Starting from 1 September 2025, Scottish train operating company ScotRail will no longer apply peak fares. Supporting the Scottish Government’s ambition to reach net zero, the move should make train travel more accessible.
Earlier in 2025, the Scottish Government had already announced it would be scrapping the so-called peak fares from ScotRail’s offer. These tariffs are common across the United Kingdom and generally apply to journeys made before 9:15 am and between 4:42 pm and 6:30 pm, also known as the rush hours.
Scrapping the peak fares should accomplish multiple goals. According to ScotRail, train fares should become simpler, more flexible, and provide better value for money for rail users. Furthermore, one of the aims of the change is to get more people to leave the car at home and travel by rail instead.
“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. 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”, stated Joanne Maguire, ScotRail Managing Director.
In a first for rail travel anywhere in Britain, peak fares have been scrapped for good.
— ScotRail (@ScotRail) September 1, 2025
Significant savings
While peak fares don’t apply to all ScotRail routes, many people are set to benefit from the change. The prices for some journeys will almost halve for those travelling during rush hours. For example, the price for a return ticket between Edinburgh and Glasgow will reduce by 48%, costing £16.80 instead of £32.60. A return ticket between Perth and Dundee will cost 31% less than before, and the price for a journey between Inverness and Elgin will be reduced by 34%.
“Public ownership has created the opportunity to deliver a railway which is run for the benefit of the nation. ScotRail is one of the fastest growing operators, with one of the best passenger satisfaction rates and we are building even further on this success by removing peak fares for good. 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. 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”, said Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Transport.
According to ScotRail’s website, other ticket prices will be impacted by the new measure:
- Season Tickets will remain at their current pricing until 27 September, offering exceptional value. For regular travellers, this represents a saving of at least 40 per cent compared to purchasing five Anytime Day Return tickets at pre-1 September prices. This discount was part of a 12-month offer launched in September 2024.
- Flexipass tickets will have adjusted pricing from 1 September to ensure they continue to offer a saving compared to buying multiple Anytime Single or Return tickets, while still providing flexibility for part-time or hybrid commuters.
- Super Off-Peak Day Return tickets will be withdrawn, as the removal of peak fares means customers now benefit from great value fares all day, every day.
- Railcards, concessions, and enhanced discounts will continue to be available, with most remaining valid for travel after 9.15 am, in line with existing conditions.
Publicly-owned ScotRail is currently already considered one of the best operators in the United Kingdom, showcasing a customer satisfaction rate of 91%. The new measure will undoubtedly add to its popularity.
