Glasgow Central to Edinburgh (Waverley) Trains From £8.10*

First Class vs Standard — What to choose?

ScotRail offers two main classes of service on this route, each designed for different travel needs and budgets.

• First Class provides a premium experience with extra legroom, wider seats (typically arranged 2+1), at-seat tables, outlets at every seat, and free Wi-Fi on selected services. On long-distance services, complimentary refreshments are included (hot drinks and snacks where catering is available). The carriage is quieter and more exclusive.

• Standard Class offers excellent value for money with comfortable seating, outlets, free Wi-Fi on selected services, luggage racks, bike storage, and toilets. All the essential amenities are available on a budget fare.

What is the luggage allowance?

Passengers can bring up to two large pieces of luggage plus one smaller carry-on bag (such as a rucksack or laptop bag) without additional charge. There is ample luggage storage space throughout the train, including overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and designated storage under seats. Bicycles (non-folding) can be brought on board on most services without reservation.

What happens if my train is delayed?

ScotRail has a Delay Repay compensation scheme that reimburses passengers if trains arrive late at their destination. If your train arrives 30 minutes or more late, you are entitled to compensation. You can claim within 28 days of the delay through ScotRail's online portal, mobile app, or by completing a paper form available at staffed stations. Claims are typically processed within a few days, making it a straightforward process.

Travel east from Glasgow Central through the industrial heartland of Lanarkshire. This connection links Scotland's two largest cities and their major business, cultural, and educational hubs, making it an important regional corridor in the country.

Glasgow Central: Getting to the Platform

Glasgow Central Station is located on Gordon Street in the heart of Glasgow city centre, close to the shopping street of Buchanan Street. It is easily reachable by bus ( Glasgow's main bus hub, Buchanan Bus Station, is located a short walk away) or underground at the nearby stop St Enoch.

Long-distance services to Edinburgh Waverley typically depart from High Level Platforms 1–15. Step-free access to all platforms is available, and passengers can access the platforms via stairs, escalators, or lifts depending on location

Onboard trains from Glasgow Central to Edinburgh (Waverley)

Work comfortably or relax while watching the landscape transition from Glasgow's industrial heartland into the rolling farmland and gentle hills of the Central Belt in Midlothian 

As the train travels south and then east through Lanarkshire, the landscape shifts from Glasgow's urban scenery toward the more pastoral countryside as the line approaches Carstairs. To catch the best views, sit on the right-hand side of the train as it heads toward Edinburgh.

As the train approaches Edinburgh, look out for the landscape gradually changing as you move toward the Scottish capital, with views of the rolling hills and valleys of Midlothian becoming visible. Just before arriving at Edinburgh Waverley, passengers catch their first glimpse of the city's iconic Arthur's Seat, the ancient extinct volcano that towers over Edinburgh's east side.

Arriving at Edinburgh Waverley 

Edinburgh Waverley is tucked in a valley between the historic Old Town and the Georgian New Town. It can be a maze of ramps and lifts, so picking the right exit is key.

• The Princes Street Exit: Head this way (via the northern ramps) for high-street shopping, the Edinburgh Tram link to the airport, and easy access to the New Town.
• The Market Street Exit: Use the southern exit if you are heading to the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, or the university. This exit is flatter but leads directly into the heart of the historic Old Town.
• Onward Travel: For a taxi, follow signs to the Market Street taxi rank. If you are travelling light, the city centre is entirely accessible on foot—just be prepared for Edinburgh’s famous hills!

Onward Travel

• The vast majority of buses run through the city center along Princes Street and stop near Waverley Bridge –  a short walk to Waverley station.

• Edinburgh Tram stop can be found just outside the station entrance. The tram route runs from Edinburgh Airport to York Place in the City Centre.

• The nearest taxi ranks can be found on Market Street and Waverley Bridge, very near the station.

• The daily, frequent 'Airlink 100' express shuttle bus operates between Waverley and Edinburgh Airport, with at least 2 departures per hour.  

Walkability

Edinburgh Waverley is incredibly well-positioned to reach the city’s main attraction by walk. Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile are 10 minutes away, while the shopping street of Princess Street is right outside Waverley Station. The Meadows Park is about 15-20 minutes away and Leith is 20-30 minutes downhill.