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Glasgow to Edinburgh from $3: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Glasgow, United Kingdom
to
Edinburgh, United Kingdom

How to Get from Glasgow to Edinburgh: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$3 RideshareBest price
68.4 kmDistance
50m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Glasgow to Edinburgh with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
First ScotRail Service, Caledonian Sleeper
Train
Average Duration
50m
Estimated price
$17-95
Recommended
Company
Various
Rideshare
Average Duration
1h  16m
Estimated price
$3-9
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 68.4 km
Duration: 50m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
Megabus UK
Bus
Average Duration
1h  23m
Estimated price
$9-13
Company
Various
Drive
Average Duration
52m
Estimated price
$15-22
Company
Various
Taxi
Average Duration
52m
Estimated price
$150-190

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 06/01Tu 07/01We 08/01Th 09/01Fr 10/01Sa 11/01Su 12/01
Bus $6 $6 $5 $6 $7 $6 $6
Train $21 $21 $21 $19 $21 $21 $17
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Traveling From Glasgow to Edinburgh

The journey from Glasgow to Edinburgh offers a striking contrast between Glasgow's vibrant urban culture and Edinburgh's historic charm, providing travelers with a delightful exploration of two distinct Scottish identities.

Best Neighbourhoods in Edinburgh

Edinburgh boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with its own character and charm.

Old Town
• Rich in history with medieval architecture
• Home to the iconic Edinburgh Castle
New Town
• Features Georgian architecture and elegant streets
• Known for upscale shopping and dining experiences
Leith
• Vibrant waterfront with eclectic restaurants
• Offers stunning views of the Firth of Forth

Best Times To Visit Edinburgh's Attractions

Timing your visits can significantly enhance your experience in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Castle
Visit early in the morning to avoid long queues and enjoy quieter views.
Royal Mile
Explore in the late afternoon when shops are less crowded and street performers abound.
Arthur's Seat
Hike early in the evening for stunning sunset views and fewer hikers.

Edinburgh Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Edinburgh experiences a temperate maritime climate, characterized by mild summers and cool winters, making spring and early autumn the best times to visit for comfortable temperatures. Weather can be changeable, so being prepared for rain and varying conditions can greatly enhance your travel experience.

Dining Recommendation in Edinburgh

A must-try dish in Edinburgh is haggis, especially when enjoyed at The Whiski Rooms, where the atmosphere reflects the city's rich heritage. This contrasts with Glasgow's vibrant food scene by incorporating traditional Scottish ingredients and flavors that celebrate the local culture in a more intimate setting.

Glasgow - Edinburgh operators

Explore transport companies operating between Glasgow and Edinburgh, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+44 344 811 0141
Website
https://www.scotrail.co.uk/

Train from Glasgow Queen Street to Edinburgh

Average Duration
50m
Estimated price
$17-40
Website
https://sleeper.scot

Train from Glasgow Queen Street Low Level to Edinburgh

Average Duration
55m
Estimated price
$75-95
Bus Show bus routes
Website
https://uk.megabus.com

Bus from Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station to Edinburgh Bus Station

Average Duration
1h 23m
Estimated price
$11-16
Contact phone
+49 30 300 137 300
Website
https://www.flixbus.co.uk

Bus from Glasgow to Edinburgh Bus Station

Average Duration
1h 10m
Estimated price
$9-13
all-pages.other Show other routes
Contact phone
+3 318 576 2228
Website
https://blablacar.co.uk

