Glasgow Central station fire: Will my train be delayed or cancelled?

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Travellers in Scotland face widespread rail disruption after a fire broke out near Glasgow Central station on Sunday.

Scotland’s busiest railway station is closed until further notice following a “significant fire” in a vape shop next to the station on Union Street.

As Network Rail Scotland urges travellers to check with operators before travelling, here’s everything to know about how trains are impacted today.

Read more: glasgow-central-station-union-street-b2934382.html">Glasgow Central station closed and trains cancelled as firefighters battle blaze

Are all trains are cancelled?

If you are due to travel to or from Glasgow Central today, “your train will be cancelled or revised”, said National Rail.

The fire is expected to cause major travel disruption until at least the end of the day.

What have train operators said?

Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, ScotRail and TransPennine Express services have all been affected by the fire.

ScotRail confirmed that none of its services will operate to or from Glasgow Central high level on Monday.

The train operator wrote in an X post: “No ScotRail services will operate to or from Glasgow Central high level. ScotRail services will not call at Glasgow Central low level, but will pass through the station to stop at Argyle Street and Anderson today.”

Mark Ilderton, ScotRail Service delivery director, told travellers to “check their journey options before they travel, and be aware there will be very limited replacement transport”.

Avanti West Coast will run an amended train service between Preston, Carlisle and Motherwell to allow customers to connect with trains to Edinburgh.

“Tickets between London Euston and Glasgow Central will be accepted on LNER services via the East Coast Main Line”, added Avanti.

Travellers looking to postpone their trip until Tuesday 10 March will be able to travel on tickets dated Sunday 8 or Monday 9 March from Glasgow Central to London Euston.

TransPennine Express services will not operate in both directions between Glasgow Central and Manchester airport and Liverpool Lime Street on Monday.

It added that displaced train crews may also cause cancellations on routes from Edinburgh to Manchester airport and Newcastle.

What is the latest advice for Glasgow Central station?

An update from Network Rail Scotland on Monday said: “Glasgow Central station remains closed this morning following yesterday's devastating fire in a shop on Union Street.

“Check with your train operator for the latest service info before leaving the house.”

Can I refund my train ticket?

Yes, on some lines. Avanti West Coast said: “If you abandoned your journey as a result of the disruption, you can claim a fee-free refund from where you bought your ticket.”

TransPennine Express told travellers: “If you no longer wish to travel, you can request a full refund from your point of purchase.”

What are my rights if my train is delayed?

According to the law, if you arrive 60 minutes or more later than you should have, you are entitled to half the fare back (or a quarter, if it’s a return ticket). It doesn't matter what caused the delay.

The Independent’s travel correspondent Simon Calder advises: “Passengers who are caught up with long delays and cancellations are entitled to a partial refund – or the full cost of the ticket for a really long delay.”

Most rail firms, including Avanti West Coast, offer:

25 per cent of the single fare for delays of 15 to 29 minutes
50 per cent of the single fare for delays of 30 to 59 minutes
100 per cent of the single fare for delays of 60 minutes or more
100 per cent of the return fare for delays of 2 hours or more

Notable outliers include ScotRail, which requires your train to be half an hour late before paying out – but then follows the same basic pattern.

Can I travel on a different train?

Avanti West Coast tickets will be accepted on ScotRail services between Argyle Street and Motherwell, to connect to onward Avanti West Coast services from Motherwell.

Tickets can also be used “at no extra cost” on ScotRail services between Glasgow Queen Street and Edinburgh, with onward journeys available to London King's Cross with LNER or to Birmingham New Street with CrossCountry.

CrossCountry customers can travel on the two CrossCountry services operating before and after your cancelled service, including on ScotRail services between Edinburgh and Glasgow Queen St in both directions.

For TransPennine Express services, if you have purchased a ticket and your journey has been affected, you can use your ticket until 11 March at no extra cost.

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