Trains to Glasgow

Looking to travel to Glasgow by train? Here’s everything you need to know.

• Why Choose Train Travel? Save up to 60% with advance booking, enjoy scenic views, travel eco-friendly, and explore multiple stops with ease.
• Key Stations: Glasgow Central (routes to London, Manchester, Liverpool) and Queen Street (Central Belt and Highlands).
• Popular Routes: London–Glasgow in 4h 31m via Avanti West Coast; Edinburgh–Glasgow with 121+ daily ScotRail trains.
• Ticket Tips: Book 12 weeks early, travel off-peak, or use Railcards for discounts.
• Day Trips: Loch Lomond, Edinburgh, and Stirling are just a short train ride away.
• Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, food services, and luggage assistance are available on most trains.

Quick Comparison of Major Routes

Whether you’re traveling for leisure or business, Glasgow’s rail connections make it a top destination. Read on for more details about stations, ticket options, and travel tips.

How to Take Trains in England, Scotland & Wales

Glasgow’s Main Train Stations

Glasgow’s rail network is anchored by two major stations: Central Station, which handles routes to the south and beyond, and Queen Street Station, focused on the Central Belt and Highlands. Both stations cater to a wide range of travelers and routes.

Glasgow Central Station Guide

As Scotland’s busiest station, Glasgow Central operates from 4:00 AM to 12:30 AM Monday through Saturday, and from 7:00 AM to 12:30 AM on Sundays ^[3]. This iconic station is a hub for various services:

Central Station offers plenty of amenities, including ticket offices, self-service machines, left luggage, free Wi‑Fi, showers (available for $6.30), water fountains, step-free access via Gordon and Hope Streets and the low-level station, a taxi rank, and parking facilities.

Glasgow Queen Street Station Guide

Queen Street Station, the third-busiest in Scotland ^[4], has been modernized to improve its services and platform accessibility. It serves key routes, including:

• High-level services on the Edinburgh–via–Falkirk line.
• Low-level North Clyde line routes.
• Highland destinations like Oban, Fort William, Mallaig, Inverness, and Aberdeen ^[2].

Travelers can transfer between Central and Queen Street stations by walking (about 15 minutes), taking bus 398 (6–10 minutes), or using the dedicated inter-station bus, which also stops at Buchanan Bus Station.

Getting to Glasgow by Train

Glasgow is well-connected by rail, making it simple to travel from various parts of the UK and Europe. Both Glasgow Central and Queen Street stations are served by multiple train operators, offering frequent and reliable services.

London to Glasgow Trains

Avanti West Coast runs high-speed trains between London Euston and Glasgow Central, making it one of the quickest ways to travel between the two cities. These trains can reach speeds of up to 125 mph, completing the journey in about 4 hours and 31 minutes ^[5]. Depending on the day, there can be as many as 46 daily departures, offering plenty of flexibility for travelers.

Edinburgh to Glasgow Trains

ScotRail provides frequent service between Edinburgh and Glasgow, Scotland’s two largest cities. With 121 to 129 trains running daily, travelers can choose from multiple routes departing from Edinburgh Waverley or Haymarket to either Glasgow Queen Street or Central stations.

UK City Connections

Cities like Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, and Preston have regular train services to Glasgow Central. For international visitors, traveling through London offers a seamless way to reach Glasgow, thanks to easy connections.

European Travel via London

For European travelers, reaching Glasgow via London is straightforward. The journey typically involves three steps:

1. Eurostar to London
   Board a Eurostar train from Paris, Brussels, or Amsterdam to London St Pancras International.
2. London Connection
   Transfer from St Pancras to London Euston for direct trains to Glasgow.
3. Final Leg
   Take an Avanti West Coast train to Glasgow Central. Advance tickets for this segment start at $48.24.

For those traveling on a budget, midweek off-peak tickets from London to Glasgow are available starting at $43 ^[6].

How to Buy Train Tickets

Getting train tickets to Glasgow is simple, thanks to several reliable booking platforms.

Booking Websites

Here are some top choices for purchasing train tickets:

• Trainline: A popular platform that compares fares from various operators, provides real-time updates, and offers mobile tickets ^[7].
• ScotRail: The official site for Scotland’s rail services, perfect for planning trips like Edinburgh to Glasgow ^[8].
• Avanti West Coast: Best for direct routes between London and Glasgow ^[9].

Tips to Save Money

Want to save on your train fare? Try these tips:

• Book your tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of your travel date.
• Travel during off-peak hours or mid-week to find lower fares ^[10].
• If you’re traveling in a group of 3–9 people, check out GroupSave discounts available on many routes ^[10].
• Consider getting a Railcard for regular travel – it offers discounts on most fares.

Ticket Options

Here are the main types of train tickets and what you need to know about each:

• Advance Tickets: These are usually the cheapest but must be booked early. They are non-refundable and tied to a specific train.
• Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak Tickets: Great for flexible scheduling during quieter travel times. These tickets often allow partial refunds.
• Anytime Tickets: The most flexible option, valid on any train, but they come with a higher price tag and are fully refundable.

