Visit Glasgow by Train
Find out about trains to Glasgow, how to get great discounts on your travel, and top offers on things to do when you get there
Welcome to Glasgow
Scotland’s largest city is packed full of galleries, museums, comedy clubs, city parks and restaurants, and it always promises a great night out. Sauchiehall, Buchanan and Argyle Streets form the so-called ‘Style Mile’ and there are plenty of boutique shops to choose from. The historic West End, with its green spaces and museums, is as unmissable as a visit to the banks of the River Clyde.
Find out more about travelling to Glasgow by train below, along with everything you need to know about the town. Discover all the best things to do and places to visit in Glasgow – and don’t forget you can save money on your train travel with a Railcard.
By taking the train you are also helping to lower carbon emissions. And, if you require additional support when travelling, the Passenger Assist service can help you.
If you fancy travelling a bit further afield, you can also visit our Day Trips from Glasgow by Train page.
How to get to Glasgow by train
Glasgow has 2 stations:
Glasgow Central: This is Glasgow’s main station. There are regular direct trains to and from many destinations, including Carlisle, Lancaster, Edinburgh and Crewe. If you’re coming or going from London Euston, there are direct services each day
Glasgow Queen Street: For trains to the rest of Scotland, including Edinburgh, Balloch, Dumbarton and Partick
You can plan your Glasgow train journey, find the cheapest fares and book tickets online with our Journey Planner.
Fastest journey times to Glasgow by train
From | To | Journey time from* |
---|---|---|
London | Glasgow | 4 hr 20 min |
Leeds | Glasgow | 3 hr 56 min |
Birmingham | Glasgow | 4 hr 5 min |
Manchester | Glasgow | 3 hr 11 min |
Bristol | Glasgow | 6 hr 41 min |
Plymouth | Glasgow | 7 hr 45 min |
Edinburgh | Glasgow | 46 min |
* Please note, some journeys will take longer and you may have to change trains
Get great offers on top Glasgow attractions
Visit National Rail’s Days Out Guide for more great offers when you travel by train.
2FOR1: House for an Art Lover
Designed by the internationally renowned architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the exterior of the house has been realised as closely as possible to his 1901 designs
50% OFF: Ghosts of Glasgow: Spooky Walk
Glasgow is one of the most haunted cities in the world. Unlock spooky stories behind the landmarks as you walk around its streets at night
2FOR1: The Tenement House
Visit this historic site and admire the original fixtures and fittings, including the coal-fired kitchen range, and listen for the gentle hiss of the working gaslights
More attractions in Glasgow
Clad in titanium and aluminium, the Glasgow Science Centre(external link, opens in a new tab) has a planetarium and a full-motion flight simulator. Visit the adjacent Glasgow Tower(external link, opens in a new tab), that stands 127 metres tall and can rotate 360 degrees according to the direction of the wind
Explore the city by foot on one of the very popular Eat Walk Tours(external link, opens in a new tab), which offer a 45-minute walk punctuated with breaks to eat and drink alongside locals
Have a kickabout at the impressive Scottish Football Museum(external link, opens in a new tab) at Hampden Park, which traces the history of football in Scotland
Free things to do in Glasgow
Visit Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum(external link, opens in a new tab) with its 22 art galleries displaying an impressive 8,000 objects, including a Salvador Dalí masterpiece
A world-class collection of art is accessible for all at the Burrell Collection(external link, opens in a new tab), with immersive displays and reinterpretations of works of art
Stroll around the Glasgow Necropolis(external link, opens in a new tab), a Victorian garden cemetery next to Glasgow Cathedral(external link, opens in a new tab), with breathtaking views of the city
Family Glasgow
Glasgow’s newest museum, the Riverside Museum(external link, opens in a new tab), is located where the Kelvin and Clyde rivers meet. The stunning building was designed by Dame Zaha Hadid, and showcases transport and technology collections
Take in some nature at the beautiful Glasgow Botanic Gardens(external link, opens in a new tab), with its wildflower meadow, landscaped borders and tree trail
The Hunterian(external link, opens in a new tab), Scotland’s oldest public museum and part of the University of Glasgow, hosts an eclectic collection of exhibits, from art to zoology
Accessible Glasgow
If you require assistance for any part of your rail journey, please visit our Passenger Assist page to find out more
To search or browse accessible attractions, restaurants, hotels and more, visit the AccessAble website(external link, opens in a new tab)
Theatre and shows in Glasgow
Take in a show at Theatre Royal Glasgow(external link, opens in a new tab), the oldest in the city and home to Scottish Opera and Scottish Ballet
The Centre for Contemporary Arts(external link, opens in a new tab) is a multidisciplinary venue that hosts performances, festivals and poetry nights
Designed in the French Renaissance style, the Pavilion Theatre(external link, opens in a new tab) is a gorgeous old-school variety theatre that puts on plays, alternative theatre, comedy and music
Music in Glasgow
Find out all about the history of Glasgow’s Musical Routes with Jo Whiley’s audio guide
Once a dance hall, Barrowland Ballroom(external link, opens in a new tab) is one of Glasgow’s most famous venues and has hosted everyone from David Bowie to the Rolling Stones and New Order to Mogwai
Going strong since 1990, King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut(external link, opens in a new tab) showcases new and emerging bands to great success – Oasis were signed to their record label here
The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall(external link, opens in a new tab) is a large venue that hosts classical, jazz, pop, rock and folk artists
LGBTQIA+ Glasgow
Category Is Books(external link, opens in a new tab) is packed full of new and second-hand queer books, magazines, graphic novels, comics – and badges
Every year, Glasgow hosts its annual Pride Festival(external link, opens in a new tab)
The Polo Lounge(external link, opens in a new tab) is a Glasgow institution set over 2 floors with 4 separate rooms hosting student nights, nostalgia nights and queer parties
Glasgow in film and TV
Glasgow is a popular shooting location for many film and TV shows, including:
The Brad Pitt film World War Z was partly filmed in George Square
Scottish detective series Taggart was filmed in and around Glasgow
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny was shot in St Vincent and Cochrane Streets, which doubled as 1960s New York
Trainspotting was set in Edinburgh, but some scenes were filmed in Glasgow
Find out more about Glasgow
Go to the Visit Scotland website(external link, opens in a new tab).
Get 1/3 off train fares with a Railcard
Save up to 1/3 off your trips when you travel by train with a Railcard
From children to seniors, over 20 million people in Great Britain can save with a Railcard. See which one is right for you
Buy yours today for just £35 and you’ll make the cost back in 1 or 2 trips!
Offers are correct at time of publication but subject to change.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum image credit: © VisitScotland
Riverside Museum image credit: © VisitScotland
Accessible Glasgow (Burrell Collection) image credit: © VisitScotland
Theatre Royal Glasgow image credit: by Daniel Naczk is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
Barrowland Ballrom image credit: © VisitScotland