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Glasgow Central to Edinburgh (Waverley) train ticket prices
For a train from Glasgow Central to Edinburgh (Waverley), Advance Tickets are available starting at £12.10*, with the average fare being £16.39. Find out about different ticket types and options by checking out our Advance Tickets, Off-Peak Train Tickets, Return Train Tickets, and Anytime Train Tickets. Explore more affordable choices in our UK cheap train ticket Guide!
Average
£16.39
From 21 Dec to 27 Dec
Cheapest
£12.10
On Mon 22 Dec
Glasgow Central to Edinburgh (Waverley) train times
From Glasgow Central to Edinburgh (Waverley), take the fastest train in 1 hour 1 minute, typically 1 hour 4 minutes. Daily, 40 trains depart from Glasgow Central, with the first at 07:41 and the last at 23:15. Check real-time updates for train times, delays, and cancellations. TrainPal saves you time, effort, and money.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
11:15 Glasgow Central | 1 hour 2 minutes, Direct | 12:17 Edinburgh (Waverley) | ScotRail | Find tickets |
11:45 Glasgow Central | 1 hour 2 minutes, Direct | 12:47 Edinburgh (Waverley) | ScotRail | Find tickets |
12:15 Glasgow Central | 1 hour 9 minutes, Direct | 13:24 Edinburgh (Waverley) | ScotRail | Find tickets |
12:16 Glasgow Central | 1 hour 38 minutes, Direct | 13:54 Edinburgh (Waverley) | ScotRail | Find tickets |
12:45 Glasgow Central | 1 hour 5 minutes, Direct | 13:50 Edinburgh (Waverley) | ScotRail | Find tickets |
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Glasgow Central to Edinburgh (Waverley) Train journey information
Plan your journey from Glasgow Central to Edinburgh (Waverley) with ease. Explore the first and last train times, departure and arrival stations, distance, journey time, and price options to make the most of your trip.
First train
07:41
Last train
23:15
Departure station
Arrival station
Journey time
1 hour 1 minute
Distance
42 miles (67km)
Price
From £12.10
Train operators
ScotRail: Glasgow Central to Edinburgh(Waverley) trains
A trip from Glasgow Central to Edinburgh(Waverley) should take around one and a half hours with ScotRail, travelling directly between the two cities.
As you travel, you’ll travel all the way from Glasgow city, across central Scotland, to reach Edinburgh – the Scottish capital.
ScotRail manages most rail services across Scotland. It links major Scottish cities such as Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, Aberdeen, and Inverness with smaller towns and villages, too. It also provides cross-border services to North England destinations, including places like Carlisle, Berwick-Upon-Tweed, and Newcastle.
Departing from Glasgow
Glasgow Central Station is situated on Gordon Street, between Hope Street and Union Street, in the heart of Glasgow’s city centre. Taxis are available opposite the station’s Gordon Street exit, and a public bus network operates nearby providing convenient access to the rest of the city.
Glasgow is the fourth most populated city in the UK—bigger than Edinburgh—so, consequently, its largest train station is gigantic. Glasgow Central is the third busiest railway station outside of London, behind Birmingham New Street and Manchester Piccadilly, where it ferried 25 million passengers between 2023 and 2024. It is the northern terminus of the West Coast Mainline.
Plenty of UK train operators run from this station because of its size and its handy geographical location at the top of the West Coast Mainline. These include CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express, ScotRail, and the Caledonian Sleeper.
Main stops
There are five stops from Glasgow Central to Edinburgh Waverley. They are: Motherwell, Wishaw, Carluke, Carstairs, and Haymarket. However, these may change due to scheduling or unpredictable factors like the weather. It’s best to check before you travel.
Adding a Railcard to your fare will net you a handy discount. But if you want to buy cheap train tickets, booking early on sites like TrainPal for an even better discount is also a good idea.
Arriving at Edinburgh Waverley
The Scottish capital’s primary train station, Edinburgh Waverley, is one of the most beautiful in the UK. Dating back to the 1840s, its Victorian design, mixed with modern amenities, makes for a wonderful place from which to depart.
It’s usefully connected to taxis outside of the station, plus trams and buses along Princes Street. An airport shuttle bus stops just outside the station.
The historic ‘old’ town has a medieval street layout and contains the city’s oldest structures. It includes well-known sites like Edinburgh Castle, St Giles’ Cathedral, and the National Museum of Scotland. The Royal Mile stretches from the castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, providing an excellent avenue for tourists to explore, enjoy local pubs, hop on a ghost tour, and immerse themselves in the city’s rich history.
On the other hand, while still featuring historical gems like The Georgian House, the ‘new’ town has plenty of modern shops, restaurants, pubs, cafes, and other places to explore.
ScotRail train classes
- Standard Class: Passengers benefit from complimentary Wi-Fi and convenient plug sockets for all devices.
- First Class: ScotRail offers a First Class ticket from Glasgow to Edinburgh. Every seat has a table, a dedicated charging station, and Wi-Fi.
