Heavy snow and ice have brought significant disruption to rail services across northern Scotland, with passengers warned to expect cancellations, alterations and severe delays throughout the day. Yellow and amber weather warnings are in force, and operators are urging many customers either not to travel or to postpone journeys where possible.
Heavy snowfall is affecting routes across northern Scotland, with services particularly impacted around Aberdeen, Inverness and the Far North lines. Disruption is expected to last until the end of the day, with no guarantee that passengers will be able to complete their journeys.
Key affected routes include:
- Glasgow Queen Street – Aberdeen
- Edinburgh – Aberdeen
- Aberdeen – Inverness / Dundee
- Inverness – Kyle of Lochalsh / Wick
LNER services hit
Long-distance operator LNER has introduced a reduced timetable on lines heading north, with services curtailed at Edinburgh for much of the day. Trains between Edinburgh and Aberdeen or Inverness are cancelled, and no rail replacement transport is being provided on these stretches.
LNER is advising customers not to travel between Edinburgh and Aberdeen or Inverness, and has extended ticket validity. Tickets dated for travel on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 January will be accepted up to and including Thursday 8 January at no extra cost.
ScotRail services are heavily disrupted on key intercity and rural routes, including links to Aberdeen, Inverness and the Highlands. Trains are currently unable to run to or from Thurso, meaning services between Inverness and Wick are running without serving the northernmost station.
Although buses have been requested to cover sections between Thurso, Wick and Georgemas Junction, as well as to stand by at Aberdeen, Dundee and Inverness, road conditions mean it is not currently safe to operate rail replacement transport. Passengers are being warned that even where alternative road transport becomes available, it may be extremely busy and journeys may take significantly longer than normal.
Rail operators are urging passengers to check live journey information before setting out and to consider delaying non‑essential travel. Those who do travel can use their tickets on ScotRail services via any reasonable route at no additional cost.
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Advance ticket holders to or from affected stations may use alternative train services today without extra charges. For ScotRail services, tickets dated from Friday 2 January to Monday 5 January will be valid on Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 7 January, giving customers additional flexibility to rearrange plans.
Passengers whose journeys are significantly delayed may be entitled to compensation under the usual delay schemes. Travellers are being urged to keep their tickets and make a note of their intended and actual journeys, as both will be required to support any claim.
Real-time updates are available via the National Rail Enquiries Journey Planner, with additional guidance published on rail replacement arrangements, accessibility and station pick‑up points. With conditions expected to remain challenging into the evening, operators are repeating the message that postponing travel remains the safest option for many customers.
