edinburgh day trip from glasgow

Day Tours from Edinburgh

Day Tours from Glasgow

Whisky Day Tours

WHISKY TOURS FROM EDINBURGH

WHISKY TOURS FROM GLASGOW

Multi-Day Tours

MULTI-DAY TOURS  FROM EDINBURGH

MULTI-DAY TOURS  FROM GLASGOW

Shore Excursions

SHORE EXCURSIONS FROM EDINBURGH PORTS

SHORE EXCURSIONS FROM GLASGOW PORTS

Glasgow City Day Tour from Edinburgh

Tour Details

On this tour prepare to be mesmerised by Glasgow’s rich tapestry of history and awe-inspiring architecture throughout the city. From the iconic Glasgow Cathedral to captivating medieval sites and thriving modern industry, each stop reveals a new facet of this vibrant city. Glasgow is brimming with surprises waiting to be discovered, and we can’t wait to share them with you on this unforgettable journey.

Starting from your preferred location, your very own personal driver will pick you up to start your adventure for the day!

One of the most impressive sights in Glasgow, the Cathedral is simply awe-inspiring. Sitting on the original site where St. Mungo built his first church in 614 A.D., it’s safe to say there’s an extremely ancient history in this city. In fact, many people believe Edinburgh is an older city, but St. Margaret’s Cathedral in Edinburgh is actually younger than the Glasgow Cathedral you see today, which was built in the 12th Century.

On your tour, you’ll also get to experience what’s left of Medieval Glasgow. As you head along High Street, one of Glasgow’s oldest streets, you can marvel at the ancient buildings – and perhaps catch sight of the famous Tollbooth Steeple where the city’s witches, thieves and murders were hanged.

Right at the heart of Glasgow, George Square is somewhere you absolutely have to see. Throughout the square, you’ll find many statues of famous Scottish politicians, literalists, military personnel and royalty. Perhaps the most notable part of George Square is the Glasgow City Chambers. On a weekday, you are allowed to go inside and marvel at the 3-storey marble staircase – which we believe rivals The Vatican’s two-storey staircase. The architecture around the square is actually very similar to America, and that’s why it’s been used by major Hollywood films such as Fast & Furious and World War Z.

As you travel out of the city centre, you’ll spot the Finnieston Crane dramatically silhouetted against the River Clyde. It’s an icon for the Scottish shipbuilding industry – although it was never used to build ships. It was actually used for lifting extremely large items onto ships – like locomotives and steam trains. Around the Finnieston area, you’ll get to witness ‘Modern Glasgow’ with the SECC and The Hydro, a central place for music and arts.

Built in 1901, Kelvingrove Art Gallery is not only a sensational building architecturally, but also with its wealth of information and history. Here you can learn all about the fascinating history of Glasgow, from its creation, to its Merchant history, the Industrial Revolution and the rise of communism known as ‘Red Clyde’. There’s also the famous ‘floating heads’, a real-live spitfire, an Egyptian exhibit, and an extensive art gallery – and even a live organ recital if you catch it at the right time.

Being driven through the West End is a great way to see all the sights. It’s an affluent area with many stunning buildings and plenty of stories to tell. Your guide will point them out as you go, such as the ancient, gothic-style University of Glasgow which was founded in 1451. The University is actually the fourth-oldest university in the English-speaking world!

Get your picture taken by the Doulton Fountain with the beautiful backdrop of the People’s Palace or Glasgow Green Park. This Victorian structure was the largest Terracotta fountain ever constructed in the world at the time, and on top, you’ll see a statue of Queen Victoria proudly looking over Glasgow Green.

Please note: The People’s Palace is currently closed for an exciting refurbishment project. It is due to reopen in 2027. Therefore it will not be possible to visit the inside of the venue.

The Merchant City is one of Glasgow’s oldest quarters and is filled with stunning architecture. Every street is named after a famous merchant who built their wealth trading in the Indies in the late 1700s and early 1800s. Today, it’s an area bursting with eateries and shops, so it’s an excellent place to walk around and explore.

Sit back and relax as we return to your drop off location.

INCLUSIONS / EXCLUSIONS

Important information, meeting point.

• Edinburgh or Glasgow, we we come to you! So once you have booked your tour we will be with you at the specified time on the day of the trip!
• Traveling by Sea? We can pick you up at the Cruise Terminals in and around Edinburgh or Greenock.
• Don’t worry if you haven’t booked your accommodation yet, you can continue to book and confirm these details with us later.
• We typically reconfirm all details no later than 48 hours before your travel date. For extra reassurance our team is here should you have any questions so please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any additional questions.
• Your guide who will typically aim to be with you 5-10 minutes before your departure time. Unless you tell us otherwise we will always provide the lead passenger’s details which can be used to co-ordinate meeting up should there be any parking restrictions and/or delays at your pick-up point.
• Upon request, we can arrange a WhatsApp group allowing you to co-ordinate with us and your fellow travellers.

What to bring

• Comfortable shoes and a waterproof jacket is recommended.​

Not allowed

• Pets (assistance dogs allowed).

Covid-19 precautions – Good to Go!

• Safety measures in place including daily regular Lateral Flow Tests by all our guides.
• Our vehicles are thoroughly cleaned and sanitised daily.
• Based on current government guidelines masks are discretionary. ​

Please refer to our FAQ  for any additional queries you may, alternatively feel free to  contact us  if you need to get in touch.

Looking for other tours from Edinburgh ? Check out our Lindores Abbey Distillery & Falkland Palace Day Tour and our Rosslyn Chapel & North Berwick Tour .

Other Suggested Tours

5-Day Highland Highlights Tour from Edinburgh

5-Day Skye & Highlands Tour from Edinburgh

5-Day Mull & Skye Tour from Edinburgh

4-Day Islay Tour from Edinburgh

3-Day Isle of Mull Tour from Edinburgh

3-Day Skye Tour from Edinburgh

2-Day Loch Ness Tour from Edinburgh

St Andrews & The Fishing Villages of Fife Day Tour from Edinburgh

The Outlander Day Tour from Glasgow

The outlander day tour from edinburgh, loch ness & the highlands day tour from edinburgh.

Stirling Castle & Loch Lomond Day Tour from Edinburgh

Edinburgh City Day Tour

Mary Queen Of Scots Day Tour from Edinburgh

Rosslyn Chapel & North Berwick Day Tour from Edinburgh

Lindores Abbey Distillery & Falkland Palace Day Tour from Edinburgh

West Highlands Day Tour from Edinburgh

Highland Perthshire & Whisky Day Tour from Edinburgh

Whisky Day Tour from Edinburgh

5-Day Highland Highlights Tour from Glasgow

5-day skye & highlands tour from glasgow.

5-Day Mull & Skye Tour from Glasgow

4-Day Islay Tour from Glasgow

3-day Isle of Mull Tour from Glasgow

Loch ness & the highlands day tour from glasgow.

3-Day Skye Tour From Glasgow

2-Day Loch Ness Tour from Glasgow

3-Day Speyside Whisky Adventure from Edinburgh

Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & Whisky Day Tour from Glasgow

Highland perthshire & whisky day tour from glasgow, whisky day tour from glasgow.

Stirling Castle & Loch Lomond Shore Excursion

Glasgow City Day Tour

Culzean Castle & Robert Burns Day Tour from Glasgow

Edinburgh city day tour from glasgow.

Glencoe & Oban Day Tour from Glasgow

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Company Number: SC715894

15 Best Day Trips from Glasgow You Need to Do

While the list of  things to do in Glasgow  is extensive, Scotland ’s largest city is also an ideal base for taking some great day trips to explore the breathtaking countryside, bustling towns and peaceful villages of Scotland .

From the serene beauty of Loch Lomond to the crowded streets of  Edinburgh  – there are plenty of exciting places to visit near Glasgow.

With frequent trains leaving from two main train stations and a well-connected network of buses – planning the day trip couldn’t be any easier.

So, when you get knackered after visiting the fascinating museums , exploring all the colourful street arts on  Glasgow Mural Trail  and discovering the  hidden gems , venture out of the city to see a different side of Scotland.

This article brings together some of the best day trips you can take alongside the information on how to get here. So, add a few of them to your  Glasgow itinerary  on your next visit.

Day trips less than one hour from Glasgow

1. loch lomond.

You can’t visit Glasgow and not take a day trip to the stunningly gorgeous Loch Lomond . From scenic boat tours to numerous hiking trails – this area is a nature lovers’ paradise. With easy public transport options, you can easily escape the hubbub of Glasgow and spend a day in nature.

One of the must-visit places in Loch Lomond is Luss . Often regarded as one of the prettiest villages in Scotland , Luss is located on the western bank of Loch Lomond.

Meander along the pretty village streets and the pier. The streets are adorned with quaint cottages with small gardens, which look very photogenic. Also, this village is a popular site for water sports and adventure activities.

Next, take a relaxing boat cruise around the lake to appreciate the beauty of Loch Lomond and the surrounding landscapes. Also, peel your eyes for wildlife. 

Boat trips pass small islands, castles and villages along the shoreline. Balloch, Balmaha and Luss are popular places to catch a boat tour.

For an awe-inspiring view over Loch Lomond, climb the Conic Hill from Balmaha. Expert hikers might be interested in trekking the mighty Ben Lomond, Scotland’s most southerly Munro.

How to Reach Loch Lomond : Getting here using public transport is super easy and budget-friendly. Hop on ScotRail train service from Glasgow Queen Street to Balloch, which takes around 48 minutes. Otherwise, take a Scottish Citylink bus from Buchanan Bus Station.

2. Edinburgh

No visit to Scotland is complete without seeing its capital city of Edinburgh . The Old and New Town of Edinburgh were added to the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1995. This city is unarguably one of the unmissable day trip choices from Glasgow.

Start your adventure with the iconic Edinburgh Castle . This 900-year-old castle sits atop an extinct volcanic rock and houses the oldest Crown Jewel in Britain.

Next, meander along the cobbled streets of Royal Mile to explore the historic buildings. Marvel at Scott Monument – a memorial dedicated to renowned Scottish author Sir Walter Scott. Climb Arthur’s Seat for the best views of the Edinburgh skyline.

For all Harry Potter fans, a visit to the colourful Victoria Street and Greyfriars Kirkyard is a must. A slight detour to Dean Village and Stockbridge will show you a unique side of the city. End your day with a beautiful sunset over Edinburgh from Calton Hill , before heading back to Glasgow. 

How to Reach Edinburgh : Scottish Citylink and Megabus runs regular bus services from Buchanan Bus Station. At peak hours, the bus leaves every 15 minutes. Also, you can catch trains from Glasgow Queen Street and Central stations, which take around 45 minutes.

3. Stirling

Steeped in centuries of riveting history, this medieval city is an excellent day trip option for all history lovers visiting Glasgow. There are so many amazing things to do in Stirling .

One of the main attractions in Stirling is the mighty Stirling Castle. Perched over a volcanic rocky hill, Stirling Castle is one of the oldest castles in Scotland . It once served as the home for Scottish kings and queens.

Today, you can explore the Great Hall, the Royal Chapel and the Royal Palace. Also, you will get an amazing view of the surrounding landscapes from here. 

Battle of Stirling Bridge and Battle of Bannockburn – two famous battles of Scottish history were fought near the close vicinity of this castle.

Meander around the Old Town Cemetery and The Church of the Holy Rude adjacent to the castle. Also, you can follow The Back Walk, a dedicated scenic pathway along the old town walls of Stirling.  

Another must-see landmark in Stirling is the National Wallace Monument. The 220-foot tall tower is dedicated to William Wallace, a national hero of Scotland. 

How to Reach Stirling : Trains from Glasgow Queens Street Station take about 30 minutes to get to Stirling. Alternatively, you can catch a bus from Buchanan Bus Station.

4. Falkirk & Linlithgow

Falkirk makes a great day out from Glasgow by train. The Falkirk Wheel and the Kelpies are two main tourist attractions in Falkirk.

The Falkirk Wheel is the world’s only rotating boat lift connecting the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal. You can enjoy boat rides and various water-based sports activities. If you want to stretch your legs, walk to the nearby Antonine Wall. Built by the Romans around AD142, the Antonine Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The walk is clearly signposted.

The Kelpies are two gigantic horse-head metal sculptures. Created by reputed Scottish sculptor Andy Scott, this iconic structure is located in Helix Park. It’s a reminder of the horse-driven industrial heritage of this area.

Linlithgow is just a 9-minute train ride from Falkirk. The historic ruins of Linlithgow Palace attract tourists to this pretty town. It is the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, one of the most prominent figures in Scottish history. Also, it served as a royal residence in the 15th and 16th centuries.

How to Reach : Trains run regularly between Glasgow Queens Street and Falkirk High Station. It takes only 20 minutes. There are bus and train connections between Falkirk and Linlithgow.

5. Ayrshire

Ayrshire is a popular destination for day-trippers from Glasgow. It is famous for its stunning coastline, numerous golf courses and its connection with Robert Burns, the national poet of Scotland. 

You can visit the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in the village of Alloway. Inside the museum, you will find several artefacts, manuscripts and artworks. You can also see the small cottage where he was born and raised. Meander around the Alloway Auld Kirk and Brig O’ Doon, immortalised in the poet’s work.

Ayrshire is also home to the famous Culzean Castle, one of the most picturesque castles in Scotland. Designed by Robert Adam in the late 18th century, this castle sits inside a large country park.

Before heading back to Glasgow, ramble around Ayr town centre. This seaside town has a long sandy beach, which is perfect for sunbathing, swimming and building sandcastles.

How to Reach Ayr : Trains from Glasgow usually take about 50 minutes to get to Ayr. Also, there is a bus service operated by Stagecoach.

6. New Lanark

This day trip from Glasgow is perfect for all history and heritage enthusiasts. In 1786, David Dale built cotton mills and housing in New Lanark by the River Clyde. Later, under the pioneering Robert Owen, the mills flourished. He implemented many revolutionary ideas that were way ahead of his time. The mills operated until 1968. 

Visitors can explore and learn about the history of these 200-year-old restored mills and houses. In 2001, UNESCO added this historic place to their list of World Heritage Sites. New Lanark is now one of the six UNESCO sites in Scotland.

While here, take a short woodland walk to see the magical Falls of Clyde, stunning cascading waterfalls. Also, watch out for the wildlife.

If you are a keen walker or mountain biker, follow the Clyde Walkway, which goes through this village.

How to Reach New Lanark : From Glasgow Central Station, catch a train to Lanark, which takes about an hour. Once there, you can hop on a local bus or walk around 1.3 miles to get to the New Lanark Visitor Centre.

Day trips between one to two hours from Glasgow

7. inveraray.

Nestled on the bank of Loch Fyne, Inveraray is one of the most charming small towns in Scotland. Also, it is one of our favourite day trip destinations from Glasgow.

One of the main tourist attractions in Inveraray is the magnificent Inveraray Castle. It is one of the most beautiful castles in Scotland and the ancestral home of the chief of Clan Campbell. The castle is usually open from April to October. Take a tour of this green castle to learn about its colourful past. 

After visiting the castle, climb to the nearby Dun Na Cuaiche Viewpoint. This walking circuit is properly waymarked and takes about two hours to complete. From the top, admire the breathtaking panoramic view over Loch Fyne, the surrounding mountains, and the town.

Next, meander along the shore of Loch Fyne, the longest sea loch in Scotland. Look out for the beautiful Inveraray War Memorial. Sit on one of the benches near the loch and enjoy the tranquillity of nature. 

Also, pop into the quaint white-washed independent shops, cafes and restaurants in the town centre.

How to Reach Inveraray : Catch CityLink bus service 926 or 976 from Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station. It typically takes around 1 hour and 50 minutes to reach Inveraray. By car, it takes about an hour and a half from Glasgow.

With frequent train services from Glasgow Queen Street Station, a day trip to Dundee is super easy. Home to the V&A, Dundee is famous for its ‘jute, jam and journalism’ and industrial past.

Opened in 2018, the visually striking building of V&A Dundee displays art and designs from Scotland. It is also the first V&A museum outside of London and one of the must-visit tourist attractions in Dundee . 

Right next to the museum, stands the RSS Discovery – the historical ship that took Captain Scott to Antarctica. Inside, you will find extensive galleries, video and film shows, and artefacts used by the crew in their voyages. Also, take a leisurely stroll along the gorgeous waterfront of Dundee.

Next, walk towards the city centre. Watch out for the Desperate Dan Statue on the High Street. Visit the McManus, Dundee’s Art Gallery and Museum to see a superb collection of fine arts. The stunning Gothic-Revival architecture of the exterior is very photogenic as well.

Climb the Dundee Law for a stunning view over the city skyline and the River Tay. If you are not too short on time, we recommend a visit to the nearby Broughty Ferry and Glamis Castle.

How to Reach Dundee : It takes around one and a half hours from Glasgow by train.

9. Isle of Arran

The Isle of Arran is an incredibly beautiful island in the Firth of Clyde. Known as “Scotland in Miniature”, this island is an epic day trip choice from Glasgow. It showcases all the best things of Scotland in a nutshell – dramatic mountain peaks, castles, scenic coastlines, waterfalls, distilleries and quaint little villages. 

It might be a small island, but there is so much to keep you busy. Brodick is the main town of Arran. You will find many shops and restaurants there. History lovers will like a tour of Brodick Castle. It was once home to the powerful Dukes of Hamilton. 

There are many hiking trails around the island suitable for all levels. Experienced hikers can climb Goat Fell, the highest mountain on the Isle of Arran. For beginners, we recommend a walk to Machrie Moor stone circles, Glen Sannox and King’s Cave circuit.

One of our favourite places on this island is Lochranza. Located in the northern part of Arran, Lochranza has a ruined castle, a distillery, red deer and stunning views over to the Firth of Clyde.

How to Reach Arran : Board a train from Glasgow Central Station to Ardrossan Harbour, which takes about 45 minutes. From Ardrossan, hop on a CalMac ferry to Brodick in Arran. The crossing takes around 25 minutes.

10. St Abbs, Scottish Border

You can add this picturesque fishing village to your road trip itinerary down the North Sea coast of Scotland. While getting to St Abbs using public transport is quite time-consuming, it is a perfect place for a wee day trip from Glasgow by car.

It might be a tiny fishing village on the Berwickshire coast, but there are plenty of amazing things to do in St Abbs . Also, it happens to be one of the prettiest villages in Scotland .

St Abbs was featured in Avengers: Endgame movie and a Harry Styles music video. It is famous for its rugged coastline, abundance of wildlife, eye-catching views and various nature trails.

From the village, follow the waymarked path to see the seabird colony and a scenic lighthouse on St Abbs Head National Nature Reserve. The circular circuit takes around two hours to complete.

You can also take a wildlife boat tour departing from the village harbour.

Before leaving St Abbs, don’t forget to sample some delicious freshly caught seafood at Ebbcarrs Cafe, near the harbour.

How to Reach St Abbs : From Glasgow, it typically takes about an hour and forty minutes to get to St Abbs by car.

11. Isle of Bute

Regarded as one of the most accessible Scottish islands, the Isle of Bute is a great choice for spending a day out from Glasgow.

Rothesay is the largest town on the island and a charming Victorian seaside resort. The main ferry terminal on the island is also located here. Take a ramble around the marina and admire the waterfront. 

One of the main tourist attractions of the town is the Rothesay Castle. It dates back to the early 13th century. Built by the influential Stewart family, this ruined castle was once a royal residence. 

Next, take a local bus to visit the magnificent Mount Stuart, a neo-gothic mansion. This 19th-century country house was designed by Scottish architect Sir Robert Rowand Anderson. Also, it is the ancestral home of the Marquesses of Bute. Take a tour of the house to explore the grand interior of Mount Stuart. Later, take a walk around the extensive gardens.

Before catching a return ferry, climb the Canada Hill viewpoint at Rothesay for a spectacular view of the town and the bay.

How to Reach Bute : From Glasgow, catch a train to Wemyss Bay. Next, hop on a ferry to Rothesay, which takes only 35 minutes.

12. Largs and Great Cumbrae

Leave behind the hustle and bustle of Glasgow to enjoy a relaxing day trip in nature. Largs is a beautiful seaside town on the west coast of Scotland. Start your adventure with a walk along the lovely promenade. Lined with several restaurants, ice-cream shops and amusement centres, it is a vibrant place.

To learn the Viking heritage of Largs, visit Viking!, an interactive experience. Also, you can participate in the Largs Viking Festival held every year in early September.

Located on the outskirts of Largs, Kelburn Castle is one of the most unusual castles in Scotland. The exterior of this 13th-century castle is painted in bright and bold designs by Brazilian graffiti artists.

The Isle of Cumbrae is just a short ferry ride from Largs. Millport is the main town of the island and boasts stunning coastal views. Watch out for the Crocodile Rock, a beloved Cumbrae landmark. This island has a range of walking, cycling and kayaking opportunities.

How to Reach : Trains from Glasgow Central Station take about an hour to reach Largs. From Largs, the ferry crossing to Cumbrae takes only ten minutes.

13. Falkland & Culross

For all Outlander fans visiting Glasgow, this day trip is a must. You will get to explore two famous Outlander filming locations in Scotland. 

Culross is one of the prettiest historic villages in Scotland . Take a wander along the winding cobbled streets of this beautifully preserved village. Take a tour of the Culross Palace to learn its fascinating history. You will get a breathtaking view of the village and the Forth of Firth from the top of the Culross Palace garden.

Nestled at the foothill of the Lomond Hills in Fife, the pretty village of Falkland has appeared many times in the Outlander TV series. Falkland was shown as the city of Inverness , where Claire and Frank went for their second honeymoon.

One of the main tourist attractions of this village is the historic Falkland Palace & Garden. It served as the royal residence of several Scottish Kings and queens. Also, this royal dwelling was a firm favourite with the Mary, Queen of Scots. Also, you will find the world’s oldest surviving real tennis court inside the palace.

How to Reach : Although there is public transport available for both places, they are quite time-consuming. So, a car is preferable for this particular day trip. From Glasgow, it takes only an hour to drive to Falkland.

Day trips over Two hours from Glasgow

14. glen coe and fort william.

A road trip to Fort William via Glen Coe takes around two and a half hours from Glasgow. So, it’s a tempting day trip option to explore one of the most beautiful corners of Scotland.

Glen Coe is world-famous for its dramatic scenery, wild and rugged landscape, diverse wildlife and tragic past. There are many hiking trails around. You can stop at various viewpoints to take in the breathtaking vistas. Also, this area appeared in several blockbuster movies, like Harry Potter, Braveheart and Skyfall.

Known as the outdoor capital of Scotland, Fort William is the home of the highest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis. There are a variety of things to do in Fort William .

Also, Fort William sits on the famous West Highland Line. It is renowned for being one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. The train line starts from Glasgow Queen Street station and continues to Mallaig through the Harry Potter famed Glenfinnan Viaduct.

Instead of a day trip, we recommend spending the night in Fort William and extending your trip to the magical Isle of Skye via a ferry from Mallaig, about 40 miles from Fort William.

15. Loch Ness

Home of the notorious Loch Ness monster, Loch Ness is undoubtedly one of the most famous tourist attractions in Scotland.

If you are short on time, a day trip to Loch Ness from Glasgow may not be the craziest idea. Although, we would recommend using a car instead of public transport to maximise your time here.

Located on the bank of Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle is one of the most-visited castles in Scotland . Take a tour of the castle to discover the fascinating past of this historic fortress. Also, admire a stunning view over Loch Ness from here.

Take a boat tour to enjoy the natural beauty of the lake and the surrounding landscapes. Who knows, you might even spot Nessie. That would surely make a very memorable day trip.

Before driving back to Glasgow, stroll around the tiny village of Fort Augustus. If you have more time, spend the night in Inverness , known as the capital of the Highlands.

Map of the Day Trips from Glasgow

Here is a map of all the amazing places mentioned in this article. Click on the link to save the Google Map on your phone, which you can use later. It also works when you are offline.

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This is super helpful, I’m already excited for my trip in a couple months!

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13 Best Day Trips from Glasgow by Public Transport

Posted by Francesca Brooking | Scotland | 0

Looking for the best day trips from Glasgow by public transport? I can help! I’ve put together a list of my favourite day trips from the city which are accessible by public transport. 

All of these trips are reachable in three hours or less. 

Glasgow is a gateway to some of the most beautiful parts of Scotland’s west coast. The Isle of Arran is within easy reach if you’re looking for an island experience. Loch Lomond is under an hour away with its Viking villages and panoramic hillwalks. 

