Glasgow and Edinburgh. The two great cities of Scotland sit just 45 miles apart, yet couldn’t feel more different: Glasgow is gritty, creative, warm, and industrial; Edinburgh is stately, historic, and architecturally magnificent. The good news is that travelling between them is one of the easiest city-to-city journeys in Britain. Multiple transport options run throughout the day, prices are reasonable, and whichever route you choose, you’ll be in the other city in well under two hours.
This guide covers every way to travel from Glasgow to Edinburgh — train, bus, car, and beyond — with current journey times, prices, and an honest verdict on which option suits different kinds of traveller.
Glasgow to Edinburgh: Key Facts
- Distance: approximately 45 miles (72km) between city centres
- Fastest option: Train — 50 minutes, Glasgow Queen Street to Edinburgh Waverley
- Cheapest option: Bus — from £4 when booked in advance
- Most flexible option: Car — but Edinburgh parking is expensive and the city has a Low Emission Zone
- Best overall for most visitors: Train — fast, frequent, reliable, no parking stress
Option 1: Train (Recommended)
The train is the way most visitors — and most Scots — travel between Glasgow and Edinburgh, and for good reason. It’s fast, reliable, runs very frequently, drops you in the heart of both cities, and on the express service, takes less time than the bus even before you factor in the taxi to Edinburgh’s bus station.
Glasgow Queen Street to Edinburgh Waverley (Express Route)
The main route is operated by ScotRail and runs between Glasgow Queen Street and Edinburgh Waverley. This is the express service: journey time is approximately 50 minutes, and trains run every 15 to 30 minutes throughout the day. Waverley station is superbly located right in the heart of Edinburgh, at the foot of the Royal Mile and below Edinburgh Castle — you step off the train and you’re already in the action.
Glasgow Queen Street is in the city centre, a 5-minute walk from George Square and easily reached from most Glasgow accommodation.
Glasgow Central to Edinburgh (via Carstairs)
Glasgow Central — the city’s other main station, serving southern Scotland and England — also has trains to Edinburgh, but these run via Carstairs and take approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. They’re less frequent and less convenient than the Queen Street express. Unless you’re already at Central, use Queen Street for Edinburgh.
Train Times and Frequency
- First train: Approximately 6:00am from Queen Street (useful for early morning connections)
- Last train: Late evening, typically around 11:30pm — check ScotRail’s website for the current timetable as times vary by day
- Frequency: Every 15 minutes at peak times; every 30 minutes off-peak and on Sundays
- Journey time: 48–52 minutes on the express service
Train Ticket Prices
ScotRail operates a tiered pricing system, so prices vary significantly depending on when you travel and how far in advance you book:
- Off-peak advance single: from around £6–10
- Standard off-peak single: around £12–15
- Peak single (weekday morning rush hour): up to £27–30
- Return tickets: often available at a small premium over a single
The key to saving money on the train is avoiding peak travel times (roughly 7:00–9:30am and 4:30–6:30pm on weekdays) and booking in advance through the ScotRail website or app. For spontaneous travel, off-peak walk-up fares are still reasonable by UK standards.
Railcards (16-25 Railcard, Senior Railcard, Two Together Railcard, etc.) give 1/3 off most ScotRail fares and pay for themselves very quickly if you’re spending any time in Scotland.
Train Tips
- Book on the ScotRail app or website for the cheapest fares and to use mobile tickets (no need to print)
- Trains get busy on Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings — book a seat reservation in advance if travelling at these times
- The train has a trolley service selling hot drinks and snacks on most journeys
- Luggage goes in overhead racks or at the end of carriages — there are no left-luggage facilities on the train itself
- Edinburgh Waverley has a left-luggage facility (for a fee) if you want to explore the city unencumbered
Option 2: Bus (Cheapest)
If cost is your priority, the bus between Glasgow and Edinburgh is significantly cheaper than the train — especially when booked in advance. The trade-off is a slightly longer journey and less comfortable seating, but for budget travellers the savings can be meaningful.
Routes and Operators
Most buses depart from Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station (the main intercity bus hub in Glasgow city centre) and arrive at Edinburgh St Andrew Square Bus Station or Edinburgh Bus Station on Elder Street. Both Edinburgh stops are central.
- Megabus — the cheapest option, with fares starting from £4 when booked well in advance. Prices rise as departure approaches. Basic coaches with standard comfort. Book at uk.megabus.com.
- National Express — slightly more expensive than Megabus but slightly more comfortable. Good frequent service throughout the day.
- Scottish Citylink — Scotland’s main intercity coach operator. Reliable, comfortable, frequent. Fares typically £6–12 depending on timing.
