The Edinburgh to Glasgow train route is Scotland’s busiest rail corridor, connecting two major cities with extremely frequent, fast services. Whether you’re commuting, shopping, or visiting for a day trip, this is the quickest and easiest way to travel between the capitals of business and culture.
1. Journey Overview
- Fastest journey: ~50 minutes
- Typical journey time: 50–70 minutes
- Distance: ~47 miles (76 km)
- Direct trains: Yes — very frequent
- Frequency: Up to every 10 minutes at peak times
- Main operator: ScotRail
Trains run early morning until late night, 7 days a week.
2. Major Stations
Edinburgh Waverley
City-centre location with shops, restaurants, tram/bus links, and step-free access.
Glasgow Queen Street
Located beside George Square and near major shopping areas, subway connections, and bus stops.
Some trains may also run between Edinburgh Haymarket and Glasgow Central on select services.
3. Route Options & Differences
There are two main routes:
| Route | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Via Falkirk High | ~50 mins | Fastest & most popular |
| Via Bathgate & Airdrie | ~1h 10m | More local stops, useful for commuters |
4. Onboard Experience
Most trains offer:
- Comfortable seating
- Wi-Fi on many services
- Power sockets on newer trains
- Luggage storage
- Toilets onboard
Seating is generally unreserved — sit anywhere.
5. When to Travel
- Peak times: Weekday mornings 07:00–09:30 & late afternoons 16:00–18:30
- Off-peak: Quieter and cheaper
- Evenings/weekends: Good for social trips and entertainment plans
6. Ticket Tips
- Off-Peak Day Returns are ideal for day trips
- Railcards save around 33% on most fares
- Advance tickets exist but benefit is minimal due to short distance
- Consider season tickets if commuting regularly
7. Why Take the Train?
- Far quicker than the M8 motorway in busy times
- Direct centre-to-centre travel
- Stress-free — no parking required
- Very frequent departures
- Popular for work, university, and leisure travel