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How to travel scotland by public transport.

Travelling by public transport is a fantastic way to experience Scotland. It is a responsible and sustainable way to explore the country at a slower pace. But where in Scotland can you go by train and bus? How do you navigate the public transport system? And can you travel the Islands and Highlands without a car? Find out everything you need to know in this guide to travel Scotland by public transport.

This post contains affiliate links from which I may make a commission. Find out more here . All opinions are my own.

From high costs, especially when you travel solo, to the fear of driving on the wrong side of the road. Hiring a car and driving in Scotland can be challenging.

I usually drive when I travel around Scotland, but I get asked all the time – what to do if you don’t (want to) drive? Is the country accessible by public transport? Can you get there by train and bus?

If you ever thought about visiting Scotland without hiring a car, you will be happy to hear that the short answer is yes. You can travel around Scotland on public transport with ease.

You might just have to edit your itinerary and travel pace accordingly.

I recently went on an adventure to Glencoe and Fort William and was forced to leave my car at home. For five days, I relied on buses and trains to see the Scottish Highlands and quickly realised that I had to adjust my plans to fit everything in.

This post is for you, if you want to see Scotland by public transport and wonder how to make the most of your time. I will cover:

• The Benefits of travelling by public transport.
• Public transport options explained : Buses, trains and ferries, travel passes and where to buy tickets.
• Tips for travelling on public transport to make your trip more enjoyable.

If you have any questions left, leave a comment or post in my Facebook group !

Table of Contents

The Benefits of travelling Scotland by public transport

First let’s talk about the advantages of seeing Scotland by bus, train and ferry.

Spare yourself the driving. If you can’t drive or are worried about driving on the left side of the road, or a manual car, or on tiny mountain roads, travelling by public transport saves you from having to drive. No need to stress about driving, traffic or the roads.

Enjoy the views. Driving down scenic roads in Scotland is great – but the driver rarely gets to enjoy it in the same way as their passengers. They have to concentrate on the actual road after all. Travelling by public transport means that everybody gets to soak up the views and enjoy the scenery.

Be more eco-friendly. Whether you go by bus or train, travelling by public transport is better for the environment than hiring a car. So if your impact on the planet when you travel matters to you, public transport might be the way to go. Read up on my guide for responsible tourism in Scotland !

Save some money. It can be a lot cheaper to travel by public transport than renting a car and paying for petrol.

Great for solo travellers. All of the above are especially true if you travel by yourself. You’ll save yourself the stress of driving and navigating by yourself, you can focus on the views, you can travel more responsibly and save some money along the way.

But of course, there are also a few downsides – being restricted to timetables, having to adjust your pace accordingly, not being able to follow your nose down random roads. But with the right kind of planning and mindset, you can get just about anywhere on public transport.

Before I give you some tips for exactly how to do that, let me walk you through the different public transport options in Scotland, travel passes and how to buy tickets.

You might also like: How to Plan a Trip to Scotland

Public Transport Explained

There are countless scenic train journeys in Scotland and it is arguably one of the most beautiful and relaxing ways to see the countryside.

Train operators in Scotland

The main train operator in Scotland is called ScotRail . They run services across the country, such as the West Highland Line connecting Glasgow with Oban and Mallaig through the southern and central Highlands, the Kyle Line from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh and the Highland Main Line from Glasgow and Edinburgh through Perthshire to Inverness. Trains stop in most major towns and cities in Scotland, including also Dunfermline, Perth, Dundee, Aviemore, Thurso and Dumfries.

There are also a few other operators that run train services between Scotland and England, such as CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast and others. Many people choose to travel from London to Fort William or Inverness on the Caledonian Sleeper Train , leaving the south in the evening and waking up in the Highlands.

Where to check train times

The most reliable place to check train times is directly on the ScotRail app or website . You can also use Google Maps, but they will not always register cancellations, rail replacement services or delays. Another great app to use is Rome2Rio. You can find more useful travel apps at the bottom of this post.

How to buy train tickets

Train tickets are available at train stations or online from the ScotRail app or website . I highly recommend buying tickets in advance to make sure you get the best price. If you travel from Scotland to England with an operator other than ScotRail, you can still buy tickets via ScotRail.

There are peak-time trains (weekdays before 9.15 am and between 4.42 and 6.11 pm – more info here ) and off-peak trains , which are cheaper and less busy.

If you buy tickets online, you will have to pick up your tickets from a ticket desk or machine at a station. Remember to bring the ticket code you received in the confirmation email and the card you used to pay. You need both to pick up your tickets.

