10 best day trips from Glasgow by train

As Scotland’s most populous city and one of its most culturally vibrant destinations, it's likely you won’t be short of activities in Glasgow. However, the 'Dear Green Place' comes with the added benefit of many great day trips only a short train journey away. With excellent rail links, taking a day trip from Glasgow by public transport is an easy and affordable way to see more of Scotland that we can't reccomend enough.

Convenient day trips from Glasgow by train include visits to stunning lakes, quaint towns and scenic landscapes. And, best of all, as one of Scotland’s major transport hubs, Glasgow boasts rail networks and regular departures that get you there and back in no time! In this guide, we’ve picked out ten of the best day trips from Glasgow by train, along with some pointers to help you get the most out of your travel.

Edinburgh: The unmissable capital

Edinburgh Castle

If you’re in Glasgow, a day trip to Edinburgh is a must. In less than an hour, you can travel by train to Scotland’s capital and spend a day experiencing its history and culture. From the towering Edinburgh Castle to the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh is the place to be for those looking for an abundance of activities in Scotland.

Blending history and rejuvenation, Edinburgh is a treat for culture seekers and city shoppers alike. Stroll along Princes Street with its artists and shops to experience the mix of the old and new city.

Looking for a uniquely Scottish activity? Then be sure to include a trip to the Scotch Whisky Experience. Or if scenery is more your thing, climb Calton Hill for panoramic views across Edinburgh. What could be more romantic than watching a beautiful Scottish sunset? And don't forget a stroll along Princes Street with its artists and shops to experience the mix of the old and new city.

*Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type.

Stirling: Gateway to the Highlands

Just 26 miles northeast of Glasgow lies Stirling, a Scottish city with a storied past. Commonly referred to as the Gateway to the Highlands, Stirling is an ideal day trip from Glasgow, offering a glimpse of the rugged Highlands but with all the conveniences of fast and affordable travel.

Scattered with medieval architecture, including the unmissable Stirling Castle, as well as traditional markets and the Wallace Monument, Stirling is a striking Scottish city with much to see and do on a day trip.

*Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type.

Loch Lomond: Stunning scenery

For the outdoors and nature lovers, Glasgow boasts outstanding access to beautiful natural scenery with train journeys to two nearby villages in roughly one hour. And by taking the scenic West Highland Line to Arrochar & Tarbert, the train journey becomes part of the sightseeing. Experience a luxury train day trip from Glasgow at an affordable price!

Part of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, this freshwater loch is the largest in Great Britain by surface area. If you arrive in Balloch, be sure to check out the Falls of Falloch, a spectacular waterfall and also a popular beauty spot for picnics. Walk along serene footpaths and lose yourself in the beauty of forested hills and mountains, an, if you end up wanting to stay longer, Loch Lomond also has many scenic hotels overlooking the water.

*Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type.

Largs: A traditional Scottish seaside trip

Photo provided by Deborah & Kevin

Beach enthusiasts staying in Glasgow will want to plan a day excursion to the west coast of Scotland to visit Largs. The town offers a traditional Scottish seaside experience, with picturesque views and a delightful Victorian promenade. Better still, after just one hour on the train, you can be strolling along the sea front

Largs boasts plentiful ice cream parlours and charming waterfront places to eat. The town also has a rich history, punctuated by Viking heritage, and the largest marina in Scotland.

*Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type.

Ayr: All things Burns

Poetry and enchanting landscapes are what give Ayr its magical feel. For anyone looking for an easy and affordable day trip from Glasgow by train, getting to the town comes with a fast travel time and some of the cheapest fares in Scotland.

Take a trip to the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, the childhood home of Scotland’s national poet, which is both a rich collection of local history and a shrine to the great writer. The museum is home to more than 5,000 Burns artefacts, including handwritten manuscripts.

While in Ayr, don’t miss the chance to stroll along the beautiful Ayr Beach. With mini golf and ice creams galore, the town is an ideal day out for the whole family.

*Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type.

Girvan: Beaches and castles

Dalquhaan Castle

Another top choice for beach lovers staying in Glasgow, Girvan is a pretty coastal town south of Glasgow with an expansive beach and rocky coastal paths.

As well as Girvan Beach, the town is surrounded by historic buildings and natural scenery. Locals recommend a trip to the haunted Culzean Castle to see its irregular architecture that overlooks the rugged South Ayrshire coast.

*Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type.

St Andrews: Golfing paradise

Best known for its golf course and university, St Andrews has so much more to offer. At one hour 40 minutes, the journey is easily possible as a day trip and with prices starting from £6.90 each way it is an affordable day out for an unforgettable one-day trip from Glasgow.

Sports fans flock from far and wide to visit St Andrews Links. If you like golf, you can take a tour of the Old Course – so named because it is the oldest golf club in the world – or even play a full 18 holes. But leave time too to visit the historic St Andrews Castle and impressive West Sands beach.

*Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type.

Lanark: Waterfall express

In need of some more stunning scenery? Then take a day trip from Glasgow to Lanark, home to splendid views and characterful streets.

This historic Royal Burgh lies on the River Clyde, at its confluence with Mouse Water. After exploring Lanark, amble to New Lanark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site within a National Nature Reserve, where you’ll find the Falls of Clyde, a spectacular waterfall. A picturesque day trip with frequent and fast trains from Glasgow.

*Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type.

Paisley: A short trip from Glasgow

Paisley Abbey - photo provided by Colin

If you’re looking for a short day trip from Glasgow, consider hopping on a train to Paisley. This historic town borders Glasgow to the east and can be reached in a mere 11 minutes.

Home to the splendid Paisley Abbey and vast Gleniffer Braes Country Park, visitors can spend an afternoon exploring interesting buildings and chilled-out urban parks. Architectural landmarks, including Paisley Museum and Town Hall, have been spruced up to impress in a recent multi-million pound regeneration.

*Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type.

Crianlarich: Green galore

West Highland Way

Going slightly further afield can bring many benefits and, in the case of Crianlarich, getting the train north from Glasgow is well worth it. Crianlarich is a charming Scottish village surrounded by peaks, rocky outcrops, gullies and glens. The train journey is scenic, with deep forests, mountains and lochs all speeding by your window.

Once there, you’ll be able to breathe in the stunning surroundings and revel in the remoteness. Look out for golden eagles, ravens, red deer, mountain hares, and a huge variety of biodiversity. For adventurous types, Ben More – the highest peak in the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park – is nearby. Happy hiking!

Ready to go?

With so many experiences to enjoy within a single day, Glasgow is an ideal base from which to plan great day trips by train around Scotland. Breathtaking scenery and affordable prices make day trips from Glasgow by train truly special; wherever you’re going, the train journey is part of the experience.

For day visits in Scotland, we recommend wearing sturdy shoes even for city visits, so you can walk between the top attractions and gaze at the architecture of places like Edinburgh and Stirling. When exploring the coastlines of Largs and St Andrews, remember that rain is always possible, so check the weather in advance and pack an umbrella! Most of all, if you want the best deals on one-day train trips from Glasgow, book your travel in advance with Trip.com.