggling with cost of living pressures,” transport secretary, Fiona Hyslop, said.

“By removing peak fares, we are making ticketing more simple and more straightforward while at the same time supporting a shift towards sustainable public transport, protecting the climate, and saving people money.”