Travel safely by rail

Britain is home to some spectacular train journeys and as travel restrictions are slowly lifted, we encourage you to explore these scenic rail journeys safely.

Please keep in mind that England, Scotland and Wales may have different guidelines and advice for travelling on public transport. Localised lockdowns could also be implemented across Great Britain at different times, so please make sure you check the respective official sources for information before you travel.

To make your days out as enjoyable as possible, we encourage you to plan your trip in advance.

Here are a few steps to help make planning easy:

Before you set off

Some scenic rail routes and destinations may be extremely popular, so get off the beaten track and discover a hidden gem instead
Consider travelling off-peak. Not only will it be quieter, it may also be cheaper when tickets are booked in advance. Also, some train operators include information on how busy different services are on their websites so you know before you book.
If your scenic rail adventure involves visiting an attraction, please check online for any changes in opening times, if you need to pre-book a time slot, what facilities are open and guidance for exploring the attractions safely
Check if your destination is under a localised lockdown and if so, what restrictions may be in place
Make sure you have a bank card; many outlets are currently only accepting cashless payments
Do not travel if either you and or anyone in your household are showing symptoms of Covid-19

On your journey

Wear a face covering. It is the law throughout Britain that you must wear a face mask at all times when on public transport such as trains, buses, taxis and minicabs. In England and Scotland this includes at the station as well. A list of those who are exempt from wearing a face covering, depending on what country you're in can be found here: England, Scotland or Wales
Stay safe by following social distancing guidance at stations, platforms and trains wherever possible
Wash your hands before and after travelling and carry hand sanitiser with you

Visiting from overseas?

For the moment, quarantine is still in place for some international visitors and those returning to Britain. So, before you start planning your next adventure, we recommend you check the latest government advice alongside local guidance on travel so you're in the know before you go.

More advice on planning your trip