ScotRail will add more than 1,400 extra train carriages during the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games as Scotland’s Railway prepares for a surge in passengers travelling to venues across the city.
The Games begin with the opening ceremony on Thursday 23 July and continue until Sunday 2 August, bringing around 3,000 athletes from 74 countries together to compete across 10 sports.
Thousands of spectators are expected to travel by rail throughout the event, with ScotRail and Network Rail Scotland putting additional services, staff and operational support in place to help keep people moving.
A total of 1,452 extra carriages will be added to services during the Games, creating additional capacity on routes serving venues including the Glasgow International Arena, Scotstoun Stadium, Tollcross International Swimming Centre and the Scottish Event Campus.
Extra trains will call at Dalmarnock, Exhibition Centre and Scotstounhill, while additional evening services will operate to help people return home after competitions have finished.
Network Rail Scotland says it has spent the past six months preparing for the event, with additional station, engineering and operational staff available throughout the Games.
Passengers are being encouraged to plan their journeys in advance, buy tickets before boarding where possible, allow extra time for travel and check the latest service information before setting off.
Phil Campbell, ScotRail Customer Operations Director, said:
“With the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games just days away, we’re looking forward to helping thousands of people travel to venues across the city.
“We’re providing more than 1,400 additional carriages, operating extra services on key routes, and adding staff across the network to support customers throughout the Games.
“If you’re travelling to an event, please plan ahead, buy your ticket before you board where possible, and check your journey before setting off.
“We look forward to welcoming customers on board and helping everyone enjoy a fantastic Games.”
Craig Milne, Network Rail Operations Director, said:
“Across Scotland’s Railway, we’ve been working together to ensure the network is ready.
“Glasgow has always had a global reputation for a warm welcome, and with Glasgow Central now fully reopen, we look forward to welcoming the world to our city, encouraging visitors to come for the games, and stay for Glasgow.”
Martin Thomson, National Operations Manager at Transport Scotland, said:
“Traffic Scotland, Transport Scotland and our operators will be supporting G2026, Glasgow City Council and events teams, to put on the best spectacle possible.
“We appreciate Glasgow and the central belt will be very busy, and public transport offers the most hassle-free option for many.
“When planning ahead, avoid peak and busier times if possible and delay non-essential journeys to avoid a clash when major events are finishing.”
Travel information and venue guides are available on the ScotRail website at www.scotrail.co.uk/commonwealthgames
