Why should I buy a BritRail Pass from VisitBritain?
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You get preferential rates as a foreign national
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The tickets are generally much cheaper than if you were to buy individual train tickets when you get to the UK
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Huge flexibility – hop on and off any train while your pass is valid, without worrying about ticket restrictions or changing your plans!
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You save time queuing
What if there is no barcode ticket reader?
Not every station has barcode readers installed on their ticket barriers. If you come to a station where there is no barcode reader on the ticket barrier, simply go to the wider, side gate and the member of staff will either scan your M-Pass or visually inspect it and let you through.
What if ticket inspectors on board train services do not have a barcode ticket reader?
If ticket inspectors do not have a barcode ticket reader, still present your BritRail M-Pass on your device as it has been designed to be visually inspected by inspectors and train staff.
How far in advance can I buy my BritRail pass?
You can purchase a BritRail pass up to 6 months ahead of your intended travel date.
Where can I find train timetables?
For information regarding train times in Scotland, please click on www.nationalrail.co.uk. This is a really useful website for planning your trains to Edinburgh, Glasgow, the rest of Scotland, and throughout the UK.
All you need to do is go to the Journey Planner tab, type in your departure station, and which station you’d like to get to along with the date you intend to travel. The search engine will bring up all the details you will need (times, stops, changes if needed, facilities on board etc.).
How many train journeys can I make on one day?
You can make as many journeys as you like in one day. The passes are restricted by days, not by journeys. A day is classified as one calendar day – not 24 hours from the start of the journey. You therefore need to commence your last journey of the day before midnight.
What happens if there are no trains?
If you have a BritRail consecutive pass and there are no trains on a day during your pass validity (e.g. Christmas Day), you can visit a ticket office to get your pass extended. Your pass will then be valid for one additional day. Please note that if your train is cancelled, but you are able to take an alternate route or a replacement bus, you will not be eligible for a pass extension.
Is there a tour guide included?
No, there are no tour guides on BritRail trains.
Can I buy food and drink on trains in the UK?
Most trains in the UK have either a shop or a trolley service on board, selling sandwiches, snacks and drinks.
Do I need to make seat reservations?
It is not essential to reserve seats on all trains. Generally speaking, it is only really necessary to make reservations if you plan to travel on a popular route (e.g. London to Edinburgh) at a peak time (e.g. Friday at 18.00).
To make a reservation with a BritRail Pass, you will need to take your BritRail Pass to the station that you are going to travel from and the ticketing staff will make the seat reservations for you (for a small fee).
Is there a luggage restriction with BritRail Passes?
There is no specific luggage limit, but please be considerate to other passengers who may also be travelling with luggage. Most trains have small overhead luggage racks and at least 1 luggage compartment per carriage.
Which coach services can I travel on with this pass?
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Scottish Citylink/West Coast Motors: Oban/Fort William – Inverness, Oban – Campbeltown, Kyle of Lochalsh – Uig, Inverness – Ullapool
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Stagecoach East Scotland: Dundee/Leuchars - St Andrews
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First Scotland East: Melrose – Galashiels – Peebles – Edinburgh (Service 62), Carlisle – Langholm – Hawick – Galashiels – Edinburgh (Service X95)
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Stagecocoach in the Highlands: Services on the Isle of Skye (except any registered tours), Wick – John O’Groats, Thurso – John O’Groats, Thurso – Scrabster
Which ferry services can I use with this pass?
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Caledonian MacBrayne: All scheduled ferry services within Scotland
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Argyll Ferries: Services between Gourock and Dunoon
What discounts does my pass entitle me to?
Your BritRail Spirit of Scotland Pass entitles you to the following discounts. Simply show your pass when paying for your coach or ferry service and your discount will be applied:
Discounted coach services:
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D & E Coaches: 10% discount on Single and Day Return fares on the following route: Inverness – Durness
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City Sightseeing Bus Tours: £1 off adult and concession tickets on the following tours: Edinburgh Bus Tour, City Sightseeing Glasgow, City Sightseeing Inverness
Discounted ferry services:
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Northlink Ferries: 20% discount on Seated Standard fares purchased on the day of sailing on the following routes: Scrabster – Stromness, Aberdeen – Lerwick, Aberdeen – Kirkwall – Lerwick
Why am I being asked for outbound travel details?
BritRail passes are only available to non-UK residents, and international passport holders. You may purchase a BritRail pass if you are a UK passport holder providing that you have not resided in Britain consistently for the previous 6 months. You may also be asked to present proof of return travel from Britain during onboard train ticket inspections.