Trains from Glasgow to London from £45.50*

London, Britain’s bustling capital, makes an ideal city break for Scottish travellers, with frequent direct trains with Avanti West Coast taking between 4h 30m and 5h 30m. With must-see attractions, world-class hotels and restaurants, and culture galore, there’s something for everyone in London. Our handy guide below gives you all the information you’ll need about travelling from Glasgow to London by train.

Setting off from Glasgow by train

You may be wondering which station in Glasgow goes to London and which is the best train from Glasgow to London. If you’re looking for a direct train, you can get an Avanti West Coast service from Glasgow Central to London Euston. And how long is the train journey from London to Glasgow? On the journey from London to Glasgow, the train stops at Preston, Wigan North Western, Lancaster, and other major stations, spans approximately 346 miles, and takes between 4h 30m and 5h 30m, making it the fastest train journey from Glasgow to London.

Opened in 1879, Glasgow Central Station is Scotland’s busiest railway station, with 17 platforms divided into two levels. It offers designated parking and pick-up/drop-off points for a seamless travel experience and has a taxi rank directly opposite the station for handy drop-offs. You’ll also find bike storage if you plan to bike to the station. If you’re looking for a last-minute gift or a bite to eat before you get on your train, there is a vast range of shopping, food, and drink options available at the station for your convenience. This includes Boots, WHSmith, M&S, Starbucks, Costa, Greggs, Oliver Bonas, and Pret.

Glasgow Central Station has step-free access to all platforms. For passengers travelling in First Class, the Avanti West Coast’s newly opened First Class Lounge offers a range of complimentary snacks and refreshments, as well as free Wi-Fi, comfy seats, and dedicated charging points. First Class ticket holders are welcome in the lounge up to two hours before their departure time, so it’s worth arriving early at the station to enjoy a first-class experience before you board the train.

Another option when travelling from Glasgow to London by train is to set off from Glasgow Queen Street station. This involves taking a shorter ScotRail train to Edinburgh (Waverley), followed by a longer LNER service to London King’s Cross. The total journey time takes between 5h 35m and 5h 55m. Located close to Glasgow Central, Glasgow Queen Street is a smaller station with a more limited range of amenities than its larger neighbouring station. You’ll find an M&S shop and a couple of coffee stands on the concourse.

What to expect on board your Glasgow to London train

If you’re travelling on Avanti West Coast from Glasgow Central to London Euston, you can enjoy completely free Wi-Fi for your entire journey, so you can relax and watch a film or catch up on some work to pass the time. Whichever class you choose, you can also order a range of food, snacks, and refreshments from your seat. For a little luxury, subject to availability, you can upgrade your standard ticket to Standard Premium for extra space and added comfort. You’ll get bigger seats with extra leg room, a guaranteed table, and plug sockets at every window seat. First Class travellers get an even bigger seat with extra legroom, a guaranteed table, and a dedicated member of staff to take care of them and serve them complimentary food and drinks during the journey.

If you’re travelling from Glasgow Queen Street to London Euston, the first, shorter train from Glasgow Queen Street to Edinburgh (Waverley) takes between 47 mins and 1h 20m on a ScotRail service. There are no catering facilities on board these trains. For the second, longer part of the journey, you’ll be travelling from Edinburgh (Waverley) to London King’s Cross with LNER. The average travel time for this part of the journey is 4h 30m and Wi-Fi is free for everyone throughout the journey. Electronic seat reservations to make it easier to find a free seat.

Travelling Standard Class? You can order a range of food, snacks, and refreshments directly from your seat from the on-board café bar. This includes everything from porridge and pizza to bacon rolls and curry nansters. Every seat has its own power socket, so you don’t need to worry about running out of charge.

First Class travellers can benefit from wider, reclining seats, generous legroom, and a complimentary food and drink service, comprising food and drinks – including alcoholic beverages – that are locally sourced from along the LNER route. Passengers will be served from the Dine, Dish, Deli, or Brunch menu depending on the time of day.  You can upgrade your ticket to First Class in advance, or subject to availability, you can upgrade onboard through the Train Manager on off-peak services for a set price of £35 or £45.

Glasgow to London Sleeper Train

For a unique way to travel between Glasgow and London, you could treat yourself to an overnight Caledonian Sleeper train ticket. You can enjoy a private room, save time by travelling while you sleep, and wake up in the heart of London ready for a day of exploring the city’s sites. These luxurious Caledonian Sleeper trains feature a Club Car, where guests staying in one of their rooms can unwind ahead of a busy day at their destination. It’s the perfect spot to either relax with a late-night drink, enjoy some fresh Scottish produce, or make use of the free on-board Wi-Fi. The swivel seats by the window are perfect for taking in the breathtaking views at sunset or sunrise.

How much does a train ticket from Glasgow to London cost?

Trip.com offers train tickets from Glasgow to London starting from as low as £27.90, though the average cost can range up to £80. Note that the final price can vary based on factors such as booking in advance, travelling during off-peak times, or utilising available discounts, such as a Railcard, if applicable. To ensure you get the most affordable fares, we suggest exploring alternatives like split tickets.

Arriving at London

For passengers arriving at London Euston Station, the railway station is connected to the London Underground's Northern Line and Victoria Line, offering passengers further convenient travel options across the capital city. Lift access is available to the Underground ticket hall, but the Underground station itself has only escalators and stairs. Buses are available from Euston bus station next to the railway station. All Transport for London buses are accessible by step-free access. The taxi rank is located at the front of the bus station, adjacent to Eversholt Street and Euston Road, in the former Euston Square Gardens East site directly in front of the station.

Visitors can easily access the British Museum, a world-renowned institution with fascinating exhibits covering everything from ancient history to art. The nearby West End is famous for its theatres, with iconic productions and musicals on offer. The surrounding area is filled with cafes, shops, and dining options, making it perfect for a quick stop before continuing your exploration of London.

For passengers arriving at London King’s Cross, the adjacent King's Cross St Pancras Underground station connects multiple underground lines, such as the Piccadilly, Victoria, Metropolitan, Northern (Bank branch), Circle, and Hammersmith & City lines, facilitating convenient travel within London. Buses are available from the bus stops in front of the station on Euston Rd and on York Way. 

The taxi rank is located next to the station on Pancras Rd. London King’s Cross station is also famous for its connection to the Harry Potter series, particularly the fictional Platform 9¾. Nearby attractions, including the British Library, Granary Square, and Regent's Canal, are all within walking distance, offering visitors a range of cultural, historical, and recreational experiences.

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.