✈ Transfer Options from Glasgow Airport to Edinburgh

A visit to Scotland isn’t complete without exploring the winding and fascinating streets of Edinburgh. Located 90 kilometers from Glasgow Airport (GLA), there are four main transport options to choose from to help reach your destination: a local Glasgow Airport taxi, a combined bus or train journey, or a private transfer.

To travel directly from Glasgow Airport to Edinburgh, a taxi or private Glasgow Airport transfer is your only option. Expect the journey by car to take 1 hour and 15 minutes – in light traffic – and you’ll either be charged by the meter (if you opt for a taxi), or you can lock in a fixed fare rate with a guaranteed on-time pickup when you select a private transfer.

The cheapest option is to use a combination of buses, which includes taking the Airport Express bus into the city center. The total travel time is at least 1 hour and 40 minutes, and you might want to pack light to make your transfer easier.

Lastly, you can choose to take a combined bus and train trip, which also includes a transfer via the city center. This option isn’t as cheap as the bus, but it’s slightly more comfortable with extra luggage space too.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Glasgow at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2 PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€115.20	75min	24/7
Bus	€49.60	100min	04:00–22:30
Train	€63.80	65min	24/7
Welcome Airport Transfer	€114	75min	24/7

How to get from Glasgow Airport to Edinburgh by taxi

Taking a Glasgow Airport taxi is the only direct transfer option from Glasgow Airport to Edinburgh city center. The total journey time is just 1 hour and 15 minutes, and you can grab a taxi 24/7 from outside the airport. Rates to Edinburgh are metered, and each vehicle can comfortably seat up to 6 passengers.

How much does a taxi from Glasgow Airport to Edinburgh cost?

There’s no set-rate fare for a local taxi from Glasgow Airport to Edinburgh. Your driver will calculate your fare based on a number of factors, like the time of day, the total distance covered, and the number of passengers. However, the average cost for this journey is around £100 (€115.20).

Alternatively, you can book a Glasgow Airport transfer in advance for a guaranteed rate and an on-time pickup.

Cost

£100 (€115.20)

Trip Duration

1 Hr. 15 Min.

*Prices may vary unless booked in advance.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Glasgow Airport.

Where can I catch a taxi from?

The taxi rank is located just outside the Arrivals Hall, in front of the terminal building. You will see the long line of white taxis once you exit.

Convenience

Taking a taxi is a convenient transfer option, as it’s direct and there is ample space for storage. You won’t need to carry your luggage through train or bus stations, and you can avoid adding extra time to your journey due to making a transfer in the city center. You will have to find an available driver, and there may be a queue to do so. If you’d prefer zero wait time and a hand with your luggage, you can pre-book a ride with Welcome Pickups for 5-star convenience.

Editor’s Note

If you want the convenience of a taxi transfer but don't want to spend £100 (€115.20), you can try booking a private transfer in advance with Welcome Pickups.

Useful Tips

As this journey is outside the central ring of Glasgow, you can often agree on a set price with your driver before leaving the airport.

Ensure your driver resets the taximeter to the base fare before beginning your journey, provided you haven't agreed on a price upfront.

According to Scottish law, you must wear your seatbelt at all times while in a taxi.

Getting from Glasgow Airport to Edinburgh by bus

The cheapest – albeit the slowest – way to get from Glasgow Airport to Edinburgh is by bus. Since there isn’t a direct airport bus from Glasgow to Edinburgh, you’ll first need to take the 500 Airport Express bus service to Buchanan Bus Station in Glasgow city center, which takes about 25 minutes. From there, catch the Scottish Citylink 900 bus to Haymarket Station in Edinburgh, which takes a further 1 hour and 15 minutes.

The total journey time is around 1 hour and 40 minutes, not including any time spent waiting or transferring between buses.

How much is the bus from Glasgow Airport to Edinburgh?

A one-way ticket on the 500 Airport Express service costs £11 (€12.70) for adults and £6.50 (€7.50) for children. A bus ticket for the City Link 900 costs £10.50 (€12.10). That’s a total journey cost of £21.50 (€24.80) from Glasgow Airport to Edinburgh.

You can purchase your ticket online in advance, from the app, or from the driver as you get on the bus using a card or cash.

Cost

£21.50 (€24.80)

Trip Duration

1 Hr. 40 Min.

*There's an average waiting time of 15 to 30 minutes for both the 500 Airport Express bus service and the Citylink 900 bus.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The Airport Express bus service operates 24/7, and the Citylink 900 bus operates from 04:00 to 22:30.

Where do I get the bus from?

The Airport Express service 500 leaves from Stand 1 outside the terminal building. You will then head to Buchanan Bus Station and take the Citylink 900 bus from there to Edinburgh.

Convenience

As there’s no direct airport bus from Edinburgh to Glasgow and vice versa, this isn’t a very convenient transfer option. You will need to change buses at Buchanan Bus Station in Glasgow city center, adding time, effort, and stress to your journey.

