Travel Departures: Rail-air bargain

THE RAIL bargain of the summer is to be had in Scotland. To promote air travel to and from Prestwick, ScotRail and PIK, the company that runs Prestwick Airport, are offering free rail tickets to or from anywhere in Scotland until the end of the year.

To qualify for free journeys, show your air ticket at the rail booking office. Free journeys must be undertaken on the day of your flight, or within a day of it.

The furthest Scottish station from Prestwick is Wick: a Saver return would be pounds 49.50. The cheapest air destination from Prestwick is Dublin: a return costs pounds 55. It is almost worth going to Ireland just to qualify for the free rail trips. Holders of tickets for scheduled flights, however, must pay for a pounds 5 airport shuttle bus from Prestwick station.