Travelling by train to and around Dumfries and Galloway

GNER, Scotrail and Virgin trains operate train services throughout the United Kingdon, to and from Scotland.

Dumfries and Galloway is well served by the railway network.

• Lockerbie Train Station
  The main Edinburgh to London rail route and Edinburgh to Manchester rail route stop at Lockerbie at selected times.
• Gretna, Annan, Dumfries, Kirkconnel and Sanquhar Train Stations
  Regular trains run from Carlisle to Dumfries and from Carlisle to Kilmarnock and Glasgow (stopping at Kirkconnel and Sanquhar) - all of these trains stop at Gretna and Annan. There are also a small number of through trains to Newcastle and Stranraer.
• Stranraer Train Station
  Regular trains run between Stranraer and Ayr and many continue to Glasgow Central. There are also a small number of through trains to Carlisle and Newcastle via Kilmarnock.

Rail fares in Britain - A word or two of advice before you buy - Rail fares in Britain are the most expensive in Europe for example a businessman who needs to go from London to Edinburgh can pay over £300 for the privilege. With a little bit of knowledge, he could do the same trip on the same train for just £25 return with an economy ticket. The problem is that there are 27 different rail companies that have replaced the single British Rail and they all have their own different fares. There is no publication that shows all the fares, that gives you prices and the regulations to help you decide which is the best ticket for you.

There are massive savings to be made if you know which trains to book on. In between these fares there are many different rates. If, for example you were to travel to or from Glasgow you can save up to £100 by buying a business class ticket in advance which lets you sit in First Class. In Economy Class you can have a completely open ticket for £103 and this slides down a scale with various restrictions until you get to the £27 fixed return fare.

So when you decide to go by rail we suggest you ask lots of questions to make sure you are getting the best deal. Our advice is never book your ticket on the day, always book it as early as you can, generally the further you are away from your travel day the better the deal you will receive.

We carried out a quick test to compare tickets when purchased on the day and 8 weeks in advance (Booking on Tuesday 11th September 2012, travelling the same day: £103 and booking on Tuesday 11th September 2012, travelling on the 20th November 2012, £33.00). Scotrail's web site.