Travel Passes for Trains

There are four different kinds of travel passes offered by ScotRail:

• Spirit of Scotland Pass : Includes travel on trains, buses, coaches and Calmac & Argyll ferries all over Scotland , as well as discounts on Northlink Ferries, city sightseeing buses, loch cruises and more. You can choose between 4 travel days over 8 consecutive days (£149), or 8 travel days over 15 consecutive days (£189).
• Central Scotland Rover : A 3-day travel pass for trains in the Central Belt of Scotland as well as the Glasgow Subway (£55). The major lines included run between Glasgow and Edinburgh, Stirling, Falkirk , North Berwick and Tweedbank.
• Highland Rover : A travel pass that allows you to travel across the Highlands on 4 days over 8 consecutive days (£95). Includes train routes from Glasgow to Oban, Mallaig, Inverness, Ullapool, Thurso and Aberdeen, ferries to Skye and Mull, some bus routes in the west Highlands and discounted tickets for Northlink ferries to Orkney and Shetland.
• Scottish Grand Tour : Includes train travel on the West Highland Line (Glasgow to Mallaig), Kyle Line (Kyle of Lochalsh to Inverness) and Highland Main Line (Inverness to Glasgow or Edinburgh), ferry travel to Skye, bus travel from Armadale to Kyle of Lochalsh. The pass is valid on 4 travel days over 8 consecutive days, but only in one direction (£89).

PlusBus Tickets

If you’re planning a visit to a Scottish town or city, you can book your train ticket and a day pass for local buses in one go by adding PlusBus to your train ticket via the ScotRail webshop. The PlusBus ticket allows you to use local public buses on the day of your train journey.

There are several PlusBus destinations, such as Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen, Stirling, Dunfermline and more .

Bus networks cover the majority of Scotland – you can get almost anywhere by bus. That said, buses are often slower than the train and are, of course, more dependent on road traffic.

They tend to stop more frequently and if you ask nicely, many drivers will also make an unscheduled stop to let you off between stations. It’s best not to rely on that though as they might be on a tight schedule, can’t find a safe spot to stop, or the bus is too busy to fulfil special requests.

Buses are also the only mode of public transport on islands . Note that there are some islands without any public transport, like Coll or Colonsay. There, walking, cycling and asking for lifts will be your only options.

Bus operators in Scotland

There are a number of bus companies operating local, intercity and regional buses (or coaches) in Scotland. Two of the big operators are Citylink and Stagecoach . Intercity routes are also run by National Express and Megabus . Both are also great to travel between English and Scottish cities on a budget.

You can purchase individual tickets or multi-day passes for their networks. Citylink’s Explorer Pass gives you access to the entire Citylink network for 3 travel days over 5 days, 5 over 10 days or 8 over 16 days (£49/79/97). Stagecoach’s MegaRider pass is valid for 7 or 28 days and includes all routes in specific cities and regions (from £7.50).

You might also like: 50 Ways to travel Scotland on a Budget

Where to check bus schedules

Google Maps and Rome2Rio do a great job with bus routes. But to be 100% sure, I recommend double-checking bus schedules on the operator’s website or on Traveline – especially on the islands.

How to buy bus tickets

On intercity connections and popular routes, you should book tickets in advance. For shorter journeys or on regional buses, you can buy your ticket on the bus. Most accept contactless card payments, but it’s a good idea to have enough cash on you for backup.

If you want to go island hopping – unless you visit the Isle of Skye or the Isle of Seil – you will have to catch a ferry in order to visit the Scottish isles.

Ferry operators in Scotland

There are two large ferry operators in Scotland that operate the majority of ferry routes. Calmac runs most of the ferries to islands on the west coast, from Arran to Lewis. Northlink Ferries runs boats to Orkney and Shetland from Scrabster (Thurso) and Aberdeen.

The majority of these ferries are for passengers and cars , but there are some islands where cars may only be brought across by locals or with a license (such as Rum and Eigg). When travelling with a car, you generally have to book ferries in advance. As a passenger without a vehicle, you usually don’t have to book tickets in advance, but with limited capacity due to Covid, you should book all ferry tickets before you travel.

There are also a number of smaller local ferry operators running short routes, such as Western Ferries, Corran Ferry and John o Groats Ferries.

