Train or bus travel from Glasgow to Edinburgh

Train is the most suitable option.

Thanks for responding, JC. Would you elaborate, please? Is it timetable, comfort, ease of connection, price, travel time, something else?

Hi, rmgarcia,

I'd go for the train also. It's a much smoother ride, although it's a little bit more than the bus, cost wise. Plus there's generally more room for your luggage. Try to get an off peak fare, if you can. That's the fare outwith commuter hours (generally 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; and after 6:00 p.m.). Both the train and the bus run frequently - about once an hour, and often more frequently.

The nice thing about the trains between Glasgow and Edinburgh is that you can sit in the first class section without paying extra. (Not that there's much difference)

Queen Street train station and Buchanan Street bus station (Glasgow) are close by one another, if you decide to take the bus. A lot may depend on where your lodging is in Edinburgh, as most lodging is uphill from the train station, and downhill from the bus station.

best wishes,

Mike (Auchterless)

Thanks, Mike for this great bit of insight!

Oh, one other thing...should I buy in advance or can I purchase at the station? If online, which website is preferred?

Visit youtube and search for “trains in scotland”. You will find several clips that have walk around tours of the stations, real time rides between Edinburgh and Glasgow, and other interesting stuff.

https://youtu.be/wQovcOeXiB8
https://youtu.be/Kx9230lWJWo
https://youtu.be/ombF-fWSBKg
https://youtu.be/uXYWPtOT45A

Hi again, rmgarcia,

You don't need to buy your ticket in advance. Those trains run so frequently, and are never packed, that you can just go up to the ticket window at Queen Street station and purchase your ticket there. There will most likely be a ticket machine, but you'll be better off purchasing from an agent to avoid confusion. There are trains about every 15 or 20 minutes during the day, as they take different routes getting to Edinburgh. Some trains take about an hour; others take about 1 1/4 hours.

Your off-peak one way fare should be around 13 pounds.

Mike (Auchterless)

p.s.: Don't forget that you'll be leaving from Queen Street, and not Glasgow Central.

There are about 3 to 4 services per hour from Glasgow Central to Edinburgh - but roughly 10 trains every hour from Queen Street

Thank you all for the great info!