Other from Glasgow to Edinburgh

Average Duration
1h 16m
Estimated price
$3-9
Taxi

Taxi from Glasgow to Edinburgh

Average Duration
52m
Estimated price
$150-190

Glasgow to Edinburgh: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Glasgow and Edinburgh offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a scenic journey from Glasgow to Edinburgh by car, covering a distance of 74.0 km in just under 1 hour. 💷 Explore flexible pricing options ranging from £12 to £17 for a comfortable ride from Glasgow to Edinburgh. 🚗 Consider using Blablacar's carpooling service for a cost-effective and eco-friendly travel option between Glasgow and Edinburgh. Share the ride with locals or fellow travelers, making new connections and reducing your carbon footprint on this exciting journey across Scotland.
Average price
£12 - £17
Useful tips for car travellers
• On your drive from Glasgow to Edinburgh, fuel up at gas stations along the M8, where prices hover around £1.55 per liter; common stations include BP and ESSO.
• As you arrive in Edinburgh, be aware of the restricted traffic zones, particularly in the city center, where the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) operates; parking rates can range from £2 to £4 per hour, so consider utilizing Park and Ride facilities on the outskirts for better value.
• Navigation can be tricky near Edinburgh's busy roads; using Google Maps or Waze will provide real-time traffic updates, but remember to keep an eye out for the variable speed limits on the M8 and city roads, which often change based on traffic conditions.
🚆 Traveling from Glasgow to Edinburgh by train is a convenient and efficient way to explore two of Scotland's major cities. The direct train service departs from Glasgow Queen Street station and arrives at Edinburgh, with trains running every 20 minutes throughout the day. 🌆 The journey between Glasgow and Edinburgh by train takes approximately 50 minutes, offering passengers a comfortable and scenic ride through the Scottish countryside. First ScotRail Service operates these train services, providing a reliable and enjoyable travel experience for passengers. 💷 The prices for train tickets between Glasgow and Edinburgh can vary from £13 to £75, offering travelers flexibility in choosing a fare that suits their budget and travel preferences.
Departure Point
Glasgow Queen Street station
Arrival Point
Edinburgh station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services on the train from Glasgow to Edinburgh may vary by operator, but you can expect catering options like snack boxes, hot drinks, and sometimes light meals in First Class. For example, Avanti West Coast offers a menu with a variety of food and drink selections, including vegetarian options. Check your specific operator's website for the most current offerings.
• For seating options, both Avanti West Coast and ScotRail operate services on this route, offering Economy, First Class, and First Class+ seating arrangements. If you opt for First Class, you'll enjoy more spacious seats and complimentary refreshments. Economy Class is more budget-friendly and still comfortable for the short journey. For more details on seat selection, visit their respective websites: Avanti West Coast (avantiwestcoast.co.uk) and ScotRail (scotrail.co.uk).
• Upon arriving at Edinburgh Waverley Station, you can easily navigate the station with clear signage leading to exits and transport links. There are luggage storage services available near the Waverley Bridge entrance, which can be useful if you'd like to explore the city without your bags. Additionally, the station has restrooms, though showers are not available. You can check the station layout at (edinburgh.gov.uk). For the fastest route to the city center, take Lothian Bus Number 35 or Tram Line 1 directly into the heart of the city.
🚌 Hop on a direct bus from Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station to Edinburgh Bus Station, departing hourly and taking approximately 1 hour 23 minutes to reach your destination with Megabus UK. 🛣️ Covering a distance of 66.8 km, the journey from Glasgow to Edinburgh by bus offers a convenient and budget-friendly option with ticket prices ranging from £7 to £10. The reliable Megabus service ensures a comfortable ride between the two Scottish cities.
Departure Point
Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station
Arrival Point
Edinburgh Bus Station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Purchase your tickets online through Megabus at tickets.uk.megabus.com to get the best rates and ensure availability on your bus trip from Glasgow to Edinburgh.
• Arrive at Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station at least 15 minutes before departure; this is a busy terminal with various bus operators including Citylink, so checking the departure board for the correct platform is crucial.
• Upon arriving at Edinburgh Bus Station, familiarize yourself with the layout; the station has excellent signage, and if you are looking for public transport options like trams or buses to the city center, head to the lower level exit and follow the 'Transport' signs.

Trips from Glasgow

Trips to Edinburgh