Edinburgh is accessible from Glasgow Airport by bus and train connections via Glasgow city centre.

About Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, is a city of dramatic contrasts: the medieval Old Town clustered along the Royal Mile beneath Edinburgh Castle, and the elegant Georgian New Town, together forming a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is famous for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe each August, the world's largest arts festival.

Key attractions include Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse (the King's official Scottish residence), the Scottish National Museum, Arthur's Seat (an ancient volcano in the city center), and Calton Hill with its panoramic views. Princes Street offers shopping with castle views, while the Grassmarket and Victoria Street provide atmospheric dining and drinking.

Glasgow Airport to Edinburgh is a common route since Edinburgh Airport can sometimes be more expensive to fly into. Citylink buses and ScotRail trains from Glasgow make the journey straightforward, though a car or taxi provides the most direct transfer.

Nearby Landmarks

Edinburgh Castle Royal Mile Arthur's Seat Princes Street Scottish National Museum

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $130-$160
Time 75-90 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost $100-$130
Time 75-90 minutes

Pick-up area outside arrivals

Train (ScotRail Glasgow-Edinburgh)

Cost $17
Time 50 minutes
Frequency Every 15 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

Take Airport Express 500 to Glasgow city centre (15 min), walk to Queen Street Station, take ScotRail train to Edinburgh Waverley (50 min). Trains run every 15 minutes.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $130-$160 75-90 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare $100-$130 75-90 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Train $17 50 minutes Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Scottish Citylink buses run until 11:30 PM. ScotRail trains between Glasgow Queen Street and Edinburgh Waverley run until about 11:30 PM. After midnight, only taxis or pre-booked transfers are available, costing £100-130 for the 77 km journey.

Luggage Tips

Citylink coaches have large luggage holds. ScotRail trains have luggage racks. If transferring from Glasgow Airport to Edinburgh, the bus to Glasgow city centre plus train to Edinburgh requires handling luggage through stations. A direct taxi or transfer service avoids this hassle.

Accessibility

Citylink coaches have wheelchair-accessible vehicles (book in advance). ScotRail trains have accessible carriages. Edinburgh Waverley station has lifts, though the station is steep—the Calton Road exit is easier for wheelchair users. Pre-book accessible taxis for the full airport-to-Edinburgh journey.