Glasgow is also well-placed to explore some of the central and eastern parts of Scotland, including the capital Edinburgh and the historic city of Stirling. 

These are all trips I’ve done without a car. In this guide, you won’t find train stations miles away from destinations or places only reachable by taxi, rideshare or over three hours to get to – some of my biggest pet peeves!

Instead, you’ll find realistic trips you can actually do in a day with practical information about public transport routes. They’re all under three hours from Glasgow so you can enjoy each place without rushing. 

Read on to find the best day trips from Glasgow by bus or train, tried and tested by me. 

Day trips from Glasgow at a glance 

• Isle of Arran
• Balloch 
• Balmaha 
• Pollok Country Park
• Stirling 
• Oban, Glencoe, Highland Lochs & Castles Tour
• Outlander Day Tour 

Map of the best day trips from Glasgow, Scotland 

1. edinburgh .

Highlights: Edinburgh Castle | Arthur’s Seat | Carlton Hill | Dean Village | Circus Lane 

If you haven’t put the capital on your Scotland itinerary already, Edinburgh is one of the easiest day trips from Glasgow by train. The journey takes just under an hour. 

Edinburgh is a compact hill city divided into a Medieval Old Town and a Georgian New Town . The best thing to do? Explore on foot! Most of the city centre is accessible to walk but there are buses and trams if you prefer not to. 

On this day trip to Edinburgh from Glasgow, you’ll arrive at Waverley Station. From there, walk up the hill into the Old Town, defined by its narrow cobblestone streets and Gothic spindly rooftops. 

You can walk the Royal Mile which joins Edinburgh Castle with the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Look out for St. Gile’s Cathedral, the colourful Victoria Street and Grassmarket. Head to the Vennel for the best views of the castle. 

On a good weather day, you might want to walk up Arthur’s Seat , an extinct volcano in Holyrood Park with panoramic views. In New Town, visit Carlton Hill to see the Dugald Stewart Monument and the unfinished National Monument of Scotland. 

My favourite two areas are Dean Village and Circus Lane. They look like they belong in the countryside rather than the capital. 

Top tip: If you’re in Edinburgh on a weekday, I recommend visiting Chez Jules . This French restaurant does a set three-course menu for £12.90. Their French onion soup is amazing. You don’t need to book but get there early as it fills up quickly!

Getting there: Take the train from Glasgow Queen Street to Edinburgh Waverley. The journey takes just under an hour. 

Editor’s tip: Book your trains through Trainline or directly through ScotRail. You can pay the driver when you board regional buses but it’s best to book tickets in advance with Scottish Citylink coaches.

2. Isle of Arran 

Highlights: Castles | Arran Distillery | Coastal walks | Wildlife 

The Isle of Arran is located on the west coast of Scotland in the Firth of Clyde. The seventh-largest Scottish island is also one of the easiest to visit on a day trip – particularly if you’re not driving.

Arran is nicknamed ‘Scotland in Miniature’ as it has highlands and lowlands, castles, distilleries, waterfalls, standing stones and wildlife. 

The highest peak on the island is Goatfell (no goats were harmed…), a popular six-hour climb through pretty glens and up along dramatic granite ridges to the top. 

The walk to the summit is challenging but you’re rewarded with incredible panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and west of Scotland. 

For a more laidback Glasgow to Arran day trip, you can visit Brodick Castle or take a bus along the north coast to Lochranza.

The pretty village surrounds a bay which has the ruins of a 16th-century castle at the centre. It’s free to go in. A short walk inland is Arran Distillery with a cafe and gift shop. 

On my visit, I had lunch at the Sandwich Station in Lochranza, a sweet little kiosk with delicious sandwiches. 

Afterwards, I walked along the headland on the Fairy Dell trail which takes about an hour to complete. Local legend claims it’s the gateway to fairyland. I didn’t see any fairies but I did see seals and red deer!

Top tip: There are three bus routes on Arran: 322 (across the String to Blackwaterfoot), 323 (south via Whiting Bay to Blackwaterfoot) and 324 (north via Lochranza to Blackwaterfoot). They aren’t that regular but they do line up with the ferry times. 

Getting there: Take the train from Glasgow Central to Ardrossan Harbour then catch the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry to Brodick. They both line up so you can’t miss them. It takes just over two hours. 

3. Balloch 

Highlights: Loch Lomond | Balloch Castle | Balloch County Park | Secret walled garden 

Balloch is a town at the base of Loch Lomond. It’s one of the most accessible Loch Lomond day trips from Glasgow if you’re not driving as there’s a train station with a direct line to the city. 

Balloch is a handy jumping-off point to explore the loch and the surrounding Trossachs National Park. There are buses to nearby Luss and Balmaha and cruises on the loch. 

Don’t miss out on seeing the town though. There is a pier where you’ll find Maid of the Loch, the last paddle steamer built in the UK. 

You can see owls and eagles at the nearby Bird of Prey Centre and do an aerial course with ziplines in the trees at TreeZone Loch Lomond. 

Make sure you visit Balloch Castle & County Park on the other side of the River Leven. You can stroll along the banks of the loch or wander through woodland. 

The castle was closed when I was there except for the public toilets. See if you can find the secret walled garden a short stroll away!

Top tip: I had some delicious fish ‘n’ chips from Blue Lagoon. Balloch House is a nice pub for drinks. 

Getting there: Take the train from Glasgow Queen Street to Balloch. It takes about 50 minutes to get there. 

Highlights: Conic Hill | Inchcailloch 

Balmaha is a tiny village on the eastern shores of Loch Lomond. It sits at the base of Conic Hill , one of the most famous hikes in the area. 

You get an incredible panorama of the loch and its islands from the top and it’s about 2-3 hours to complete. It’s one of the best day trips from Glasgow for that reason. 

You can also visit Inchcailloch from Balmaha. It’s a tiny islet covered in trees you can get around in a few hours. 

There are a couple of well-marked trails to follow, including one up Tom na Nigheanan, the islet’s highest point. It has gorgeous views of Loch Lomond and Conic Hill.  

Look out for the ruins of an old church and burial ground. Legend has it a nunnery was established here in honour of an Irish missionary, St. Kentigerna who settled on the island in the 8th century. 

There is a small campsite at Port Bawn which is open from 1st March to 30th September. It has picnic tables and compost toilets. 

Top tip: To get to Inchcailloch from Balmaha, there is a tiny ferry which runs every half hour from Balmaha Boatyard to the North Pier from May to September. I did see it running in April but the timings were less frequent. I visited via the water taxi from Luss. 

Getting there: Take the train from Glasgow Queen Street to Balloch. Then catch the 309 McColl’s bus from Alexandria to Balmaha. It takes about an hour and 37 minutes. 

5. Luss 

Highlights: Loch Lomond cruises | Beinn Dubh | Pretty stone cottages 

Luss is one of the prettiest villages on Loch Lomond and a designated Conservation Village. 

Located on the western shores just north of Balloch, it’s known for its stone cottages built in the 19th century to house workers from the nearby slate quarry and cotton mill. You can find them on Pier Road leading down to Luss Pier. 

Luss’ history goes back to the early medieval period. The church graveyard has stones dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries and an 11th-century Viking Hogback burial stone. 

Next to the pier is a pebble beach, a nice spot for a picnic or watersports like kayaking or paddle boarding. Head to the pier if you want to cruise on Loch Lomond or get a water taxi to Balmaha and Inchcailloch. 

The best hike in the area is Beinn Dubh, a hill with epic views to rival Conic Hill. The three-hour walk has spectacular views of Loch Lomond and you don’t have to go too high to enjoy the panorama. 

I climbed Beinn Dubh as Conic Hill was closed when I was there. I picked up a cake from the village shop below and climbed the summit for a spectacular picnic. I had the place pretty much to myself too. 

Top tip: Cruise Loch Lomond offers cruises and water taxis from Luss Pier which you’ll need to book in advance in summer. I used them to get to Inchcailloch. It’s more expensive than the ferry from Balmaha though. 

Getting there: Catch the Scottish Citylink bus from Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station to Luss. It’s the most direct route and takes about an hour. The bus number is likely to change so check in advance. 

You could also take the train from Glasgow Queen Street to Balloch then catch the 305 McColl’s bus to Luss. It takes around an hour and 40 minutes. 

6. Pollok Country Park 

Highlights: Highland cows | Pollok House | The Burrel Collection | Nature walks 

Pollok Country Park is technically in Glasgow but it’s a short train ride from the city centre and feels like an escape to the countryside. 

It’s so easy to do if you’re looking for a laidback Glasgow day trip with minimal transport. The 46-hectare country park has plenty of fields, woodlands and riverside walks. 

The park is home to Pollok House, a National Trust-owned property built in 1752. It’s closed for refurbishments for the next two years but the garden and tea room are open. 

The Burrell Collection is also in the park. The world-famous museum has artworks by Cezanne and Degas, medieval artefacts, over 200 tapestries and a collection of Chinese art.

My favourite part of the park is the field full of highland cattle. These adorable shaggy orange cows are iconic to Scotland and you can view them safely from behind a fence. 

Top tip: The country park is huge. I recommend focusing on Pollok House, the Burrell Collection and the highland cows rather than trying to see it all. 

Getting there: Catch the train from Glasow Central to Pollockshaws West Rail Station. The journey takes just 11 minutes – one of the easiest day trips near Glasgow!

7. Stirling 

Highlights: Stirling Castle | Wallace Monument | Historic Old City 

If you’re looking for more day train trips from Glasgow, Stirling is a small city with 900 years of history. Nicknamed ‘Little Edinburgh, its most famous landmark is the medieval castle sprawled across a volcanic crag high above the city. 

Stirling Castle was built between 1490 and 1600 but there have been castle fortifications since medieval times. 

It was the childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots and you can see her living quarters alongside other fascinating features like the Great Hall, royal palace and kitchens on a tour. 

On the other side of the city in the Abbey Craig is the Wallace Monument, a 67m tower built to commemorate Sir William Wallace. The Scottish knight defeated the English army at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297. 

Walk up the 246-step spiral staircase to the Crown and be greeted by epic views across the Forth Valley. 

Top tip: Stirling’s historic old city centre is hilly and has cobblestone streets so wear comfortable shoes for walking. 

Getting there: Take the train from Glasgow Queen Street to Stirling. It takes about half an hour.

Editor’s tip: If you want to make the most of your time, this small group tour takes you to Stirling Castle and includes a cruise on Loch Lomond. It departs from Glasgow.

8. Falkirk 

Highlights: The Kelpies | Falkirk Wheel 

Falkirk is located between Glasgow and Edinburgh. Its biggest claim to fame is the Kelpies , two 30-metre high steel horse head statues in Helix Park. 

They tower over a canal extension which links the Forth & Clyde Canal to the North Sea and are inspired by the horses that pulled barges along Scotland’s waterways. 

The country park is free to visit. There are walking and cycling routes along the canal plus a visitor centre with a cafe and exhibition. 

You might also want to check out Falkirk Wheel. Built in 2002, the world’s only rotating boat lift is an architectural marvel. 

It connects the Forth & Clyde Canal with the Union Canal 35 metres above it, replacing a flight of heavy locks that used to take a day to get through. 

You can see it in action on a boat tour. Other outdoor activities include kayaking, walking and hiring bikes. 

Top tip: Unlike some of the other easier day trips from Glasgow by public transport on this list, the Falkirk Wheel and Kelpies are a bit more challenging to do both in a single day but it’s possible. 

They are about an hour away from each other by bus. The F14A is a direct bus but it’s not that frequent. Use Traveline Scotland to find the best route. 

Getting there: To get to the Kelpies, take the train from Glasgow Queens Street to Larbet and then the 2A Midland Bluebird bus to Grangemouth. 

For the Falkirk Wheel, take the X37 Midland Bluebird bus from Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station to Camelon and walk about 12 minutes to the wheel. Both journeys should take about an hour and 15-30 minutes. 

9. Inveraray

Highlights: Inveraray Castle | Inveraray Jail | Estate walks up Dùn na Cuaiche

Inveraray is a quiet and pretty town on the shores of Loch Fyne in Argyll & Bute and one of the most popular day trips from Glasgow by bus. 

A short walk from the town and hidden among the trees is Inveraray Castle , the ancestral home of the Campbell family. The Duke and Duchess of Argyll & Bute still live there today. 

There’s been a castle on Loch Fyne since the 1400s but the castle you can see today was built in the 1700s and refurbished in 1877 after a fire to include a third floor and conical tower roofs. 

Unlike Scotland’s fortress-style castles, Inverarary Castle is more decorative with its mix of Gothic, baroque and Palladian-inspired architecture. You might also recognise it from Downton Abbey. 

The castle and garden are open to the public from Thursday to Monday and you can buy tickets online or at the door. There’s a tearoom onsite which is open at the same time. 

The rest of Inveraray Castle’s 60,000-acre estate is free to explore and it has some beautiful walking trails, including the 6-mile loop across Frew’s Bridge. 

Dùn na Cuaiche is another walk which starts from the castle and leads you up the summit of a hill for beautiful views of the town and loch disappearing into the distance below. 

Inveraray Jail is the biggest attraction in town. The old 19th-century prison has a courtroom which plays extracts from cases 150 years ago. There’s an old prison and a new prison where you can see the cramped cells inmates lived in. 

The museum starts with a macabre Torture, Death and Damnation exhibition which has all the instruments of torture they used to inflict punishment on criminals. 

Top tip: If you would rather not spend the money and go inside Inveraray Castle, you can still get a nice enough view of the castle and gardens from the outside. I just peeked through the fence!

Getting there: The easiest and most direct route is the Scottish Citylink bus from Buchanan Bus Station to Inveraray. It should take about an hour and 46 minutes. Book in advance. 

10. Oban, Glencoe, Highland Lochs & Castles Tour

Highlights: Glen Coe | Kilchurn Castle | Oban | Castle Stalker | Rannoch Moor 

Okay, this is a small group day tour . I’ve included it as it takes you to some major places on the west coast of Scotland on a one-day trip from Glasgow. They would otherwise be tricky to reach without a car. 

You get a glimpse of Scotland’s most scenic driving routes without driving. The full-day tour departs from Glasgow and stops at Loch Lomond for a coffee break. We stopped at Tarbet but it’s sometimes Luss. 

The next stop is the Rest and Be Thankful Viewpoint named by English soldiers in 1753 after they completed the military road through Glen Croe. 

As you go up into the Scottish Highlands, you pass the Arrochar Alps and see Inveraray Castle. Next, you head to Loch Awe and Kilchurn Castle. 

You stop for lunch and have the most amazing seafood in Oban (there are other options if you can’t eat seafood) before pausing at Castle Stalker. 

At last, you make your way to Glencoe , see the famous white house at the base of Buachaille Etive Mor and drive through Harry Potter and James Bond filming locations. 

The final stop is Rannoch Moor before you return to Glasgow. This is one of my favourite one-day tours from Glasgow. It ticked off so many great highlights for me which I wouldn’t have been able to do otherwise. 

It’s a great option if you’re short on time or just want a day to see some of the best of the west of Scotland. 

Top tip: This tour gets busy during the summer so make sure you book in advance to avoid disappointment. 

As for where to eat in Oban, the Seafood Hut is a casual shack on the pier that serves up platters of fresh seafood. The crab sandwiches are phenomenal. Bring cash. 

Getting there: The Rabbie’s tour departs from Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station. Book in advance.

11. Outlander Day Tour 

Highlights: Outlander filming locations | Culross | Midhope Castle | Blackness Castle | Falkland

If you’re a fan of Outlander, this tour is for you. If you love castles, history, pretty towns and Monty Python, this one is also for you!

It’s another one of Rabbie’s small group tours of Scotland from Glasgow and it covers more of the centre and east of Scotland. You can see how the pastoral east coast differs from the rugged west. 

The tour starts with a drive past Stirling Castle until you reach Doune Castle (Castle Leoch in Outlander). You get to wander around the 14th-century castle before driving north to the pretty town of Falkland for lunch.  

You next go to my personal favourite, Midhope Castle (Lallybroch in Outlander). It has a scenic exterior but the inside is derelict. You will need to pay a small fee to get close to it.

Afterwards, you do a self-guided tour around Blackness Castle (Fort William in Outlander). The last stop is Culross with its cobblestone streets and striking bright yellow Culross Palace . 

Top tip: Midhope Castle costs £7 to get a closer look at. You can pay by cash or card at the small kiosk. All other castle entrance fees are included in your ticket. 

Getting there: The Rabbie’s tour departs from Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station. Book in advance . 

Final thoughts on the best day trips from Glasgow by public transport 

There are so many easy day trips from Glasow you can do without a car. I hope this guide has inspired you and given you the confidence to explore the areas around Glasgow by public transport. 

Whether you’re looking for castles, epic scenery, hikes, wildlife or city sightseeing, these day trips from Glasgow by public transport have got it all. 

My go-to travel planner is Traveline Scotland as its routes are more accurate than Google Maps. The latter is still useful for working out where you are and where the bus stop is. 

Depending on where you want to go, sometimes tours are the most convenient as your transport is handled and you can enjoy the ride. 

So, which day trip will you be doing? 

Looking for more car-free Scotland travel guides? Check out these posts!

• 13 Awesome Day Trips From Edinburgh By Train Or Bus
• Scotland West Coast Itinerary: How to See the Best of the West Coast in 10 Days
• What to Do in Inverness Without a Car: 13 Fun Activities

This post may contain affiliate / compensated links. As an Amazon Associate, I also earn from qualifying purchases. For full information, please see my disclaimer here .

About The Author

Francesca brooking.

Francesca Brooking is the Founder of Little Lost Travel. A travel expert with a passion for the planet, Francesca is on a mission to help you travel well. From Costa Rica to Jordan, she's travelled all over the world. When she's not off on an adventure, she's reviewing sustainable travel products and writing travel guides.

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Last Updated on 24/06/2024

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City Of Glasgow Tour

Sightseeing Trip From Edinburgh To Glasgow

City of Glasgow Tour From Edinburgh

Take in the sights on a City of Glasgow Tour & learn about the rich & varied history of Scotland's biggest city. With a population of 600,000 (metropolitan population 1.9 million) and once the fourth biggest city in Europe, Glasgow built its fortune down the centuries on fishing during the medieval period, trade with North America & Asia from the 17th century, shipbuilding, steel fabrication & steam locomotive manufacturing which peaked at the end of the 19th century. The legacy of the incredible wealth generated during these periods is some fantastic gothic, Georgian, Victorian & art deco architecture, some world class museums and art galleries (most offering free entry) & over 90 parks. In fact Glasgow has more green space per capita than any city in Europe.

 City of Glasgow Tour, is a half-day or full day trip from Edinburgh taking in the rich history of the city centre and elegant West End, sights include Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, City Chambers, the 'Armadillo', the cathedral and Glasgow University.

A half city tour of Glasgow includes all of the major sights in the city centre, west end and Clydeside. The full day tour, as well as the above includes Pollok Country Park, including Pollok House, the Burrell Collection and could include a visit to Auchentoshan or Clydeside Distillery and I can make a recommendation on where to eat, anything from great takeaways to atmospheric pubs and fine dining restaurants.

I am completely flexible when it comes to itineraries so if you would like a longer tour to spend more time at some of the city's visitor attractions extra hours can be added on. Similarly, if you would like to visit any of the many out of town attractions such as Loch Lomond National Park or a whisky distillery then these can be tagged on to a City Tour of Glasgow.

For more information on Glasgow city tours please email me at   [email protected]   or through the  enquiry form   for a no-obligation quote.

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13 Best Day Trips From Glasgow by Train

Posted on Last updated: March 12, 2024

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Are you visiting Glasgow but might want to add some day trips to your Scotland itinerary? Check out these amazing day trips from Glasgow by train that are totally worth the effort!

This list of day trips from glasgow by train was written by family travel expert marcie cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, i may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog..

Scotland’s largest city Glasgow is a fantastic place to visit for a day or two thanks to its plethora of museums, parks, and world cuisine. 

But if you’re sticking around for longer than a weekend, there are so many places to visit near Glasgow to make your trip to Scotland even more memorable!

While there are some great day trips from Glasgow by bus, there are few Glasgow day tours as most depart from Edinburgh.

Lucky for you, there are tons of easy and exciting day trips from Glasgow by train!

This guide includes all the best day trips from Glasgow to Highlands, port towns, beach towns, other exciting cities, national parks, and more.

Day Trip from Glasgow to Edinburgh

Let’s face it, you cannot visit Glasgow without visiting Scotland’s capital! Luckily, day trips from Glasgow to Edinburgh are super easy to take by train.

Essential sights to see are Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Victoria Street, and the National Museum of Scotland. Walk through Princes Street Garden if it’s a sunny day and climb Calton Hill for sunset before hopping on the train back to Glasgow!

How To Get From Glasgow to Edinburgh by Train

Distance: 47.3 miles

From Glasgow Queen Street station, take a direct ScotRail train to Edinburgh Waverley station. These services take around an hour, but there are longer direct services of around 90 minutes from Glasgow Central too.

Trains depart very frequently, often four times an hour. Return tickets cost around £16.

Glasgow to Loch Lomond Day Trip

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs is one of two Scottish national parks and it’s one of the best day trips from Glasgow. 

Climb Conic Hill (or Ben More if you’re a keen hiker!) for epic countryside views and hire kayaks or sail on the Maid of the Loch to see more of Loch Lomond. It’s the largest lake in Scotland by surface area, so it’s well worth setting!

How To Get From Glasgow to Loch Lomond by Train

Distance: 24.9 miles

From Glasgow Queen Street station, hop on a direct ScotRail train to Balloch station. This train takes less than 60 minutes and departs approximately every 30 minutes. Return tickets cost around £7.

Day Trip from Glasgow to Ayr

Ayr is one of the most underrated day trips from Glasgow by train. It’s quick and easy to navigate with high rewards. 

There’s a small neighborhood called Alloway which is the birthplace of world-renowned Scottish poet Robert Burns. Stroll along the Poet’s Path which connects the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum with the Burns Cottage (where he was born) and the Burns Memorial Gardens.

You can also visit places mentioned in his poems like Alloway Auld Kirk which means ‘old church’ and Brig O’ Doon, which means ‘Bridge over the River Doon’.

How To Get From Glasgow to Ayr by Train

Distance: 37.2 miles

From Glasgow Central station, catch a ScotRail train to Prestwick station which takes about 45 minutes. Then, catch a connecting service to Ayr station which should take no longer than 10 minutes. 

Trains with a connection depart approximately every half an hour and return tickets cost an average of £12.

Glasgow to Oban Day Trip

Taking day trips from Glasgow by train isn’t the quickest way to explore the Highlands, but it’s easy. Plus, you can avoid renting a car and driving along Scotland’s narrow country lanes!

Oban is a scenic port town on Scotland’s west coast. You can visit Oban Distillery, a 19th-century stone tower on top of Battery Hill, and enjoy beautiful views across the water to the Isle of Kerrera.

How To Get From Glasgow to Oban by Train

Distance: 96.5 miles

From Glasgow Queen Street station, take a direct ScotRail service to Oban station. While these trains can take three hours, they’re direct and you can have incredible views! 

These services depart approximately every 90 minutes and the cost of a single ticket starts from £17.

Day Trip from Glasgow to Stirling

One of the easiest, quickest, and best places to take Glasgow day trips is Stirling.

This city sits at the top of the Firth of Forth. One of the top places to visit is Stirling Castle , an important 12th-century former palace that sits on a rocky outcrop overlooking the city.

Another top place to visit in Stirling is the National Wallace Monument. This tower is dedicated to Sir William Wallace, one of the leaders of the First War of Scottish Independence, which also offers stunning views.

How To Get From Glasgow to Stirling by Train

Distance: 27 miles

From Glasgow Queen Street station, catch a direct ScotRail service to Stirling station. These trains take around 30 – 40 minutes and depart every 10 – 15 minutes. Return tickets cost from £10.

Glasgow to Gretna Green Day Trip

Gretna Green is a town on the English border famous for weddings between runaway English couples in the 18th century. Whereas couples under 21 couldn’t get married without their parents’ consent, they could in Scotland.

Gretna Green’s famous Blacksmith shop which hosted these elopements is now a museum. This romantic town makes for one of the best underrated day trips from Glasgow, Scotland for couples.

