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Eurail Global in Scotland

We are traveling in Great Britain and Ireland in May. I purchased Eurail Global passes because they listed Great Britain and specifically Scotrail the trainline in Scotland. However, when I contacted Scotrail about making reservations, they told me they do not accept Eurail Global passes. Has anyone else had this problem? Any suggestions?

Posted by
8889 posts

They may just not have heard of it. As Eurail passes are only valid in the UK since the start of 2019. According to the official list (here: https://www.eurail.com/en/get-inspired/trains-europe/useful-train-information/participating-railway-companies and follow the link), Scotrail is included.
And making a reservation when not buying a ticket is not normal.

You never need a reservation. Except if you want a bed on the Caledonian Sleeper train (which is not Scotrail), that costs extra. On some busy trains a reservation may be advisable.

I suggest you try via the Eurail site.

Edit:
It's too late now, but I hope you checked that whether Eurail pass or normal tickets were cheaper before buying your pass.

Posted by
2 posts

It was a toss up on prices. We will be there 2 weeks so need 21 days, if we have gotten separate passes for Scotland, England, Wales, and Ireland it would have been a bit less but would restrict our number of days per country. Aso the Scotrail passes restrict travel times to after 9:15.
Im concerned that if Scotrail Customer service doesnt know about, how will the train station?
I've replied to the Scotrail customer service with the website link and asked Eurail for clarification and documentation.

I am really worried. Anyone have any similar experiences?

Posted by
8889 posts

It was a toss up on prices. We will be there 2 weeks so need 21 days, if we have gotten separate passes for Scotland, England, Wales, and Ireland it would have been a bit less but would restrict our number of days per country.

But did you compare with the price of normal tickets, bought in advance? Separate ticket for each trip bought direct from the train company, which is what the locals buy.

Im concerned that if Scotrail Customer service doesnt know about, how will the train station?

It's the on-train staff you need to be worried about. Most stations do not have barriers, your ticket is checked on the train.

Anyone have any similar experiences?

Unlikely, since Eurail passes have only been valid in GB since January, You are a trailblazer!

Posted by
16893 posts

Eurail "documentation" should already be included with your pass if you purchased it this year. The news is also readily available online. This really shouldn't be a problem. Board any regular train and show the pass to the conductor when he or she comes around. Seat reservations are optional and free to make at British train stations up to about 24 hours ahead, but there may be routes that don't offer reservations.

Posted by
3122 posts

Thanks, ljjbowman and others -- this is important new information!

I also appreciate the assurance from Laura of RS that reservations aren't required with Eurail Global. Here in the USA, I remember once having to pay a huge surcharge on an AMTRAK round trip between Penn Station and Albany because I hadn't made a reservation.

Posted by
27104 posts

Just so there's no confusion: Reservations are sometimes needed when one uses a Eurail Pass. It depends on the country and the type of train.