Day Trips From Glasgow by Train
Hop on a train from Glasgow to the surrounding areas, with stunning scenery and bustling towns to explore
There’s tons to see and do in Glasgow (see our Visit Glasgow by Train page). But if you fancy venturing a bit further afield, see our pick of destinations that you can get to by train from Edinburgh for a short day trip.
From quiet coastal walks to scenic countryside, historic buildings, culture, restaurants and shopping, you’re bound to find something to enjoy.
You can plan your train journey here, and don’t forget if you have a Railcard you can get 1/3 off your rail fares. If you require additional support when travelling, the Passenger Assist service can help you.
Day trips from Glasgow in 1 hour or under
Edinburgh
The capital city of Scotland is dominated by the iconic Edinburgh Castle(external link, opens in a new tab), which sits on top of an extinct volcano and appears to guard the city. Walk the cobbled streets and enjoy its art galleries and world-class restaurants or book tickets for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe(external link, opens in a new tab) in August.
Visit the National Museum of Scotland(external link, opens in a new tab), which has plenty of interactive displays and games or the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh(external link, opens in a new tab), home to over 13,500 species of living plants.
Read more about Edinburgh on our Visit Edinburgh by Train page
Nearest station: Edinburgh
Loch Lomond
A freshwater lake in the Trossachs National Park(external link, opens in a new tab), Loch Lomond is famous for breathtaking scenery just a short train journey north of Glasgow.
Take a boat trip on Sweeney’s Cruises(external link, opens in a new tab) to explore the wildlife, history, legend and folklore of the 22-mile long loch – it’s also the best way to admire Ben Lomond, Scotland’s most southerly Munro (a mountain higher than 3,000 feet) and the Arrochar Alps. Or splash out on Loch Lomond Seaplanes(external link, opens in a new tab), which use a pontoon at Cameron House on the south of the loch.
Nearest station: Balloch
Ayr
Robert Burns, widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland, was born 2 miles south of Ayr and his childhood home has been turned into the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, which is packed with more than 5,000 Burns artefacts including his handwritten manuscripts. You can get 2FOR1 entry to Robert Burns Birthplace Museum(external link, opens in a new tab) with National Rail’s Days Out Guide when you go by train.
Walk along Ayr Beach(external link, opens in a new tab), with its stunning expanse of sand, putting green, crazy golf, visit Pirate Pete’s(external link, opens in a new tab) family entertainment centre and don’t miss out on an ice cream at Renaldo’s(external link, opens in a new tab).
Nearest station: Ayr
Stirling
Northeast of Glasgow, Stirling is positioned on the River Forth and is often referred to as the gateway to the Highlands. It’s dominated by Stirling Castle(external link, opens in a new tab), which sits on top of a volcanic crag and was the childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots.
Visit the National Wallace Monument(external link, opens in a new tab), which looks out over the land where William Wallace led his Scottish army to victory at the Battle of Stirling Bridge, and explore the cultural history of Stirling, Stirlingshire and the Trossachs at the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum(external link, opens in a new tab).
Nearest station: Stirling
Girvan
A pretty coastal town south of Glasgow, Girvan is surrounded by castles, some of which are in ruins, others of which can be visited.
Explore the beautifully-maintained Culzean Castle(external link, opens in a new tab), to the north of Girvan, set on a cliff top in a country park that comprises woodland, a deer park and beaches. Or visit Stumpy Tower(external link, opens in a new tab), often referred to as ‘Auld Stumpy’, which was once Girvan’s courthouse and jail.
Nearest station: Girvan
Troon
A small Ayrshire seaside town that looks out towards the Isle of Arran, it is best known for the Royal Troon Golf Club(external link, opens in a new tab), one of the host courses for the British Open.
Enjoy Troon Beach(external link, opens in a new tab), a long, sandy beach edged by sand dunes and an esplanade with cafés or take an electric surfboard lesson with Macfly Surfing(external link, opens in a new tab).
Nearest station: Troon
Day trips from Glasgow in 1 to 2 hours
Largs
Largs, a traditional seaside holiday resort on the Firth of Clyde to the west of Glasgow, boasts a Victorian promenade, lots of ice cream parlours and local shops. Make time for a trip to Nardinis(external link, opens in a new tab), a cafe and ice cream parlour housed in an Art Deco building, which has been a fixture of the town since 1935.
Take a trip on the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer with Waverley Excursions(external link, opens in a new tab) or visit Largs Yacht Haven(external link, opens in a new tab), the largest marina in Scotland. It hosts sailing championships throughout the year and offers waterfront dining at a selection of restaurants and cafes.
Nearest station: Largs
Dumbarton
West of Glasgow on the River Clyde, Dumbarton was once the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Strathclyde. Walk up to Dumbarton Castle(external link, opens in a new tab), built high up on a volcanic rock that was active 350 million years ago, and climb the White Tower Crag which sometimes allows views of Ben Lomond, nearly 50 miles to the north.
Visit the Denny Ship Model Experiment Tank(external link, opens in a new tab) to see the world’s first commercial ship model experiment tank, which is the length of a football pitch, learn out to design your own ship or carve a real wax model.
Nearest station: Dumbarton Central
Crianlarich
The historic village of Crianlarich is 8 miles north of the head of Loch Lomond, in Glen Strathfillan. Located at the mid-point of the West Highland Way(external link, opens in a new tab) walking trail, it’s the perfect place to do what so many tourists do in Scotland – take a hike through the incredible countryside.
Stay at Glenbruar House(external link, opens in a new tab), a short walk from the train station with amazing views of Stob Binnein and the Crianlarich Hills.
Nearest station: Crianlarich
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Journey times and offers are correct at time of publication but subject to change.
Main image credit: © VisitScotland
Loch Lomand image credit: © VisitScotland
Royal Troon golf course image credit: © VisitScotland
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