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ScotRail passes

Posted by (Pittsburgh PA) on

Does anyone have any experience using any of the ScotRail passes? The Spirit of Scotland for instance? A very broad outline is that we will train from London to Edinburgh, then to Glasgow then take the West Highland line to Oban.) Then back to London possibly from farther North. We have 12 days and plan for 2 in Glasgow and 3 in Edinburgh and the rest of the time split between an overnight or 2 in Oban and the rest on a train stopping elsewhere. Very early planning even though we are going from May 14-May 26. It says 4/8 days of unlimited travel or 8/15 but was wondering how that accounts for busses and ferries during a city or town stay (which seem to be included) The website says: It includes travel on trains, buses, coaches, Edinburgh Trams and the Glasgow Subway. Choose from four days unlimited travel over eight consecutive days for just £155, or eight days unlimited travel over fifteen consecutive days for £196.

Thanks for any advance insight!

Malinda

Posted by
9233 posts

The pass no longer includes any West Coast ferry journeys, nor does it include any city bus routes.
The only buses included are the Oban to Fort William to Skye routes, Inverness to Skye, the Leuchars to St Andrews, Carlisle to Galashiels, buses on Skye and also Thurso to Scrabster and Wick Buses.
Also 20% off deck class (non berthed) fares on Northlink Ferries to Orkney and Shetland, 10% off the Strathspey Steam Railway and 10 or 15% off Loch Lomond Cruises and 10% off Loch Ness cruises.
Get yourself a Two Together Railcard for £35 and these prices become £103.20 and £130.50.
On the Subway present your pass at the Ticket Office to be given a free ticket.
Starting from London the pass is only valid from Carlisle or Berwick (for trains stopping there).
Except on the West Highland and North Highland lines it is not valid before 0915 on weekdays.
Personally I don't think it is outstanding value for money unless you were travelling more extensively than you seem to be.
I'm not dismissing it, but do your maths carefully.

Posted by
1415 posts

Are you aware of the various railcards you could get? If there are 2 of you (or multiples of 2) you can buy a TwoTogether card for £35 and get a third of all your train fares including the ones to and from London, as long as you travel together.

Although I would be planning to fly to wherever home is direct from Scotland rather than having to get all the way back down south, even it means transiting in London.

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