The Glasgow to Dundee train route provides a fast and direct link between Scotland’s biggest city and its waterfront hub. It’s a popular journey for commuters, students, shoppers and visitors heading to the east coast.
1. Journey Overview
- Fastest journey: ~1 hour 22 minutes
- Typical journey time: 1h 22m – 1h 35m
- Distance: ~85 miles (137 km)
- Direct trains: Yes
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes (varies by time/day)
- Main operator: ScotRail
Services operate from early morning until late evening, every day.
2. Major Stations
Glasgow Queen Street
Central location with easy access to buses, the Subway, and shopping areas.
Dundee Station
Situated beside the waterfront and V&A Dundee, with direct access to taxis and bus services.
3. Route Highlights
Typical stops include:
- Perth
- Stirling (on selected services)
- Dunblane (on selected services)
- Invergowrie
Expect scenic countryside views through central Scotland and approaching the Firth of Tay.
Some trains run direct without major intermediate stops.
4. Onboard Experience
Most services provide:
- Comfortable seating
- Wi-Fi on many trains
- Power sockets on newer trains
- Overhead storage and luggage space
- Toilets onboard
Usually no seat reservations are required.
5. Best Time to Travel
- Peak hours: Weekday commuter times (mornings & late afternoons)
- Off-peak: Cheaper, quieter and better for leisure trips
- Weekends: Good for day trips, coastal visits and shopping breaks
6. Ticket Tips
- Off-Peak Day Return tickets are good value for round trips
- Railcards save 33% on most fares
- Advance tickets sometimes offer savings on longer-distance services
- Consider season/weekly tickets for regular commuting
- Check service updates for engineering works
7. Why Choose the Train?
- Much quicker than travelling by road at busy times
- City-centre to city-centre journey
- Comfortable, reliable and scenic
- No parking concerns
- Eco-friendly way to travel across Scotland
It’s ideal for university journeys, business trips, or simply enjoying Dundee’s museums, waterfront and shopping.