Bus Journey Times and Frequency
- Journey time: approximately 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes (depends on traffic and route)
- Frequency: Very high — typically 30+ departures per day from each operator. You’re rarely waiting more than 20–30 minutes for a bus.
- First bus: As early as 4:00am on some services (useful for very early airport connections)
- Last bus: Typically around midnight
Bus Ticket Prices
- Megabus advance: from £4–6
- Megabus walk-up: typically £8–15
- Scottish Citylink: typically £7–12
- National Express: typically £8–15
Bus Tips
- The M8 motorway between Glasgow and Edinburgh can get very congested during rush hours — journey times on the bus can stretch to 90 minutes or more at peak times
- Book Megabus well in advance for the £4 headline fares — these sell out quickly
- Most buses have free Wi-Fi and USB charging points
- Buchanan Bus Station has a waiting room, café, and left luggage lockers
Option 3: Driving (Most Flexible)
Driving from Glasgow to Edinburgh is straightforward — the M8 motorway connects the two cities directly, and the route is well-signposted. However, driving is not necessarily the best option for most visitors, for reasons detailed below.
The Route
From Glasgow city centre, join the M8 heading east. Follow the M8 all the way into Edinburgh — it’s a single motorway the entire distance, with no complicated navigation required. The route passes through Coatbridge, Bathgate, and Livingston before entering Edinburgh from the west.
Journey time under normal conditions: approximately 55–70 minutes. During rush hour (weekday mornings and late afternoons), the M8 becomes heavily congested — particularly at the Glasgow end near the M74 interchange and through Newhouse — and journey times can stretch to 90 minutes or more.
Driving Costs
- Petrol: approximately £10–15 one way for a typical family car
- Parking in Edinburgh: this is where driving becomes expensive. City centre parking costs £15–30 per day in NCP car parks. On-street parking is limited and expensive. Park and Ride facilities on the Edinburgh tram and bus network offer a much cheaper alternative — typically £4–5 for the day with free tram travel into the centre.
Edinburgh Low Emission Zone
Edinburgh operates a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in the city centre that restricts older, more polluting vehicles. If your vehicle doesn’t meet the required emission standards (broadly: petrol cars registered before 2006, diesel cars registered before 2015, though exact standards apply), you may be charged or prohibited from driving in the zone. Check the Edinburgh LEZ website before driving into the city centre, particularly if you’re in an older rental car.
When Driving Makes Sense
Driving is most practical when: you’re travelling as a family or group of four-plus (where the per-person cost becomes competitive); you need to carry large amounts of luggage; you’re planning to explore outside Edinburgh city centre (e.g., visiting East Lothian, the Borders, or Midlothian); or you’re continuing onward from Edinburgh by road.
For solo travellers and couples visiting Edinburgh itself, the train is almost always better.
Option 4: Taxi and Rideshare
A taxi between Glasgow and Edinburgh is expensive — expect to pay £60–90 for a licensed taxi between the city centres, depending on the time of day and traffic. Uber operates in both cities, and Uber’s intercity pricing on this route typically comes in at £50–70.
The only scenario where a taxi or rideshare makes compelling sense for this journey is if you’re travelling very late at night when trains and buses have stopped, you have a lot of luggage, or you’re splitting the cost between four or more people.
Getting Around Edinburgh Once You Arrive
Edinburgh is a compact, walkable city, and the main tourist sites cluster within walking distance of Waverley station. Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, the Scottish Parliament, Holyrood Palace, Princes Street, and the New Town are all reachable on foot from the station.
If you’re heading further afield — to Leith, Portobello, or Murrayfield — Edinburgh has an excellent tram network and a comprehensive bus system operated by Lothian Buses. Day tickets for the bus are good value if you’re planning multiple journeys.
What to Do in Edinburgh on a Day Trip from Glasgow
With just 50 minutes on the train, Edinburgh is eminently doable as a day trip from Glasgow. A well-planned day can cover the highlights comfortably:
A Suggested Day Trip Itinerary
- Morning: Walk up the Royal Mile from Waverley to Edinburgh Castle. The castle opens at 9:30am — book tickets in advance as it’s one of Scotland’s busiest attractions. Allow 2 hours for a thorough visit.
- Midday: Lunch on the Royal Mile or in the atmospheric Grassmarket below the castle. The Grassmarket has excellent independent restaurants and the famous Greyfriars Bobby statue nearby.
- Afternoon: Choose between Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament at the bottom of the Royal Mile, or head to Princes Street for shopping, or walk up Calton Hill for panoramic views of the city. The National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street is free and excellent — perfect for a couple of hours.