Where to check ferry schedules and buy tickets

You can check ferry schedules and buy tickets directly on each individual ferry operator’s website. Some ferries must be booked in advance, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:  A Practical Guide to Island Hopping in Scotland

Rail&Sail Tickets

As the name suggests, Rail & Sail tickets allow you to travel on the train and ferry on a single ticket . No need to stand in line for a ticket at the ferry port – just jump on with your Rail & Sail ticket.

This type of ticket can get you to Orkney, Shetland, Mull, Skye, the Outer Hebrides, Bute, Arran and more .

10 Tips for travelling Scotland on public transport

Now that you know why you should travel on public transport and what your options are, let’s make sure you get the most out of your time in Scotland.

Here are ten travel tips for public transport in Scotland.

When you are dependent on train and bus schedules, you might find that you have to slow down your itinerary. You probably won’t manage to fit in quite as many stops in a day as if you were travelling by car.

If you want to hop off and on throughout the day, remember that trains and buses can be quite far apart, so you might have a few hours in each location.

You may want to consider spending multiple nights in the same location to explore an area more in-depth, rather than rushing on each night.

Be flexible

When a bus or train gets cancelled, there is nothing you can do. That’s why it’s important to have a plan B (and maybe even a plan C) to make sure you don’t miss out on a day of exploring.

Prepare to think on your feet. Have a few different options in mind and go with the flow, if timings don’t work out as planned.

Prepare to walk a lot

You will be walking from train or bus stations to your accommodation, to sights, to restaurants etc. Travelling by public transport means that you probably have to walk further than if you were travelling by car.

Comfortable walking shoes are a must!

Alternatively, budget for taxi rides or private transfers. Uber is only available in Glasgow and Edinburgh. In other areas there are local taxi companies. In towns they are usually near the stations, in villages, they might come from further afield and it’s best to book in advance.

Research local taxi numbers and make sure you have a working mobile phone to call.

Double and triple-check scheduled departures

Make sure you check the correct timetable and note any difference between weekday and weekend schedules.

If possible, double-check at the station (preferably) or online to make sure a service hasn’t been cancelled on short notice. Twitter is a good source for the most up-to-date schedule info. If a service gets cancelled, refer to tip 2 (“Be Flexible”).

The fewer bags you have and the lighter they are, the easier you will find it to navigate buses, trains and walking with your luggage.

I suggest one big bag like a backpack or wheelie suitcase, which can go on luggage racks or down below in buses, and a small bag to keep on you at all times.

My Packing List & Packing Tips should help you with that!

Consider getting a Railcard

If you are under 30, over 65 or travelling with a partner or your family, it can pay off to get a Railcard . A Railcard costs £30 for a year and can give you up to 1/3 off regular ticket prices.

Railcards are also available to visitors, but you cannot get a physical Railcard shipped abroad. If you do not have a UK address, you must buy a digital Railcard to use on your mobile device.

Book ahead on busy routes

I recommend booking tickets to popular destinations in advance – for example, the train to Oban or Fort William, the bus to Glencoe or Portree (Skye), or the train to Inverness.

Services that link up with ferry services should also be booked in advance – for example, the bus from Ullapool to Inverness coming off the Stornoway ferry. Especially on weekends and during peak season.

Book accommodation near stations

It makes life so much easier if you book places to stay that are in comfortable walking distance to bus and train stations. That way, you can also request to drop off your bags before checking in without wasting precious time walking back and forth.

Alternatively, budget for taxis or private transfers to manage longer distances.

You might also like: 23 Great Places to Stay in Scotland

Pack a battery pack

You might find that you are spending more time on your phone when you travel by public transport – to take photos, listen to podcasts or audiobooks, take pictures out the window etc. While some buses and trains have plugs or USB plugs to charge your devices, I wouldn’t always rely on it.

Bring a battery pack to keep your phone charged on the go.

Download useful travel apps

Here are some of my favourite apps to navigate public transport in Scotland:

• ScotRail – to check train schedules and buy tickets
• Google Maps – my go-to to research potential routes
• First Bus – to buy tickets and check FirstBus schedules in Glasgow
• Lothian Buses – to buy tickets and check Lothian bus/tram schedules in Edinburgh
• Uber – to book taxis in Glasgow and Edinburgh
• Traveline – to check public transport schedules across Scotland
• Rome2Rio – also to check public transport schedules

With these things in mind, I have successfully travelled on public transport all over Scotland. From visiting Outlander locations in Fife, island hopping to Bute or the Outer Hebrides, to exploring the Scottish Highlands in Glencoe, Fort William and Arisaig.

