How to avoid ScotRail's new £10 fine when boarding trains from un-staffedrailway stations

A Scotrail passenger train departs from Ardgay station in the northern Scottish Highlands, which is not staffed and lacks a ticket machine. New rules mean that some passengers can end up paying a minimum of £10 (even if the ticket is less) - PIcture by Jonathan Mitchell

It is quite common for travellers in Scotland, especially trekkers, to end up at a lonely rural railway station to get a train home or to continue their journey. There are many railway stations throughout Scotland which are not staffed and lack a ticket machine. Some passengers may be exploring a region and only riding on the train service for a few stops.

Therefore it important to understand that the new minimum £10 rule that ScotRail are due to introduce, as to avoid overpaying for your train ride.

The new £10 minimum fare rule is being introduced on the 1st July 2026, the time until then ScotRail describe as an 'education period'.

They also say that passengers who are only able to pay in cash and can't access ticket office must obtain a 'promise to pay' ticket from a Ticket Vending Machine (TVM) and then buy the ticket on the train from the guard.

There are some exceptions, the rail network says, where the £10 minimum fare will not be applicable, including: If the station you depart from has no ticket office or is closed and lacks a TVM; Holders of National Entitlement Cards and if you physically can't access a ticket office or TVM.

In a statement, ScotRail said: "We're introducing a new £10 minimum fare for journeys where a ticket hasn't been purchased before boarding, but could have been."

"The minimum fare is intended to provide a clear and consistent approach for all customers and help reduce anti-social behaviour on the railway, which is often caused by a small minority travelling without a ticket," ScotRail says.

A good way around this is to install the ScotRail Tap & Pay app (also known as mTickets) on a smartphone or buy your ticket through other apps that offer this service or remember to get a 'promise to pay' ticket if only able to pay in cash.

ScotRail has a great network that is good value and connects up a surprising amount of Scotland and is often a great way to get around and explore the wonders of Scotland. They often have special ticket deals on their web site (and in the app), which are always worth checking out if you intend to travel around Scotland on public transport.