Borders fares and timetable revealed

The plans, which are now subject to sign-off from the industry, should mean that passengers will be able to travel end-to-end on the new Borders Railway for less than £10 and from 5.20am until almost 1am.

This announcement is the latest exciting milestone in the countdown to services starting next year for the first time in more than four decades.

Transport Scotland has designed its recommended fares structure for the services to ensure ticket prices are in line with those elsewhere on the network, with the average fare across the Borders Railway working out at just £3.50.

Passengers using the existing stations on the route – Newcraighall and Brunstane – will find their fares maintained at current levels.

There will be two trains per hour in each direction throughout peak times with an hourly service on Sundays in the timetable, which has been designed to also provide excellent connectivity to the rest of the Scottish rail network.

And the timetable will serve everyone from early birds to night hawks with a 5.20am service from Tweedbank arriving in Edinburgh at 6.15am, and the latest train on the line leaving Waverley station at 23.55 for a 00.52am arrival at Tweedbank.

Transport Minister Keith Brown said:

“The Borders Railway will serve a huge cross section of society from the daily commuter starting a new job in the capital to the tourist at the Edinburgh Festival wanting to visit the great Scottish countryside, to the Borders College student enjoying a night out in the city.

“Our fares structure and timetable will ensure that the train will be an attractive travel option for them, allowing them to go end-to-end in less than an hour and for under £10.

“When you take into account the further discounts available through season tickets and student railcards, this will make the fares even cheaper for those who will be travelling regularly on the line.

“Although we’re investing £350million to make the line happen, passengers won’t have to worry about it hitting them in the pocket as their fares will be in line with those of similar journeys elsewhere on the network.

“We’re also ensuring that the timetable will allow for early starts and late finishes. This will not be the traditional rural limited service. We are serious about shifting people from road to rail and the Borders Railway will offer every opportunity for that.”

Tom Curry, Vice Chairman for Campaign for Borders Rail said:

“Campaign for Borders Rail are delighted with the announcement of the fare structure for the Borders Railway.

“The fare structure coupled with the half-hourly timetable will make the railway competitive with bus and car and will no doubt encourage a great number of people to switch to using the train.

“The confirmation that the first service of the day from Tweedbank will make a connection with the 0625 Edinburgh to Kings Cross is a welcome bonus coming from the timetable consultation and will give Borders business folk a sustainable route to London.

“At the other end of the day late night services will also help make passengers’ days more flexible and will be particularly crucial when it comes to sporting events and the Edinburgh Festivals.”