I hope you find this guide useful for planning your own trip to Scotland on public transport. I’d love to hear from you – whether you need help with your itinerary or would like to share your route with others – leave a comment below!

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11 thoughts on “ How to Travel Scotland by Public Transport ”

So I’m solo travelling in August, have booked my accomodation. Arrive Glasgow 1st. Booked first two nights at arochar to see loch Lomond. Thinking bus there from Glasgow. Then next two nights stay is Skye. Train to morar. Should be able to stop at morar on way and see the beach. Then bus to mallaig and ferry across and more buses to portree. Tour of Skye booked for the Sunday. Monday bus to Glencoe (which of the two stops to get off at?) then another bus to fort William where my accomodation is. Would be nice to see Eileen donan castle but gap between buses seems to long. Then next day train fort William to glasgow. Trains are to be booked 8 weeks in advance so looking at beginning of June to book for beginning of August. Is it similar for buses? Also your explorer passes sound quite expensive, yet to work out how much these 6 days of travel every other day mainly going to cost

Hi Cliff, check out this post also, as it follows a similar route as you’re describing (at least the first part): https://watchmesee.com/blog/scotland-itinerary-by-public-transport/ A few main points: Be very careful when planning the journey from Glasgow to Portee to make sure that you can make the stop in Morar and still catch bus-ferry-bus for the onward journey. Morar train station to Silver Sands of Morar is min. 30 minutes walk one way, so allow plenty of time there. Where to get off in Glencoe, depends on your accommodation – Google Maps will help with that decision. Train tickets usually go on sale about 90 days in advance but can sometimes drop in price a little after 2 weeks or so, then go back up. Buses I think are also available around 90 days in advance. Rail passes can pay off, but they don’t include all bus routes (i.e. Morar-Mallaig, Portree-Fort William), so pay attention to that. If you’d like more hand-on advice, you can book an itinerary review call with me here: https://tidycal.com/wms/scotland-itinerary-review Cheers, Kathi

We rented a road surfer last April and thoroughly enjoyed our time doing our own North Coast 500. The next will be using public transportation and leave the driving to someone else. Your blog is wonderful.

Lovely! It’s definitely just as beautiful to see Scotland from the window of a bus or train <3

Pingback: 'That Magical Feeling' - Solo Travel with Hostelling Scotland

As a non-British visitor, you CANNOT buy a digital rail pass online, the problem being you have to input the long British passport number when you apply, not the short number. However it is very easy to buy a physical card once you arrive and you can order all your tickets online with the discount. You only need the pass for travelling, not for booking tickets. I (a Brit living in the USA) was able to buy a digital rail pass, my American travelling companion had to wait until we were in the country. This was confirmed by British Rail.

That’s great to know. Thanks for sharing this!

Very very useful information Kathi. Everything is patiently covered and answered all my questions about the public transportation options for my Scotland trip. Thank you!

Thank you so much for this! I am planning a trip next year with my two adult daughters, we want to visit two of our ancestral cities. Ivermoriston and Tarbert. It’s going to be tricky, but i’d like to use the rail and bus and possibly the ferry system as much as possible. I’m not opposed to renting a car, but if i don’t need to I’d love to save the money and use it to spend in your lovely country!

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Just found this blog and it is very helpful. Thank you!

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How to apply for or renew your National Entitlement Card

You can use getyournec.scot to apply for, renew and request a replacement National Entitlement Card (NEC). If you cannot submit your request online, please select from the menu if you are enquiring about a 60+ or disabled NEC, or the Young Persons' Free Bus Travel NEC for those under 22.

Local authority contacts for 60+ or disabled scheme

Using the details below, please contact your local authority or Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) who can advise of the current application and renewal process in your area.

Aberdeen City

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633560
• Phone number:  03000 200 293
• Email address:  [email protected]
• Aberdeen City website

Aberdeenshire

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633727
• Phone number:  03456 081 208
• Email address:  [email protected]
• Aberdeenshire website
• Associated card number (First six digits):  633719
• Phone number:  03452 777 778
• Email address:  [email protected]
• Angus website

Argyll & Bute (SPT)

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633297
• Phone number:  0141 333 3211
• Email address:  [email protected]
• Argyll & Bute (SPT) website

Clackmannanshire

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633741
• Phone number:  01259 450 000
• Email address:  [email protected]
• Clackmannanshire website

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles)

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633624
• Phone number:  01851 822 661
• Email address:  [email protected]
• Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles) website

