Edinburgh to Glasgow Trains From £12.60*

When choosing between the main operators on Edinburgh to Glasgow routes, the best choice for you will depend on whether you most value flexibility, affordability or service. 

• ScotRail: A highly frequent service – choose this if you prioritise flexibility. Operates on a ‘turn-up-and-go’ basis. No advance discounts or seat reservations. Choice of trains to Glasgow Queen Street (the faster route) or Glasgow Central.
• Lumo: Best option for budget-conscious travellers. One direct service a day. Cheapest fares for advance booking. Single-class service.
• CrossCountry: Choose for First Class service, spacious luggage racks and a trolley service. Limited departures, but Advance tickets are often cheaper on ScotRail.

Getting the train from Edinburgh to Glasgow can present some challenges for new visitors: from the scale of Edinburgh Waverley to the different routes to choose from, it can seem daunting. Luckily, our tips will have you fully prepared before travelling, so you can be on your way without a hitch.

Edinburgh Waverley station: Getting to the platform

• Glasgow Queen Street: Typically depart from the west-facing platforms 12-16. These are located directly off the main central concourse behind the ticket barriers. These platforms are just a quick 1–3 minute walk from the main shopping area.

• Glasgow Central: Often depart from platform 9W, or occasionally 11 or 19. If you enter from street level (Market Street or Princes street), there is a dedicated lift and stairs to take you directly to Platform 9. 9W (west) is the section to your right.

• Platform 1: Trains to Glasgow Queen Street always depart from Platform 1, the Westbound Platform.
• Food options: Food options at the station are limited, with a small kiosk and vending machines doing most of the heavy lifting. However, there are plenty of nearby cafes and shops in the business park – such as Patina Bakery – and in the Gyle Shopping Centre.

Onboard trains from Edinburgh to Glasgow

Your onboard experience will vary greatly depending on which route you are taking. There are four routes from Edinburgh to Glasgow: via Falkirk High, via Bathgate/Airdrie, via Shotts and via Motherwell.

• The Falkirk route is the most scenic, as well as being the fastest route. If you sit on the right, you can see Linlithgow Palace as you pass through Linlithgow. You may also get views of the Ochil Hills and the Highlands on clear days.
• The Bathgate/Airdrie route is more suburban, but sitting on the right will offer you views of the Glasgow skyline as you approach the city.
• The Shotts route travels through industrial heartlands and offers rural views of moorland. If you sit on the left, you might catch glimpses of the Pentland Hills as you leave Edinburgh.
• The landscape is largely functional on the Motherwell route, but the left-hand side will give you more varied views of the rolling countryside before hitting industrial hubs.

Arrival at Glasgow Queen Street

Glasgow Queen Street station is quite compact, making it easy to navigate. The station is split into two areas: the high level and the low level. You will most likely arrive on the high level, but if your train pulls into the low level, you will need to take a lift or stairs to reach the main concourse and exits.

There are three exits at Glasgow Queen Street: 

• George Square Exit: This is the main exit, and is best for reaching the City Chambers, the Gallery of Modern Art or for accessing the taxi rank, which is just outside to the left.
• Dundas Street Exit: This exit is on the right side, near the M&S Simply Food. This is best for heading to the Buchanan Street shopping district and the Glasgow Subway. You’ll find a direct moving walkway to take you to the Buchanan Street Subway Station.
• North Hanover Street Exit: This exit is on the left side, and offers access to the University of Strathclyde and the Buchanan Bus Station.

• Gordon Street Exit: The main exit, which leads right to the city’s main shopping district and George Square.
• Hope Street Exit: On the west of the station, provides most direct access to pickup points and local bus stops.
• Union Street Exit: Found on the east side, take this exit to get to the Union Street taxi rank and Argyle Street shopping.