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How to get from Edinburgh to Glasgow
The fastest way from Edinburgh to Glasgow is the ScotRail train from Edinburgh Waverley to Glasgow Queen Street, about 50 minutes. The cheapest is usually the coach, about 1 h 15, and driving on the M8 takes about 1 h without traffic.
Best option: Train. Trains run every 15 minutes or so between the two city centres and are faster than any road option.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| train ScotRail trains from Edinburgh Waverley to Glasgow Queen Street (fastest), or via other lines to Glasgow Central | about 50 min | about every 15 minutes | about £15–17 one way off-peak | No reservation needed; return tickets are good value. |
| bus Scottish Citylink coaches from Edinburgh bus station to Buchanan bus station | about 1 h 15 | every 15–30 minutes | about £8–12 | Can be slow at rush hour on the M8. |
| car M8 motorway | about 1 h | fuel only, no tolls | Both cities have low-emission zones in the centre; check that your car complies. Parking in both centres is expensive. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Off-peak tickets are cheaper; check ScotRail's peak hours on weekdays.
- Glasgow Queen Street is next to George Square; Buchanan bus station is a few minutes' walk away.
- Low-emission zones in Edinburgh and Glasgow fine non-compliant vehicles automatically.
- Late evening and Sunday trains run less often.
Common questions
Can I do Glasgow as a day trip from Edinburgh?
Yes. Trains take about 50 minutes and run roughly every 15 minutes, so you can leave whenever suits you and return late in the evening. A day is enough for the Kelvingrove museum, the cathedral and the West End. Off-peak return tickets keep the cost down.
Is there a direct train from Edinburgh to Glasgow?
Yes. ScotRail runs direct trains from Edinburgh Waverley to Glasgow Queen Street, the fastest at about 50 minutes, and other lines run to Glasgow Central. No change is needed and seats are unreserved. Check which Glasgow station you arrive at.
What is the cheapest way from Edinburgh to Glasgow?
Usually the Citylink coach, at about £8–12 one way. Off-peak train tickets cost a bit more, about £15–17, but are faster and more frequent. Driving is only cheaper for a group, as parking in central Glasgow is expensive and the low-emission zone applies.
Do I need to book ahead?
No. Trains and coaches run frequently and ScotRail tickets can be bought at the station or in the app on the day. Prices are mostly fixed, so booking early saves little. During big events or football matches trains get crowded, so allow extra time.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.