For international travelers planning to visit multiple cities across the UK, the Interrail Pass might be worth considering. It allows unlimited train travel and can be a cost-effective choice for long trips.

If your train is delayed by more than 15 minutes, don’t forget about the Delay Repay scheme. Most major operators serving Glasgow participate, so you may be eligible for a refund ^[10]. This ensures you have some peace of mind while traveling.

Travel Information

Baggage Rules and Access

If you’re traveling to Glasgow by train, you can bring up to three pieces of personal luggage at no extra cost. This includes two larger items and one piece of hand luggage ^[11]. However, if any item exceeds 39 inches (1 meter) in any dimension, additional charges may apply ^[12].

For extra luggage, ScotRail charges half the adult fare per item, with a maximum fee of $6 (£5) for single journeys or $12 (£10) for return trips ^[11]. The same pricing applies to domestic pets (up to two per passenger), as long as they are either on a lead or inside a travel cage ^[11].

Need help with your luggage? The Passenger Assist service is available free of charge for disabled, elderly, or less mobile travelers. You can request this service in advance through your train operator or at the station on the day of travel ^[12].

Train Facilities

Once your luggage is sorted, take advantage of the modern amenities available on trains to Glasgow. Here’s a quick comparison of services offered by Avanti West Coast and ScotRail:

Please note, alcohol consumption is prohibited on ScotRail services ^[13]. If you’re booking with Avanti West Coast, consider using their seat picker tool to secure a seat with a table and a plug socket ^[14].

Glasgow Public Transport

After your train journey, Glasgow’s public transport system makes getting around the city simple and efficient. The Glasgow Subway runs every 4 minutes during peak times and completes a full circuit of its 15 stations in just 24 minutes ^[15].

For buses, First Bus Glasgow operates over 80 routes across the city, with a mobile app available to help plan your trips ^[15].

• Fares: Glasgow Airport Express costs $10.50/£8.50 for adults and $5.50/£4.50 for children. A single subway journey is under $2.50/£2 ^[16].

If you’re staying longer, consider a Subway Smartcard for better rates. For unlimited daily travel on both ScotRail and Subway services, the Roundabout ticket covers over 110 stations across Greater Glasgow ^[15].

For taxis, look for a yellow light to indicate availability, or book ahead by phone for added convenience ^[15].

Day Trips from Glasgow

Loch Lomond Trips

Looking to escape the city for a day? Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is just the ticket. From Glasgow Queen Street Station, you can hop on a train to several destinations offering outdoor adventures. Arrochar and Tarbet are perfect for hiking in the Arrochar Alps or enjoying scenic loch cruises. Ardlui, on the other hand, gives you access to the northern part of the loch and its trails ^[17].

For families, Balloch is a fantastic option. Just 45 minutes by train, it’s home to Loch Lomond Shores and the SEALIFE Loch Lomond Aquarium ^[17]. From there, you can take a waterbus to explore the loch’s many attractions. If cycling is your thing, a 17-mile (28-km) path connects Arrochar, Tarbet, and Balloch.

Visiting Edinburgh

Prefer a city adventure? Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, is just a short train ride away. Trains run frequently from Glasgow Central and Queen Street stations to Edinburgh Waverley, with the trip taking about 45 minutes. With around 234 daily departures, you’ll have plenty of options ^[18]. Plan ahead to snag tickets starting at $23 ^[18].

Edinburgh offers a mix of history, culture, and vibrant city life, making it an exciting day-trip destination from Glasgow.

More Nearby Places

If you want to explore even more, consider Stirling or Ayr, both easily reachable by train. For breathtaking views, head to Balmaha via Balloch, where you can hike up Conic Hill. This journey combines train and bus travel, making it a hassle-free day trip for nature lovers. The West Highland Line also offers some of the most scenic train rides in the region, perfect for soaking up the Scottish landscape.

Summary

Traveling to Glasgow by train offers quick and comfortable access through its two main stations, both well-connected to UK and international rail networks. High-speed trains from London are operated by Avanti West Coast, while the Caledonian Sleeper provides overnight travel options ^[5].

If you’re looking to save money, planning ahead is key. Booking tickets 10–12 weeks in advance can cut costs by up to 70% ^[22]. Traveling during off-peak hours – outside 6:30 AM–9:30 AM and 3:30 PM–6:30 PM – can also reduce fares. On weekends and weekdays after 9:15 AM, off-peak tickets are valid all day ^[20][21].

Once in Glasgow, getting around is straightforward and affordable. The subway system offers single rides starting at $1.96, and the airport bus service provides connections to the city center for $10.12 one-way or $17.08 for a round trip ^[19].

Families and groups can take advantage of additional discounts. ScotRail’s "Kids for a Quid" deal allows up to four children to travel for just $1.26 each (return) when accompanied by a paying adult ^[1]. For unlimited rail travel, the Spirit of Scotland Travelpass is worth considering ^[1].

Travelers have praised the convenience of these connections:

"Had a very easy connection!" – Raymond G. ^[5]