Dumfries & Galloway

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633670
• Phone number:  030 33 33 3000
• Email address:  [email protected]
• Dumfries & Galloway website

Dundee City

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633725
• Phone number:  01382 433 267
• Email address:  [email protected]
• Dundee City website

East Ayrshire (SPT)

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633687
• East Ayrshire (SPT) website

East Dunbartonshire (SPT)

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633564
• East Dunbartonshire (SPT) website

East Lothian

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633546
• Phone number:  01620 827 827
• Email address:  [email protected]
• East Lothian website

East Renfrewshire (SPT)

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633570
• East Renfrewshire (SPT) website

Edinburgh (City of Edinburgh)

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633668
• Phone number:  0131 200 2351
• Email address:  [email protected]
• Edinburgh (City of Edinburgh) website
• Associated card number (First six digits):  633733
• Phone number: 01324 506 607
• Email address:  [email protected]
• Falkirk website (Disabled)
• Falkirk website (Over 60)
• Associated card number (First six digits):  633250
• Phone number:  0345 155 0066
• Email address:  [email protected]
• Fife website

Glasgow City (SPT)

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633740
• Glasgow City (SPT) website
• Associated card number (First six digits):  633603
• Phone number:  01349 886 604
• Email address:  [email protected]
• Highland website

Inverclyde (SPT)

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633744
• Inverclyde (SPT) website
• Associated card number (First six digits):  633678
• Phone number:  0131 561 5455
• Email address:  [email protected]
• Midlothian website
• Associated card number (First six digits):  633737
• Phone number:  0300 123 4565
• Email address:  [email protected]
• Moray website

North Ayrshire (SPT)

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633279
• North Ayrshire (SPT) website

North Lanarkshire (SPT)

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633284
• North Lanarkshire (SPT) website

Orkney Islands

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633734
• Phone number:  01856 873 535
• Email address:  [email protected]
• Orkney Islands website

Perth & Kinross

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633708
• Phone number:  01738 475 000
• Email address:  [email protected]
• Perth & Kinross website

Renfrewshire (SPT)

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633289
• Renfrewshire (SPT) website

Scottish Borders

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633743
• Phone number:  0300 100 1800
• Email address:  [email protected]
• Scottish Borders website

Shetland Islands

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633679
• Phone number:  01595 744 868
• Email address:  [email protected]
• Shetland Islands website

South Ayrshire (SPT)

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633559
• South Ayrshire (SPT) website

South Lanarkshire (SPT)

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633231
• South Lanarkshire (SPT) website
• Associated card number (First six digits):  633739
• Phone number:  01786 237 500
• Email address:  [email protected]
• Stirling website

West Dunbartonshire (SPT)

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633511
• West Dunbartonshire (SPT) website

West Lothian

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633285
• Phone number:  01506 280 000
• Email address:  [email protected]
• West Lothian website

Local authority contacts for Young Persons’ Free Bus Travel Scheme

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633560
• Phone:  03000 200 292
• Associated card number (First six digits):  633727
• Phone:  03456 081 208
• Email:   [email protected]
• Associated card number (First six digits):  633719
• Phone:  03452 777 778 

Argyll & Bute

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633297
• Phone: 01546 605 517
• Email address:  [email protected]
• Argyll & Bute website
• Associated card number (First six digits):  633741
• Phone:  01259 450 000
• Email:   [email protected]
• Associated card number (First six digits):  633624
• Phone:  01851 822 661
• Email for 5-10 year olds:  [email protected]
• Email for 11-21 year olds:   [email protected]
• Associated card number (First six digits):  633670
• Phone:  0303 333 3000
• Email:   [email protected]
• Associated card number (First six digits):  633725
• Phone:  01382 433 267
• Email: [email protected]

East Ayrshire

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633687
• Email:   Online contact form
• East Ayrshire website

East Dunbartonshire

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633564
• Phone:  0300 123 4510
• Email: [email protected]
• East Dunbartonshire website
• Associated card number (First six digits):  633546
• Phone:  01620 827 827
• Email:   [email protected]

East Renfrewshire

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633570
• Phone:  0141 577 3001
• Email: [email protected]
• East Renfrewshire website
• Associated card number (First six digits):  633668
• Phone:  0131 200 2351
• Email:   [email protected]
• Phone: 01324 506 607
• Email:   [email protected]
• Falkirk website
• Associated card number (First six digits):  633250
• Phone:  0345 155 0066
• Email:   [email protected]

