Edinburgh (Waverley) to Glasgow Queen Street Trains From £16.60*

Connecting Scotland’s capital with its largest city in around 50 minutes on the fastest services, ScotRail operates frequent direct trains between Edinburgh Waverley and Glasgow Queen Street. Running along the electrified Edinburgh–Glasgow main line, these modern services provide a quick and comfortable way to travel between the two cities.

What amenities are there in ScotRail Standard Class?

Standard Class on ScotRail services offers free Wi-Fi, power sockets at every seat pair and spacious seating, making it easy to stay connected or relax during the journey. Trains also include accessible toilets and dedicated wheelchair spaces, ensuring a comfortable experience for all passengers.

Is ScotRail First Class worth it?

ScotRail’s First Class service provides a quieter and more spacious environment, with reclining seats, extra legroom and convenient charging points for devices. On some services, passengers can also enjoy complimentary drinks and light refreshments, making it a comfortable upgrade for the short intercity trip between Edinburgh and Glasgow.

How much ScotRail luggage space is there?

There’s ample room for stowing luggage, with passengers able to bring up to three items onboard free of charge. Bags can be stored in overhead racks, beneath seats or in designated luggage areas within each carriage.

Is there food and drink on ScotRail trains?

While catering isn’t available on every train, some ScotRail trains do offer a trolley service selling drinks and light snacks. Many passengers choose to pick up food before boarding, and both Edinburgh Waverley and Glasgow Queen Street have cafés and shops for refreshments.

Travelling the 45 miles between Scotland’s two largest cities is straightforward once you know a few station essentials. Here’s how to make your journey from Edinburgh Waverley to Glasgow Queen Street go smoothly.

Edinburgh Waverley: Getting to the Platform

With entrances on Princes Street, Waverley Bridge and Market Street, Edinburgh Waverley railway station sits in the heart of the city centre right between the Old Town and New Town. Buses stop on nearby Princes Street, while taxi ranks are located right outside the station on Market Street.

• The Platform Tip: Trains to Glasgow Queen Street railway station usually depart from the west-facing platforms (platforms 12-18) at the western end of the station. These platforms sit beneath the main train shed and are reached from the central concourse via ramps, lifts and stairways. Do check the departure boards before heading to the platform; however, as platforms can change.
• Pre-Departure: The main concourse has a wide selection of cafés, convenience stores and takeaway food outlets if you want to grab a coffee or snack before boarding. The station also offers free Wi-Fi and waiting areas, and all platforms have step-free access via lifts and ramps.

Onboard trains from Edinburgh Waverley to Glasgow Queen Street

Once you’ve boarded your ScotRail train, the journey west crosses the heart of Scotland’s Central Belt, linking historic towns between the country’s two largest cities.

• The View Alert: For the best scenery, try to sit on the left-hand side of the train as you journey west. After leaving Edinburgh, the line quickly opens out into the West Lothian countryside with wide views across farmland and hills.
• Key Landmarks: Soon after departing Edinburgh, your train will pass through Linlithgow, where the ruins of Linlithgow Palace, birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots, stand beside Linlithgow Loch. The route then continues through Falkirk, where you can see landmarks such as the Falkirk Wheel and the Kelpies sculptures at Helix Park, before the final stretch through Croy and into central Glasgow.

Arriving at Glasgow Queen Street

Glasgow Queen Street sits right beside George Square in the heart of the city centre. Recently redeveloped with a spacious modern concourse, the station is compact and easy to navigate, with platforms arranged across both high-level and low-level sections.

• The George Square Exit: Follow signs for the main entrance on North Hanover Street if you’re heading to George Square, Glasgow’s historic civic centre. From here it’s just a short walk to the shops of Buchanan Street and many of the city’s main attractions.
• The Cathedral Street Side: The northern side of the station provides access towards Glasgow’s business district and the nearby streets around Cathedral Street.
• Onward Travel: The Glasgow Subway is about a five-minute walk away at Buchanan Street station, while buses and taxis can be found nearby around George Square. Airport buses for Glasgow Airport also depart from West George Street.