How To Get From Glasgow to Gretna Green by Train

Distance: 86.9 miles

From Glasgow Central , take an Avanti West Coast service to Carlisle station which takes around 75 minutes. Then, take a connecting ScotRail train to Gretna Green station which takes around 15 minutes. 

Return tickets start from around £20 and approximately 15 trains travel along this route every day.

Day Trip from Glasgow to the Isle of Bute

Yes, you can even visit an island on your one-day trip from Glasgow by train! Granted, you’ll have to team your train journey with a ferry ride, but it’s totally doable.

Rothesay is a beautiful town on the Isle of Bute. Visit Rothesay Castle, climb up Canada Hill, and visit the eclectic Rothesay Victorian Toilet Museum. You won’t forget a day trip like this in a hurry.

How To Get From Glasgow to the Isle of Bute by Train

Distance: 39.6 miles

From Glasgow Central station, hop on a direct ScotRail service to Wemyss Bay station which takes around 50 minutes. Then, jump on a ferry from Wemyss Bay port right next to the station to Rothesay Ferry Terminal on the Isle of Bute which takes 35 minutes.

Return train tickets start from around £10 and return ferry tickets cost £7.60. Trains and connecting ferries depart approximately once per hour.

Day Trip from Glasgow to the Isle of Arran

The Isle of Bute isn’t the only day trip from Glasgow you can take without a car. The Isle of Arran is the southernmost Scottish isle and many say it’s like visiting the entire country of Scotland in miniature.

Visit the stunning Blue Pools of Glen Rosa, check out Brodick Castle and Garden and, if you have time, climb up Goatfell Hill. It’s the island’s highest peak so it’s not an easy hike. Make sure you descend with plenty of time to catch your return ferry!

How To Get From Glasgow to the Isle of Arran by Train

Distance: 46.9 miles

From Glasgow Central station, catch a direct ScotRail service to Ardrossan Harbour station which takes around 50 minutes. Then, take the ferry to Brodick port on the Isle of Arran which takes around 55 minutes. 

Return train tickets start from around £10 and return ferry tickets cost £8.40. Trains with connecting ferries depart approximately once every two hours, so book in advance!

Glasgow to Dundee Day Trip

While Dundee isn’t the most popular of day trips from Glasgow, there are lots of reasons to visit. Dundee was an industrial city but today there are lots of museums, art galleries, and other cultural attractions. 

Check out the stunning V&A Museum or visit The McManus Art Gallery displaying 19th and 20th century Scottish art. 

Or, head to the waterfront and board the HMS Unicorn or the RSS Discovery. The latter was the ship that sailed on the British Antarctic expedition of 1901 and it’s been fully restored.

How To Get From Glasgow to Dundee by Train

Distance: 81.3 miles

From Glasgow Queen Street station, take a direct ScotRail service to Dundee station. Trains depart every 30 minutes and take around 90 minutes. Return tickets cost an average of £22. 

Glasgow to St Andrews Day Trip

St Andrews is a famous city on Scotland’s west coast known as the birthplace of golf. But there are lots of other things to do here on a day trip from Glasgow!

Check out the University of St Andrews, the Castle of St Andrews, the harbor, and West Sands Beach. This is the famous beach that appeared in the Oscar-winning movie Chariots of Fire , so don’t forget to pack your running shoes.

How To Get From Glasgow to St Andrews by Train

Distance: 73.4 miles

From Glasgow Queen Street station, hop on a ScotRail service either to Dundee station or Edinburgh Haymarket station. From either station, take a connecting service to Leuchars station. Hop on the N.99 bus from the station to St Andrews Bus Station . 

This journey should take around two hours in total and trains depart approximately twice an hour. Return train tickets cost around £25 on average and bus tickets cost between £2 – £4 for single journeys which you can buy from the driver.

Day Trip from Glasgow to Linlithgow

Linlithgow might be a small town, but it’s easy to reach from Glasgow and it’s packed with history.

One of the top sites to visit in Linlithgow is its 15th-century palace. Once the main residence of Scottish kings and queens, Linlithgow Palace was the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots. 

More recently, it stood in for Wentworth Prison in the Outlander TV series!

How To Get From Glasgow to Linlithgow by Train

Distance: 34.1 miles

From Glasgow Queen Street station, catch a direct ScotRail service to Linlithgow station. This journey only takes 30 minutes and trains depart every 30 minutes too. Return tickets cost, on average, £12.50.

Glasgow to Troon Day Trip

Visiting Glasgow in summer? If you travel during a rare heatwave, you might want to enjoy a day at the beach. One of the best beach towns to visit near Glasgow is Troon.

Troon Beach is a 2.8-mile beach popular with kite surfers and windsurfers. If it’s too cold to swim in the sea, wrap up warm and walk along the scenic Troon Beach Walk Trail. 

How To Get From Glasgow to Troon by Train

Distance: 32.7 miles

From Glasgow Central station, take a direct ScotRail service to Troon station. Trains traveling on this service depart every 30 minutes and take approximately 40 minutes. Return tickets cost an average of £10.

Day Trip from Glasgow to Falkirk

While Falkirk city center might not be the best place to spend your precious time in Scotland, it does have two fantastic attractions nearby. They’re well worth getting a bus or taxi from the train station to visit!

The Kelpies are a pair of 100 ft-tall steel horses from Scottish mythology that were built in 2013. They’re cool to see up close and the park setting is also beautiful.

If you appreciate incredible feats of engineering, visit The Falkirk Wheel. It’s the world’s only rotating boat lift and helps transport canal boats from the Forth and Clyde Canal to the Union Canal. 

How To Get From Glasgow to Falkirk by Train

Distance: 24.3 miles

From Glasgow Queen Street station, hop on a direct ScotRail service to Falkirk High station. Trains depart two to three times an hour and the journey takes less than 30 minutes. 

Return tickets start from around £11 and you may need to catch a bus or take a taxi into the city center.

Glasgow Day Trips FAQs

How do i plan a day trip to the scottish highlands from glasgow.

For a trip to the Highlands, consider destinations like Fort William or Oban, which are accessible by train. These journeys offer stunning views and a gateway to the wider Highlands. Check train times and plan for an early start as these can be longer trips.

Can you recommend any castle visits near Glasgow?

Besides Stirling Castle, you can visit Doune Castle, famous for its appearances in film and television, by train and a short bus ride. Bothwell Castle is another option, accessible by train to Uddingston and a short walk or bus ride.

Are there any good coastal day trips from Glasgow by train?

Yes, the coastal town of Ayr is a great option for a day trip, offering beautiful beaches and the birthplace of Robert Burns. Troon and Largs are also excellent choices for coastal scenery and seafront walks.

What’s the easiest way to check train times and prices for day trips from Glasgow?

The ScotRail website or the National Rail Enquiries website are reliable sources for checking train times and prices. The Trainline app is also useful for planning journeys and buying tickets.

How much do train day trips from Glasgow typically cost?

Prices vary depending on the destination and how far in advance you book. Traveling off-peak can reduce costs, and rail passes or group tickets might offer additional savings for frequent travelers or families.

Is it possible to visit the Isle of Arran for a day trip from Glasgow?

Yes, it’s possible. You can take a train to Ardrossan Harbour and then a ferry to the Isle of Arran. While doable in a day, starting early to maximize your time on the island is advisable.

Can I do a day trip to Edinburgh from Glasgow by train?

Absolutely, Edinburgh is only about an hour away by train, making it a perfect day trip. Trains run frequently between the two cities, allowing for flexible planning.

Best Day Trips From Glasgow by Train Wrap-Up

Whether you want to visit the beach or lesser-traveled cities, there are some great day trips from Glasgow by train.

While there are more options for day trips from Glasgow by car, renting a car is much more hassle. Not to mention the stress of learning to drive on the left and driving a stick shift for just one day!

Train travel is a great way to explore Scotland like a local and enjoy a fun and easy Glasgow day trip.

Looking for more Scotland travel resources? Check out 13 Best Day Trips From Edinburgh by Train , Planning a Trip to Scotland: Step-by-Step Guide , and 9 Best Edinburgh Hotels for Families Worth Booking !

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5 Best Day Trips from Glasgow

Fancy a brilliant day trip from Glasgow? This dynamic city is centrally located in Scotland, which means there are plenty of historic attractions, castles, lochs, outdoor activities and remarkable landscapes right on Glasgow's doorstep. Here are some ideas and inspiration for great days out from Glasgow, from exploring national parks to an adventure on the coast.  

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Stirlingshire

Loch Katrine seen from the summit of Ben A'an in The Trossachs

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Time from Glasgow: 50-minute train, 45-minute drive 

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park is one of Scotland’s national parks and is the perfect place to unplug from city life and explore some of the country’s most iconic scenery.  

Easily accessible by public transport from the centre of Glasgow, it’s amazing how quickly you can find yourself transported to woodland walks, rugged mountains and the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. The park has over 720 square miles to discover, with 21 Munros, 22 larger lochs and one of the UK’s largest National Nature Reserves – The Great Trossachs Forest. Take a cruise on the famous loch, kayak around some of the smaller islands dotted around the park or relax and unwind on the sandy beaches on the shorefront. 

Largs Ayrshire

Largs seafront and the Pencil Monument

Time from Glasgow: 1-hour train, 45-minute drive 

If you’re looking for an easy day trip from Glasgow to breathe in the fresh sea air, then Largs is for you! 

The town is a traditional seaside holiday escape on the west coast of Scotland, situated on the Firth of Clyde. Make sure you soak up all the classic beach holiday activities to enjoy, from strolling along the Victorian promenade to savouring an ice cream from Nardini’s - an iconic 1930s ice cream parlour with panoramic views. The town also has a rich history with strong Viking links, famous for a battle in 1263 when Alexander III defeated a Viking fleet of longboats. The Isle of Cumbrae is also only a short ferry trip from Largs and is well worth a visit.  

Isle of Arran Ayrshire and Arran

The pools at Glen Rosa with a view of Goat Fell on the Isle of Arran

Time from Glasgow: 45-minute train to Ardrossan, followed by 55-minute ferry   

The Isle of Arran is one of the most accessible islands off the west coast of Scotland. Just a short train or bus journey takes you to Ardrossan station, where you can catch a ferry to the island in under an hour. 

Arran is often described as ‘Scotland in miniature’ with beautiful seascapes, lochs, hills, standing stones and castles to discover. For those looking for adventure, its twisting roads and hilly landscapes lend itself to some excellent cycling routes, or you could climb Goatfell – the highest point on the island. There’s even an Arran Snorkel Trail if you’re ready to dive in! If history and heritage is more your thing, make sure you visit Brodick Castle, Gardens and Country Park, which was once the seat of the Dukes of Hamilton and has some lovely walks and trails in the grounds. At the north end of the island you’ll find Lochranza Distillery, where you can take a tour and sample a wee dram before heading back through to Glasgow.  

Stirling Central Scotland

Stirling Old Bridge

Time from Glasgow: 30-minute train, 45-minute drive 

Stirling is the historic heart of Scotland and an easy 30-minute train journey from Glasgow city centre. It’s the perfect day trip from Glasgow for history lovers and a great access point to explore the rolling hills and abundant fields of the surrounding countryside. 

There are so many iconic spots to visit in Stirling, it’s hard to know where to begin! Wander through the atmospheric medieval streets of the city centre and head up to Stirling Castle, which sits perched atop volcanic rocks and overlooks the whole city. It has a rich history and was the royal residence for many of Scotland’s kings and queens, including Mary Queen of Scots. From Stirling you can also take the short bus trip to the Wallace Monument – a stunning tower dedicated to Scotland’s national hero, William Wallace. It offers spectacular views across Stirlingshire as well as over Bannockburn, where Robert the Bruce defeated the English in 1314.  

New Lanark Lanarkshire

New Lanark Visitor Centre

Lanarkshire spans a wide area around Glasgow and is full of beautiful landscapes to uncover, including the Falls of Clyde and the hills of the Southern Uplands.  

Take the train to Lanark, an historic Royal Burgh with characterful streets, independent shops and green spaces to wander. A short drive or 30-minute walk takes you to New Lanark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site based in a former 18th century cotton spinning mill village, once owned by Robert Owen. Learn more about the people who worked here, and the rich textile heritage of the area. You can visit the Mill Cafe for a bite to eat, or the Mill Shop to take home your own unique gift. All of this is set within a National Nature Reserve, so there are also lots of picturesque surroundings to enjoy whilst you’re out of the city. 

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Planning a Loch Lomond Day Trip from Glasgow & Edinburgh

Last Updated on January 22, 2024

by Daniella Lynn Theis

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Planning a Loch Lomond day trip from Glasgow (or even Edinburgh) is an excellent way to see one of Scotland’s most beautiful natural areas even if you’re slightly short on time.

“By yon bonnie banks and by yon bonnie braes, where the sun shines bright on Loch Lomond” –  these are the opening words of an old Scottish folk song. It is said that one of the captured soldiers of bonnie Prince Charlie already spoke of the beauty of Loch Lomond in a letter to his sweetheart back in 1745 and it was on his words the song was based.

The song has been covered by AC/DC as well as Scottish band Runrig, and thousands of visitors head to Loch Lomond’s shores each year. If you too are planning your own visit to Loch Lomond, then you have definitely made the right choice.

Like all the national parks in the UK, entry to Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park is free, and it is easily accessible by car or public transport from Glasgow or Edinburgh.

Table of Contents

Getting from Glasgow to Loch Lomond

There are several ways to get to the loch no matter if you have a car available or not and should you not want to plan your own itinerary, you can always choose to embark on a day tour.

By Organised Tour

While it is possible to organise your own itinerary and go from Glasgow to Loch Lomond independently, some organised tours offer a great way to see the loch’s beauty alongside a knowledgeable guide.

Tours leave from central locations within the city and mean you do not have to worry about public transport times.

This day tour or this day tour gives you the chance to visit the Trossachs National Park, enjoy a 1-hour cruise across Loch Lomond as well as taking you to Stirling Castle  – one of the most beautiful castles in Scotland – to finish off your day. You can also have a similar experience on a private tour.

This other fun-filled tour starts at Stirling castle and then takes you around several sites of the loch via mini-coach before giving you a glimpse of what it feels like walking the West Highland Way – one of Scotland’s most famous long-distance walking routes – before a finale pit-stop at the world-known Distillery of Glengoyne.

Taking the train is definitely a great way to get to the loch quickly. Two direct trains run from the centre of Glasgow to different parts of the loch.

One of them runs to Balloch – at the south end of the loch – while the other runs to Arrochar & Tarbet – more on the north end of the loch. Both train stations are reasonably close to the loch, and you will not have to walk more than 15 minutes to reach the shores of Loch Lomond.

Both trains run from Glasgow Queen Street station. The Balloch service runs twice every hour throughout the day up until about 11pm, and you can reach the shores of Loch Lomond in under an hour.

Balloch is the final destination of the line, so there is no need to worry about missing your stop. This service offers a very cheap way to commute from Glasgow to Loch Lomond. Click here to view schedules .

The train going to Arrochar & Tarbet is part of the West Highland railway line and does not run as frequently as the train to Balloch, but it is worth noting that this route is considered one of the most scenic train routes in the country.

The service runs about every two hours, and the journey time to Arrochar & Tarbet is a little longer than the one to Balloch. However, within a bit over an hour, you will be at the loch’s north shores, so it is still a great way to get from Glasgow to Loch Lomond.

The station at Arrochar & Tarbet is about a 15-minute walk away from the shores. The last train returning to Glasgow from this station is around 10 pm and it is cheaper to book a return ticket rather than two single tickets. Click here to view schedules .

Glasgow’s Buchanan bus station is right in the centre of Glasgow, and two Citylink bus routes cross the National Park and Loch Lomond.

While the train does offer a very comfortable way to get to Loch Lomond, going by bus will give you a wider variety of stops and places to visit during your day in Loch Lomond.

Whichever service you choose, be sure to say to your driver where you are planning to get off, as otherwise, they might not always stop unless passengers are waiting to board at the stop.

The service going to Fort William and Skye from Glasgow has stops at Balloch, Duck Bay Beach, Luss, Inverbeg, Tarbet and Inveruglas; all of which are close to Loch Lomond.

The other route going to Oban/Campbeltown has stops at Arrochar and Ardgartan. Just like the other bus, it does continue to other stops in the national park, such as ‘Rest and be Thankful’, but these do not offer direct access to Loch Lomond.

This service also runs several times a day, approximately every two to three hours but the last service running from Glasgow is at about 6pm. Click here to view schedules .

Getting from Glasgow to Loch Lomond by car is relatively easy. The city has several links to the motorway, and depending on the traffic you can get to Balloch in as little as half an hour.

From Glasgow, you would take the M8 and then change to the M898 to the Erskine Bridge, then take the A82 into the National Park.

If you are planning to go further north than Balloch, then the route is the same; you just keep going on the A82 taking you to other destinations such as Tarbet. The drive along the loch is lovely, and you will already be able to soak up a lot of Loch Lomond’s beauty on your journey along the shores.

However, be aware: While the M8 is a multiple carriageway, the A82 is not and once you are past Dumbarton it could be that you will have to queue behind lorries, buses and behind other drivers. On a sunny day, Loch Lomond is not just popular with tourists but is also visited by many locals.

The route along the loch is quite narrow and overtaking is not recommended unless the area is designated as such. Best is to check for any roadworks or delays on Traffic Scotland’s web page.

If you’re looking to rent a car, then it’s best to browse options on Rentalcars.com which aggregates prices across many major car hire companies.

It’s also worth considering taking out an excess insurance policy from iCarHireInsurance to ensure you don’t need to pay any deductible if making a claim.

Getting from Edinburgh to Loch Lomond

Due to Loch Lomond being in such close proximity to Glasgow, planning a day trip from Glasgow is a bit more straightforward and involves less travel time, but this should most definitely not dishearten you from planning your Edinburgh to Loch Lomond day trip.

While it does take longer to get there overall, Loch Lomond is still easily accessible from Edinburgh by either public transport, tour or car.

These tours offer a great way to enjoy your day from a comfortable minibus or another form of transport with a fun-packed itinerary and a knowledgeable guide.

This great tour from Edinburgh offers you the chance to visit the Trossachs National Park with a small tour group via Stirling Castle and Glengoyne Distillery.

It includes live commentary on board the bus, as well as the option to choose between a boat ride on the loch or a beautiful walk along its shores. If you’re not interested in visit the distillery, you can also choose this day tour.

If you’re going to Loch Lomond from Edinburgh, you will have to go via Glasgow. There are no direct trains from Edinburgh to Loch Lomond, but trains are running from Edinburgh’s main train stations to Glasgow Queen Street all day – most of the time there are several trains within the hour, so you will not find it hard to find one to match your schedule.

Once in Glasgow, you can choose either of the services mentioned above. Overall you will be able to reach Loch Lomond from Edinburgh within 2.5 hours or less. Click here to view schedules .

As with trains, you will have to change at Glasgow’s Buchanan bus station to board your bus to Loch Lomond. Buses from Edinburgh’s bus station run to Glasgow every 15 to 30 minutes, and you will likely only have to walk a few steps to board your connecting bus.

Traffic can differ depending on what time of day you chose to travel, and it is important to note that you might spend about three to four hours travelling.

However, the buses do offer a cheaper alternative to the trains, you can click here to view the schedules .

If you choose to go by car, you will not find it hard. Edinburgh offers a great connection to Scotland’s motorways, and you can reach the loch within about 90 minutes.

There are two main routes you can choose from here: Either you go via Glasgow or via Stirling. Both ways are easy enough to follow and will get you there around the same time.

Loch Lomond Day Trip Itinerary

You can either start your day in Balloch or in Arrochar & Tarbet. Both are very convenient to get to and have visitor centres to set you up for a good start to your day. This itinerary could easily be done vice versa.

Balloch is at the south shore of Loch Lomond. It has some great cafes, pubs and restaurants should you wish to enjoy a meal or early lunch before you start exploring.

The south shores will give you a taste of what beautiful scenery is to come, and there is a VisitScotland Information centre conveniently located directly opposite the train station in the centre of Balloch.

Through the centre, you will have access to local maps of Loch Lomond as well as be able to pick up a timetable for the Loch Lomond Waterbus and Ferry Services.

If you are looking to start your day with a little walk, you can walk along Balloch Castle Country Park at the eastern end of the village. The castle these days is actually a building constructed at the beginning of the 19 th century, but the grounds used to have another castle that was built around 1300.

It will not be hard to guess why the location was chosen for either building: The views of Loch Lomond are spectacular, and the area of the castle towards the loch does create some majestic ambience. The walk will take approximately 90 minutes and is moderately easy as long as you are wearing a good pair of shoes.

You can also hire bikes and boats from the beach at Loch Lomond Shores or take a cruise on the loch from the pontoon and maybe find some mythical kelpies lurking in the depths of the waters.

Other options are to visit the Loch Lomond Bird Prey Sanctuary located in Balloch or, should the Scottish weather be that tiny bit to ‘dreich’ for outdoor activities, you could visit Loch Lomond Sea Life Aquarium.

Your next stop should be the village of Luss which is halfway between Balloch and Arrochar & Tarbet. It is quite small, but it is stunning! The village itself is a conservation village, and its old cobblestone buildings make you feel like you step back in time.

If you started your day by taking the train or bus to Balloch, you could easily take a bus up to Luss. Timetables will be available from the visitor centre. If you are looking for a more immersive experience on your day trip to Loch Lomond, then it is also possible to catch a water taxi to Luss Pier.

Once there, the village has access to several great walks that will help you explore the village and the beautiful area surrounding it.

These can differ in length, and it is entirely up to you whether you want to dedicate yourself to a 30-minute walk through the village or embark on the 90-minute heritage trail.

One thing not to be missed, however, are the views of Ben Lomond that you can get from Luss Pier. Walk along, and I am sure you will stand in awe.

If you are looking to have a bite to eat or a ‘cuppa’ to warm up, then Luss has a variety of shops and places to eat and drink.

Arrochar & Tarbet

Tarbet is actually the one out of the two villages that is closer to Loch Lomond while Arrochar is closer to Loch Long.

Arrochar & Tarbet train station is on the West Highland Railway line, and you can walk from there to Tarbet quite easily. The bus will likely drop you off at the ‘centre’ of Tarbet before either taking the turn towards Campbelltown or Fort William. If you are arriving by car, you will get to Tarbet by just following the A82 from Balloch and Luss.

Depending on your time budget and the time of year, the pier at Tarbet provides access to the loch, and a variety of cruise options are available.

From Tarbet, you can walk the Tarbet Isle Walk. It is only 1.2 miles or 2km long and a relatively easy circuit. You will cross through pine woods and oak woodland with excellent views over Loch Lomond and Tarbet.

A footpath links Tarbet to Arrochar, and the distance is approximately 1.5 miles. It is definitely worth taking a walk towards Arrochar as it will actually allow you to cross the narrow path between Loch Lomond and Loch Long offering you spectacular views of another beautiful loch in Scotland so you can tick two off of the list.

There is a visitor centre and a little tea room in Tarbet should you need to warm up after a long day of adventures and hillwalking. If you’re looking for a great place for lunch or dinner, both The Slanj (located close to the train station) and Cù Mara Bistro in Arrochar are excellent options.

Have more Time?

If you have more than one day in Loch Lomond, here are some suggestions for the best things to do.

Venture across the Loch to Balmaha

Balmaha is a small village on the eastern shores of Loch Lomond. It has a visitor centre, local amenities and some stunning nature walks . One thing definitely worth doing is the climb up Conic Hill . The hill is only approximately 400 metres high, but the climb is quite steep, so be aware! However, the views will make you forget any troubles you had during the climb.

It is from Balmaha you can also visit the small island of Inchcailloch. Balmaha’s bay provides the closest starting point for any crossing to the island.

Boats run from Luss to Balmaha, but it is worth noting that they do not run all year round. It is best to visit an information centre at Balloch or Arrochar and Tarbet for up to date timetables and information if you are planning to get to Balmaha by boat.

There is a bus service between Balloch and Balmaha runs throughout the day, so it is possible to get there by other means of public transport.

If you are going by car, Balmaha can be reached by driving from Balloch to Drymen village. In Drymen village, turn left on to B837 for Balmaha.

Explore other parts of Trossachs National Park

It is a lovely place, and you will not be disappointed if you choose to stray from Loch Lomond even further into the depths of the park. If you take the bus or drive towards Campbelltown, you will pass the famous spot ‘Rest and be thankful’ – and thankful you will be!