- Evening: Dinner in the New Town (George Street has excellent restaurants), then the train back to Glasgow. Evening trains run until around 11:30pm, so there’s no rush.
With a single day, keep it tight. Walk the Royal Mile from the Castle down toward Holyrood, detour to Victoria Street and the Grassmarket for the prettiest corners, and duck into the free, brilliant National Museum of Scotland if the weather turns. The fit can climb Arthur’s Seat for the view. For a fuller plan built around the 50-minute train, see our dedicated Edinburgh day trip from Glasgow guide.
Glasgow to Edinburgh: Full Comparison
Here is a side-by-side comparison of all the main travel options:
- Train (Queen Street → Waverley): 50 min | From £6 | Every 15–30 min | Best for most visitors — fast, frequent, central
- Bus (Buchanan → St Andrew Square): 70–90 min | From £4 | Very frequent | Best for budget travellers with time to spare
- Car (M8): 55–70 min (off-peak) | £25–45 total (petrol + parking) | Anytime | Best for families and groups or onward travel
- Taxi/Rideshare: 55–70 min | £60–90 | Anytime | Only practical for groups of 4+ splitting cost, or very late at night
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easy to do Edinburgh as a day trip from Glasgow?
Yes, very easy. The train takes just 50 minutes and runs every 15–30 minutes throughout the day. You can leave Glasgow at 9am, have a full day in Edinburgh, and be back in Glasgow for dinner. It’s one of the most accessible city-to-city day trips in the UK.
Do I need to book train tickets in advance?
Not necessarily — walk-up off-peak fares are still affordable. But if you’re travelling at peak times (weekday mornings or evenings) or want the cheapest possible fare, booking in advance via the ScotRail website or app will save you money. Advance fares can be significantly cheaper than walk-up fares.
Which Glasgow station do I use for Edinburgh?
Use Glasgow Queen Street for the fast 50-minute express service to Edinburgh Waverley. Glasgow Central has trains to Edinburgh too, but they’re slower (via Carstairs) and less frequent. Queen Street is the right choice for the vast majority of journeys.
Can I walk between the two cities?
Technically yes — the John Muir Way is a 134-mile long-distance walking route that connects Helensburgh (near Glasgow) to Dunbar (near Edinburgh). It’s a multi-day walking route through beautiful countryside, not a day-trip option. But for committed long-distance walkers, it’s a wonderful way to travel between the cities over 5–7 days.
Is there a direct bus from Glasgow Airport to Edinburgh?
Yes — Scottish Citylink operates the 757/900 service from Glasgow Airport directly to Edinburgh city centre, which is very useful if you’re flying into Glasgow and want to go straight to Edinburgh. Journey time is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
How much does an Uber from Glasgow to Edinburgh cost?
Uber’s pricing for this route varies with demand, but typically falls in the range of £50–70 for an UberX. Surge pricing during events or late nights can push this higher. For most travellers, the train is significantly better value.
Insider Tips for the Glasgow–Edinburgh Journey
- Sit on the right side of the train (when travelling east) for views of the Pentland Hills as you approach Edinburgh.
- Avoid travelling on the Friday before a major Edinburgh festival weekend — the train is packed and prices peak.
- The ScotRail app is worth downloading — it shows live train times, allows mobile ticketing, and lets you check seat availability.
- During the Edinburgh Festival in August, accommodation in Edinburgh becomes very expensive — many performers and festival-goers actually stay in Glasgow and commute in by train. It’s a perfectly viable strategy and Glasgow accommodation is far more affordable in August.
- If you’re making multiple trips between the cities, consider a ScotRail season ticket or multi-journey pass — these offer significant savings for frequent travellers.
A couple of final pointers: book an off-peak return in advance for the cheapest fare, and don’t try to cram the Castle, the Palace and Arthur’s Seat into one day — pick two and enjoy them. Trains run late into the evening, so you can squeeze in dinner in Edinburgh before rolling home to Glasgow.
Getting Around Glasgow
Glasgow has excellent transport connections not just to Edinburgh but across Scotland and beyond. Our complete guide to getting around Glasgow covers the subway, buses, taxis, cycling, and how to navigate the city like a local. Making day trips to the Highlands or exploring the city itself, Glasgow is one of the best-connected cities in Scotland.
If you’re planning to venture further — to the Highlands, the islands, or the rest of Scotland — Glasgow’s position at Scotland’s heart makes it the perfect base. Explore our day trips from Glasgow guide for the best excursions you can take from the city.
