Glasgow Central to Edinburgh (Waverley) Trains From £12.10*

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.