Travel Guides
Glasgow to Edinburgh: Best Ways to Travel
Train, bus, private car — a practical comparison for 2026
Key takeaways
- Fastest door-to-door option is a private car
- Train is best for solo travellers with light luggage
- Coach is cheapest but slowest
Glasgow and Edinburgh sit just 47 miles apart along the M8. The route is one of the busiest in Scotland, and travellers have four realistic options: train, coach/bus, self-drive, and private car.
Train — ScotRail Express
Trains run every 15 minutes at peak times between Glasgow Queen Street and Edinburgh Waverley. Journey time is around 50 minutes; peak fares are £16–£26 one-way. Great for solo travellers with light luggage.
Coach — Citylink & Megabus
Coach services take 75–90 minutes depending on traffic on the M8. Fares from £10 make this the cheapest option, but you''ll queue at both ends and luggage limits are tight.
Self-drive
Renting a car costs from £40/day plus fuel and parking (£15–£25/day in central Edinburgh). Only worthwhile if you plan onward travel.
Private transfer with CabsLink
A door-to-door executive transfer takes 55–70 minutes and lets you work, rest or discuss business in privacy. Meet & greet at hotel, airport or office. Fixed fare, no meter, no queues. Ideal for:
- Business meetings on tight schedules
- Groups of 3+ where per-head cost beats rail
- Late-night arrivals when trains reduce
- Travellers with luggage, golf clubs, or event equipment
Cost comparison (2 travellers, off-peak)
| Option | Total cost | Door-to-door time |
|---|---|---|
| Train | £32 + taxis both ends (~£20) = £52 | 90–100 min |
| Coach | £20 + taxis | 105–120 min |
| Private car | From £95 | 55–70 min |
Related reading
For 3+ travellers or executive journeys, a private car is faster and often cheaper than train tickets plus taxis at both ends.
Frequently asked questions
CabsLink Team
Editorial
Editorial team at CabsLink writing about private travel, airport transfers and Scottish day tours.