Glasgow City

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633740
• Phone: 0141 276 0727
• Email:  [email protected]
• Glasgow Life website
• Associated card number (First six digits):  633603
• Phone:  01349 886 604
• Email:   [email protected]
• Associated card number (First six digits):  633744
• Phone:  01475 715 450
• Email:  [email protected]
• Inverclyde website
• Associated card number (First six digits):  633678
• Email:   [email protected]
• Associated card number (First six digits):  633737
• Phone:  0300 123 4565
• Email:   [email protected]

North Ayrshire

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633279
• Phone:  01294 310 000
• Email: [email protected]
• North Ayrshire website

North Lanarkshire

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633284
• Email for Young Scot cardholders (Age 11+):   [email protected]
• Email for age 5-10:  [email protected]
• North Lanarkshire website for age 5-15
• North Lanarkshire website for age 16-21
• Phone:  01856 873 535
• Email:   [email protected]
• Associated card number (First six digits):  633708
• Phone:  01738 475 000
• Email:   [email protected]

Renfrewshire

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633289
• Phone:  0300 300 0209
• Email:   [email protected]
• Renfrewshire website
• Associated card number (First six digits):  633743
• Phone:  0300 100 1800
• Email:   [email protected]
• Associated card number (First six digits):  633679
• Phone:  01595 744 490
• Email:   [email protected]

South Ayrshire

• Phone:  0300 123 0900
• Email:   [email protected]
• South Ayrshire website

South Lanarkshire

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633231
• Phone:  0303 123 1015
• Email:   [email protected]
• South Lanarkshire website
• Associated card number (First six digits):  633739
• Phone: 01786 233 562
• Email: [email protected]

West Dunbartonshire

• Associated card number (First six digits):  633511
• Phone: 01389 738 282 
• Email: [email protected]
• West Dunbartonshire website
• Associated card number (First six digits):  633285
• Phone: 01506 280 150
• Email: [email protected]

Young Persons's Free Bus Travel Scheme

Free yourself.

If you are under 22 years old and live in Scotland, you are eligible for free nationwide bus travel. Apply now.

Opening doors to new adventures and endless possibilities

The Scottish Government is investing in a sustainable future for young people, with easier access to work, education, social and leisure opportunities through free bus travel.  With just under a million children and young people expected to be eligible, this generation of young people can make travel choices that benefit them, their pocket and the planet! Leading the way to a brighter future.

Free yourself

Where will free bus travel take you?

Video Transcript

Bus travel in Scotland is now free for all children and young people under 22 with a National Entitlement Card.

That’s good for your pocket, good for the planet and it could open doors to, well, just about anywhere.

So go on, free yourself.

Find out how to apply and more at freebus.scot

100 million free bus journeys made by under 22s

More than 100 million free bus journeys have been made since the Scottish Government introduced free bus travel for under 22s.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop, and Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants’ Rights, Patrick Harvie, marked the milestone at Wester Hailes High School in Edinburgh, where they heard how young people and their families have benefited from the scheme.

Ms Hyslop said:

“I’m really pleased to see that over 100 million journeys have now been made by under 22s across Scotland – and that the scheme is making a positive difference to young peoples’ lives.

“This policy is truly transformative. It’s reducing travel costs for young people and their families; encouraging a shift towards public transport from private car use and improving access to social, leisure, education and employment opportunities.

“The findings of the one year evaluation are also key to ensuring the scheme continues to have a positive impact going forward. We will work with operators and other key partners to ensure that service provision matches demand from young people, and that free bus travel continues to have a truly transformative impact across Scotland.”

Unlocking your potential

The National Entitlement Card (NEC) is your key to unlocking free bus travel. You’ll need your NEC or Young Scot NEC before your travel. Find out how to do that here.

How it works

Check who is eligible and which buses you can use.  

How to apply

There are different ways to apply. See which one is best for you.

Get in touch

Find contact details for your local council and more.

Older and Disabled Free Bus Travel

If you are over 60 years old or disabled you may also be eligible for free bus travel.

If you’re under 22 and disabled you can choose between the Disabled Persons’ scheme or the Young Persons’ Free Bus Travel scheme. Some local council areas provide discounted travel on rail, tram or subway with a Disabled Persons’ NEC, but you are likely to have to renew that card more often.

But remember: If you have a Disabled Companion card, which lets someone travel for free with you, then you should not change to the new scheme as it doesn’t allow anyone to travel with you for free.

Find out more on the Transport Scotland website now.