The view comprises a mountain pass ahead of you from which you can see the windy road ahead for miles. Other great bits of the park include Callander, an old town from which you can choose to partake several walks or Killin.

Take in more of Scotland’s beauty outside the park

The A82 continues on towards the West Highlands and will take you to Glencoe . I don’t think there will ever be a time in my life where I do not find Glencoe beautiful. I will marvel and be melancholy at the green mountains, the incredible glens, the waterfalls and summits all my life.

If you want to see Scotland’s outstanding beauty, then Glencoe should be on your list if you have the time. Should you not have a car you do not need to worry: The West Highland railway runs through Glencoe, and you can even listen to an audio tour created by Scottish Natural Heritage.

If you want to use Loch Lomond as a base to explore the Scottish Highlands, this is an excellent option.

They created a free app that provides an audio guide to several scenic train routes in Scotland. If you are going by bus, towards Fort William, the coach might not stop, but you will be able to enjoy the views nonetheless.

Another great place is the seaside town Oban – the self-proclaimed ‘seafood capital of Scotland.’ To be fair, I did have the best fish and chips I ever had in my life there, hands down. So potentially this is true. Oban always has something going on, and you will be able to partake in boat trips, visit museums or soak in some local musical talent at one of the pubs.

Oban can easily be reached by car or public transport. If you board the West Highland Railway at Arrochar and Tarbet, it will take you straight there, and buses run to Oban from several stops along the loch.

Where to Stay in Loch Lomond

Global B&B  – A charming bed and breakfast located in the village of Luss, this is an excellent, quaint place to rest your head when visiting Loch Lomond. They have a handful of lovely, comfortable and clean rooms available and a great breakfast is included each morning.

The Loch Lomond Arms Hotel  – If you’re on the hunt for a bit more luxury on your trip to Loch Lomond, then you can’t go wrong with this plush hotel. They have a range of luxe and stunning rooms available and there is also a great restaurant and bar on site.

Not quite what you’re looking for?  Click here to browse other options in Loch Lomond!

Going on a Loch Lomond day trip from Glasgow or Edinburgh is an excellent and easy way to enjoy the beautiful Scottish countryside while not venturing too far from the city.

Are you visiting Loch Lomond? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments below!

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About Daniella Lynn Theis

Daniella is a writer for The World Was Here First. Based in in Glasgow, Scotland, she has lived in several different countries and is always on the hunt for adventures, trying to find even the most hidden secrets for any destination. In her spare time, she loves photography and finding new eateries and things to do in or around Glasgow.

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10 of the best day trips from Edinburgh (without a car)

Posted on Last updated: February 15, 2024

Ten great day trips from Edinburgh without a car – from historic castles and legendary chapels to beaches, lochs and islands full of seabirds – all of which you can visit by public transport or on a tour.

* This site contains affiliate links , where I get a small commission from purchases at no extra cost to you.

Edinburgh is a fantastic city, packed with history, culture and beautiful scenery. But if you fancy a change, it’s also within easy reach of some great day trip destinations. Within a few hours you could be spotting street art in Glasgow, watching seabirds on Inchcolm Island, exploring mysterious Rosslyn Chapel or taking a boat trip on Loch Lomond.

Train and bus connections mean you don’t need a car either. So here’s our pick of 10 of the top day trips from Edinburgh, with details of how to visit each place independently by public transport as well as tour options if you don’t want to do-it-yourself.

Map of day trips from Edinburgh

1. Rosslyn Chapel

The ornate Collegiate Church of St Matthew – better known as Rosslyn Chapel – was the brainchild of 15th-century nobleman William St Clair of Orkney. Inspired by his travels in France, he created his own take on a Gothic chapel, employing an army of expert craftsmen who spent 40 years covering every surface with intricate stone carvings.

Look out for carved flowers, stars, angels, Biblical figures and Green Men. But do they have a hidden meaning? Myths and legends surround Rosslyn Chapel, from possible links to the Knights Templar or Masons to it being the site of the Holy Grail.

No one knows for sure, but author Dan Brown stirred up more speculation when he set his book The Da Vinci Code in the chapel – Tom Hanks and Audrey Tatou also filmed in its crypt for the movie version. Grail or not, Rosslyn Chapel is well worth a visit, and make sure to take a walk through the leafy woodland of Roslin Glen with its ruined castle.

Go independent

Rosslyn Chapel is around seven miles south of Edinburgh. The two are connected by the Lothian Buses number 37 bus, which takes around 45 minutes from Princes Street to Roslin village (the nearest stop to the chapel is at the Original Rosslyn Hotel). The chapel gets busy so it’s recommended to pre-book a timed 90-minute time slot in advance.

Take a tour

There are also several day tours which combine a visit to Rosslyn Chapel with other attractions in the area – one also visits the Scottish Borders and Melrose Abbey * and another has stops at Stirling Castle and Dunfermline Abbey .*

2. South Queensferry and Inchcolm Island

South Queensferry sits on the shore of the Forth of Firth, looking out over the Forth Bridges – including the iconic red railway bridge which was built by over 4500 men between 1883 and 1890 (and legend has it it’s been painted constantly ever since).

You can take a boat trip from South Queensferry which sails underneath the three Forth bridges and out to the tiny island of Inchcolm. Some trips just sail by the island but it’s worth choosing one which stops off at this peaceful wildlife haven. It’s a habitat for seabirds like puffins and fulmars and you often see seals and porpoises offshore.

The well-preserved ruins of medieval Inchcolm Abbey have 13th-century frescoes and a bell tower you can climb for views across the island. There’s also a hermit’s cell where King Alexander I is said to have sheltered after getting shipwrecked, and the remains of fortifications and ammunition tunnels from Inchcolm’s days as a wartime garrison.

Unless you’ve got your own boat, the only way to get to Inchcolm is on a tour. Both Maid of the Forth * and Forth Tours run 3-hour tours to the island which give you 1.5 hours ashore. Services run April–October and depart from Hawes Pier in South Queensferry.

To get to South Queensferry you can take the train from Edinburgh Waverley to Dalmeny station in about 15 minutes, then it’s a short walk to the pier. Or it’s around 40 minutes on the Lothian Country 43 bus from Princes Street to South Queensferry.

3. North Berwick

The pretty seaside town of North Berwick is just half an hour from Edinburgh, and when the sun’s shining on its golden sand and blue sea it’s easy to forget you’re in Scotland. There are art galleries and quirky gift shops to browse. Take a walk along the beach or head to the harbour to pick up a fresh half lobster and chips from the Lobster Shack.

This area is an important breeding area for bird species like razorbills, terns and guillemots – especially Bass Rock which has the largest gannet colony in the world. The Scottish Seabird Centre charity in North Berwick has a Discovery Centre where you can find out about local species, watch them live on bird cams and take guided boat trips.

You can also visit Tantallon Castle, a vast 14th-century castle perched on a cliff edge looking out over Bass Rock. It’s surrounded by an imposing 50-foot-high curtain wall which helped it survive three sieges until it was finally left in ruins by Oliver Cromwell.

You can take a direct train from Edinburgh Waverley to North Berwick. Trains normally run around once every hour and the journey takes 30 minutes. Tantallon Castle is around 10 minutes outside of North Berwick on the Eves Coaches 120 bus.

There aren’t any day tours from Edinburgh to North Berwick but it’s easy to get there by train. Then if you want to get a closer look at the birds or spot other wildlife like seals, dolphins and whales, the Seabird Centre runs several boat trips to Bass Rock and the Isle of May on board either a RIB or a catamaran (normally from April–September).

4. Stirling

Stirling was once the capital of Scotland , sharing the job with Edinburgh until the early 1600s. Today it’s best known for its castle, which like Edinburgh’s towers over the city from the top of a volcanic rock. Stirling Castle is one of the largest castles in Scotland, a fortress palace built to control the point where the Highlands met the Lowlands.

It was a favourite of Stuart monarchs, and the Royal Palace has been restored to its 16th-century glory with reproductions of the carved oak Stirling Heads and hand-woven tapestries. There’s also James IV’s Great Hall, the castle kitchens and Queen Anne Gardens.

Beyond the castle you can also visit Stirling Old Bridge, a medieval stone bridge built on the site of an older wooden one where William Wallace’s forces trapped the English army during 1297’s Battle of Stirling Bridge, killing thousands when the bridge collapsed. And the 67-metre-tall National Wallace Monument is only a couple of miles out of the city.

Direct trains from Edinburgh Waverley station to Stirling normally run around every 30 minutes and take just under an hour.

You can visit Stirling Castle as part of a day tour which also includes the Falkirk Kelpies, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs *, or with Rosslyn Chapel and Dunfermline Abbey .*

Set between Glasgow and Edinburgh, the town of Falkirk is home to two popular day trip attractions. First is the Kelpies at Helix Park, the world’s largest horse sculptures at 30 metres high, surrounded by parkland alongside the Forth and Clyde Canal.

These giant stainless steel sculptures weigh more than 300 tons and are inspired by the working Clydesdale horses who helped build Scotland, taking their name from malevolent shape-shifting water spirits with the strength of 10 horses. You can get up close to them or book a guided tour if you want to go inside and see how they were built.

Or further along the canal to the west is the Falkirk Wheel. This strange-looking 35-metre high metal structure is the only rotating boat lift in the world, an impressive almost sculptural piece of engineering built to connect the Union and Forth and Clyde canals. You can try it out on a boat trip or watch it in action from the visitor centre.

It’s around 30 minutes by train from Edinburgh Waverley to Falkirk High/Grahamston stations. Falkirk is connected to the Kelpies and the Wheel by bus – but unfortunately they’re in different directions so you’ll need to backtrack to Falkirk to do both.

To get to the Wheel it’s a 15-minute journey on the First 6 or 7 buses (which stop near both Falkirk High and Grahamston stations). Or for the Kelpies, take the First 2 bus (which stops near Grahamston station) for 10 minutes to Grangemouth then it’s a 13-minute walk.

You can also walk to either along a stretch of the Forth and Clyde Canal towpath – it’s 2.5 miles from the centre of Falkirk to the Wheel or just over 2 miles to the Kelpies.

There is a private day trip * from Edinburgh to Falkirk which visits the Wheel, Kelpies and Callendar House, and also includes a stop at Stirling Castle. Or you can visit the Kelpies (but not the Wheel) as part of a day tour * to Loch Lomond and Stirling.

There’s a longstanding rivalry between nearby neighbours Edinburgh and Glasgow , with Glasgow seen as cooler, more creative and less touristy. But why pick one when you can visit both, as Glasgow makes an easy day trip from Edinburgh.

There’s a lot to see in Glasgow so choose a few highlights. For museum lovers there’s the grand red sandstone Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum or modern Riverside transport museum. Art lovers can follow the Mural Trail for some of Glasgow’s best street art or see Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s work at the Lighthouse and Willow Tea Rooms.

You can also admire the beautiful Gothic-style University of Glasgow buildings, relax in Kelvingrove Park or take a walk through the atmospheric hilltop Necropolis. Then head to Finnieston or Merchant City for great places to eat and drink.

Read more: A weekend in Glasgow: 2-day Glasgow itinerary

Trains run several times an hour between Edinburgh and Glasgow’s Central and Queen Street stations, taking 50–90 minutes depending on how many stops they make. There’s also the CityLink 900 bus between the two which takes 1 hour 25 minutes.

Glasgow is so easy to get to from Edinburgh that there’s no need to take a tour. But when you get there you can learn more about the city with a guided walking tour, either covering Glasgow city centre’s history and culture * or its street art .*

7. St Andrews

Picturesque St Andrews lies on the coast of Fife north of Edinburgh. The university is at the heart of the city – take a walk around St Mary’s and St Salvator’s Quads to soak up the atmosphere, and if you’re visiting on a Sunday you can experience one of its quirky traditions as a procession of red-gowned students walk along the pier at noon.

Explore the ruins of the castle, set on a clifftop with a network of underground tunnels. Climb to the top of the St Rules tower at St Andrews’ medieval cathedral for a bird’s eye view over the city. Or take a walk along its miles of sandy beaches.

St Andrews is also the home of golf, and if you’ve got the right handicap (and book well in advance) you can play a round on the Old Course – otherwise you can pose for a photo on the Swilcan Bridge and have a drink at the Jigger Inn, the course’s unofficial 19th hole.

Read more: A weekend in St Andrews: 2-day St Andrews itinerary

There’s no train station in St Andrews itself, but you can take the train from Edinburgh Waverley to nearby Leuchars which takes around an hour. From Leuchars there are frequent Stagecoach 99 buses into St Andrews which only take 10 minutes.

You can also take a full-day tour * to St Andrews, which also includes stops in the Fife fishing village of Anstruther and historic Falkland with its Stuart palace.

8. Pitlochry

The Victorian town of Pitlochry has a beautiful setting alongside the River Tummel and surrounded by the Perthshire Hills. It’s been a popular place to visit since Queen Victoria’s doctor proclaimed that the air in Pitlochry was good for her health.

Today people come to hike in the surrounding countryside, with a wide selection of walks nearby including the 6-mile hike to the top of Ben Vrackie and the easier 3-mile Craigower climb. There are also river walks past the town’s hydroelectric dam, where you can watch fish on the salmon ladder built to help them climb upstream past the dam.

You can also watch a play at Pitlochry Festival Theatre. Or do a whisky tour and tasting at the Blair Athol Distillery on the edge of the town. It’s one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland and has been making whisky in Pitlochry since 1798.

Pitlochry is around two hours by train from Edinburgh Waverley.

Several tours of the Highlands include a brief stop in Pitlochry, or this Highland Lochs, Glens and Whisky * tour includes around an hour in Pitlochry as well as stopping in Dunkeld, The Hermitage and for a tasting at Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery.

9. Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond is the largest lake in mainland Britain, and along with the woodland glens of the Trossachs it forms Scotland’s first National Park. The loch lies on the fault line which divides the Highlands from the Lowlands, and its landscapes change from rolling hills and woodland in the south to dramatic narrow gorges and mountains in the north.

Take a cruise around the loch from either of the main centres on the lake – Balloch and Tarbet. Or use the waterbus to visit the charming lochside village of Luss, made famous as a filming location for Scottish TV show Take the High Road.

You can also explore the loch’s ‘bonny banks’ on foot or by bike. There are plenty of walking routes, from the short 2-mile walk to Balloch Castle to the West Highland Way long-distance hiking path. And the West Loch Lomond Cycle Path is a flat 17-mile route running between Balloch and Tarbet (or it’s 8 miles if you only want to go as far as Luss).

You can take the train from Edinburgh Waverley to either Balloch or Arrochar and Tarbet. There are frequent trains to Balloch which take around 2 hours (changing in Glasgow). Or it’s 2.5 hours to Arrochar and Tarbet, and although trains run a lot less often it’s a really scenic journey along a stretch of the West Highland Line from Glasgow.

You can visit Loch Lomond and the Trossachs on a day tour * which also includes stops at the Kelpies in Falkirk and Stirling Castle.

10. Loch Ness

The last of our day trips from Edinburgh is a long one, but if you don’t mind spending a lot of time travelling it is possible to visit Loch Ness in a day, though I’d advise staying at least one night if you can. Loch Ness is a Scottish icon, and where Loch Lomond is the largest lake by area, Loch Ness is the largest by volume at up to 240 metres deep.

The main gateways to Loch Ness are Inverness at the north and Fort Augustus at the south. Once you get there you can take a boat trip to explore the loch and look for its resident monster. A 1933 sighting started the hunt for the Loch Ness Monster, but despite over 1000 sightings and a series of underwater expeditions nothing has ever been found.

You can find out more about Loch Ness and the monster at the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition in Drumnadrochit, as well as visiting the lochside ruins of 13th-century Urquhart Castle and the Caledonian Canal Heritage Centre in Fort Augustus.

Read more: 12 great things to do in Loch Ness

To reach Loch Ness by public transport from Edinburgh you’d need to take a train to Inverness (3.5 hours), then the Citylink 919 bus runs to Drumnadrochit, Urquhart Castle and Fort Augustus. There are only a few buses a day though so you’d need to plan your schedule carefully – staying overnight in Inverness makes things a lot easier.

There’s also a day trip * to Loch Ness available which takes 12.5 hours and includes Urquhart Castle, an optional boat trip and stops in Glencoe and Pitlochry.

Looking for somewhere to stay in Edinburgh?*

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Edinburgh Day Trips: 15 Best Day Trips from Edinburgh Scotland

Last updated: May 29, 2024 - Written by Jessica Norah 34 Comments

After four years living in Edinburgh, we’ve put together a guide to our favorite day trips from Edinburgh Scotland. There are so many things you can do and see on a day trip from Edinburgh, which include exploring castles, touring whisky distilleries, teeing off on a famous golf course, exploring historical attractions, birdwatching, hiking in national parks, and visiting filming locations for popular movies and TV shows like Outlander , Harry Potter , and Downton Abbey .

We suggest ideas for 15 different day trips from Edinburgh that cover a range of interests as well as a wide array of regions from the Scottish Borders to Glasgow to the Scottish Highlands. For each day trip from Edinburgh, we provide all the information you need about how to plan your day out, from how to get there to things you can do there. We provide information on traveling by car, bus, train, and as part of a guided day tour.

We lived just south of Edinburgh for four years and have visited all these places a number of times, both by ourselves and on tours. We’ve also explored a lot more of Scotland. So just shout if you have any questions or need further Edinburgh day trip ideas!

Table of Contents:

15 Best Day Trips from Edinburgh Scotland

If you’ve exhausted all the things to do in Edinburgh , and are looking for more things to do in Scotland, Edinburgh can be a great base for some terrific day trips. You can set off to Scotland’s largest city, learn about Scotch whisky , search for Nessie at Loch Ness , explore a medieval castle, or take in the dramatic scenery of the Scottish Highlands

Here is our list of the 15 best day trips from Edinburgh in no particular order:

Rosslyn Chapel

Rosslyn Chapel, also known as the Collegiate Chapel of St Matthew, is a 15th century chapel located in the small village of Roslin. It was built for the Sinclair family as a Roman Catholic church, but after the Scottish Reformation it became part of the Scottish Episcopal church. It is still an active church that is privately owned by the Earl of Rosslyn.

The small chapel with its intricate stonework alongside the ruins of Rosslyn Castle have attracted many famous visitors over the centuries including Samuel Johnson, James Boswell, Robert Burns, William Wordsworth, Queen Victoria, and Tom Hanks.

The chapel is considered one of the architectural gems of Scotland. The stone that forms the chapel’s pillars and arches, including the exterior, contains intricate carving work portraying a number of religious and secular symbols and imagery. The most notable feature is the Apprentice’s Pillar, which is a pillar that is covered in intricate carvings and stonework, and was clearly made by a very talented stonemason.

However, today, it is best known for its speculated connection to freemasonry and the Holy Grail as was made famous by Dan Brown’s bestselling novel The Da Vinci Code . In the book, members of the Knights Templar hide the “Holy Grail” in the chapel’s crypt. Since the book and subsequent film starring Tom Hanks, the number of visitors to the chapel have multiplied and a new visitor center was built for the chapel.

There is a fee to visit the chapel. Talks and tours are given regularly by staff each day which are free to take part in. There is also a small cafe and gift shop area. Photography is not allowed inside the chapel.

If the weather is nice, we recommend taking the walking path over to see the ruins of Roslin Castle (part of this is a private residence though so stay beyond their parking area), and then doing a hike on one of the trails in Roslin Glen Country Park.

If you are looking for other things to do in this general area (we live in this part of Scotland), some suggestions are  Newhailes House & Gardens in Musselburgh, Craigmillar Castle on the outskirts of Edinburgh,  Butterfly World  in Lasswade, National Mining Museum in Newtongrange, or hiking in the Pentland Hills .

Or you can also head further south to explore part of the Scottish Borders region which we cover later in the article.

How to Get from Edinburgh to Rosslyn Chapel

It is easy to get to Rosslyn Chapel by car, bus, or day tour.

Rosslyn Chapel is located about a 10 mile (16 km) drive south of Edinburgh, and it takes about 30 to 40 minutes to drive there. There is free parking located at Rosslyn Chapel for visitors.

By Public Transportation

There are regular buses from Edinburgh to Roslin but there is no train station in Roslin. The journey by bus takes about 50 minutes. From the nearest bus stop (Rosslyn Inn), it is about a 3 minute walk to the chapel.

Most of the other attractions mentioned in the area can also be easily reached by bus. The National Mining Museum in Newtongrange can also be reached directly by train from Edinburgh.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Rosslyn Chapel

There are several day tours from Edinburgh that visit Rosslyn Chapel and most tours also visit other attractions as well. This day tour visits Rosslyn Chapel and also visits some attractions in the Scottish Borders, including Melrose Abbey.

Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and well worth a visit as it offers a refreshing contrast to the more tourist-oriented Edinburgh. The city is known for its friendly residents who can be a bit hard to understand with their famous Glaswegian accents. The city sits alongside the River Clyde and is only about 45 miles west of Edinburgh.

The city is home to lots of free museums and attractions, a thriving live music scene, beautiful parks, amazing street art, and the best shopping in Scotland. For architecture lovers, there are a large number of buildings in the city designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. There are also breweries and distilleries you can visit and tour within the city.

If you are thinking of taking a day trip to Glasgow from Edinburgh, check out our guide to things to do in Glasgow and our Glasgow street art guide . There’s a lot to do and see in Glasgow, so I’d plan ahead so you can make the most of your day trip. Some of the city’s attractions and tours need to be booked in advance.

There is plenty to keep you busy for a day in central Glasgow, but some attractions outside of central Glasgow, depending on your interests, include Pollock House , House of an Art Lover , and the National Museum of Rural Life .

How to Get from Edinburgh to Glasgow

The easiest ways to get to Glasgow from Edinburgh are by car, bus, or train. You can also get there via plane, taxi, or day tour.

For drivers, Glasgow is about 50 miles west from Edinburgh and the drive normally takes about 1 hour and 10  minutes from the city center. However, it really depends on traffic. We recommend avoiding the morning and afternoon rush hour traffic to save on driving time.

There are two main routes, taking the M8 or taking the M9 and M80. Both roughly take about the same amount of time, but check traffic before setting out as this is often the busiest section of road in Scotland as the routes link the country’s two largest cities.

Train connections are regular between Edinburgh and Glasgow.  Trainline and  ScotRail  are good websites to check for schedules and train tickets.

Bus connections are regular between the two cities. You can check  National Express  for coach connections and prices between the two cities. You can also book a  CityLink shuttle bus  which provides direct service between Edinburgh and central Glasgow.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Glasgow

Glasgow is probably best visited by train or bus from Edinburgh as there are a number of regular connections. However, if you would prefer a tour you might consider this custom private trip to Glasgow with a chauffeur.

St. Andrews, Dundee, & Fife Villages

Fife is both a historical area, often referred to as the Kingdom of Fife , and a council region of Scotland. There are a number of places worth visiting in the area, with the most notable being St. Andrews, Dunfermline, and the fishing villages. Just north of Fife is the city of Dundee which is also well worth a visit.

Dunfermline is known for its long history of royal connections and its large number of well-preserved historical buildings. The most notable is Dunfermline Abbey which was originally built in the 12th century during the reign of David I. The abbey is most notable for its architecture and for being the burial place for 18 members of Scottish royalty. Dunfermline is also the home town of the famous philanthropist Andrew Carnegie and you can learn more about him at the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum .

St Andrews is located on the northeast coast of Fife. It is well known for the University of St Andrews, one of the oldest universities in the world, the ruins of St. Andrew’s Castle and the  Cathedral of St Andrew , and for being the birthplace of modern golf. It is also the town where Prince William went to university and met Kate Middleton.

St. Andrews offers a number of museums and attractions, the oldest golf course in the world ( Old Course ), and a number of shops and well-rated restaurants. Plenty to keep you busy for a full day. There are also a number of golf courses in and around St. Andrews, so if you want to play a round, be sure to book a tee time in advance.

About 7 miles outside of St. Andrews is also the Secret Bunker , a Cold War nuclear command center and secret bunker that has been opened to the public. Note that it is closed for part of the winter months.

The small historic fishing villages along the Fife coast are a nice places to stop over for a seafood meal and a stroll along the harbor. Many also offer other attractions as well, such as the Scottish Fisheries Museum in Anstruther. A few villages to consider are Crail, Anstruther, Elie, and Pittenweem.

