The Glasgow to Edinburgh train route is the busiest rail connection in Scotland, linking its two biggest cities. With fast, frequent departures and short journey times, it’s the preferred choice for commuters, shoppers, students and day-trippers.
1. Journey Overview
- Fastest journey: ~50 minutes
- Typical journey time: 50–70 minutes
- Distance: ~47 miles (76 km)
- Direct trains: Yes
- Frequency: Up to every 10 minutes during peak times
- Main operator: ScotRail
Services operate early morning until late night, every day of the week.
2. Major Stations
Glasgow Queen Street
Located at George Square with Subway, bus, and shopping links.
Edinburgh Waverley
Right between the Old Town and Princes Street, with shops, restaurants and tram connections.
Some services may run via Glasgow Central and Edinburgh Haymarket.
3. Route Options
There are two main routes:
| Route | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Via Falkirk High | ~50 mins | Fastest and most popular |
| Via Bathgate & Airdrie | ~1h 10m | Commuter and local travel |
Both run frequently and operate 7 days a week.
4. Onboard Experience
Most trains include:
- Comfortable seating
- Free Wi-Fi on many services
- Power sockets on newer trains
- Luggage space
- Toilets onboard
Seating is generally unreserved.
5. Best Time to Travel
- Peak hours: Weekday commuter times (07:00–09:30 & 16:00–18:30)
- Off-peak: Cheaper and quieter
- Evenings & weekends: Popular for leisure travel
6. Ticket Tips
- Off-Peak Day Returns are cost-effective for day trips
- Railcards save 33% on most fares
- Advance tickets don’t usually offer much extra saving due to short distance
- Season tickets are great for regular commuters
- Mobile tickets offer easy gate access
7. Why Take the Train?
- Much faster than driving on the M8 at busy times
- Direct city-centre to city-centre travel
- Frequent departures — minimal waiting times
- Comfortable journey with scenic countryside sections
- No parking costs or traffic stress
Perfect for commuting, shopping trips, university travel, concerts, matches, and short breaks.