Train travel to the South of Scotland is easy from nearby cities, and a great way to experience the region’s beautiful landscapes from its scenic railway lines. 

Whether you’re looking to enjoy a day trip to see some of the Borders’ top sights, or a holiday in Dumfries and Galloway, there are plenty of rail options available to get you there with speed and comfort. 

This guide will tell you all about how you can travel by train to and around the South of Scotland, which routes you should take and answer your frequently asked questions.

Getting here

Train operators in the South of Scotland 

The South of Scotland can be accessed by rail with direct services from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester and Liverpool, through two main operators: 

ScotRail is Scotland’s national rail company and runs daily services to both the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway from Edinburgh Waverley and Glasgow Central. 

The TransPennine Express connects Lockerbie in Dumfries and Galloway to major travel hubs in both Scotland and Northern England, including Glasgow Central, Edinburgh Waverley, Manchester and Liverpool.  

Photo © Robert Campbell (cc-by-sa/2.0)

Train options from the South of England 

Travelling from further afield? An extensive train network offers easy train travel from the South of England to Scotland’s main travel hubs. From here, travellers can change to ScotRail or TransPennine Express services to continue their journey to the South of Scotland.  

The range of routes are run by a selection of train operators: 

London North Eastern Railway (LNER) – Operates frequent long-distance services from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh Waverley. 

Avanti West Coast – Runs services from London Euston via the Midlands, stopping at both Glasgow Central and Edinburgh Waverley. 

CrossCountry – Provides long-distance services from cities such as Plymouth, Bristol and Birmingham to Edinburgh.  

Lumo – A budget operator running daily services between London Kings Cross and Edinburgh Waverley. 

Caledonian Sleeper – An overnight sleeper service from London Euston to Scotland, including stops at Edinburgh Waverley; ideal for travellers looking to arrive rested and ready to explore. 

Getting around

Train travel in the Scottish Borders 

The Borders Railway, operated by ScotRail, connects Edinburgh Waverley to the Scottish Borders in less than an hour. The line stops at Eskbank, Newtongrange and Gorebridge in Midlothian, and Stow, Galashiels and Tweedbank in the Scottish Borders. 

Those alighting at Galashiels and Tweedbank can make use of the Borders Buses network, which services popular historic villages such as Melrose, St Boswells and Jedburgh. If choosing this option, make sure to check out the Borders Buses and ScotRail’s combined bus and rail ‘Borders Explorer’ ticket to make the most of your trip. 

For those looking to enjoy the Berwickshire Coast and south east of the Scottish Borders, a direct train from Waverley to Berwick-upon-Tweed via Reston on the East Coast Main Line is the perfect starting point for your adventure.  

Crawick Multiverse near Sanquhar in Dumfries and Galloway, Mike Bolam

Train travel in Dumfries and Galloway 

Trains for Dumfries and Galloway leave from Glasgow Central station, ending at either Dumfries or Stranraer.

Whichever direction you’re travelling, the scenic railway lines will make your travel an experience in itself. The journey to Stranraer follows Scotland’s scenic west coast, while the route to Dumfries travels inland via the towns of Kirkconnel and Sanquhar, which lays claim to the world’s oldest post office. Bus services are available for onward travel upon arrival.  

Frequently asked questions

How can I buy a train ticket?

Train tickets can be purchased online, over the phone, or at manned ticket offices at major train stations. Tickets are usually available up to 12 weeks in advance, and on the day of travel. 

It is recommended to buy tickets directly from the train operator you plan to travel with. Railcards and travel passes are often available, so it’s worth checking eligibility and any available discounts before booking. If you are exploring the Scottish Borders by train and bus from Edinburgh, you can make the most of your trip with Borders Buses and ScotRail’s combined bus and rail ‘Borders Explorer’ ticket. 

Mobile and e-tickets are widely accepted across the UK rail network, allowing travellers to store tickets on a smartphone or download them in advance, with no need to collect paper tickets at the station. 

Can I take a bike on the train?

Yes, you can take your bike on the train, however whether you need to reserve a spot or not is dependent on the operator.

ScotRail has designated cycle spaces on all of their trains, which operate on a first come, first served basis. Check out ScotRail’s bike policy for more information.

If travelling with Transpennine Express, you are required to make a reservation before you travel.

Can I reserve a seat on the train? 

ScotRail does not offer seat reservations on services to the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway, with seating available on a first come, first served basis. 

TransPennine Express offers free seat reservations with all tickets, which can be made at the time of booking.