Dundee is a coastal city on the Firth of Tay and is best known as a UNESCO city of design and for its museums and maritime attractions which include the RRS Discovery , Captain Scott’s Antarctic expedition ship, and the HMS Frigate Unicorn , a 19th-century Georgian wooden warship. The city’s newest attraction is the V&A Dundee , Scotland’s first ever design museum, which opened in September 2018. The museum is free to visit although there is an extra charge for some temporary exhibitions.

Try to avoid leaving or returning to Edinburgh during rush hours as the traffic in and out of Edinburgh and across the bridges at Queensferry is often slow during these times.

But we do recommend making a quick stop to take in the view of the three bridges crossing the Firth of Forth. The Forth Rail Bridge is an UNESCO designated Victoria era rail bridge that is architecturally significant for being the longest single cantilever bridge span when it was completed in 1890.

How to Get from Edinburgh to St. Andrews

The easiest way to get to St. Andrews from Edinburgh is by car, bus, day tour, or private transfer . Dunfermline and Dundee can be easily reached by train, bus, car, or day tour.

Buses are options to almost all the mentioned locations, but if you want to visit multiple towns in this area in one day, we’d recommend either driving or booking a day tour.

For drivers, Dunfermline is about an 18 mile drive north of Edinburgh and it usually takes about 30 to 40 minutes, St. Andrews is about 50 miles and takes about 1.5 hours, and Dundee is about 60 miles away and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Parking is limited in St. Andrews city center but there are free and paid parking areas as you enter the city. We normally park in the large parking area next to the British Museum of Golf. This parking area is free during the low season but there is a parking charge during busier times of year. It is located just across from the Old Course.

Buses operate from Edinburgh to most of the mentioned cities and towns. A bus to Dunfermline takes about 40 minutes. A bus from Edinburgh to St. Andrews takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. A bus from Edinburgh to Dundee takes about 1.5 hours. You can check  National Express  for coach connections and prices.

Dundee can easily be reached by train from Edinburgh and the train takes between 1 hour and 1.5 hours. Dunfermline can also be reached by train in 30 to 45 minutes. You can check ScotRail and Trainline for schedules and train tickets.

There is currently no operating train station in St. Andrews and the nearest station is located in Leuchars, about 5 miles away. If you want to travel by train from Edinburgh, you’ll need to take a train to Leuchars and then take a bus or taxi to St. Andrews.

For more complicated itineraries, you might want to use Traveline to figure out the best way to get from place to place.

* Note: There are tentative plans to reopen the train station in St. Andrews and provide a direct rail link between Edinburgh and St. Andrews and strengthen rail links throughout Fife. So worth checking if you’re wanting to travel by train.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to St. Andrews

There are several day tours that head up to Fife, most focusing on a visit to historic St. Andrews. We’ve done and enjoyed this day tour which stops at St. Andrews, the historic town of Falkland, and at a couple of the Fife fishing villages.

There is also this full day private tour which includes St. Andrews and a number of other locations along the Fife coast.

Outlander Filming Sites

Outlander is a romantic fantasy drama TV series set in Scotland that was adapted from the best-selling books by American author Diana Gabaldon. The storyline is set in both the 1940’s and the 18th century as Claire Randall is transported back in time to 1743. In the 18th century she meets a Highland warrior named Jamie Fraser and the series mainly centers on their love and relationship amongst tumultuous circumstances.

To be honest, we are not huge fans of the show but we have visited most of the filming locations for Outlander and most are places worth visiting whether you are a fan of the show or not. If you are a fan, we’d recommend considering joining an  Outlander themed tour to enjoy a day out with other fans.

The show is primarily shot at the filming studio near Glasgow, but a number of scenes for Outlander have been shot in filming locations throughout Scotland. Here are some of the better known and more interesting ones that are within a 2 hour drive of Edinburgh. You can choose a handful of these to visit to make a full day trip of it.

• Blackness Castle – A 15th century sea-edge fortress that is shaped like a ship, located about 20 miles (45 minute drive) from Edinburgh. In Outlander , it was used as Fort William and is where Jamie received lashings from Captain Randall and where Jamie rescues Claire from Black Jack.
• Culross – Culross is a picturesque village with a number of historic buildings that are under the care of the National Trust for Scotland . Many scenes for Outlander were filmed here as it was used as Cranesmuir in the show and you’ll also find Claire’s herb garden here. It is located about 25 miles away (45 to 55 minute drive) from Edinburgh.
• Doune Castle – Doune Castle was built around 1400 and was used as the fictional Castle Leoch in Outlander.  However, it is better known for being the primary setting for the majority of the scenes in the film  Monty Python and the Holy Grail . It is located about 45 miles from Edinburgh (1 hour to 1.5 hour drive).
• Falkland – A small historic village located in Perthshire, about a 40 mile (50 to 60 minute drive) from Edinburgh. Its most notable landmark is Falkland Palace which is run by the National Trust and open to the public. Falkland was used as 1940’s Inverness in the show.
• Hopetoun House  – Hopetoun House is a gorgeous 17th century mansion home which featured as the stately home of the Duke of Sandringham in Outlander.  Located about 14 miles from central Edinburgh (30 minute drive). Open seasonally to the public.
• Midhope Castle – Midhope Castle is a tower house (used as Lallybroch in the TV show) that is also on a private section of the Hopetoun Estate and is sometimes accessible to visitors. The building is derelict so you can only see the exterior. Parking pass needed to visit. Open seasonally.
• Linlithgow Palace  – A partially ruined medieval royal residence and the birthplace of King James V and Mary Queen of Scots. It featured as Wentworth Prison in Outlander . It is located about 18 miles drive from Edinburgh (35 to 50 minutes).
• Newhailes House – A 17th-century Palladian villa located about 6 miles (20 minutes drive) from Edinburgh. Scenes were shot here for Outlander of Jamie discussing land grants with Governor Tryon in North Carolina. The house is open seasonally for guided visits and run by the National Trust.

Note that almost all the attractions mentioned charge a fee for entry, and many close during the winter months.

For more Outlander locations, see our detailed guide to all the Outlander filming locations in Scotland .

How to Get from Edinburgh to Outlander Sites

The easiest way is going to be by car or day tour. Although you can get to many of the sites by public transportation it would be difficult to visit more than 2 or 3 locations in one day.

All of the attractions can be visited by car and all are within a 2 hour drive of Edinburgh, and there are several within a 1 hour drive.

Many of the Outlander filming sites can be visited by bus or train from Edinburgh, including Linlithgow Palace, Falkirk, Blackness Castle, and Newhailes House. I’d check Traveline for the best method and route depending on the filming sites of most interest to you.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Outlander Sites

There are several tours from Edinburgh that go to several Outlander sites in one day, most visiting the same filming locations. We’ve done this 1 day tour with Rabbies that includes stops at several Outlander filming locations including Culross, Blackness Castle, Doune Castle, and Linlithgow Palace.

If you’re a super fan, you may consider a longer Outlander tour such as this 4 day tour that visits just about all the major Outlander sites in Scotland, or this shorter 2 day tour option .

Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park

Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park was designated as Scotland’s first national park in 2002. The large national park includes mountains, forest, lochs (lakes), small villages, and farmland. Loch Lomond is the largest inland body of water by surface area in the UK.

The park is a popular place for hiking, camping, biking, and water sports. It’s particularly well known for hiking and is crossed by two of Scotland’s most popular long distance paths, the West Highland Way and The Three Lochs Way. There are also historic villages, scenic viewpoints, adventure parks, and boat cruises. This is also the land of Scottish outlaw and folk hero Rob Roy MacGregor .

If you are thinking about visiting, check out our travel guide to the top things to do in Loch Lomond to help plan your time here. A great place for a day trip or an overnight trip.

How to Get from Edinburgh to Loch Lomond

The easiest way to get from Edinburgh to Loch Lomond is by car or day tour, but you can also get there by bus or train. If traveling by public transit, you’ll want to plan carefully to make the most of your time.

Loch Lomond National Park covers a large area, but it is about 80 miles away from Edinburgh. It takes between 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the village of Luss alongside Loch Lomond from Edinburgh.

You can travel by bus or a combination of bus and train to several villages within Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park. These include Luss, Balloch, Tarbet, Callander, and Killin. But almost all routes include stops and changes. Travel times vary from 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the village.

If traveling by train, a few villages in and around Loch Lomond & the Trossachs are on a train line, such as Balloch and Tarbet. If you get off at Balloch, you can walk to several attractions (Balloch boat pier for loch cruises, aquarium, Birds of Prey centre, Balloch Castle Country Park ). Check ScotRail and Trainline for schedules and train tickets.

For planning journeys by bus or multi-stop journeys, you can use Traveline to figure out the best route.

If you get to Balloch by bus or train, you can join a bus tour there such as this one of the park to explore further afield.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Loch Lomond

There are several day tours from Edinburgh that include visits to Loch Lomond, such as this one that visits Stirling Castle, the Kelpies, and Loch Lomond, this one that visits Loch Lomond and 2 whisky distilleries, and this one that visits Loch Lomond as well as three castles.

If you want to do a cruise of Loch Lomond on a day tour, this one visits Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond and includes the option for a 1 hour boat cruise.

Whisky Distillery Tours

Whisky is the drink most associated with Scotland and many visitors want a chance to learn more about it, see how it is made, and taste a few drams. There are lots of places in Edinburgh where you can try Scottish whisky but there are no distilleries currently open to the public in the city. But luckily there are several within a 1 to 2 hour drive of the capital.

There are a number of whisky distilleries within driving distance of Edinburgh that you could visit on a day trip. I’d try to choose one or two based on a particular brand, type (single malt or blended), or taste (e.g., peaty or fruity) of whisky you personally enjoy.

If you are new to Scotch whisky, I’d recommend doing a tour and tasting at the Scotch Whisky Experience  or a local history and tasting tour first in Edinburgh, and then that should help you know better about what kind of whisky you enjoy.

Many whisky distillery tours are fairly similar so we’d advise that one or 2 are plenty for most people. You can easily combine a couple into one day. Also if you are traveling with someone who doesn’t enjoy whisky, try to combine the distillery visit with another attraction of interest.

For instance we’ve done this  whisky tasting tour from Edinburgh that stopped at both Glengoyne Distillery and Deanston Distillery. I actually opted to visit Doune Castle (located nearby) instead of the Deanston Distillery as the tour gives you flexibility to do as much or as little as you want at the distilleries themselves.

Here is a list to get you started of several distilleries located within a 2-hour drive of Edinburgh:

• Glenkinchie Distillery – This single malt Lowlands distillery is just a 19 mile (31 km) drive from Edinburgh (30 to 40 minute drive) in the town of Tranent. Offers tours and tastings.
• Glengoyne Distillery – A popular whisky distillery located in Dumgoyne, about 55 miles (88 km) from Edinburgh (1.5 hour drive). It has been in continuous operation since its founding in 1833 and makes its unpeaty single malt whisky using slow and traditional methods. Tours and tastings available.
• Deanston Distillery – Deanston Distillery is a popular whisky distillery in Doune situated alongside the River Teith. It is located about 45 miles (72 km) from Edinburgh (1 hour to 1 hour 30 minute drive). It produces single malt whisky and offers tours and tastings.
• Glenturret Distillery – This distillery is located in Crief about 55 miles (88 km) from Edinburgh (1 hour 20 minute to 1 hour 50 minute drive). The Glenturret Distillery produces single malt whiskies and offers tours and tastings. Pre-booking is recommended.
• Aberfeldy Distillery – The Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery is located outside Aberfeldy, about 74 miles (119 km) from Edinburgh (1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours drive). It produces single malt whisky and offers tours and tastings.

There are also a few newer distilleries, like Clydeside Distillery in Glasgow, within driving distance but they are relatively new and don’t have their own whiskies yet (should have a 5 year by 2022). Although they do tours of their distilleries and include tastings of other whiskies from around Scotland. So still worth visiting if you don’t mind that they are not producing their own spirits yet.

Most whisky distilleries offer several tours throughout the day and can be booked on arrival, but some do require advanced booking, especially in the low season, so be sure to check ahead. Also special tours and experiences (e.g., masterclasses, food and whisky tours) often need to be booked in advance.

Whiskey distillery visits are great for rainy days as the majority of tours take place indoors and you can get warmed up with a dram. Most of the larger distilleries offer a cafe or restaurant where you can get hot food and drinks. As they say in Scotland, today’s rain is tomorrow’s whisky!

It is easy to combine a visit to a distillery to a visit to another attraction in Scotland such as Loch Lomond National Park, Stirling Castle, Falkirk, Glasgow, Doune Castle, or Rosslyn Chapel. Many day tours from Edinburgh and Glasgow include a whisky distillery stop as part of the itinerary.

How to Get from Edinburgh to Whisky Distilleries

The easiest ways to visit a whisky distillery from Edinburgh is by car or day tour, but it is also possible by public transportation. You can also book private transfers such as this one .

All of the whisky distilleries can be reached by car and most have free dedicated parking lots. They range from 30 minutes to 2-hour drives from Edinburgh.

If you are thinking of driving yourself, note the Scottish drinking and driving laws  are very strict, so almost all distilleries offer to-go sample cups for drivers and bikers. If you don’t want to drive, I’d recommend booking a driver or guided tour.

Some whisky distilleries can be reached by bus or train and some are not well-served by public transit. So you’ll want to check on the distilleries you want to visit on Traveline for the best bus or train services. For instance you can visit the Glengoyne Distillery, Deanston Distillery, Aberfeldy Distillery, and Glenturret Distillery by public transit

In most cases, it is likely going to be easier and more time efficient to join a day tour from Edinburgh to visit distilleries than to do it via public transit.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Whisky Distilleries

Several tours from Edinburgh include stops at a whisky distillery. This whisky tour includes stops at two single malt whisky distilleries and a visit to Loch Lomond. This  day tour include a stop at a distillery as well as stops in small villages, scenic viewpoints, and Highland lochs. This day tour includes Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond and a stop at one distillery.

Cairngorms National Park

Cairngorms National Park was the second national park established in Scotland and is currently the largest national park in the British Isles. It is most notable for its mountain range, the Cairngorms. It is a popular area for a number of outdoor recreation activities including hiking, boating, climbing, fishing, camping, skiing, and birdwatching.

It is a popular area for families with lots of activities such as the Landmark Forrest Park (amusement park), Highland Wildlife Park (animal park), and Aviemore Zip Trek Park (ziplining park). The Strathspey Railway , which offers steam train rides, is also a popular attraction for people of all ages.

There are a number of castles and historical attractions located within the park that can be visited by the public, including Blair Castle, Braemar Castle, Ruthven Barracks, and Balmoral Castle (Queen’s private residence). There are also museums such as the Highland Folk Museum (large open-air museum) and Grantown Museum .

The park is also home to several whisky distilleries that can be visited including Dalwhinnie, Glenlivet, Tomintoul, and Speyside. The best known of which is probably Dalwhinnie Distillery .

It is one of the best wildlife and birding areas in Scotland, home to a number of species including red squirrels, capercaillie, osprey, deer, badgers, and the Scottish wildcat. You can take a guided wildlife tour here with Speyside Wildlife  and/or visit the Osprey Centre .

If you are thinking of visiting in winter, we have a guide to visiting the Cairngorms in winter for tips and things to do. The park is the most popular area for winter sports in Scotland and is home to three of Scotland’s five ski resorts. Scotland is the only place in the British Isles with ski resorts and you can read our  guide to skiing in Scotland for more information.

How to Get from Edinburgh to Cairngorms National Park

The best way to get from Edinburgh to the Cairngorms National park is by car, but you can also get here via bus or train. Some towns, such as Aviemore, are well-connected by bus and train from Edinburgh, whereas others, such as Braemar, are not.

It depends where you are driving, but it takes about 1.5 hours to reach the southern part of the park (e.g., Blair Atholl). It is about 130 miles (209 km) from Edinburgh to Aviemore (largest town in park) and the drive takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.

There are bus connections from Edinburgh to several villages and towns within the Cairngorms National Park, including Aviemore, Blair Atholl, and Newtonmore. However, the best connections are primarily to those town and villages in the southern and western areas of the national park.

Train connections are possible to some villages and towns including Aviemore, Dalwhinnie, Blair Atholl, and Newtonmore. Trains can take 2 to 4 hours depending on destination and route.

You can check the bus services and routes online via National Express  and  Stagecoach  (local operator for most services within Cairngorms). Check ScotRail and Trainline for train routes and tickets.

If you are planning to travel around the Cairngorms by public transit, I’d check out  this brochure  (just note it was last updated in 2015) for an idea of the bus, train, and national cycle routes within the park itself.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Cairngorms National Park

We don’t know of any day tours from Edinburgh that only focus on Cairngorms but some do drive through or make a stop or two.

If you want to do a day tour to explore the Cairngorms National Park while in Scotland, we’d recommend taking the train to Inverness or Aberdeen and then booking a day trip from there. Both cities are closer and will allow you to explore this area better.

This day tour from Inverness and this day tour from Aberdeen both explore parts of the Cairngorms National Park.

Loch Ness is a large deep freshwater lake in the Scottish Highlands and is the second deepest loch in Scotland. It is best known for the numerous sightings of the Loch Ness Monster, known as “Nessie”. The first such reported sighting of the mysterious sea monster was in 1933.

There are several things to do in and around the loch, and the most popular is to take a cruise on the loch , which range from about 30 minutes to 3 hours. A visit to the picturesque ruined Urquhart Castle can be done as part of a cruise or on its own.

A few other places of interest are the village of Drumnadrochit, the Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition , scenic Glen Affric, and a visit to the town of Fort Augustus which is a good place to get a look at the Caledonian Canal. There are also a number of hikes and outdoor activities in this area, and there is even a little beach area near the Dores Inn .

For more information, see our complete guide to visiting Loch Ness , which has details of all the attractions in the area.

How to Get from Edinburgh to Loch Ness

The easiest ways to get from Edinburgh to Loch Ness are by day tour or car, but you can also reach Loch Ness by bus or a combination of train and bus.

Although Loch Ness can be done as a day trip from Edinburgh and is a popular place to visit, it is a long way to go for a day trip. So we recommend either doing it as an overnight trip or booking a day tour to avoid having to do so much driving in one day. In winter, the limited amount of daylight hours, means you’ll likely be driving back in the dark.

It is about a 175 mile (281 km) drive to Drumnadrochit from Edinburgh, which can take between 3.5 to 4.5 hours depending on traffic. You can get to most places in the Loch Ness area within 4 to 5 hours.

Given the long drive, we’d recommend doing this as an overnight trip from Edinburgh or as a day tour so you don’t have to worry about 7 to 8 hours or more of driving.

By public transportation you can reach Drumnadrochit, Clansman Harbour (one of the places cruises depart), Urquhart Castle, and Fort Augustus. This is possible by bus or via a combination of bus and train. Travel time is 4.5 to 5.5 hours each way, many requiring stops and changes, making this not an ideal way to travel for a day trip.

Different bus services operate here and most journeys require multiple stops so you can use Traveline to plan the best route. Many journeys require you to stop first in Inverness. Check ScotRail and Trainline for train routes and tickets.

If planning to visit as a day trip, we’d strongly recommending booking a day tour instead. Or consider staying overnight in Inverness or surrounds, there are lots of great places to stay in the area.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Loch Ness

There are several companies offering day tours from Edinburgh to Loch Ness, including Rabbie’s Loch Ness tour that also visits scenic Glencoe as well as this day tour option .

A day tour from Edinburgh to Loch Ness is a long day with lots of time in a bus, and ideally we’d recommend taking the train to Inverness and doing a tour to Loch Ness from Inverness as it will allow you to see more at a slower pace.

Stirling Castle & Falkirk

Stirling is a city north of Edinburgh that was once a very powerful town in Scotland. Stirling Castle, alongside Edinburgh Castle, was one of the largest and most important castles in Scotland and it dominates the city’s skyline. It was the medieval home for Scottish royalty and it saw many battles and sieges.

Today, Stirling Castle is the most popular visitor attraction in Stirling, and a tour here allows you to learn about its long history, the people who lived here, and see its principal rooms. You may also want to visit the Church of the Holy Rude, a nearby church that was used by royalty staying at Stirling Castle in the medieval period.

Other things to see in or near Stirling is the battle site of the Battle of Bannockburn , which was a famous battle fought between the Scottish and English in 1314 where Robert the Bruce’s army beat the army of King Edward II in what is often referred to as the First War of Scottish Independence. You can learn more at the  Battle of Bannockburn 3D Experience .

Nearby is the National Wallace Monument , a large memorial completed in 1869 to commemorate William Wallace , a Scottish knight and hero, who fought alongside Robert the Bruce. He is the man who was famously portrayed by Mel Gibson in the 1995 film Braveheart . Wallace’s sword is also on display here. You can see the monument from a distance for free (it is 220 feet high!), but there is a fee to visit.

On the way to Stirling, you’ll pass by the town of Falkirk, where you’ll find a number of additional attractions. The Kelpies are 98 feet tall steel horse head sculptures and they are the largest equine sculptures in the world. You can get a glimpse of them from the highway but we recommend stopping to visit them (free to visit, but small fee if you want to climb inside one of them).

Other attractions worth visiting nearby include the Falkirk Wheel (an interesting boat lift connecting 2 canals, can take a short ride) and Callendar House  (grand 19th century mansion with medieval core). For history buffs, the remains of a section of the Antonine Wall (a smaller northern version of Hadrian’s Wall) runs through the grounds of Callendar House.

Yet, another attraction that could be visited as part of a day trip to Stirling is Linlithgow Palace , a partially ruined medieval royal residence and the birthplace of King James V and Mary Queen of Scots. A great piece of history although we had a very confusing time trying to navigate it due to its ruined layout! On a nice day, you may want to walk the path around Linlithgow Loch located below the palace.

How to Get from Edinburgh to Stirling

It is easy to get from Edinburgh to Stirling by train, car, bus, or day tour. It is also possible to reach Falkirk by car, train, bus, or day tour.

Stirling is about a 36-mile (58 km) drive from Edinburgh, and the drive takes about 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes. Falkirk is about a 45-minute drive away from Edinburgh. The M9 goes past both cities.

You can reach Stirling bus or train, and the journey takes about 1 hour.

The train between Edinburgh and Falkirk takes about 30 minutes. From here, you would need to take a local bus (check First Bus ) to get closer to most of the city’s visitor attractions. 

You can check the bus services and routes online via  National Express . Check ScotRail and Trainline for train routes and tickets.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Stirling

You can visit some of these sites, most notably Stirling Castle and the Kelpies, via a day tour. This day tour includes a visit to Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, and the Kelpies.

If you want to see the Falkirk Wheel and explore Callendar House as well, you might consider this private day tour . It includes pick up and drop off from Edinburgh hotels and time spent at the Kelpies, Falkirk Wheel, and Callendar House. See more tour options for Falkirk here .

Scottish Borders

The Scottish Borders is the southern region of Scotland that borders England. It is a hilly, bucolic, and largely rural area that was once occupied by the Romans and saw the coming and going of many Scottish and English armies over the centuries. It is the area of Scotland just south of where we live!

We enjoy exploring the Scottish Borders as it is relatively unknown to most tourists and there is a lot of scenery and historical sites in the area. You’ll find historic market towns, Roman sites, ruined grand abbeys, brochs, castles, nature areas, and a network of hiking paths.

Scenic towns that are easy to explore on foot include Jedburgh, Kelso, Melrose, and Peebles. The area is known for its four great ruined medieval abbeys (ruined during the reign of King Henry VIII) at Kelso, Jedburgh, Melrose, and Dryburgh. The most famous of which is probably Melrose Abbey which was the first Cistercian abbey in Scotland.

There are also a number of castles, museums, and historical attractions. Castles that are open to the public in the area include Floors Castle ,  Hermitage Castle , and Thirlestane Castle . Museums include the Mary Queen of Scots Visitor Center in Jedburgh, Jedburgh Castle Jail and Museum , and the  Coldstream Museum .

Many sites in the Scottish Borders have a relationship with writer Sir Walter Scott who spent much of his childhood living in the area with his aunt and would later make this his home as an adult. For example, you can find a plaque and bust in Kelso (where he went to school and spent many summers with his aunt and uncle), visit the courthouse museum in Selkirk where Scott served as sheriff for almost 30 years, tour his grand house Abbotsford , and see his burial place in Dryburgh Abbey .