National Entitlement Card (for 60+ and disabled)

Nec c - web.jpg.

The National Entitlement Card (NEC) is ITSO enabled and available for you if you are over 60 years old or are eligible due to a disability. The NEC is your concessionary travel pass, more commonly known as the free bus pass, which gives you free travel on Scotland's public transport bus network. The NEC may also provide access to free or discounted travel in your local authority, for example on Glasgow Subway, Edinburgh Trams and even on some ScotRail services. Check with your local authority for more details.

The NEC can be used to store ITSO travel tickets.

Whilst the NEC will provide access to concessionary travel on Lothian transport, the NEC cannot be used to store their passes. 

• What You Get
• Attractions
• Pick Your Pass

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save up to 40% with your Edinburgh city pass

Pick your Pass One, two or three consecutive days

Download your Pass Print or save on your phone

Show your Pass Scan for free entry at our favourite places

how it works

Each pass is valid for either one, two or three consecutive calendar days and is simply scanned at each experience to gain entry.  Passes are only activated when you enter the first experience of your visit.  We email your pass right away so you can print or simply show it on your phone. You might need to book ahead for some experiences but we will always keep you right. 

what's included

Open return airport transfer, hop-on hop-off city bus, local boat trip and free entry to our favourite experiences and walking tours from around Edinburgh. We also share our favourite local spots perfect for when you’re thirsty, hungry or just a bit curious. These experiences are curated by people who live here based on what visitors and locals love to see and do. 

planning ahead

You will need to pre-book for some experiences, but we will always keep you right. Our attractions page is kept up to date with what’s included (and open). Any new experiences added (or re-opened) before your visit will of course be included in your pass.

we love and live Edinburgh

Visit vaults under old Edinburgh, stand on top of towering monuments, see inside stately homes, delve deep in a coal mine, escape on a boat trip on the River Forth, be super-enthralled by the supernatural on a haunted history tour, marvel within a medieval house … pop them all and more into your pocket. Enjoy sights worth seeing, off the beaten track, away from the crowds, beyond the usual and near perfect.

Save up to 40%

Folks love what we do

Free 24 hour cancellation

what's included?

Free 24 hour hop-on hop-off ticket -normally £18 per person

Free return ticket from airport to city centre - normally £9.50 per person

Free entry to Hollyrood Distillery - normally £20 per person

Free boat tour of the three bridges - normally £24 per person

Free south bridge vaults walking tour - normally £18 per person

Free entry to Dynamic Earth - normally £19.50 per person

Free Harry Potter Walking Tour - normally £15 per person

There’s plenty more to choose from, just click below

Edinburgh city pass reviews

ScotRail prices increase across Scotland as Glasgow to Edinburgh ticket £16.20 return

Rail fares across Scotland have increased by almost 9 per cent from April 1.

The decision to push up ScotRail ticket prices by 8.7 per cent was announced by Transport Scotland in December last year. The company said the ticket price freeze is "no longer sustainable" following the cost of living crisis.

Caledonian Sleeper tickets were increased by 8.7 per cent on January 1 in line with the new changes, excluding seated tickets.

ScotRail peak fares removal pilot has also been extended by three months. Initially been due to last until the end of April, it will now finish in June 2024.

READ MORE: Huge police response in Paisley after horror crash involving 'car and mobility scooter'

READ MORE: Glasgow building engulfed in flames as firefighters tackle major east end blaze

Fiona Hyslop, Minister for Transport said: “The Scottish Government rightly made the decision to freeze flexi-pass and season ticket prices as part of its response to the cost-of-living crisis. While this has now remained in place for almost two years, it is simply no longer sustainable.

“From 1 April 2024, all ScotRail fares will increase by 8.7%. We know that any increase is unwelcome for passengers, therefore we have kept the rise as low as possible to maintain the attractiveness and affordability of rail as a travel option.

“Caledonian Sleeper fares will also increase by 8.7% and this will take effect from 1 January 2024.

“We continue to look at ways to encourage greater rail use and that is why we are extending our peak fares pilot for a further three months until June 2024.

Join Glasgow Live's WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.

“Fares and fares increases remain, on average, lower than across the rest of Great Britain. ScotRail also continue to develop fares initiatives which can help attract more passengers, while offering savings and added value to existing rail users.

“We are committed to investing in public transport and through this latest budget we will provide more than £2.5 billion to support it. This includes over £1.6 billion to operate, maintain and improve Scotland’s railway, £430 million in funding for concessionary travel and bus services, and £434 million to operate and invest in our ferries.”

