ScotRail Implements Changes for Edinburgh Festivals Travel

As Edinburgh prepares for a bustling summer of festivals, including the renowned International Festival and the Fringe, ScotRail has introduced significant timetable adjustments to support the influx of festivalgoers.

A temporary timetable is currently in place due to a shortage of drivers available for rest day work, a situation stemming from ongoing pay discussions with the ASLEF union. Consequently, Sunday services will experience notable reductions, and travelers are urged to verify the latest updates via the ScotRail app or website.

Starting Saturday, August 3rd, travelers can expect enhanced services with additional carriages on late-night trains departing from Edinburgh. Notably, an express service to Glasgow Queen Street via Falkirk High will depart at 00:15, excluding Sunday nights. This change ensures half-hourly services during the day and more late-night options until the festival's conclusion, apart from Sundays. On Sundays, an hourly express service will connect Glasgow and Edinburgh via Falkirk High.

Fringe by the Sea offers a variety of performances in music, comedy, and arts, held in the coastal town of North Berwick. Key routes to and from central Scotland will also benefit from additional carriages to manage the increased demand. For those attending the festival, there will be extra late-night services from North Berwick to Edinburgh from August 2nd to 11th. The last train from North Berwick will depart at 00:01 on weekdays and Saturdays, and at 22:20 on Sundays. Key routes to and from central Scotland will also benefit from additional carriages to manage the increased demand.

Football enthusiasts traveling from the Celtic vs. Kilmarnock game on Sunday should note the limited post-match services from Dalmarnock and Bellgrove stations. ScotRail advises all passengers to plan their journeys in advance, with retail systems updated by Friday, August 2nd, to reflect these changes.

Given the anticipated surge in visitors to Edinburgh, purchasing train tickets in advance is highly recommended to avoid long queues at stations. Travelers can buy tickets beforehand or use the ScotRail app for mTickets, ensuring a smoother travel experience. Extra staff will be on duty to assist passengers, and it is essential to remember that alcohol is prohibited on ScotRail trains and in stations.