ScotRail timetable changes for May 2026: extra weekend trains, route changes and frozen fares
ScotRail is introducing a series of timetable changes across Scotland from Sunday 17th May 2026, with more weekend services, revised routes and some cancellations as part of a wider network update.
The new timetable is designed to meet increasing demand for leisure travel, while also supporting engineering projects and operational improvements across the rail network. Passengers will also benefit from ScotRail fares remaining frozen until at least March 2027.
What’s changing on ScotRail from May 2026?
The majority of the changes affect Saturday and Sunday services, with additional trains being introduced on several routes across Scotland.
New and improved services include:
- Extra Saturday trains between Glasgow Queen Street and Anniesland via Maryhill
- A new Sunday evening return service between Glasgow Central and Kilmarnock
- A second hourly Sunday service on the Levenmouth Rail Link
- Enhanced Sunday local services between Aberdeen and Montrose/Inverurie
- More electric trains operating on the East Kilbride line
- Additional Saturday services to North Berwick
- An extra Sunday morning service from Ayr to Glasgow Central
Weekend rail travel in Scotland gets a boost
The timetable changes are particularly good news for passengers planning weekend breaks, days out, events and leisure trips across Scotland.
With more trains added to selected Saturday and Sunday routes, ScotRail says the revised timetable will give passengers more flexibility when travelling by train.
ScotRail services being withdrawn or suspended
While many routes will see extra services, some trains are being removed or temporarily withdrawn.
Two late-evening Borders Railway services between Edinburgh and Tweedbank are being temporarily withdrawn to support electrification work on the route.
- The 11.19pm Edinburgh to Tweedbank service
- The 11.44pm Tweedbank to Edinburgh return service
ScotRail has also confirmed the withdrawal of the 6.47am Kingussie to Inverness service due to low passenger numbers.
ScotRail fares frozen until 2027
Alongside the timetable update, ScotRail fares will remain frozen until at least March 2027.
The fares freeze is intended to help keep rail travel affordable and encourage more people to use public transport for commuting, leisure trips and days out across Scotland.
Check before you travel
Passengers are being urged to check their journeys before travelling, as train times, routes and stopping patterns may have changed.
Updated timetables and journey planning information can be found on the ScotRail website.
Read the official ScotRail timetable update
Author: Emma Mykytyn
Writes for here and Foodie Explorers website. Usually found napping.