If you’d like to hike in the area, you can check out local walking routes here . If you like history you might consider walking a section of the 65 mile Borders Abbeys Way which connects the four abbeys and other attractions as well. The Sir Walter Scott Way also runs through the region.

The Scottish Borders is a large area, so it really depends on what your interests are but it is definitely a region worth exploring if you are looking for a lesser known and less busy destination in Scotland. You can read about the first two day trips we took ourselves to this area to come up with a list of things to do in the Scottish Borders .

You can also combine a visit to the Scottish Borders with a stop at Rosslyn Chapel or a visit across the border to Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland. Both are covered in detail in other sections of this article.

How to Get from Edinburgh to the Scottish Borders

It is easy to visit the area by car, bus, or day tour. You can also reach the area by train.

You can easily reach the Scottish Borders by car. It takes about 1 hour to 1.5 hour to reach towns in the Scottish Borders. For instance Peebles is 23 miles (37 km), Melrose is 37 miles (59 km), Selkirk is 39 miles (62 km), and Jedburgh is 48 miles (77 km) from Edinburgh.

You can reach most of the towns by bus from Edinburgh which include Melrose, Selkirk, Galashiels, Kelso, and Peebles. Travel times vary widely but most towns can be reached in 1 hour to 2 hours. You can check bus services and routes online via Borders Buses.

In many cases you can save time by taking the train and then getting a bus from Galashiels or Tweedbank. You can reach Galashiels and Tweedbank by train from Edinburgh on the Border Railway. You can book tickets via ScotRail  or  Trainline . From these stations, you can connect by bus to reach most of the other towns in the Scottish Borders or book a taxi.

Galashiels is the largest town in the Scottish Borders and here you’ll find the best transport links and the most services.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Scottish Borders

There are a number of day tours that can give you a taste of the Scottish Borders. This Rabbies tour includes a visit to Rosslyn Chapel and Melrose Abbey, this one visits the Scottish Borders with a stop in Jedburgh and Hadrian’s Wall, and this day tour visits Alnwick Castle with a stop in Kelso.

Scottish Seabird Centre

The Scottish Seabird Centre is a charity-run discovery center in North Berwick that runs birdwatching boat trips and also participates in a number of local conservation efforts. The Firth of Forth is an important breeding area and is believed to be used by almost half of all of Europe’s seabirds!

Species that breed here each year include razorbills, Atlantic puffins, Atlantic gannets, Arctic terns, kittiwakes, shags, cormorants, and numerous duck species. Most notably, the world’s largest colony of northern gannets (over 150,000!) nest each year on Bass Rock.

The Discovery Centre is an interactive information and museum center, designed to be family-friendly. From here, you can learn about all the local species and even watch the birds on live cams that are set up on the island and local cliffs. There is also a cafe and gift center here.

The boat tours run from about April to November, and leave from the Scottish Seabird Centre. The boat tours go to or around one or more of the small rocks or islands where the birds nest each Spring and Summer. These include Bass Rock, Lamb, Craigleith, and the Isle of May. Some of the special tours include landings on either Bass Rock or the Isle of May.

If you love birds, especially sea birds, and are visiting in the Spring or Summer, we’d definitely recommend considering a visit here. In addition to birds, you also have the chance to see dolphins, seals, and whales in these waters. There is also a view of the ruined Tantallon Castle.

We’ve visited twice and done two boat tours so far, one RIB boat tour that circled the three islands and one regular boat tour that landed on the Isle of May. Both tours were educational and fun, and we got to see a lot of birds on both trips. You can read about our experiences and tips for visiting the Scottish Seabird Centre  to help plan your own trip. It is best to pre-book the boat tours in advance.

North Berwick is a nice town to wander around and has a number of casual eateries and pubs; we recommend trying the local seafood. Other attractions around North Berwick include Tantallon Castle , a ruined 14th century castle, and the National Museum of Flight . There are also dozens of golf courses along the coast between Edinburgh and North Berwick; just be sure to book a tee time in advance if you want to play.

You can also combine a day trip out to North Berwick with a visit to other attractions such as Rosslyn Chapel in Roslin or Newhailes House & Gardens in Musselburgh.

How to Get from Edinburgh to Scottish Seabird Centre

It is easy to reach North Berwick by car, train, or bus.

It is about a 25 mile (40 km) drive from Edinburgh to North Berwick, which usually takes about 45 to 50 minutes. There is a pay-and-display car park located at the Scottish Seabird Centre or street parking in town.

North Berwick is well connected to Edinburgh by public transit. You can travel by train from Edinburgh to North Berwick by train in about 30 to 40 minutes. You can book tickets via Trainline  or ScotRail .

Or you can take a bus (check schedule online with East Coast Buses ) to North Berwick, which takes about 1 hour.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Scottish Seabird Centre

We are not aware of any day tours that visit the Scottish Seabird Centre or stop in North Berwick, but it is easy to reach North Berwick by public transit. However, you could arrange a private transfer or private tour.

Hadrian’s Wall

Hadrian’s Wall was a defensive fortification built by the Romans in the northernmost part of the Roman province of Britannia, which is now northern England. It is believed construction on the wall started around 122 A.D. during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, and it was used by the Romans until they left Britain in the early 5th century. It is 73 miles long (80 Roman miles) and runs from Wallsend to the Solway Firth.

Games of Thrones fans will likely know, or be interested to learn, that the Game of Thrones book series written by George RR Martin was inspired by Martin’s visit to Hadrian’s Wall in 1981. He notes that the Wall was the first thing he developed in the books, and you can read more about that in his  2014 interview with Rolling Stone .

Hadrian’s Wall was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and has become a popular tourist attraction. Many people, especially UK residents, do a week-long walk from one end to the other during the summer months. But as a day trip, you can still see a section of the wall and visit one of the forts.

There are hundreds of Hadrian’s Wall and Roman related sites in the area, and if you are really interested in seeing specific things I’d recommend getting a recent guidebook on the wall to help you learn more and choose the best things to visit. But if you are just happy to see a few highlights, we’ll recommend some places that work well as a day trip from Edinburgh below.

You can see stretches of it by car or bus along the Roman Dere Street and then one of the most popular places to get out and see the wall up close is at Steel Rigg. Nearby, Sycamore Gap (easy to spot from the Roman Dere Street) is a scenic spot that was featured in the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.

There is a parking area at Steel Rigg which provides a nice view of the wall and you can follow a path along a decently preserved section of the wall. Please don’t sit or walk on the wall as it is a protected monuments and both the wall and the surrounding ground is quite fragile.

An alternative to Steel Rigg is Heddon-on-the-Wall which is another well-preserved stretch of the wall that you can see up close. This gets less visitors than Steel Rigg which is where most of the tour buses and cars stop. There is no dedicated parking here but there is street parking.

Before or after you’ve seen a stretch of the wall, I’d recommend visiting one of the ruined forts and museums along the wall. There were originally at least 14 larger Roman forts built along the wall and you can still see the ruins of many of these today. We’d recommend planning a visit to either Housesteads or Vindolanda . Both have fort ruins and a museum with archaeological finds and information to help you learn more about the sites.

If you want to do a long walk in the area, we’d recommend this 8 mile circular walk around a section of the wall which includes Steel Rigg, Sycamore Gap, Housesteads, and a lake. It takes about 3 hours at a normal pace and starts and ends at the Housesteads Visitor Center. This would make for a great day out for those who want to combine hiking with sightseeing.

A day trip to Hadrian’s Wall could be combined with a short stop at Rosslyn Chapel or to a town in the Scottish Borders such as Melrose or Jedburgh. You might also want to stop at Carter Bar which is the border of Scotland and England for short photo stop. You can read more about our own day trip to Hadrian’s Wall from Edinburgh  for more ideas.

How to Get from Edinburgh to Hadrian’s Wall

The easiest ways to reach Hadrian’s Wall are by car, booking a day tour, or booking a private transfer . Public transportation is very limited in this area.

Hadrian’s Wall is about a 100 mile (160 km) drive south of Edinburgh. It takes about 2.5 to 3 hours to reach the mentioned sites along Hadrian’s Wall by car. The sites are then spread out alongside the wall, but we’d recommend trying to stick to those within 30 to 60 minutes drive of each other.

There is very limited public transportation in this area which is primarily rural and many of the recommended sites are outside of towns. If you want to visit without a car, we’d recommend booking a day tour from Edinburgh.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Hadrian’s Wall

There are several day tours from Edinburgh to Hadrian’s Wall, many of which make a stop or two in the Scottish Borders. This day tour (which we’ve done) stops in a Scottish Borders town, Carter Bar, Steel Rigg, and (usually) Vindolanda. If you’d like to combine a trip to Rosslyn Chapel and Hadrian’s Wall, you might consider this tour  although it spends less time at Hadrian’s Wall.

Harry Potter Filming Sites

While much of the Harry Potter books were written in Edinburgh by J.K. Rowling , Edinburgh was never used as a filming location for any of the films. Although you can find several related sites to Harry Potter in Edinburgh .

Hogwarts is of course set in Scotland and there are a number of Harry Potter filming locations in Scotland . You can put together your own list if you already know where you want to go. Just know that there is not too much to see at some of them.

We’ve listed some below for you to consider, but just note most are 3 hours or more drive time from Edinburgh if you head north so this makes for a very long day trip. The closest in terms of driving time is Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, England which is a 2-hour drive away.

• Glenfinnan Viaduct – The Glenfinnan Viaduct is a railway viaduct on the West Highland Line just outside the town of Glenfinnan. It opened for operation in 1901. In Harry Potter, it is the viaduct or bridge that the Hogwarts Express is seen going over in the films.
• The Jacobite Train – This is the steam train run by West Coast Railway used for shots of the Hogwarts Express. The train mainly runs between Fort William and Mallaig. For the full Harry Potter like experience we recommend booking the “First Class Compartment Carriage HP Style” seats. The train operates seasonally, normally April to October.
• Rannoch Moor – Rannoch Moor is a boggy moorland area near Loch Rannoch. This is where the Death Eaters board the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part 1 .
• Steall Falls in Glen Nevis – Steall Falls, Scotland’s second highest waterfall, and surrounding area were used in the background for scenes where Harry fights the dragon in the Triwizard Tournament during Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire . You can find hiking information here .
• Alnwick Castle – Located in northern England, the castle exterior and courtyard were used as Hogwarts to shoot several scenes in the first two films, including where the students learn to fly on their broomsticks. The castle offers Harry Potter related activities like broomstick lessons. The castle has also been used as a filming location for Downton Abbey , Transformers: The Last Knight , Elizabeth , and other films. The castle is worth a visit in its own right and there is also an amazing garden located here!
• Glen Coe – Glen Coe is a scenic glen and also the site of a terrible massacre in 1692. In Harry Potter, the area was used in a few films and it is best known as the location for Hagrid’s Hut (although the hut was a film set not a real place). You can view our Glen Coe photography guide .

It is not possible however to visit all of the mentioned filming locations in one day so you’ll need to figure out which ones you are most interested in seeing. You can fit several locations into a day if you head northwest. But Alnwick Castle, for instance, is in the opposite direction (in England) than all the rest.

If you are looking for just one Harry Potter thing to do, I’d probably choose The Jacobite train ride (a fun experience and nice scenery), a visit to Alnwick Castle (iconic castle with broomstick lessons), or a visit to Glen Coe (dramatic landscape and good area for a walk/hike).

For more ideas, see our Harry Potter Scotland guide for a full list of filming locations.

How to Get from Edinburgh to Harry Potter Filming Sites

It is easy to reach the Harry Potter filming sites by car or day tour from Edinburgh, and some can also be visited by bus and/or train.

It takes 1.5 hours to 2 hours to reach Alnwick Castle by car, and the rest of the sites can be reached by driving 3 to 4 hours from Edinburgh.

If you plan to head north towards Fort William and Glen Coe, we’d actually recommend doing this as an overnight trip if you can and perhaps stay overnight in Fort William . Or consider a day tour so you don’t have to do the driving yourself.

Many of the filming locations can be reached by bus and/or train including Fort William (where the steam train departs), Alnwick Castle, Glenfinnan, Rannoch Moor, and Glencoe. Check Traveline for the best routes to each.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Harry Potter Filming Sites

There are day tours that include many of the Harry Potter sites, just note that most focus on Alnwick Castle since it is much closer than the others. For instance, this day tour visits Alnwick Castle, the Scottish Borders, and the Northumberland Coast.

If you are wanting to take the Jacobite Steam Train, I’d check this day trip with train ride as it includes transport to and from Edinburgh, the steam train ride, and views of some Harry Potter filming locations in the Highlands.

If Glen Coe is the top site on your list, you might consider this day tour that includes Glen Coe as well as Loch Ness.

Glen Coe & Scottish Highlands

Glen Coe , or Glencoe, is a glen of volcanic origins in the Scottish Highlands that is well-known for being scenic and atmospheric. It is an area designated as a special scenic area and nature reserve. Most of the glen is owned and conserved by the National Trust of Scotland .

It is also the site of a terrible massacre in 1692, known as the Massacre of Glencoe , where 38 people from the MacDonalds of Glencoe clan were murdered unarmed as they slept by those that had given them shelter. The government initiated massacre was led by a member of the Campbell clan and this has led to a MacDonald and Campbell feud that lasted for generations (in some cases may still exist).

However, most people come to Glen Coe not for its history, but for its scenic beauty. It is a draw for many photographers and has been used as a filming location for a number of movies including Highlander , Rob Roy , Braveheart , and the Harry Potter films. You can view our Glencoe photography guide .

It is a popular place for hiking, climbing, and mountaineering and there are a number of paths and routes within the area. Nearby Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the British Isles.

There is a visitor center and exhibition center (fee for non-members) run by the National Trust here which is a great place to stop for information and hiking routes. The National Trust staff sometimes led guided walks or safari tours. There is also the Glencoe Folk Museum which presents local history presented within thatched cottages.

On the way to Glen Coe, you might like to stop and explore a bit of the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park.

How to Get from Edinburgh to Glen Coe

The easiest way to get here is by car or day tour. It is possible to get to the village and many areas of Glen Coe by public transit as well.

It is about a 120 mile (193 km) drive from Edinburgh to Glencoe, and the drive takes about 3 hours. Can take longer depending on traffic.

It is possible to travel to Glen Coe by public transit, either by bus or a combo of bus and train. See Traveline to help you plan your journey.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Glen Coe

There are day trips from Edinburgh to Glen Coe, such as this one that visits both Loch Ness and Glencoe, as well as this similar tour .

Castles were built in Scotland from the 11th century to 20th century, and range from tower houses to large fortresses to fairytale palaces. Many are open to the public and are within day tripping distance of Edinburgh.

Castles in Scotland range from almost forgotten about ruins to prime tourist attractions, and you can find them in just about any part of Scotland. I’d take a look at this castle list as it organizes castles by council area in Scotland so you can identify which ones are near where you’d like to go and are worth visiting.

If there is a particular castle you really want to visit, I’d then explore the area around it to find other castles that are open to the public. It is easy to visit 3 to 4 castles in a day trip from Edinburgh if you plan ahead.

There are dozens of castles that are within day tripping distance from Edinburgh, here are some to help get you started (all within a 2.5 hour drive):

• Cragmillar Castle – A ruined castle with parts dating back to the 14th century that was used by Mary Queen of Scots. Only a 20 minute drive from Edinburgh.
• Blackness Castle – A 15th castle that is shaped like a ship located on the south shore of the Firth of Forth. Filming location for Outlander . 45 minute drive from Edinburgh.
• Thirlestane Castle – A privately owned 16th century castle located in the Scottish Borders that is home to the Maitland family. Located about a 45 minute drive from Edinburgh.
• Stirling Castle – A large medieval castle that served as one of the most important fortresses in Scotland for a long period and was used as a residence by Scottish royalty. Lots of resemblance to Edinburgh Castle. About a 1 hour to 1.5 hour drive from Edinburgh.
• Doune Castle   – Castle dating back to about 1400 that became derelict but was significantly restored in the 20th century. Filming location for  Monty Python and the Holy Grail and  Outlander . Located 1 hour to 1.5 hour drive from Edinburgh.
• Alnwick Castle – A picturesque and mighty castle with sections dating back to the 11th century. Located in northern England, it is the seat of the Duke of Northumberland. Filming location for Harry Potter and Downton Abbey . Adjacent to the beautiful Alnwick Garden . Located a 1.5 to 2 hour drive from Edinburgh.
• Dunnottar Castle – A dramatically situated ruined medieval fortress along the coast that has a rich history and was a significant place of defense during the Jacobite rebellions. Dunnottar Castle is about a 2 hour to 2.5 hour drive from Edinburgh.
• Balmoral Castle – Castle built for Queen Victoria and now the private home of Queen Elizabeth II. Beautiful grounds and gardens, but only the Castle’s Ballroom and stables are open to the public to tour. Only open to the public during certain times of the year. About a 2.5 hour drive from Edinburgh.

Note that all the castles listed charge an admission fee for visitors. If you plan to visit several castles while in Scotland, you might check out the Scottish Heritage Pass (valid for travel between April to October) which gives you free entry to over 120 National Trust and Historic Scotland sites.

There is also the  Historic Scotland Explorer Pass  which includes entry into over 70 Historic Scotland sites. These passes include entry into lots of castles including Edinburgh Castle, Blackness Castle, Craigmillar Castle, Stirling Castle, and Doune Castle.

You can also join the National Trust for Scotland for free entry into their properties.

Most castles in Scotland have seasonal hours and some close throughout the winter months. So be sure to check head before planning a visit to be sure they’ll be open during your visit.

We’ve visited loads of castles in Scotland, so if you are looking for a castle in a particular area to fit into a day trip or a castle of a particular type, feel free to ask us in the Comments section and we can give you our recommendations.

How to Get from Edinburgh to Castles

Castles in Scotland can be reached by car or day tour, and many can also be reached by bus or train.

The mentioned castles are all within a 20-minute to 2.5 hour drive of Edinburgh.

Most of the mentioned castles can be reached by public transportation. Use Traveline to help you plan your route to specific castles. Just note that it may be hard to visit more than one or two castles on a day trip using public transit.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Castles

Castles are a part of a lot of day tours from Edinburgh. This castle-focused day trip visits several castle as well as Highland lochs and scenery. You can also find day tours that include a particular castle along with other attractions including this one to Stirling Castle and this one to Alnwick Castle .

A Few Tips for Planning Day Trips from Edinburgh

Here are a few tips for planning a day trip from Edinburgh whether you plan to drive, take public transportation, or book a guided day tour.

• It rains a lot in Scotland and can be windy so be sure to take along raingear, warm layers, and practical shoes! Check the weather forecast before setting out. Don’t let bad weather stop you from exploring, just be prepared!
• When planning day trips from Edinburgh, we recommend sticking to places within a 2.5 hour drive or less from the city. Any further and you’ll spend half of your day simply driving and not getting to see as much. Also be sure to take daylight hours into account as you have more limited hours in winter.
• If you are thinking of going to places that are further away, such as the Isle of Skye or northern Scottish Highlands, we strongly recommend an overnight or multi-day trip. If you don’t want to make arrangements, many local tour companies such as Rabbies offer overnight tours from Edinburgh to more far-flung places in both Scotland and England.
• If driving, try to avoid rush hour if leaving or returning to Edinburgh on a weekday. Morning rush hour is normally from about 7:30am to 9:30am (7:30 to 9:30) and afternoon rush hour is normally from 4:00pm to 6:00pm (16:00 to 18:00). You can check road conditions and traffic online at Traffic Scotland .
• New to driving in the UK? Check out our tips for driving in the UK and navigating single track roads .
• We recommend the Traveline website for helping to plan journeys in the UK via public transportation. The site is especially helpful if you are having trouble figuring out which bus to take or how to do a multi-leg journey.
• If planning to do day trips by public bus or coach, know that there are several bus stations in Edinburgh but the buses of most of the bus companies start and end their journeys at the Edinburgh Bus Station  (also known as St. Andrews Bus Station) on Elder Street.
• For bus tickets, you can often purchase them online through sites like National Express or the local service website. But others you will need to purchase in person at the bus station or directly from the driver (cash usually needed).
• We currently have two train stations in central Edinburgh, the main one where most trains arrive and depart is Waverley Station . But there is also the Haymarket Station  which handles a lot of commuter train traffic. Just be sure you know which station you need.
• If you plan to do a lot of travel by bus or train from Edinburgh, we recommend booking your accommodation within walking distance of the train or bus station to make your travels easier.
• If traveling by public bus or train and you want to visit more than one place in the same day, be sure to check the routes and schedules in advance to make the most of your day. Public transit is not that frequent in some areas.
• If you plan to use a taxi or private transfer to get from one place to another, we often use minicabit to compare cab fees. We do have Uber in Scotland (launched in 2015 after we moved here) but it is currently limited to pick-ups in and around Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen only.
• If looking for day tour operators in Edinburgh, we can recommend Edinburgh-based Rabbies . You can also see a wider selection of tours from Edinburgh on GetYourGuide and Viator .
• If doing a day tour, tipping or leaving a small gratuity to your guide and/or driver is appreciated and common, although not necessary, if you enjoyed their services.
• If you plan to visit a number of historical and cultural sites while in Scotland, you might check out the Scottish Heritage Pass (valid for travel between April to October) which gives you free entry to over 120 National Trust and Historic Scotland sites. There is also the  Historic Scotland Explorer Pass  which includes entry into over 70 Historic Scotland sites including Edinburgh Castle, Urquhart Castle, Stirling Castle, Melrose Abbey, and St Andrews Castle.
• Be sure you allow enough time to see all the things you want to do in Edinburgh! We sometimes hear from visitors who did so many day trips, they didn’t get to see much of the city itself. Edinburgh is a cultural hub of Scotland and there is a lot to do here. If you’ve tired out all the top things to do in Edinburgh , you can also check out our list of less known things to do in Edinburgh !
• If you are looking for more Scotland day trip ideas, also check out our guides to day trips from Glasgow  and day trips from Inverness .

So that is our guide to the best day trips from Edinburgh! Hopefully it has helped you plan your own Edinburgh day trip.

Planning to do a day trip from Edinburgh but not ready to plan it out yet? PIN this article to Pinterest to read later:

Have you done any day trips from Edinburgh? If so, feel free to tell us about your day trip experience and how you planned it.

If you have a question about planning a day trip from Edinburgh or anything else about visiting Edinburgh, just leave us your question in the Comments section below!

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Steve Post author

May 12, 2023 at 10:51 am

hello there and thank you for this great resource! We’ll have 3 full days in Scotland, based out of Edinburgh. To get as much of the Scottish experience possible, do you think 1 day touring Edinburgh and 2 days doing day trips with a car would be best, or 2 days to tour Edinburgh and only 1 day to devote to a day trip? Thanks

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

May 16, 2023 at 9:09 am

I don’t think there is any correct answer to this. You could easily find enough in and around Edinburgh to fill three days as you can probably see in some of our other posts on things to do in Edinburgh. But with three days only in Scotland, I’d definitely recommend at least one day on a day trip or tour of some kind, especially if you don’t think you’ll be returning to Scotland.

In terms of which days trips and one or two days really depends on what you are most interested in doing/seeing. What are your main interests after looking over the options? If you think you’ll never return to Scotland, then you might want to do a day trip that goes up to the Scottish Highlands as I would say that is what most people think of in terms of Scottish landscapes (lochs, hills, moors). Many people also want to visit a Scottish distillery (best on a tour so driver can drink) or another castle or two (in addition to Edinburgh Castle).

Hope that helps, and happy to answer more questions as you have them!

Best, Jessica

Rita Shemchuk Post author

April 9, 2023 at 11:59 am

Hello Jessica and Laurence. We are planning a trip to Scotland in the spring 2024. I am enjoying reading your Edinburgh day trip suggestions with travel tips and places not to miss. I stumbled onto your blog doing research for our trip.

We are flying into Edinburgh and staying there 3 days then onto Glasgow 1 day. And then onto to rest of the country. Up north to Inverness and continuing down to Stirling before returning to Edinburgh for departure.

We are planning to get a rental car. Is it worth having the car in Edinburgh? Different travel people are suggesting getting the car in Glasgow as opposed to Edinburgh.

My question to you is this. Should we rent a car at the Edinburgh airport as that’s where we’re going to end up OR after visiting Edinburgh take the train to Glasgow and get the car there for the rest of our journey.