New fares on key one-way routes from Glasgow

Alexandra Parade - Glasgow Queen Street: £2.50 up from £2.30

Partick - Glasgow Queen Street: £2.50 up from £2.30

Cathcart - Glasgow Central: £2.90

Glasgow - Paisley £4.60

Glasgow Queen Street - Edinburgh £16 up from £14.90

Glasgow - Stirling £10.30

Glasgow - Dundee: £29.60

Glasgow - Perth: £20

Glasgow - Aberdeen: £53.20

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Add free bus travel to your current card

If you’re 16 or over, and your Young Scot NEC or other NEC was issued in 2016 or later, you can add free bus travel to your card with Transport Scotland’s Pass Collect app. This means that you do not need to apply for a bus pass, as your current card will become your bus pass. 

Your phone must have an internet connection and NFC (Near Field Communication) compatibility for the app to work. Your phone has NFC compatibility if you can use it for contactless payments. If the app does not work on your phone, you can use someone else’s phone to add bus travel to your card. The app is not personalised.  

You can download the Transport Scot Pass Collect app: 

for Android  

for iOS   

When you download the app, follow the on-screen instructions to add bus travel to your card. You can also use the app to check if you have bus travel on your card. 

For more information about adding free bus travel to your current card, visit freebus.scot .

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Rail passengers face rolling strikes but London Underground action called off

Aslef members start three days of 24-hour strikes from Friday but tube driver action cancelled

Rail passengers are bracing for travel disruption as train drivers bring some routes on the national network to a halt in a wave of strikes, but two days of similar action on the London Underground have been called off.

On Friday, members of the union Aslef start the first of three 24-hour strikes that will affect 16 rail operating companies in England as part of its 20-month dispute over pay.

However, on Thursday Aslef called off two daylong tube strikes planned for the following Monday and Saturday 4 May after receiving a proposal from Transport for London that it said resolved the key issues in the dispute.

The run of single-day national network strikes starts on Friday with drivers working for Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, West Midlands Trains, London Northwestern Railway and CrossCountry. All five operators will run no services on the day.

On Saturday, strikes will take place on Chiltern, GWR, LNER, Northern and TransPennine, while on Monday services on Greater Anglia, GTR’s Great Northern, Thameslink and Southern/Gatwick Express, Southeastern, South Western Railway and SWR Island Line will be cancelled.

Passengers have been warned by operators to expect significant disruption, with most trains cancelled on the strike days. Services on the days before and after the strikes could also be affected. Drivers in Scotland and Wales are not on strike but cross-border rail services will be disrupted.

The strikes coincide with an overtime ban by the union for all operators, which runs from 4 to 6 April, and then 8 to 9 April. It is expected that it will make short-notice cancellations and disruption more likely when travelling on these days.

Announcing the cancellation of the London Underground strikes, an Aslef official said: “Management have confirmed that they have disbanded their ‘trains modernisation’ team and will not be implementing their plans to change drivers’ working arrangements without agreement. They have also agreed to reinstate annual refresher training stopped during the pandemic.”

Train drivers have already held 13 one-day strikes since the dispute started in 2022.

Speaking after the vote last month , Aslef’s general secretary, Mick Whelan, said: “Our members voted overwhelmingly – yet again – for strike action.

“Those votes show – yet again – a clear rejection by train drivers of the ridiculous offer put to us in April last year by [the train operators’ body] the Rail Delivery Group, which knew that offer would be rejected because a land grab for all the terms and conditions we have negotiated over the years would never be accepted by our members.”

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Aslef has said it would continue to strike for a better pay deal after the union rejected an 8% offer last spring.

A spokesperson for the Rail Delivery Group said: “We are sorry that this round of strikes called by the Aslef leadership risks disrupting journeys.

“While we are doing all we can to keep trains running and we will work with our industry partners to keep as many trains running as possible, unfortunately there will be reduced services between Thursday 4 April to Tuesday 9 April. Our advice is to check before you travel and follow the latest travel information.”

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “Aslef is the only rail union continuing to strike … Having resolved disputes with all other rail unions, the transport secretary and rail minister have ensured that a pay offer is on the table – taking train drivers’ average salaries from £60,000 up to £65,000.”

• Rail strikes
• Rail industry
• London Underground
• Rail transport
• Trade unions

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Train drivers will keep striking to ‘raise profile’ of pay dispute, says Aslef boss

Weekend rail strikes and overtime ban disrupt UK travel

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