ScotRail recorded more than 48 million passenger journeys between April and September 2026, as people travelled by train for work, leisure and major events across Scotland.
The total of 48,419,573 journeys was 7% higher than the same period last year, adding more than 3.1 million trips. It is also a 55% increase on the equivalent six months in 2022, when 31.2 million journeys were recorded.
Strong growth during Scotland’s event-packed summer
Independent figures from the Office of Rail and Road show ScotRail recorded the strongest year-on-year growth among Britain’s large train operators between April and June. Its 23.5 million journeys were up 8%, compared with a 2% increase across Great Britain.
The figures cover the first full spring and summer period since ScotRail permanently removed peak fares in September 2025. Fares have also been frozen until March 2027.
Passenger numbers were boosted by the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, the Edinburgh Festivals, TRNSMT, the Summer Sessions and concerts by artists including Calvin Harris, Luke Combs and Bon Jovi. ScotRail added more than 1,400 carriages during the Commonwealth Games, while its busiest week saw more than 2.1 million journeys.
July was the busiest month, with 8,423,512 journeys. Family promotions also helped leisure travel, with more than 800,000 journeys made over the Easter weekend.
Why it matters for Britain
The rise points to stronger use of Scotland’s rail network for everyday travel and major events. Lower and simpler fares, alongside extra capacity, are helping more people choose trains for journeys around Scotland.