Thanks, Rita Shemchuk

April 10, 2023 at 12:23 pm

I would not recommend renting a car in Edinburgh unless you have a specific need for one (e.g., to get somewhere specific that you can’t get via public transit or walking). Even for some of the day trips, it is usually easier to use public transit or join a day tour.

We lived outside Edinburgh for many years and normally just took the bus into the city as it can be difficult to find parking and you will need to pay to park each day (unless your accommodation offers free parking). If you stay centrally most things are easy to get to on foot or a short bus or taxi ride. So it is can be more expensive and more stressful to have a car.

You can get a bus or train to Glasgow easily and then once you are in Glasgow you can rent a car there. Depending on where you are staying in Glasgow and what you plan to do, you may or may not want a car there. But it is easy to rent a car in Glasgow either on arrival or as you are leaving to head to more rural destinations.

Hope that helps, and just let us know if you have more questions as you plan your visit to Scotland!

Scott Post author

April 3, 2023 at 11:10 pm

Love your website, it’s been instrumental in helping me plan my trip to Scotland!

I’ve got about 2.5 days in Edinburgh planned with enough time for 2 day trips. I’ve decided to use Rabbies as you recommended. So far I’ve decided on the West Highlands and Castles tour. I’m torn on the last one though and would love some help.

I’m torn between seeing Hadrians Wall, or doing the Alwick Castle + Northumberland Coast and Borders, and also the St. Andrews/Fife fishing villages. The first two are interesting to me to see Northumberland since I’m seeing the West Highlands with the first trip. St. Andrews and the fishing villages are also high on your list so I’m heavily considering that. Thoughts?

April 4, 2023 at 12:43 pm

So glad to hear that our website has been helpful in planning your upcoming trip to Scotland.

Yes, there are so many good day trip possibilities from Edinburgh. I think it is hard to recommend one tour over the other as they are all fairly different. We’ve done all three and I think you’d probably enjoy any of them. I would read through all the descriptions and see what appeals most. What are you most interested in seeing/doing?

Pat Freedman Post author

February 23, 2023 at 3:14 pm

Thanks for this very useful blog. I have been feeling overwhelmed in planning a Scotland trip for me and my husband in September 2023, but your information has helped me get a handle on which day tour to take from Edinburgh–I think we will take the Rabbie’s tour to Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond, and kelpies. Do you think 4 nights will allow enough time to see the main city sights (half-day on arrival, plus 2 full days) and do the day tour (on the third full day)? We plan to rent a car after the last night in order to see more of Scotland, and we will return to Edinburgh for 1 or 2 nights at the end of the trip, so we can do a bit more city sightseeing then.

February 24, 2023 at 2:55 am

So glad that you are finding our travel blog useful in planning your visit to Edinburgh and the rest of Scotland!

Yes, I think that sounds like a very reasonable plan. It of course depends on how much you want to see in Edinburgh, but most people find 2 full days are enough to see most of their must-see places and have some time to walk around and explore. So I think 2.5 days plus some potential time at the end of your trip is a good amount. I would make a list of the places you really want to visit and then allocate how much time you think you’ll need to each and that should help you decide for sure if you are feeling a bit unsure.

I think a day tour to Stirling Castle is a good idea for Day 3 as it will give you a bit of a break from the city and someone else will be doing the driving. Rabbie’s drivers/guides are generally very friendly and good to ask for recommendations for things to do/see.

Since you are planning to visit Stirling Castle and probably also Edinburgh Castle, you may want to check out the Historic Scotland Explorer Pass as it allows to you visit dozens of properties in Scotland and includees those two castles. For example if planning to go up to Loch Ness/Inverness, it includes Urquhart Castle and Fort George. Normally it is worth it if visiting at least 3 included places on your trip. Many of Scotland’s castles and abbeys are included. Some you’ll want to book your timed entry in advance. You can read more about it here .

Hope that helps and just let us know if you have any further questions as you plan your trip to Scotland!

Jack Couture Post author

March 29, 2022 at 6:27 am

What a great resource you have put together with so many options! We are have put together a 5 week tour of Europe meandering from a start in Scotland to island hopping in Greece – with many places in between. We will arrive EDI from BOS 4/26 16:00, picking up a car and AirBnB near Edinburgh castle. Taking an evening walking tour of City. Thinking of driving up to St. Andrews area 4/27 after a morning in City. 4/28 we are driving to Connel near Oban by way of Loch Lomand and staying on a farm B&B. 4/29 we are returning to EDI by way of Glasgow for an afternoon flight. What are your thoughts on this plan? What would you recommend we do to make the most of this short stay within the itinerary we have laid out. Is the ride to Fife area the right move? Any thoughts you have on tightening up our plans would be most welcome. We are thinking the ride to the west coast should be rather interesting.

March 29, 2022 at 7:28 am

Glad you are enjoying our travel blog. Nice that you have included Scotland in your Europe tour; however, you do have very little time to spend there. You essentially have about 2.5 days which is about the time we’d recommend spending just in Edinburgh. So I would consider streamlining your itinerary a bit so you have a bit more time at the places you most want to visit.

I am not sure what time you need to return your car and check in for you flight, but I imagine you won’t have too much time on 4/29 if you have an afternoon flight (you’ll need to be there 2 hours before your flight to check-in). The drive from Oban to Edinburgh is at least 3 hours. I’d probably skip Glasgow that day unless something specific you want to see as that will make the drive longer that day and the traffic between Edinburgh and Glasgow can be heavy at times.

With limited time, I would recommend using it to spend at least 1 full day in Edinburgh (unless you’ve been before) rather than doing a day trip to St. Andrews. You’d have very little time in St. Andrews if you just had the afternoon and I’d recommend avoiding the 3 hours of driving unless it is a must-see of course for you.

I’d then use the rest of the time seeing Loch Lomond and then Oban since you are driving all the way there. I’d make sure you have time to explore Oban and the coast. There is a nice harbor to walk around, a castle/museum you can visit, nice walks (Battery Hill nice to walk up for view of town/harbor), a whisky distillery you can tour, boat tours you can take, etc.

Here’s what I’d suggest based on what you want to see/do and amount of time:

4/26 – arrive, check-in, do evening city walking tour, overnight Edinburgh 4/27 – Explore Edinburgh – lots to see/do, overnight Edinburgh 4/28 – pick up car, explore Loch Lomond area, drive to Oban/Connel, overnight Connel 4/29 – explore Oban in morning, drive back to Edinburgh, car drop off, flight out

For the rental car, if you decide that you don’t need it the first 2 days, you might wait to pick it up in the city to avoid the fees/parking for the first 2 nights (unless it is less expensive to pick it up from the airport). Then do drop off at airport on return. You don’t need a car for getting around Edinburgh – most places are within walking distance and public buses (or sightseeing bus) can get you pretty much anywhere else you’d probably want to go.

Anyway, hope those suggestions help. Just let me know if you have further question as you plan your trip to Europe!

Mark T Post author

January 3, 2020 at 3:00 pm

Hi Jessica and Laurence. What a great article!

We are thinking of visiting for 10 days in mid-March. We don’t mind that the weather may not be ideal, but more concerned that the scenery will not be as green and beautiful as we hope.26

Can you tell me what the scenery is like in mid-March?

January 4, 2020 at 3:29 am

We think Scotland is scenic year-round and I would say it doesn’t change as much as in some other parts of the world. Some wildflowers flowers will already be blooming by March. The issue is as you noted the weather, and a lot of rain and gray skies can really dampen one’s outlook (and ability to see) the scenery. You also have fewer daylight hours than later in the Spring or summer.

That said, a clear winter day with some sunlight is a wonderful time to see Scotland’s scenery and a great thing with traveling in March is that it won’t be very crowded in most places. Just note that some attractions and activities, especially those outside the cities, won’t be operating in March (April to September is the main tourism season).

Photos of Glencoe in winter and Cairngorms in winter for some ideas of scenery – you can see there is still greenery and color even at the height of winter. The snow is just because we are at higher altitudes and you’d rarely see much snow in say Edinburgh even in the middle of winter.

But I would be very prepared for rain in March and make sure to pack your rain gear, coat, and good waterproof shoes so you can enjoy being outside even when the weather is bad.

Hope that helps and just let us know if you have further questions as you plan your trip to Scotland.

Dave Murray Post author

October 18, 2019 at 11:38 am

Hello. Great information. Looking for a suggestion. What would be the best for the following. First are there wineries near whisky distilleries. My wife would prefer the wine. The best case scenario would be going somewhere where there are a lot of castles to see on the trip there and back. Even if not stopping at them or maybe one or two. Just to see them. Then the destination have a castle, wine, scotch, etc. Thanks!

October 19, 2019 at 2:18 pm

Grapes don’t really grow well in Scotland and although there are a few fruit/grain wines being produced locally, the couple of wineries that have tried have not been very successful in producing much drinkable wine (you can read that story here ). So for wine, you are better off heading to a wine bar or nice restaurant in Edinburgh 😉

There are however several whisky distilleries within an hour or so of Edinburgh you can visit. Glengoyne Distillery and Deanston Distillery are easy to combine into one day. Deanston Distillery is very close to Doune Castle, and Stirling Castle would be an easy stop on the way north to Deanston. So you could head out of Edinburgh, head north to visit Stirling Castle, then stop at Deanston Distillery, then visit Duone Castle, and then end at Glengoyne Distillery before making you way back to Edinburgh. Then perhaps a nice glass of wine when you return for your wife 😉

Hope that helps, and let me know if you have any other questions, Jessica

Rohan Post author

August 28, 2019 at 7:55 pm

Hi, what is second picture on this page (it shows a small castle atop a hill surrounded by ocean)? And how to get there (using public transportation)? Thanks,

August 29, 2019 at 4:09 am

The castle is Dunnottar Castle, located near Stonehaven. It is currently open from 9:00 to 17:30 daily, and there is an admission fee to visit.

So there is no direct public transit route from Edinburgh. You have a couple of options if you want to do public transit. You can take a bus or train from Edinburgh to Aberdeen, and then catch a bus (X7 and 107) from Aberdeen which stop within a short walking distance of the castle. Or you can take a bus or train to Stonehaven and walk from the village – this is about a 40 minute walk.

Another good option that may be more time efficient, particularly if you want to see more of this region which has limited public transit in some areas, is to take the train (or bus) from Edinburgh to Aberdeen and then take this day tour with Rabbies . It includes a visit to Dunnotar Castle as well as stops at waterfalls, Royal Deeside, and scenery in Cairngorms National Park.

Hope this helps! Jessica

Lorelle Post author

August 11, 2019 at 10:15 pm

Planning a trip May 2020 with a week in Edinburgh & a week in Glasgow. I would like to do the 1 hour boat trip on the Falkirk wheel but can’t find a day tour that includes the boat trip. Any suggestions? We could hire a car. Is it worth taking the boat or is the view from the canal bank more interesting?

August 12, 2019 at 2:59 am

Hi Lorelle,

Yes, both Edinburgh and Glasgow are great cities and both are great bases for day tours around Scotland.

It is great to just learn about the Falkirk Wheel and watch it (without being on it) but it is also fun to be on it as well. So I’d recommend both if you plan to visit. But if you are short on time, you can still read the signs and watch it in action.

Falkirk Wheel is not included on any of the regular bus tours as it is a less known attraction; however, it is possible to still visit it with a tour. Here is the best priced tour I could find which is a private taxi tour and includes the Kelpies, the Falkirk Wheel, and a visit to Callendar House. You just need to take the train to Falkirk (easy ride from Edinburgh or Glasgow) and they will pick you up there and drop you off after the tour.

You can see more tour options here (most are private).

Hope that helps! Jessica

August 12, 2019 at 6:02 am

Thank you…….wonderful blog. I’m now thinking of hiring a car & visiting the Falkirk wheel on the way to Inverness & then fly to Orkney. Which leads me to another question. Am I better to hire the car in Edinburgh or Glascow? Which city is easier to drive out of? We will try to find accomodation that is very central in both cities.

August 12, 2019 at 6:40 am

If you are just renting the car to leave the city and head to Inverness (and not planning to drive around in the city itself) I think either would be about equal. We personally find it a bit easier to leave/enter Edinburgh by car than Glasgow. But I would just check prices and see where you can get the better deal. The drive to Inverness is about the same distance from both cities; the Falkirk Wheel is a bit closer to Glasgow than Edinburgh.

We don’t really recommend visitors explore either city with a car since you can get around most places by walking, public transit, or short taxi rides. So I’d just pick up the car on your way out to avoid having to find and pay for parking in the cities.

Orkney is a great, especially if you like Neolithic ruins and archaeology. Another option to get from Inverness to Orkney without driving (or flying) is this small group tour from Rabbies. We haven’t done this specific tour but we did meet and chat with the driver on our visit over the summer while on the island. The driver seemed great – the tour includes your ferry passage and it went pretty much everywhere we did on the main island.

Yes, I would definitely choose central accommodation if you can as it makes it easier to explore. We give some area recommendations and some specific hotel recommendations in both our Edinburgh and Glasgow guides that might be helpful. Let us know if you have any questions.

Natalie Post author

March 4, 2019 at 6:40 pm

Hi! I was wondering if you had any recommendations for half-day or afternoon tours from Edinburgh? I arrive in Edinburgh on a Friday morning (around 9:30am) and have the day free before my friend arrives. Since I’ve been here twice already, I was hoping to see something new outside the city but am having trouble finding afternoon tours. Any recommendations for something nearby or even something unusual to do in Edinburgh? I’ve been to Rosslyn Chapel and St. Andrews and we’ll head up to the highlands when my friend arrives. Thanks!

March 4, 2019 at 7:26 pm

Hi Natalie,

No, I am afraid I do not as most leave between 8 and 9, so I think if you are arriving around 9:30 or later, you will miss most day tour departures. You can of course book a private day tour but it would be very costly for one person.

Some ideas:

-Consider taking the bus or train to visit a nearby attraction or two such as Stirling Castle, an Outlander site, or other place of interest. We list info about public transit options for each day trip idea in the article. -If you enjoy hiking, you can spend the day walking or hiking around Edinburgh at places like Arthur’s Seat or along the Water of Leith or head by bus a bit further away like the scenic Pentland Hills. -Consider a day exploring Glasgow if you haven’t been before as it’s an easy bus or train ride away, see our Glasgow guide . -In Edinburgh, we have a guide to less known things to do in Edinburgh -Consider doing a walking tour or two in Edinburgh such as this 3 Hour Food Walking Tour or this bike tour .

Will Flight Post author

February 27, 2019 at 1:00 am

Hi Thanks for a great post! We’re planning a Scotland trip using Edinburgh as a base hand this has given us loads of ideas for things to do! One thing I’d like to mention is the National Museum of Scotland is Amazing, we went last time we were in Edinburgh just after the refurb and it’s amazing! It’s a great alternative if the weather is not up to scratch (as is often the case in Scotland)

February 27, 2019 at 3:37 am

Hi Will, Yes, the National Museum of Scotland is great and has gone even more changes probably since your last visit as they seem to be continually updating the museum. It has become the most visited attraction in the country I think since the changes! Enjoy your trip and let us know if you have any questions about potential day trips from Edinburgh. Best, Jessica

Micki Post author

January 31, 2019 at 11:01 am

This is fantastic! We’re looking at staying Edinburgh for a few days this spring, and this saves me so much work trying to sort out day trips. Thank you! I’m hoping for good weather! 🙂

January 31, 2019 at 11:06 am

Hi Micki, Glad you are finding our post helpful in planning possible day trips from Edinburgh. The weather here in Scotland is unpredictable and tends to vary throughout the day (its hailed, snowed, rained, and had glorious bursts of sunshine today for example!), but just come prepared with layers, waterproof shoes, and a waterproof jacket and you should be fine with whatever the weather throws at you 😉 Let us know if you have any questions as you plan your trip! Best, Jessica

Esther Post author

January 27, 2019 at 12:33 am

Oh, I really can’t agree more on this list. Scotland is gorgeous, isn’t it. I think that booking an extra day when in Edinburgh is just the perfect excuse to venture out and see some more of the country.

January 27, 2019 at 4:43 am

Hi Esther, Yes, indeed 🙂 I think that if you have more than 2 days in Edinburgh, it is definitely a good idea to think about taking a day trip from Edinburgh! So many great options. Best, Jessica

Nigel Post author

January 13, 2019 at 8:23 am

Wow, an amazing list of great day trips from Edinburgh – been to many but certainly not all of these. Will keep these handy for weekend trips with the family!

January 13, 2019 at 8:37 am

Hi Nigel, Glad you enjoyed our list of day trips from the capital, and hope you find a few new places on your weekend adventures with your family! Best, Jessica

Stephen Garone Post author

January 9, 2019 at 9:48 am

Rosslyn Chapel was amazing, wasn’t it???

January 9, 2019 at 10:06 am

Hi Stephen, Sounds like you enjoyed your visit to the chapel! We actually live within walking distance of Rosslyn Chapel so have been many many times 😉 It is definitely an amazing chapel and even though it is very small, there is a lot to see with all the carvings and features. The regular talks are also definitely worth taking the time to listen to during a visit. We often stop by to see William, the resident cat. It certainly makes for a good stop on a day trip from Edinburgh or half day trip if you only have time for the chapel. Best, Jessica

Seana Turner Post author

January 9, 2019 at 5:13 am

I absolutely love birds so I think I would love the Scottish Seabird Centre. It’s funny, this post is making me think of my family. My oldest would love the Harry Potter Filming sights, my youngest would be into the castle, and my husband would probably vote to visit the distilleries. Now that I have a new son-in-law, I am including his preferences as well. He would be all over the Outlander sights. I’ve never seen the show, but I’m glad to know I don’t need to be a fan to enjoy the scene!

January 9, 2019 at 7:51 am

Hi Seana, Yes, there is something to suit everyone and lots of choices. Many of the interests can definitely be combined as many of the Outlander sites (and one of the Harry Potter sites) are castles. You definitely don’t need to be an Outlander fan to enjoy many of the sites – Laurence and I did a full day tour of Outlander sites and enjoyed it and went to places we probably would not have done otherwise. The Scottish Seabird Centre is a great day trip from Edinburgh and would highly recommend pre-booking a boat trip there if you plan to visit. Best, Jessica

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A day trip to Glasgow in Scotland from Edinburgh

• Post author: Elina Michaelidou
• Post published: 30/07/2020
• Post category: Itineraries / Travel
• Post comments: 19 Comments
• Reading time: 21 mins read

Going on a day trip to Glasgow from Edinburgh is the perfect way to spend a day in Scotland. Read below to find an itinerary on how to spend a day in Glasgow, the largest city in Scotland and the third-largest in the UK.

Disclosure: Please note that this post contains affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link marked with [AD] and proceed to make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you .

It’s August 2019 and in less than a month I will be saying goodbye to Edinburgh. Although I managed to visit many great places in Scotland , I still have many more in my list, including Glasgow. So it is about time to get on a train and explore the big city of Scotland. My original scheduled allowed me to spend two days in the city, but some last-minute issues with my dissertation only permitted me to spent only one day there. So, below I am presenting you with the itinerary I followed on my day trip to Glasgow that covers the most important places of interest. In the end, you can find some suggestions for things to do if you have one more day to spare in Glasgow.

Day trip to Glasgow highlights: Gallery of Modern Art , The Lighthouse , Prince’s Square , Glasgow Murals , Glasgow Cathedral , Glasgow Necropolis , People’s Palace

Tips for planning a day trip to Glasgow

It is very easy to plan a day trip to Glasgow, simply because not much planning is needed. Getting there from Edinburgh (and it rest of the UK) is very easy. Once in Glasgow, it is easy to move around as there is a very good public transport network of trains, subway and buses to take you around the city. Regarding the things to do, there is a huge variety, from history to architecture to food. As Glasgow is a student-friendly city, there are many student-(and budget)-friendly places.

Getting there from Edinburgh

There are very frequent trains to Glasgow from Edinburgh (every 5-10 minutes), and this means that you can simply turn up at the train station and take the next train. Don’t forget to buy a ticket first! Trains depart from Edinburgh Waverly and stop at Haymarket and Edinburgh Gateway stations (which means you can take a train to Glasgow right from the airport) before heading out of the city. If you see the map Glasgow has many train stations. The one servicing Edinburgh is Glasgow Queen Street . The quickest trains can arrive in Glasgow in about 45 minutes, but there are some services which require 1h30mins, so you may want to check that before boarding a train.

Buy your train tickets easily and quickly using  Trainline .  [AD]

Moving around in Glasgow

Although Glasgow is a big city, the itinerary below can be easily followed without using public transport. All the places included are within a short walk from the train station and form a great walking route.

Useful websites:

• Glasgow Tourism Board
• Public Transport in Glasgow (SPT)

An itinerary for a classic day trip to Glasgow

Important: The timings below should be ok to follow on weekdays and Saturdays. If you visit on a Sunday, you want to move the times one hour forward and reduce the lunch break (so that you still manage to finish everything by 5 pm). This is because of the Sunday opening hours of the places included in the itinerary. To be more specific, on Sunday’s GoMA opens at 11 am, the Lighthouse at 12 pm and the Cathedral at 1 pm, while the People’s Palace closes at 5 pm.

10:00 Gallery of Modern Art

The first stop of the day is the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA). It is located at the Royal Exchange Square in a neoclassical building that gives Greek and Roman vibes. Inside the gallery, you can find exhibits from many contemporary artists from around the world such as Andy Warhol.

BONUS: At the entrance to the museum by Queen Street, you can find the statue of Duke of Wellington. This equestrian figure is one of the symbols of Glasgow (at least in tourist merchandise) and it is often decorated with an orange traffic cone.

Find out more about GoMA here .

11:15 The Lighthouse

When looking for the Lighthouse, don’t expect to find a traditional lighthouse in the middle of the city. Instead, look for a neon lights sign with the word “Lighthouse” placed vertically on the side of a building on Michel Ln. Michel Ln itself is a small side street off Buchanan Street, one of the main shopping streets in Glasgow.

The Lighthouse houses Scotland’s Centre for Design and Architecture and it is famous for its spiral staircase that leads to great views of Glasgow. Most people came here for the views and ignore the Design and Architecture museum on the lower levels of the building, which is very interesting and it worth having a look around.

Tip: To find the spiral staircase you need to enter the building and get up to the third floor. Then, you need to find a separate entrance to the Mackintosh Tower, which is where you can find the staircase.

Find out more about the Lighthouse here .

12:30 City Centre

After getting all the culture, it’s time to explore Glasgow’s city centre. Pedestrianised Sauchiehall St, Buchanan Street and Argyle Street bustle with shops and restaurants. Find a place to have lunch, before heading to another part of the city. A very popular place to have a break is the Willow Tea Rooms with their characteristic long chairs. Note that unless you have a reservation, you may have to wait to get a table (especially on the weekends).

Alternative options include the restaurants inside the elegant Prince’s Square shopping centre (we had lunch at Darcy’s ) and along Buchanan Street such as Hard Rock Cafe or Stack and Still for some pancakes. Even if you have lunch somewhere else, I recommend visiting Prince’s Square to check out its unique (at least for a shopping centre) interiors. Other places worth having a look are the Argyll Arcade full of jewellery shops and the City Chambers .

Glasgow’s Murals

Did you know that Glasgow is full of murals? Street arts is on its full swing in Glasgow with huge murals all over the city. There is even a mural trail to follow that covers all the artwork. You can find it here on the website of the project, along with some information on what each mural represents.

If you follow this itinerary, you will be able to come along a few of those. Just remember to look around and at the side of the buildings. We encountered the most murals on our way to/from the Glasgow Cathedral and behind the Lighthouse. Some popular ones to look for are the Wind Power, St Enoch and Child and Honey…I Shrunk the Kids.

14:00 Glasgow Cathedral

Glasgow Cathedral is said to be located at the birthplace of the city of Glasgow. The cathedral is dedicated to St Kentigern (also known as St Mungo) and dates to the 13 th century. Unlike other medieval cathedrals in Scotland, this one managed to escape the destructions that other churches faced during the Protestant Reformation of 1560. Once inside the cathedral, you should have a look at the architecture of the place and visit the crypt. The crypt is one of the oldest parts of the cathedral, and there you can find the tomb of St Kentigern / St Mungo.

Find out more about Glasgow Cathedral here .

15:00 Glasgow Necropolis

Glasgow Necropolis is a Victorian cemetery behind Glasgow Cathedral. It is built on a hill and from the top of the hill, you can enjoy the views of the city. There you can find many statues and monuments of great people of the past.