Timetables

Airport Express 500 Bus

Airport – Buchanan Bus Station

Citylink 900 Bus

Buchanan Bus Station – Haymarket Station (Edinburgh)

Editor’s Note

Although taking the bus is the cheapest transfer option, if you're traveling in a group or with large luggage items, you might be better off taking a taxi and splitting the cost instead.

Useful Tips

There's very limited storage space on the bus, so travel light.

You can pay for your ticket on the bus by cash or card.

Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before the bus leaves, as they fill up quickly.

Different bus lines can be taken along this route, such as the Scottish Citylink 926 bus from the airport, but this route is the quickest and most streamlined option.

Free WiFi and USB charging ports are available on board.

How to get from Glasgow airport to Edinburgh by train

Getting from Glasgow Airport to Edinburgh by train is a fairly fast and affordable transfer option. However, similar to the bus option, since no trains run directly from Glasgow Airport, you will first need to travel from Glasgow Airport to the city center via the 500 Airport Express bus service, getting off at Dundas Street* after 15 minutes.

Once there, transfer to Queen Street Station and board the ScotRail train toward Edinburgh for 50 minutes. The total journey time is around 1 hour, not including wait or transfer times.

*It’s also possible to get off one stop earlier at Waterloo Lane, where you can transfer to Glasgow Central and take the Cross Country train from there, although this route is 10-15 minutes longer.

Cost of a ticket from Glasgow Airport to Edinburgh by train?

As per above, the cost of a one-way ticket on the Airport Express bus is £11 (€12.70) per person. The cost of a train ticket to Edinburgh is around £16.60 (€19.20). This brings the total cost of the journey from Glasgow Airport to Edinburgh by train and bus to £27.70 (€31.90) per adult.

Cost

£27.70 (€31.90)

Trip Duration

1 Hr. 5 Min.

*There's a waiting time of 15-30 minutes for the 500 Airport Express service and 10-20 minutes for the train.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The 500 Airport Express bus operates 24/7, and the ScotRail train operates from 06:00 to 23:45.

Where do I get the train from?

No trains run from Glasgow Airport. You will need to take the bus to the city center and board a ScotRail train from there to Edinburgh. On arrival at the train station, simply refer to the display screens to find your departure platform.

Convenience

Although the train is a fairly affordable option, there’s no direct service from Glasgow Airport to Edinburgh. You’ll first need to take a bus to Glasgow city center and then change to a train, which adds extra time to your journey and means carrying your luggage with you.

Timetables

500 Airport Express Bus

Airport – Dundas Street

ScotRail Train Schedules

Dundas Street – Edinburgh Waverley

Cross Country Train Schedules

Waterloo Lane – Edinburgh Waverley

Editor’s Note

If you're traveling in a group of 4 people, taking a taxi and splitting the cost may work out cheaper than taking the train.

Useful Tips

There's limited luggage storage on the train, so be sure to travel light.

You can purchase your Glasgow Airport to Edinburgh tickets online in advance to save money.

Children can travel for just £1 (€1.15) on the train. Ask a member of staff about "Kids for a Quid" promotion at the station (these can't be purchased online).

How to get from Glasgow Airport to Edinburgh by private transfer

Pre-booking a modern and private Glasgow Airport transfer from Glasgow Airport to Edinburgh is the best way to travel. At Welcome, we offer unbeatable prices, fully personalized transfers, guaranteed on-time pickups, and 24/7 customer support – should you need to chat with us before or during your journey.

One of our trained, professional, English-speaking drivers will greet you on arrival at the airport, ensuring you don’t waste any time standing around waiting. On the way to Edinburgh, your driver will point out sights and landmarks and fill you in on a bit of the history of the area.

How much is a private airport transfer from Glasgow Airport to Edinburgh?

It only takes a few minutes to pre-book and pre-pay your ride online, making it a great option if you wish to budget for your trip beforehand. You’ll know exactly how much your ride will cost, with the assurance that there won’t be any hidden fees or additional costs. You can also pre-book your transfers as early as you like without worrying about cancellation penalties; Welcome’s flexible cancellation policy allows for last-minute changes.

To cover the distance from Glasgow Airport to Edinburgh by private transfer, you can expect to pay:

£98.80 (€114) for a sedan for up to 3 passengers
£161.20 (€186) for a minivan for up to 8 passengers
£227 (€262) for a minibus for up to 12 passengers

Cost

£98.80 (€114)

Trip Duration

1 Hr. 15 Min.

*A vehicle and driver will be waiting for you on arrival.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Private transfers can be arranged 24/7 from Glasgow International Airport.

Where will my private transfer depart from?

From the moment your plane lands at Glasgow Airport, your driver will be waiting for you just outside the Arrivals Hall, holding a sign with your name on it. After a warm hello, your driver will guide you to your pre-selected vehicle, helping you carry any heavy belongings along the way. We provide all of our drivers with live updates on your plane’s landing time, so even if you’re delayed, your driver will still be there to greet you.

