Travel Guide: Edinburgh Airport To Glasgow

how can i get from edinburgh airport to glasgow

Travellers can get from Edinburgh Airport to Glasgow by bus or train. The bus is the cheapest option, with tickets costing around $12-$17 (€10) and the journey taking approximately 58 minutes. Scottish Citylink Coaches Ltd operates a bus from Edinburgh Airport to Glasgow's Buchanan Bus Station every 15 minutes. Megabus also operates this route every 20 minutes. Travellers can also take the train from Edinburgh Airport to Glasgow, with tickets costing $25-$40 and the journey taking 1 hour and 11 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes. ScotRail operates a train from Edinburgh Park to Glasgow Queen Street Low Level every 30 minutes.

Characteristics Values
Distance 40 miles
Fastest way Drive (42 minutes)
Cheapest way Bus ($12- $17)
Bus Citylink AIR, Citylink 902 Coach, Megabus, Airlink 100, Service 17 and 18, Airport Express services
Bus journey time 58 minutes
Bus cost $12- $17
Train ScotRail
Train journey time 1 hour 21 minutes
Train cost $23.70
Taxi Capital Cars

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Citylink offers a 24-hour shuttle service between Edinburgh Airport and Glasgow. The coaches run up to every 20 minutes during the day and hourly after 9 pm. The journey takes approximately one hour.

Tickets for the Citylink coaches cost around £15 for a single journey. You can pre-book your ticket online or buy it from the driver. It is advisable to purchase your ticket in advance, as services may be full of pre-booked customers. Tickets can also be purchased at Citylink travel centres in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

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Megabus

The average price of a ticket is $18 or €15, but prices vary depending on the time of day and class of travel. Tickets can be purchased for as little as $6 or €5 if booked in advance, and around $10 if bought on the day of travel. Tickets can be purchased online, at a travel centre, or from the driver. Megabus accepts NEC cards and Young Scot NEC cards on all services in Scotland.

Each passenger is allowed one piece of luggage weighing no more than 23 kg. The luggage must fit within the dimensions of a standard "large" suitcase (75 cm x 50 cm x 32 cm) or two medium suitcases (70 cm x 45 cm x 30 cm each), with a maximum combined weight of 23 kg. One piece of small soft hand luggage (45 cm x 35 cm x 20 cm) is also permitted on board. Additional luggage can be added when booking for a fee of £5.00 per piece.

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Tram and train

To get from Edinburgh Airport to Glasgow by tram and train, you will first need to take the tram from the airport to one of the nearby train stations. Trams run between the airport and Edinburgh's main stations every 7 minutes between 7 am and 7 pm. You can buy combined tickets for the tram and train at vending machines in the check-in hall, at rail stations, and online.

The closest train stations to the airport are Edinburgh Gateway, Edinburgh Park, and Haymarket. Edinburgh Waverley is also an option, but it's a short walk from the St Andrew Square tram stop. You can take a train from any of these stations to Glasgow.

If you're travelling by train to Haymarket or Edinburgh Waverley, you can buy combined Airlink tickets that allow onward travel by tram to the airport. You can purchase these at staffed stations or by phone.

There is no direct train service from Edinburgh Airport to Glasgow, so you will have to make at least one change. The train journey from Edinburgh Airport to Glasgow takes approximately 1 hour and 11 minutes, travelling a distance of 56 kilometres. Trains run with a frequency of 21 services per day, with the first train departing at 7:43 and the last at 22:44. The average ticket price is around $28 if bought on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for $25.

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Taxi

If you're looking for a direct and comfortable way to travel from Edinburgh Airport to Glasgow, taking a taxi is a convenient option. Here's a guide to help you navigate this journey by taxi:

Upon your arrival at Edinburgh Airport, you'll find a designated taxi rank located just outside the terminal building. This is where you can join the queue for a black cab or a private hire vehicle. It is recommended to go with reputable companies like Central Taxis, City Cabs, or ComCab (Computer Cabs). Their drivers usually have good knowledge of the area and can provide a reliable journey.

