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How to get from Glasgow to Scotland
This route means Glasgow to Edinburgh, Scotland's capital. ScotRail trains between Glasgow Queen Street and Edinburgh Waverley take about 50 minutes and run every 15 minutes or so. Citylink buses take about 1 h 15 and driving about 1 h.
Best option: Train. Trains are frequent, fast and run centre to centre.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| train ScotRail from Glasgow Queen Street to Edinburgh Waverley via Falkirk High (other routes via Airdrie/Bathgate or Shotts are slower) | about 50 min | every 15 minutes or so during the day | about £15–20 return | No reservation needed; ScotRail scrapped peak fares in 2025, but check current fares. |
| bus Scottish Citylink coaches from Buchanan bus station to Edinburgh | about 1 h 15 | every 15–30 minutes | about £8–12 | Cheaper than peak train fares. |
| car M8 motorway | about 1 h | fuel; no tolls | Edinburgh city-centre parking is expensive and the Low Emission Zone applies. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Buy a return rather than two singles; it is usually cheaper.
- Edinburgh Waverley is right below the Royal Mile and Princes Street.
- During the August festivals trains and hotels are very busy.
- Check Edinburgh's Low Emission Zone rules if driving.
Common questions
How long is the train from Glasgow to Edinburgh?
About 50 minutes on the main ScotRail route via Falkirk High, from Glasgow Queen Street to Edinburgh Waverley. Trains run roughly every 15 minutes during the day. Other routes via Airdrie and Bathgate, or via Shotts, take longer. No seat reservation is needed.
Can I do Edinburgh as a day trip?
Yes, easily. With trains every 15 minutes or so and a journey under an hour, you can spend a full day on the Royal Mile, at the castle and in the New Town. Late trains run in the evening, but check the last one on Sundays.
What is the cheapest way?
Citylink coaches are usually the cheapest, often around £8–12, and run frequently. Train returns are also good value since ScotRail removed peak fares in 2025, though fares can change. Driving is quick, but parking in Edinburgh is costly and the city has a Low Emission Zone.
Do I need to book ahead?
No. You can buy train tickets on the day at the station or online, and they are not tied to a particular train on this route. Advance purchase does not usually save much. During festivals and major events, trains can be very crowded, so travel early.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.