ScotRail has reminded passengers of its travel advice ahead of Scotland’s match in the Famous Grouse Nations Series this weekend.

Scotland host France in the men’s rugby union clash at the Murrayfield stadium in Edinburgh on Saturday (5 August), kicking off at 3.15pm. Train services will be much busier than usual, especially as the Edinburgh Festivals will also be under way.

The operator is adding more seats to trains during the day on routes in and out of Edinburgh Waverley station.

ScotRail is repeating its advice to fans to:

• plan ahead
• allow enough time to travel.
• buy their tickets through the ScotRail app as part of the mTickets system
• not carry or consume alcohol on its trains or stations.

It is also reminding fans that access at Haymarket station is restricted because of the redevelopment of a building next door to the station, and asks fans to join the holding area on Haymarket Terrace after the match, from where they will be directed to the appropriate queue. Passengers may prefer to use an alternative station.

ScotRail suggests these alternatives to rail travel:

• Edinburgh Trams’ fast and frequent service between the stadium entrance and destinations including Edinburgh Gateway, Edinburgh Park, and St Andrew Square tram stop, which is a short walk from Edinburgh Waverley.
• Lothian Bus services, including routes 1, 3, 12, 22, 25, 26, 30, 31, or 33, which provide access to Edinburgh City Centre from Murrayfield.

Extra ScotRail staff will be on duty to help passengers.

Phil Campbell, ScotRail Head of Customer Operations, said: “ScotRail services to and from the capital city are going to be really busy this weekend as Scotland host France at Murrayfield, and the Edinburgh Festivals also get underway, so customers should plan ahead.

“To help fans travel to and from the match, we’re adding more seats to trains in and out of Edinburgh throughout the day in addition to the significant enhancements we’re making to support the festivals.

“To make your travel experience as smooth as possible, I’d encourage everyone to purchase their train tickets before boarding. The mTicket system, available on the ScotRail app, offers a convenient way to secure your tickets and download them straight to your mobile phone, avoiding any unnecessary queues on the day.”