The journey from Edinburgh Airport to Glasgow is approximately 55 miles, and the drive typically takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and your exact destination in Glasgow. The route usually involves taking the M8 motorway, which offers a direct link between the two cities.

When taking a taxi, you can expect a comfortable journey with door-to-door service. The drivers are often experienced and can provide a smooth travel experience. If you have special requirements, such as child seats or wheelchair accessibility, it is advisable to mention them when booking your taxi in advance. That way, the taxi company can ensure they accommodate your needs.

As for the cost, taking a taxi is generally more expensive than other transport options. The fare can vary depending on factors such as the time of day, traffic conditions, and the company you choose. On average, you can expect to pay around £70 to £90 for the journey. To ensure you get the best rate, it is worth checking and comparing prices between different taxi companies.

Finally, if you prefer a more personalized experience or are traveling in a group, you can also consider booking a private transfer service in advance. This option often provides a fixed price and allows you to choose the vehicle type, ensuring a comfortable and tailored journey to Glasgow.

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Driving

To drive from Edinburgh Airport to Glasgow, you will need to follow a straightforward route, mainly via the M8 motorway, which connects these two major Scottish cities. The journey is approximately 46 miles and should take around an hour, depending on traffic conditions and your speed. Here is a detailed guide to help you navigate the drive:

Departing Edinburgh Airport, join the A8 and head west. This road will take you directly towards the M9, which you will join briefly before merging onto the M8. The M9 is a handy shortcut to the M8, bypassing the busier city centre roads of Edinburgh. Once on the M8, you will be heading west towards Glasgow. This is a direct and well-signed route, so simply remain on the M8 for the majority of your journey. The M8 passes near Livingston and Bathgate, and you will know you are on the right path as you pass these towns.

As you approach Glasgow, the M8 will lead you directly into the city centre. Depending on your destination within Glasgow, you may need to take one of the exit slips for the city centre or continue on the M8 as it becomes the A814, taking you further west and towards the Clyde Tunnel. If you are heading to a specific location in Glasgow, it is advisable to use a GPS device or a map application to navigate the final stages of your journey, as Glasgow has a complex network of roads and one-way systems.

It is worth noting that the M8 can experience heavy traffic, especially during rush hour and on event days in either Edinburgh or Glasgow. Plan your journey to avoid peak times if possible, and allow extra time if you are travelling during busy periods. There are several service stations along the M8, providing rest stops, fuel, and refreshments if needed during your journey.

Finally, remember that in Scotland, they drive on the left, and all distance and speed limits are displayed in miles and miles per hour, respectively. Ensure you are familiar with UK road rules and signs, and always drive with care and attention.

Frequently asked questions

There are several ways to get from Edinburgh Airport to Glasgow, including:

- Bus or coach services: Citylink Air, Megabus, and Scottish Citylink Coaches Ltd. all operate bus services between Edinburgh Airport and Glasgow. The journey takes around 58 minutes to an hour and costs between £12 and £17 for a one-way ticket.

- Tram and train: While there is no direct train from Edinburgh Airport to Glasgow, you can take a tram to St. Andrew's Square and then catch the ScotRail service to Glasgow. This option takes around two hours and costs approximately £23.70.

- Drive: The fastest way to get from Edinburgh Airport to Glasgow is to drive, which takes around 42 minutes.

- Taxi: Taking a taxi from Edinburgh Airport to Glasgow is a reliable and hassle-free option, although it can be expensive and you may encounter long lines at the taxi rank.

The bus from Edinburgh Airport to Glasgow costs between £12 and £17 for a one-way ticket. You can buy tickets online, from the driver, or at travel centres in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

The bus journey from Edinburgh Airport to Glasgow takes around 58 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and the time of day.

Yes, there are several direct bus options available, including the Citylink Air service, the Megabus, and the Scottish Citylink Coaches Ltd. service.

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