Convenience

For the same price or less than a regular taxi, a private transfer takes the stress out of travel planning, so you can concentrate on enjoying your time in the beautiful city of Edinburgh. Once you’re in your pre-booked taxi, your driver will answer any questions you may have about the city and share a few must-see places while you’re in town. With your friends, family, and belongings all taken care of, all you need to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery.

Editor’s Note

We suggest selecting a pickup time at least 40 minutes after your flight’s scheduled arrival time to ensure you have enough time to pass through Immigration and collect any luggage.

Useful Tips

At least 24 hours before you’re due to fly into Glasgow Airport, you’ll receive an email containing your driver’s name, photo, and phone number. To make your private transfer as smooth as possible, you can also download our Welcome app to track your driver’s location in real time.

Our sedans can comfortable seat three passengers and a standard-sized suitcase each.

If you need to make any requests or customizations to your vehicle, such as a child booster seat or wheelchair-adapted vehicle, you can do at the time of booking or through the Welcome app.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Glasgow. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

DAYTIME

€125.0

NIGHTTIME

€150.0

Same price as a regular taxi from the line

PRICES FOR

Sedan Car

4 pax, 4 pieces of luggage

Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Frequently asked questions

Is there a shuttle from Glasgow Airport to Edinburgh?

No, there isn’t a direct shuttle service between Glasgow Airport and Edinburgh. It’s still possible to use public transport; however, you’ll first need to take the 500 Airport Express bus to Glasgow city center, where you can connect with either a train or a bus the rest of the way to Edinburgh.

Is there a bus between Edinburgh and Glasgow Airport?

There isn’t a direct bus service between Edinburgh and Glasgow, but it’s possible to take the Airport Express bus from Glasgow Airport into the city center, where you can transfer to the Citylink 900 bus to complete your journey to Edinburgh. All up, expect this combined bus trip to take around 1 hour and 40 minutes, excluding wait and transfer times.

How do I get to Edinburgh from Glasgow Airport?

There are four options when it comes to traveling from Glasgow Airport to Edinburgh city center: taxi or private transfer, bus, or train. Taking a Glasgow Airport taxi or private transfer is the quickest option as it takes just 1 hour and 15 minutes, and you’ll be dropped right at the curb of your hotel.

A more cost-savvy option is a combined bus journey, which requires taking the Airport Express bus to the city and transferring to the Scottish Citylink 900 bus for the rest of the way. All up, the journey takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Lastly, you can travel from Glasgow Airport to Edinburgh by train, although this also requires first taking the express bus to the city center. This option isn’t quite as cheap as the bus, but it is a little faster, taking around 1 hour, excluding wait times.

How much is a taxi from Glasgow Airport to Edinburgh?

The local drivers at Glasgow airport don’t offer a set-rate fare for the journey into Edinburgh. Instead, they will calculate your fare based on the vehicle type, time of day, total journey time, and the number of passengers.

On average, getting to and from Edinburgh to Glasgow Airport by taxi should cost around £100 (€115.20) for 5 passengers, but if you’d prefer a set rate you can count on, we suggest booking your Glasgow Airport taxi in advance with Welcome Pickups.

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How to get from Glasgow Airport to Edinburgh by taxi

How much does a taxi from Glasgow Airport to Edinburgh cost?

£100 (€115.20)

1 Hr. 15 Min.

Taxis are available 24/7 at Glasgow Airport.

Where can I catch a taxi from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Getting from Glasgow Airport to Edinburgh by bus

How much is the bus from Glasgow Airport to Edinburgh?

£21.50 (€24.80)

1 Hr. 40 Min.

The Airport Express bus service operates 24/7, and the Citylink 900 bus operates from 04:00 to 22:30.

Where do I get the bus from?

Convenience

Timetables

Airport Express 500 Bus

Airport – Buchanan Bus Station

Citylink 900 Bus

Buchanan Bus Station – Haymarket Station (Edinburgh)

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Glasgow airport to Edinburgh by train

Cost of a ticket from Glasgow Airport to Edinburgh by train?

£27.70 (€31.90)

1 Hr. 5 Min.

The 500 Airport Express bus operates 24/7, and the ScotRail train operates from 06:00 to 23:45.

Where do I get the train from?

Convenience

Timetables

500 Airport Express Bus

Airport – Dundas Street

ScotRail Train Schedules

Dundas Street – Edinburgh Waverley

Cross Country Train Schedules

Waterloo Lane – Edinburgh Waverley

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Glasgow Airport to Edinburgh by private transfer

How much is a private airport transfer from Glasgow Airport to Edinburgh?

£98.80 (€114)

1 Hr. 15 Min.

Private transfers can be arranged 24/7 from Glasgow International Airport.

Where will my private transfer depart from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Welcome Pickups transfer

Best drivers

Flight monitoring

Quality support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Prices

DAYTIME

NIGHTTIME

Sedan Car

Frequently asked questions

Is there a shuttle from Glasgow Airport to Edinburgh?

Is there a bus between Edinburgh and Glasgow Airport?

How do I get to Edinburgh from Glasgow Airport?

How much is a taxi from Glasgow Airport to Edinburgh?

The best way to arrive in Glasgow

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