How to get from Edinburgh to Glasgow: Train, coach or car?

Planning a trip from Edinburgh to Glasgow? Whether you're commuting between Scotland’s two biggest cities, heading to a concert at the OVO Hydro, or simply enjoying a day of shopping and sightseeing, the journey is one of the most popular in the UK. At just under 50 miles apart, Edinburgh and Glasgow are incredibly well connected by public transport and road. 

In this guide, we’ll break down all the travel options—from trains and coaches to car routes—to help you choose the best way to travel between these two vibrant Scottish cities.

Photo by Phil Reid on Unsplash

What is the best method of travel?

All figures included are estimates as of July 2025 and are liable to change.

Quickest way from Edinburgh to Glasgow: Train (from 50 minutes)
Cheapest way from Edinburgh to Glasgow: Coach (from £4)
Our recommended way to travel: Train

Why? The train is fast, frequent and incredibly convenient, especially for day-trippers or commuters. You’ll avoid the uncertainty of road traffic, and many services drop you off right in the heart of Glasgow—perfect for exploring the city. Coaches are more budget-friendly but slightly slower, while driving is flexible but less eco-conscious and can be affected by congestion.

Edinburgh to Glasgow by train

Travelling by train is by far the most popular and efficient method for making the journey between Edinburgh and Glasgow. There are two main train routes, each offering different travel times and scenery. Trains are operated by ScotRail, with services departing roughly every 10 to 15 minutes.

Edinburgh Waverley to Glasgow Queen Street (Express)

This is the fastest and most direct train route between the two cities, with services running every 15 minutes during peak times.

• Duration: approx. 50 - 55 minutes
• Operator: ScotRail
• Departure Station: Edinburgh Waverley
• Arrival Station: Glasgow Queen Street (Upper Level)

These express trains take a direct route through Falkirk High, offering beautiful countryside views along the way. Fares start at around £11.50, but prices can vary depending on time of travel. Booking in advance, using a Railcard, or purchasing off-peak tickets can reduce costs significantly.

Edinburgh Waverley to Glasgow Central (via Shotts or Carstairs)

This is a slower, but often less busy and cheaper route.

• Duration: approx. 1h - 1h 40m
• Operator: ScotRail
• Departure Station: Edinburgh Waverley
• Arrival Station: Glasgow Central

These trains stop at more stations along the way—such as Shotts, Carfin, and Bellshill—making them ideal for passengers coming from local areas or for those looking for quieter trains.

Top Tip: If you’re heading to the West End of Glasgow (e.g. University of Glasgow or Kelvingrove), changing at Queen Street Low Level for a train to Partick or Exhibition Centre can be convenient.

Photo by Johnny Briggs on Unsplash

Edinburgh to Glasgow by coach

If you're looking to save money and aren't in a rush, travelling by coach is a great option. The route is direct, and coaches are modern, comfortable, and well-equipped with amenities like Wi-Fi, charging sockets, reclining seats, and air conditioning.

• Duration: 55m - 1h 30m
• Operators: Citylink, Megabus, FlixBus
• Departure Point: Edinburgh Bus Station (Elder Street), Edinburgh Haymarket Terrace Station, Edinburgh Roseburn Gardens, Edinburgh Zoo, Gogar Glasgow Rd, Edinburgh Princes Street West Stop PU, and more.
• Arrival Point: Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station, Glasgow Swinton Road, Glasgow Baillieston Easterhouse Rd, and more.

Fares start from as little as £4.50 when booked in advance. Coaches run approximately every 30 to 60 minutes, with slightly fewer departures in the late evening.

The main downside is the risk of traffic delays, especially at peak hours around M8 motorway interchanges. However, it remains a popular choice for students, budget travellers, and those carrying luggage that would be harder to manage on the train.

Edinburgh to Glasgow by car

Driving from Edinburgh to Glasgow gives you the most flexibility in terms of timing and route, but it does come with a few caveats—namely, traffic and parking.

• Estimated duration: 1h - 1h 45m
• Distance: ~47 miles via M8 motorway
• Fuel & toll cost: Approx. £10 - £20 round trip

The main route is via the M8, Scotland’s busiest motorway, which runs almost directly between the two city centres. While it’s the fastest route on paper, heavy congestion around Livingston, Bathgate, and Glasgow city centre can slow things down—especially during morning or evening rush hours.

Parking in Glasgow:

• Buchanan Galleries Car Park – central and right by Queen Street Station
• Cambridge Street Car Park – near Sauchiehall Street
• Charing Cross Car Park – convenient for the West End

You can also make your trip more scenic by detouring via the A89 or A8, which pass through charming towns and villages in West Lothian and North Lanarkshire.

Pro Tip: Consider carpooling or using an electric vehicle with Glasgow’s growing number of EV charging stations to reduce costs and emissions.