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

Photo by Kate Bielinski on Unsplash

What is the best method of travel?

All figures are estimates as of July 2025 and may vary based on time of day, provider, and how far in advance you book.

Quickest way from Glasgow to Edinburgh: Train (from 50 minutes)

Cheapest way from Glasgow to Edinburgh: Coach (from £4)

Our recommended way to travel: Train

Why? The train is fast, frequent and comfortable, offering direct city-centre to city-centre travel. Unlike driving, you don’t have to worry about traffic or parking, and compared to the coach, it shaves off precious time (especially during peak periods) with a minimal difference in overall cost. Not to mention, it’s the most environmentally friendly option! 

Glasgow to Edinburgh by train

ScotRail operates regular and efficient services between Glasgow and Edinburgh, with two main routes offering slightly different travel times depending on your departure and arrival stations.

Glasgow Queen Street to Edinburgh Waverley

This is the fastest and most frequent route. Trains depart every 15 minutes during peak hours and take around 50 minutes to 1 hour. Services pass through stations such as Croy, Falkirk High, and Haymarket. Most travellers choose this route for its speed and convenience.

Standard tickets typically range from £12 to £20, depending on whether you travel off-peak or book in advance. Railcards and season tickets can help cut costs significantly for frequent travellers.

First Class is available on some services, offering wider seats, quieter carriages, and complimentary refreshments—ideal for business travellers or those wanting a more relaxed journey. Discover more about ScotRail First Class here.

Glasgow Central to Edinburgh Waverley

This alternate route typically takes 1 hour and 15 minutes and runs via Shotts or Carstairs. It’s less frequent and slightly slower, but often less busy. It can be a good choice if you're closer to Glasgow Central or travelling at less conventional times. Tickets also start from around £12 and will typically range up to £20.

Photo by Hongbin on Unsplash

Glasgow to Edinburgh by coach

Coaches are a budget-friendly alternative, and while they take a bit longer, they’re a solid option for those not in a rush.

National Express and Scottish Citylink both offer regular services between Buchanan Bus Station (Glasgow) and Edinburgh Bus Station or Edinburgh Airport. Travel times range from 1 hour 20 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic and route.

Tickets are cheap, starting from as little as £5.59, and coaches come equipped with Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and onboard toilets.

This is a good option for students, backpackers or last-minute travellers—especially during off-peak hours or when train tickets are pricey.

Glasgow to Edinburgh by car

Driving between Glasgow and Edinburgh gives you full control over your schedule and allows for flexible stops along the way—ideal if you're heading out for a countryside detour or travelling with family.

The fastest driving route is via the M8 motorway, covering roughly 47 miles. In light traffic, the journey takes around 1 hour, but this can easily stretch to 90 minutes or more during rush hour or weekends.

Expect fuel costs of around £10 - £20 round trip, depending on your vehicle, and watch out for limited parking in Edinburgh’s city centre. Park & Ride facilities like Ingliston and Hermiston are great alternatives if you’d prefer to avoid central congestion.

For a more scenic drive, consider the A89 or A71 routes through towns such as Bathgate or Livingston—ideal for those wanting a more relaxed pace or photo stops along the way.