ScotRail train travel advice
- Luggage: Maximum of three items of luggage. This goes up to two larger items and one smaller bag.
- Pets: Dogs, cats, and other small animals can travel for free. Dogs must be on a lead. Other animals must travel in carriers. There is a maximum of two pets per passenger.
- Bicycles: Reservations are highly recommended, as each train has only two cycle spaces. To avoid disappointment, it’s best to book early.
- Children:Offer allows children aged 5 to 15 to travel for £1 each when accompanied by an adult. Children under five can travel for free.
- Passenger Assist: Boarding and alighting assistance, luggage carrying, and support for station issues ensure a smooth and successful trip.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.
Glasgow Central to Edinburgh (Waverley) train travel guide
Travelling by train from Glasgow Central to Edinburgh (Waverley) is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from Glasgow Central, you can reach Edinburgh (Waverley) in just 1 hour 1 minute, making it one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between these two places.
Planning and booking
1. How can I save money on Glasgow Central to Edinburgh (Waverley) train tickets?
To find discounted train tickets, use Railcards, book in advance, and travel off-peak. Group travel with friends or family can also save money. Frequent travellers should consider Season Tickets. TrainPal offers cheaper options through split tickets and discount codes. Learn more about buying cheap train tickets in the UK.
2. How do I find the best train route from Glasgow Central to Edinburgh (Waverley)?
Use TrainPal Train Journey Planner to enter your departure and destination points for routes, schedules, and prices. Compare Glasgow Central to Edinburgh (Waverley) train prices for the best deals and book in advance for discounts. The TrainPal app offers real-time updates and ticket booking options. Explore the TrainPal app and start planning your journey!
3. What is the fastest train from Glasgow Central to Edinburgh (Waverley)?
The quickest train journey from Glasgow Central to Edinburgh (Waverley) takes 1 hour 1 minute . Utilise our Train Journey Planner to locate direct trains, minimise transfers, and compare travel times across various routes. Discover the most efficient way to travel with fewer stops for a smooth and seamless journey.
4. Are there direct trains from Glasgow Central to Edinburgh (Waverley)?
No, you will need to transfer when travelling from Glasgow Central to Edinburgh (Waverley). TrainPal Train Journey Planner will assist you in finding the best train route. Enter the origin or destination places and other relevant details, then click "Search" to find the most suitable route.
Check timetables and during the journey
1. Are Glasgow Central to Edinburgh (Waverley) trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
Glasgow Central to Edinburgh (Waverley) trains are generally punctual, but delays or disruptions can happen due to weather, strikes, and other factors. With Train Journey Planner, finding a train timetable for your trip is simple. Enter your departure and arrival stations to view a detailed schedule of available trains. Provide your travel details to find the best routes, connections, and train times.
2. How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
Typically, you should plan to arrive at the station 15-20 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart. However, the size of the station and your familiarity with it can affect this timing. For larger or less familiar stations, leaving home earlier can help reduce stress and ensure a more relaxed journey.
3. Do Glasgow Central to Edinburgh (Waverley) trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the route from Glasgow Central to Edinburgh (Waverley) are equipped with Wi-Fi. Passengers can also enjoy complimentary food, drinks, and power sockets for a more comfortable journey. Please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train company
4. How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?
Check our Train Journey Planner, which provides detailed information about transfers to ensure your journey is uninterrupted, saving you time and effort, and allowing you to get a full rest for travelling.
Other things you might be interested
1. Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?
Yes, in the UK, students and seniors have access to various discount options. The 16-25 Railcard allows students to save up to 1/3 on most train tickets. Similarly, those aged 60 and above can use the Senior Railcard to enjoy comparable savings. Both types of Railcards are available for purchase online or at train stations and are valid for one year, making them a valuable option for frequent travellers.
2. Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?
In the UK, the refund and exchange policies for train tickets vary depending on the type of ticket purchased. Advance Tickets are usually non-refundable but can sometimes be exchanged for a fee. Anytime Train Tickets and Off-Peak train tickets offer more generous refund and exchange options. Always check the terms and conditions of your ticket or visit UK train ticket types for specific details.
3. How do I check train delays and cancellations in the UK?
Get easy and quick access to live updates and notifications via the TrainPal app. If your phone is enabled to receive messages from us, you'll receive notifications about train cancellations on your screen as soon as you pick up your phone
Save 1/3 with Railcards† from Glasgow Central to Edinburgh (Waverley)
Family & Friends Railcard
£10.93
With Family & Friends Railcard
£16.39
Without
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* Prices are dynamic and subject to change. Ticket prices vary based on time of day, route, and class. This pricing does not apply to discounted Split tickets and Railcards.
* By combining Advance Ticket offers with split tickets, you’ll get lower fares when you book at least one week before travel (excluding Anytime fares bought on the day of travel). Availability depends on the specific route and cannot be combined with other promotions.
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