Glasgow to Edinburgh: Train Time by ScotRail, or the Slower Bus

Glasgow to Edinburgh takes about 50 minutes by direct ScotRail train, running up to every 15 minutes from Glasgow Queen Street to Edinburgh Waverley, city centre to city centre. It is the fastest and simplest way between Scotland's two big cities, with cheap off-peak day returns. FlixBus and Megabus coaches take around 1h15 for a little less. The hop is far too short to fly. Here is how the times and fares compare.

Arriving from the south first? Read our London to Edinburgh train guide. Stringing several train legs together? Read our Eurail Pass Calculator: pass vs individual tickets.

Fastest	ScotRail, about 50 minutes, up to every 15 minutes
Frequency	Up to 4 trains an hour, direct
Cheapest	Advance coach fare, or a cheap off-peak train return
Route	Glasgow Queen Street to Edinburgh Waverley, about 67 km

Mode	Departures/day	First-last departure	Fastest	Typical fare	Top operators
Train	11	08:00-15:10	47m	USD 25	ScotRail
Bus	362	01:00-23:10	56m	USD 6-16	FlixBus, Scottish Citylink, Megabus
Flight	2	12:00-21:25	50m	USD 118-320	Aer Lingus, Jet2
Prices checked September 24, 2026 from 16426 scheduled departures.

Mode	Operator	Duration	Approx fare	Overnight
Train	ScotRail Direct, up to every 15 minutes, Glasgow Queen Street to Edinburgh Waverley. Off-peak day returns are cheap. Free WiFi and power sockets.	about 50 minutes	from GBP 15 off-peak	No	Check on 12Go →
Bus	FlixBus / Megabus / Citylink coach Slower than the train but often the lowest fare when booked ahead, with frequent daily departures.	about 1h15	from GBP 6 advance	No	Check on 12Go →

Fares are approximate and shown for comparison. Confirm live prices and times on 12Go before booking.

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How long is the train from Glasgow to Edinburgh?

About 50 minutes on the fastest direct ScotRail services, running up to every 15 minutes from Glasgow Queen Street to Edinburgh Waverley, city centre to city centre.

What is the Glasgow to Edinburgh train time?

The fastest ScotRail trains cover Glasgow to Edinburgh in around 50 minutes, with up to four departures an hour on the main line, so you rarely wait long.

How much is the train from Glasgow to Edinburgh?

Off-peak day returns are cheap, from about GBP 15, and advance singles can be less. Buses can undercut the train from about GBP 6 if you book ahead.

Is there a direct train from Glasgow to Edinburgh?

Yes. ScotRail runs frequent direct trains with no change from Glasgow Queen Street to Edinburgh Waverley, up to every 15 minutes throughout the day.

What is the best way to get from Glasgow to Edinburgh?

The ScotRail train is the best all-round option: direct, about 50 minutes, up to every 15 minutes, centre to centre. Coaches take around 1h15 and are only worth it for a cheap advance fare.

Hotel options and prices come from Agoda and update at booking time; sample data shown if live pricing is unavailable. Transport fares are estimates, confirmed on 12Go.