Trains from Edinburgh to Glasgow from $12.40*

There are a couple of Edinburgh stations where you can begin your train journey to Glasgow.

Edinburgh Waverley station is situated in a valley between the mediaeval Old Town and the 18th-century New Town. It provides around 76 regular trains per day to Glasgow Central. The station is served by London North Eastern Railway, CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express, Lumo, Caledonian Sleeper, and ScotRail.

For this journey, you have the option of choosing trains served by ScotRail, offering routes with varying amounts of stops, ranging between 5-17. Despite the difference in the number of stops, the train duration for both routes takes about the same amount of time - between 50 minutes and an hour. During the journey, you can typically disembark at Wester Hailes, Shotts and Bellshill. To save on your journey, consider booking in advance or purchasing a Railcard, which can save you up to 1/3 on eligible journeys for a whole year.

There is also Edinburgh Park, where trains are operated by ScotRail. The average travel time between Edinburgh Park and Glasgow Queen Street is approximately 50 minutes, allowing for a seamless transfer between the two cities. This direct route makes it an ideal choice for business trips, day excursions, or weekend getaways.

You'll arrive at Glasgow Central, the busiest station in Scotland and located in the city centre of Glasgow, Scotland. The station is served by ScotRail, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, TransPennine Express, London North Eastern Railway, and Caledonian Sleeper. It also offers excellent connectivity to various destinations including London, Birmingham, Coventry, Preston and Prestwick International Airport.

You may also arrive at Glasgow Queen Street, a major transport hub, offering excellent connectivity to various destinations within Scotland and beyond, where passengers can access a wide range of train services operated by ScotRail. The station also serves as the terminus for journeys north through the stunning Scottish Highlands, with trains bound for destinations like Inverness, Oban, and Aberdeen.

First-class tickets

You can travel from Edinburgh to Glasgow in even greater comfort with First Class Tickets.

As this route is covered by multiple providers, it's best to check whether this is applicable for your specific journey when booking and what is included with the ticket. Depending on provider, this ticket may include:

• Wider seats with extra legroom for greater comfort onboard
• Tables with plug and USB sockets – perfect for those using laptops
• Enhanced Wi-Fi onboard for those working, streaming or browsing
• A range of drinks and snacks, including teas, coffees, juices, sodas, biscuits, cakes and crisps.

For more details about First Class Tickets, please check our Change, Refund, and Delay Repay Policy.

How much does it cost to go from Edinburgh to Glasgow by train?

The cost of a train ticket from Edinburgh to Glasgow varies depending on factors such as the time of booking, type of ticket (peak or Off-Peak), and train operator. Generally, prices start from around $12.40 for a single ticket when booked in advance, though often average around $20.94.

What is the cheapest way to get from Edinburgh to Glasgow?

The cheapest way to get from Edinburgh to Glasgow is typically by coach. Coach companies like Megabus and National Express offer fares starting from around £5. While the journey might take a bit longer than by train, it's significantly cheaper.

Alternatively, taking the train is still a cost-effective and comfortable way of travelling, and there are always ways to help you save even further. For example, Railcards can help reduce fares by a 1/3, and booking in advance can save you an average of 61%; split tickets are another viable option, and can save an average of 30%.

How long is a train ride from Edinburgh to Glasgow?

The train journey from Edinburgh to Glasgow typically takes around 50 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the type of service and the specific stations served along the route. Both ScotRail and LNER operate frequent services between the two cities.

Can I do a good day trip from Edinburgh to Glasgow?

Definitely! Edinburgh to Glasgow makes for an excellent day trip. With frequent and fast train services, you can easily travel between the two cities in under an hour, allowing ample time to explore Glasgow's attractions, museums, and cultural sites before returning to Edinburgh in the evening.

Is the Edinburgh to Glasgow train scenic?

Yes. The train journey between Edinburgh and Glasgow offers some scenic views, though it is not typically considered one of the most scenic rail routes in Scotland. The journey passes through a mix of urban and rural landscapes, with views of the Scottish countryside, small towns, and farmlands. While not as dramatically picturesque as some other Scottish train routes, such as the West Highland Line, the journey still provides pleasant and enjoyable scenery for travellers.