The Edinburgh to Perth train route offers a quick and comfortable connection between Scotland’s capital and the historic city of Perth. It’s a popular choice for commuters, students, and travellers heading into central Scotland or onward to the Highlands.
1. Journey Overview
- Fastest journey: ~1 hour 15 minutes
- Typical journey time: 1h 15m – 1h 35m
- Distance: ~45 miles (72 km)
- Direct trains: Yes
- Frequency: Around every 30–60 minutes
- Main operator: ScotRail
Trains run throughout the day, seven days a week.
2. Major Stations
Edinburgh Waverley
Central location, step-free access, shops, dining options, and easy links to tram and bus services.
Perth Station
Just a short walk from the city centre and the River Tay. Facilities include ticket machines, seating, cafés, and taxi/bus services.
3. Route Highlights
Common stops include:
- Edinburgh Haymarket
- Linlithgow
- Falkirk Grahamston
- Stirling
- Dunblane
Expect views of:
- Historic Stirling Castle from the train
- Rolling countryside across central Scotland
- Parks, farmland, and scenic hills entering Perthshire
4. Onboard Experience
Most services offer:
- Comfortable seating
- Wi-Fi on many trains
- Power sockets on selected trains
- Overhead racks and luggage storage areas
- Toilets onboard
Journey is short and straightforward with mostly unreserved seating.
5. Best Time to Travel
- Peak times: Weekday work commute hours
- Off-peak: Cheaper and quieter
- Weekends: Good for day trips and leisure travel
6. Ticket Tips
- Off-Peak Day Return tickets offer great value for same-day trips
- Railcards provide 33% savings on most fares
- Advance tickets exist, but savings are minimal due to short distance
- Consider season tickets if commuting regularly
7. Why Take the Train?
- Much quicker than most road options at busy times
- Direct centre-to-centre service
- Affordable and stress-free
- Scenic central Scotland route
- Avoids parking costs in both cities
Perfect for shopping trips, weekend breaks, university visits, and onward Highland travel.