We are flying round-trip to Edinburgh for our 13 days Scotland tour. Is it necessary to book the bus to Glasgow in advance, or is it pretty easy to just get on the bus and pay? Also can you pay as you get on the bus with the tap? Any help is appreciated.
I have used a couple if City link buses recently ,I just turned up and the buses took cash but near everyone else paid contactlessly
I have always taken the train between Edinburgh and Glasgow - nicer than buses. You don’t need to book in advance.
But why would you go to the trouble of going into Edinburgh to take the train, when you could take the CityLink coach direct to Glasgow from the airport ? It saves a transit segment, and probably at least two hours' travel time !
The train is more comfortable, indeed, but it's not the best option for every journey.
As to OP's question, the buses take contactless payment.
As Kim said, if you are just arriving at the airport in Edinburgh and going directly to Glasgow, take the bus from the airport. If you have already spent some time in Edinburgh and thus in town, consider the train.
Scotland is great for tap and pay. Although in July, I did have a ticket purchased ahead of time, plenty of people paid on the bus (well, plenty as in some - the bus was not at all crowded. But that is a one-time sample size.).
Thanks for the information. I just wanted to make sure I didn’t have to secure space ahead of time. I hate having to make that commitment especially if the plane is delayed.