The ScotRail Alliance is advising customers that services in the central belt on 12 and 13 May are expected to be very busy due to a number of special events taking place.

Friday 12 May

• Take That, SSE Hydro

• European rugby Challenge Cup final, BT Murrayfield

Saturday 13 May

• Take That, SSE Hydro

• European rugby Champions Cup final, BT Murrayfield

Services during the evening rush on Friday towards both Edinburgh and Glasgow will be much busier than normal. Fans are being encouraged to consider earlier trains to Edinburgh and Glasgow, or consider alternative routes via Bathgate, Shotts or Carstairs.

On Saturday 13 May, services towards Edinburgh and Glasgow are expected to get busier as the day progresses. Extra carriages will be added to trains all day on the Edinburgh – Falkirk High – Glasgow route, as well as on key services between Helensburgh, Milngavie and Edinburgh, and select services linking Glenrothes, Edinburgh, and Tweedbank.

Queuing systems will be in place on both days at Exhibition Centre and Haymarket. As with most special event trains, alcohol bans will be in place.

For service information, customers can use the ScotRail app or head to scotrail.co.uk

A ScotRail Alliance spokesperson said: “There’s no doubt that trains are going to be very busy this Friday and Saturday. Please plan your journeys in advance, and consider taking an alternative route where possible to avoid the crowds.

“Please follow the instructions of staff to ensure that things go smoothly.”