Find out more about Glasgow Necropolis here .

16:00 People’s Palace and Glasgow Green

People’s Palace is a museum about the history of the people of Glasgow, known as Glaswegians. It is a social history museum regarding the lives and struggles of Glaswegians over the years. The Palace used to house the Winter Garden, a glasshouse conservatory but when I visited it was permanently closed. In front of the People’s Palace, you can find the Doulton Fountain, while around the building is a large green area named Glasgow Green. Glasgow Green is the oldest parks in the city and has a Green Flag award. There, you can find scattered around different statues and monuments.

Note that the People’s Palace closes at 5 pm.

Find out more about People’s Palace here .

17:30 City Centre

Return to the city centre for the last walk before going to the train station to return to Edinburgh. If you want, before leaving you can visit one of the many cafes and restaurants for a dessert/early dinner.

Directions:

This walking route is to be used when following the itinerary above. When you click on the map, it opens on Google Maps and you can follow it while walking in Glasgow. The map should work offline if you load the directions beforehand and leave the app open on the background. Google also allows you to download the map if you prefer to have it printed.

Things to do on another day trip to Glasgow

As I said at the beginning, I initially planned to spend two days in Glasgow (in two consecutive day trips from Edinburgh, as it was cheaper this way than spending the night at a hotel), but things didn’t work out in the end. Nevertheless, I had already prepared a rough plan for what we would do on that second day that covers West End. Below you can find the list of places I wanted to visit along with the walking route that we would follow. Note, that as this route is not tested, I am not sure if it is manageable in a day.

• University of Glasgow : One of the oldest universities in the country, the University of Glasgow features impressive buildings and grounds.
• Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum : The 8000 objects housed in the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, make it one of the most important museums in Scotland with a range of exhibitions.
• Riverside Museum : A transport museum about the history of public transport, ships and other vehicles of the area.
• Glasgow Science Centre : A great place for the whole family with many hands-on activities, a planetarium and an IMAX theatre. Glasgow Tower (additional payment; seasonal and weather permitting) offers 360 o views of the city and the River Clyde from its 127 m observation platform.

All photos were taken using the camera  Sony ILCE-5100   [AD] and the  16-50mm [AD]  or  55-210mm   [AD] lense unless otherwise specified.

Enjoy your day!

P.S. All the places included in the classic itinerary have free entry (but accept donations). So, this is a very budget-friendly way to spend a day in Glasgow.

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This Post Has 19 Comments

Glasgow sounds like an amazing day trip! I only visited Edinburgh with my school years ago, I need to come back to Scotland and visit Glasgow!

Glasgow is a great city! I really recommend it!

Thanks for sharing your experience! It’s vital to follow the authorities’ guidance but at the same time, we can enjoy our life a bit after all this hassle!

Yes of course, although this post is based on a trip last year.

Love this! I’m dying to visit Glasgow. Been to Scotland several times but haven’t made it yet and saving this post for when I finally do.

This is such a helpful post! I’ve been to Glasgow a few times, but I haven’t done a lot of these things! Will be sure to add them to my list 🙂

I’ve actually never been to Glasgow but always heard it isn’t worth it. I totally changed my mind after reading about all those interesting sites! Thanks for sharing!

Yes, usually Edinburgh has the most tourists, but Glasgow is totally worth a visit too!

Great post! There’s still a few things I haven’t done in Glasgow, like I haven’t even been to Kelvingrove! I think you might be right that that would need to be done on a separate trip. I also really want to go inside the City Chambers, apparently there’s more marble than in the Vatican!

I didn’t know that about the City Chambers and it sounds very interesting!

I’ve been to Glasgow loads of times but you mentioned a few spots I hadn’t visited before – adding to my list for the next time I visit!

I’m glad that you find something interesting!

This was an awesome itinerary! You got all the highlights, plus some cool extras! That lighthouse picture was awesome, I don’t think I visited there, so I’ll have to add it to my “when I return!” Also, what did you think about the necropolis? I had to skip that too because the tour didn’t fit with my schedule.

Yeah, apparently the Lighthouse is not so well known. The Necropolis was fine, I didn’t wander much around because the weather was not great. I would say I was expecting better views of the city, but at least the view of the Cathedral (which is on the cover photo) was good.

Glasgow looks like a cool pretty to visit! Especially the spiral staircase looks awesome!

Well, I am ready to visit Glasgow! Thanks for the fantastic and informative post!

I’ve never been to Scotland but I want to, so thank you for this in depth plan! I love that you included times and maps!

I am glad that you find the format of my itineraries helpful!

So I live an hour away and haven’t done all of these things. I guess that’s tomorrow sorted! ?

How To Spend One Day In Glasgow (& Is It Worth It?)

Posted on Published: January 25, 2021  - Last updated: June 11, 2024

Categories Scotland

If you’re visiting Scotland, a must-see is Glasgow. It’s the largest city in Scotland, but it doesn’t have the best reputation. I had pretty low expectations, having heard that it was very industrial, and less quaint compared to Edinburgh .

I’ll be the first to admit, I was pleasantly surprised with spending one day in Glasgow. It’s a lot more artistic and cultural than I thought it would be and the city just left me wanting more!

This is how we spent one day in Glasgow, visiting both the East and West Ends. I also gave more suggestions for other things to do in Glasgow as alternatives to what we decided to do.

Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links in it which sends me a bit of extra money if you use them… at no extra cost to you!

Is Glasgow Worth Visiting?

YES! Glasgow Scotland is 100% worth visiting if you’re touring Scotland. Staying in Edinburgh, we were debating on whether or not it was worth it for a long time but I’m SO happy we decided to go.

The day trip there is very easy – it’s a short bus ride. Once you’re there, transportation in Glasgow is very simple to understand and get around. There’s also more than enough things to do in Glasgow that we weren’t bored for a second (and even wanted to go back!).

But it’s also very different from other cities and towns in Scotland. Edinburgh is medieval and more touristy than Glasgow. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit Glasgow.

How Much Time Do You Need In Glasgow?

Not only is there SO many things to do in Glasgow, but the city is separated into two very different areas that one day just left me wanting more!

So you might want to consider extending your one day in Glasgow to two days…

Consider Spending More Than One Day In Glasgow

Obviously, if you’re reading to this post, it’s probably because you’re looking to only spend one day in Glasgow. But I did that, and let me tell you from first hand experience, it was not enough time at all! 

I’m no stranger to day trips, it’s one of the best ways to explore your surroundings in a new country. Normally a day trip is all you need to see a city, but this isn’t the case for Glasgow Scotland. I left wanted to see so much more! 

I’ll still share my one day in Glasgow itinerary, BUT if you can, I strongly suggest extending your trip by adding at least one day in Glasgow so you’re there for two days. The city isn’t large, but there are two sides that you’ll want to visit (the East and West End). So, it’s kind of hard to see two areas with only one day there.

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How To Get From Edinburgh To Glasgow Scotland?

If you’re visiting Glasgow from Edinburgh, it’s one of the easiest day trips you can go on (along with North Berwick ). It’s a one hour bus or train ride away! You can of course rent a car and drive, but that’s added stress for no reason.  

We opted to take the bus over the train. The travel time is about the same, but the bus is much cheaper (I’m talking £25 vs. £9). They also have tons of buses traveling between Edinburgh and Glasgow, so you have your pick of departure times. The bus station was also located within walking distance to both city centres. 

There are two bus companies you can choose from in Scotland:  National Express  and  Citylink . We booked Citylink because there were more departure times.

You’ll want to get on the earliest train or bus possible to make the most of your one day in Glasgow, and book the latest one back. The earlier you arrive, the more time you’ll have for exploring!

Getting Around Glasgow: Taking The Subway

For the most part, you can walk around Glasgow Scotland, although, it will be a lot of walking. I recommend getting an  All-Day pass  for the subway, it will save you a lot of time and energy!  

If you’ve ever had an issue with public transit in  a foreign city, Glasgow will not be one of them! It’s the easiest system to get behind! Seriously, there’s nothing to it. It’s made of up two rings – the inner circle and the outer circle, and they both go to the same stops because it’s a giant circle.  

Even if you get on the wrong line, it’s not a big deal. It may take a few extra minutes to get to your stop, but you’ll get there eventually!

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How To Spend One Day In Glasgow Scotland

Morning in glasgow: explore the east end.

Your morning in Glasgow will be spent exploring the East End, Glasgow’s historical and industrial district of the city. There are a few main sites that you want to visit. 

P.S. Go On A Walking Tour Of Glasgow Scotland

If you’re new to this blog then you’ll quickly learn that whenever I go on a day trip, the first thing I do is go on a walking tour . It’s the quickest and easiest way to see the main attractions and learn about the city. A day trip to Glasgow from Edinburgh is no exception! 

My favourite tour company ( Sandemena’s New Europe ) didn’t offer a tour at the time in Glasgow, so I looked elsewhere. I stumbled on  GlasgowGander  and could not have been happier with our tour. It’s a local “free” tip-based walking tour company. 

But you could also book a more standard walking tour on Viator , or book a hop-on hop-off bus tour , which helps you get around the city easier as well!

Our guide, Johnny, had such a passion for Glasgow. He knew EVERYTHING there is to know about the city and he even brought along Irn Bru (Scotland’s national drink) for the ENTIRE tour to try!

The tour starts at the Gallery of Modern Art on Royal Exchange Square and ends at the Glasgow Cathedral. The entire tour lasts about 2.5 to 3 hours and it started at 10:30. 

Buchanan Street, Royal Exchange, & George Square

If you opt to go on the walking tour, he took us to all the main sites in Glasgow’s East End. If you’d rather explore on your own, there are a few points of interest that you’ll want to make sure to check out. 

You’ll want to walk along their main walking street: Buchanan St. (if you want to shop in Glasgow, this is the place to do it!).

Next, head to the Royal Exchange Square for a photo of Glasgow’s most iconic modern landmark: The Equestrian Statue Of The Duke Of Wellington. What might look like just a regular statue has become a symbol of Glasgow Scotland. When we visited, this statue had not one, but two traffic cones on both the Duke’s head and his horse’s (keep reading to find out why!). 

Next, make your way to George Square, the main city square of Glasgow. It’s home to the Scott monument and City Chambers.

Some History Behind The Equestrian Statue Of The Duke Of Wellington Cones!

The Equestrian Statue of the Duke of Wellington has become somewhat of symbol of Glasgow with his traffic cones. 

It’s believed the traffic cones on the statue date back to the 1980s, but it could have been earlier. It became somewhat of a challenge for citizens to put traffic cones on his head. Every time the city took one down, another one would show up. 

This happened so often that eventually the city said ENOUGH! They were spending an ungodly amount of money just to remove the cones so eventually they just left them there!

The Duke is actually quite high up so it’s also quite dangerous to place a traffic cones up there. 

Merchant City & Trongate

The next big area in Glasgow’s East End that you’ll want to explore is Merchant City. It’s filled with restaurants, cafés, bars, and boutiques. Walk into Merchant Square, an indoor market place with different restaurants (p.s. this isn’t a bad place to come for lunch!).  

You’ll then want to walk a bit further and walk along Trongate St.. This is one of the oldest streets in Glasgow, and is still home to two historical landmarks; the Merchant City Clock Tower and the Trongate Steeple. 

A Must-See: Glasgow Cathedral

On the border of the East End is none other than the Glasgow Cathedral, A.K.A. St. Mungo’s Cathedral, A.K.A. The High Kirk of Glasgow. Glasgow Cathedral is not only the oldest building in Glasgow, but the oldest church in Scotland!  

When you first walk up to it, it doesn’t seem that large, but wait until you walk around to see the back. It’s built on a hill so it’s deceiving how large it actually is. 

You can visit the inside, and wander the grounds for free. The crypt in the back is believed to be the resting place for St. Mungo (the patron saint of Glasgow), so you can pay tribute to him as well. Although walking through cemeteries might not be your cup of tea, I recommend walking to the top of the Glasgow Necropolis for the best view of Glasgow and the church.  

Not too far from Glasgow Cathedral, is a beautiful mural of St. Mungo that shouldn’t be missed!

Things To Do In Glasgow In The Afternoon

Around lunch is when you start wishing you had another day in Glasgow Scotland because you have to start making some tough decisions of what you want to see. You can either continue exploring the East End, or make your way to explore a bit of Glasgow’s West End. 

Lunch Time Near The Cathedral

If you end near the Cathedral at lunch time, there are loads of options to choose from. You can either head back to Merchant Square, or go to Trongate St.. The Purple Cat Café is quite popular although you’ll need to  book a reservation  in advance. So we went across the street to Rose & Grant’s Deli Café and had no complaints!

Although, for any Canadians missing home, there’s actually a Tim Horton’s on George St.

Spending The Afternoon In Glasgow’s East End

If you decide to stay in the Glasgow’s East End, there are several ways to spend your afternoon. Along Trongate are some Glasgow hidden gems to check out: The Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre and Britannia Panoptica. 

The Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre puts on shows using lighting, sounds, and mechanical sculptures. You’ll have to book tickets in advance , if you’re interested. 

The second hidden gem on Trongate is the Britannia Panoptica , which was only found in 2004! It’s a theatre space from the 1850’s concealed in the attic by a fake ceiling. You can walk in to see it for free, but they also still use it for select shows !

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Not too far from the Glasgow Cathedral is actually the Tennent’s brewery . Tennent’s is Scotland’s (and the UKs) oldest beer and it’s brewed in Glasgow! You can visit the brewery and go on a tour at the Tennent’s Visitors Centre.

If you want to head further out, a city favourite is the  People’s Palace Museum , which showcases films, photographs, and select artefacts from Glasgow’s history. The museum is in a beautiful palace and Glasgow Green, an enormous park. If you’re interested in art collections, you can also visit to the  Gallery of Modern Art  in Royal Exchange Square. 

Spend The Afternoon In Glasgow’s West End

We made the decision to head to Glasgow’s West End. It’s known for the art and lively student vibes, but you will need to hop on the subway to get there. 

The main points of interest to visit in Glasgow’s West End are the University of Glasgow (which was the inspiration for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films). When you’re visiting the University, make sure to find the Cloisters for some unique photo-ops as well!

Next, head to the  Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum . Not only is it in a beautiful building, but it seems they have every exhibit imaginable (seriously, they have 22 galleries, they range from animals to art, and ancient Egypt). Did I mention it’s totally free as well!? 

While exploring the museum, take some time to also explore Kelvingrove Park as well, and walk along the River Kelvin. 

Another spot to visit in Glasgow’s West End is Kibble Palace and the Glasgow Botanical Gardens. Unfortunately, they were closed for the season when we visited in late October . 

If you’re feeling a bit peckish while touring, there’s no better spot to stop for a quick bite and entertainment than Ashton Lane. 

If You Have Time: Glasgow Mural Trail

While walking through Glasgow during your day trip from Edinburgh, you’ll most likely spot some beautiful murals. These are actually a part of a larger project that was started by the city in 2014 to brighten up select buildings. 

The Glasgow Mural Trail is now a collection of several large painted artworks in the Glasgow City Centre.

If you have some extra time,  follow the map  to find all the murals throughout the city, or go on an organized street art walking tour of Glasgow !

Hotels In Glasgow Scotland

We just went on a day trip from Edinburgh to Glasgow, but if you’re looking to extend your stay in Glasgow and stay the night, here are some hotel recommendations.

Motel One Glasgow offers you a lot for a very reasonable price in an unbeatable location in Glasgow. See room rates & availability .

Opt to stay in Glasgow’s trendy West End at The Alamo Guest House. Stay in style in this Victorian guest house overlooking Kelvingrove Park and only a 20 minutes’ walk from Glasgow’s centre. Breakfast is also included with your stay! See room rates & availability .

The Dakota Glasgow is a more classic style hotel in Glasgow’s city centre. Next to the two main train stations and popular events halls in Glasgow. See room rates & availability .

For more Glasgow accommodations, see Booking.com .

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Hamish Wilson

Friday 7th of July 2023

Really nice that you've written about the city that I'm from. It's really underrated, but I like that it's more of the authentic side of Scotland.

It really is! I enjoyed my day visit there so much, hopefully I get to go back one day for longer and see more of it :D

Tuesday 3rd of May 2022

I am traveling in the UK right now and I am finding your website very helpful. I loved your suggestions for things to buy in Scotland. I just visited your page on Glasgow which is an important city for me to visit. I am an interior designer and have loved the work of the architect and designer, Charles Rennie Mackintosh. He was at the forefront of the art nouveau and aesthetic movements and designed the Glasgow School of Art. I am sure that you have seen many of his furniture designs as they are still very popular. I hope to have tea tomorrow at the Willow Tea Room which still is supposed to have an excellent Tea service. The building and furnishings were designed by Rennie Mackintosh. Since your website is excellent , it might be helpful to others to add this to your Glasgow ideas. I hope you get to visit it on your next trip.

Thank you so much for your comment! I'm so jealous I wasn't able to go to the Willow Tea Room when I visited, but you're right I will definitely add it as a recommendation as it is one of the top spots for afternoon tea in the city and to see Mackintosh's work. I hope your tea is delightful tomorrow!

Tuesday 2nd of February 2021

Interesting to learn more about Glasgow!

Wednesday 3rd of February 2021

Sunday 31st of January 2021

Scotland is so beautiful and reading about it here makes me wanna visit it someday(soon). Glasgow is one of the most beautiful and frequently visited place in Scotland and I learned a lot about that place here. Hope to make it there soon.

Scotland is UNBELIEVABLE! I really hope you get to visit it's worth spending some time exploring!

Saturday 30th of January 2021

Walking tour, history, Scotland, theatre - this post was written for me! Love the info and will pin for our trip either this Fall or in 2022. Thx!

Hahah AMAZING! Meg(h)ans think alike! Is there anything else you need on a day trip!?

~ The Rabbie's Blog ~

Best One-Day Tours from Glasgow: Have a Magical Day with Rabbie’s

How are you going to make each day special? That can be a challenge, right? To not waste the day, to do something memorable, to take a step towards the life you want.  

That’s a little overwhelming, we understand. Which is why we’re here to help you out a wee bit. Because, particularly when you travel, there’s an expectation to make every moment incredible. When this trip has been on your travel bucket list for years. When you get home, everyone wants to know ‘what was your favourite place’ as you show them the hundreds of photos you snapped. 

The best outcome? When it’s impossible to choose a favourite moment. When you see so much – even in just one day – that you cannot simply comprehend the adventure you’ve just experienced. And that’s what we’re about: helping create those memories. Even if all you have is one day, you’d be surprised what we – and you, by association – can do with that.  

We’ve spent the last 30 plus years devoting ourselves to creating the best experiences possible. So, no matter what kind of traveller you are, we have a range of one-day tours departing from Glasgow that cater to every kind of adventurer. 

Which magical adventure will you choose?  

Coming up in this blog: 

• Bute for beach lovers
• Arran for island lovers
• Distilleries for whisky lovers
• Castles for Outlander lovers
• Glen Coe and Oban for land and sea lovers
• Loch Lomond for loch lovers
• Ayrshire for Scottish heritage lovers
• Loch Ness for mythology lovers 

Beach lovers... 

During the Great Scottish Witch Hunt of 1661-62, six Scottish women were accused of witchcraft in the parish of Rothesay on Bute. The Bute Witches did not survive their interrogations, but their story remains.  

But don't let that dark history spook you off. The Isle of Bute is so stunning, you might find it hard to believe something so sinister once took place here. Especially as you coast along stretches of sand, sea, and sun (maybe, this is Scotland after all) so luscious you’ll easily forget the sordid history.  

We love our islands here in Scotland. Skye is our most famous, and rightly so, but you might be surprised by the rest of them . Each with their own unique claim to fame, and we cannot go past Bute for those who love squishing their toes in the sand and breathing in the sea air.  

Island lovers... 

There’s something about jumping on a ferry and heading over to a tiny island that feels like a true adventure is beginning. And we love the Isle of Arran here in Scotland. We call it ‘Scotland in Miniature’ for one simple reason: it has everything you could want from a Scottish experience, all on one tiny little landscape. Whisky, beaches, cute villages, standing stones, beautiful hikes, and plenty of shopping options. 

Whether you join us on our A Day on the Island: Arran tour from Glasgow, or head over yourself, you’ll find Arran a magical place.  

Whisky lovers... 

If there are two things we love most here in Scotland, it’s whisky and lochs . Granted, there’s plenty more to love (haggis, coos, bagpipes, Munros... we could go on), but there’s something about a dram of whisky and a peaceful, glistening loch that truly makes Scotland Scotland .  

And Loch Lomond is beloved for a reason. We can only imagine how many times The Bonnie Banks o' Loch Lomond has been sung by someone cradling a glass of whisky... and likely not their first tipple either.  

Because here in Scotland, it’s hard to stop at just one. We can’t just see one loch. We can’t just pet one coo (carefully). We can’t just have one dram of whisky. Luckily, we understand this and there is absolutely no way we are going to limit you, fair traveller. We’re here to ensure you try the best of the best by taking you to some of our favourite whisky distilleries. To not just sample the ‘water of life’ but to learn about the impressive process that brings this magical drink to life.  

Outlander lovers... 

We’ve all been obsessed with a TV show or movie at some point in our lives. There’s no use denying it. We are in the age of binge-watching shows... and Outlander is no exception. It did for Scotland what Harry Potter did for England. It drew many new eyes towards our beautiful land and inspired people to dream about one day visiting. 

Which they are. And we welcome them. So much so, that we understand their desire to not just see Scotland’s beautiful landscapes, but to visit the places that featured in the show and become important to them. 

What’s great about our 1-day Outlander Adventure tour from Glasgow is that it’s an amazing tour whether you’re a fan of the show or not. Because if you’re a fan of castles and beautiful little villages, this tour will excite you just as much as any  Outlander fan. From gritty Blackness Castle to the serene quaintness of Culross, we know you’ll experience something worth remembering.  

Land and sea lovers... 

Land or sea? Which is more beautiful? Luckily on this tour, you don’t have to choose one or the other. If you’re travelling to Scotland, you’ve likely already heard of Glen Coe. It’s strongly considered one of Scotland’s most striking destinations to visit – even if just for a quick photo stop. Its haunting mountains, yawning valley, and muted tones make for an undeniable view.  

But there’s something about a bit of contrast. From striking and haunted to luscious and open – that's Loch Lomond National Park. Within the park hides one of Scotland’s largest lochs – a body of water so beautiful it has inspired artists and singers for many years: Loch Lomond.  

And just when you think a single day can’t get more memorable, there’s Oban. This charming town has wonderful seaside views and is known as the ‘Seafood Capital of Scotland’, which makes it the perfect place to sample the local catch. So, on our 1-day Oban, Glencoe, Highland Lochs & Castles tour from Glasgow, you really do get the best of both. 

Loch lovers... 

We know what you’re thinking: why would you come to Scotland and not see the famous Loch Ness? She’s a beauty, don’t get us wrong, and the mystery of her waters is one of Scotland’s biggest draws... but we’ll always have a soft spot for Loch Lomond.  

She’s one of Scotland’s largest lochs and from her shores (or on the waters themselves), she’s easy to admire. This body of water has attracted poets, warriors, and travellers for hundreds of years. Framed by majestic mountains and adorned with over 30 islands, this stunning loch has been celebrated in songs and poems for centuries. You might even be familiar with the tune The Bonnie Banks o' Loch Lomond , it’s beautiful and anthem-level melody hiding the heartbreaking lyrics beneath. 

Perhaps you’ll put it on as you cruise its waters, enjoying fresh Scottish air as you look out for local wildlife.   

Scottish heritage lovers... 

Should auld acquaintance be forgot  And never brought to mind?  Should auld acquaintance be forgot  And the days of auld lang syne? 

You sang along, didn’t you? We’re not surprised. Auld Lang Syne is famous across the world, sung at events and significant moments, and usually as the clocks pass us into a new year. But do you know the song's origins? Did you know it’s as Scottish as we are? 

Robert ‘Rabbie’ Burns . There’s a name you should know. He’s one of Scotland’s most famous poets and who our company is named after. He’s a big deal here in our bonnie land for many reasons, including that he was the original creator of the poem of which the song is based off. 

If you’re coming to Scotland, you really should know his name... and perhaps a bit more. On our 1-day Culzean Castle, Burns Country & the Ayrshire Coast tour , we head to the lovely village of Alloway in the luscious region of Ayrshire. It was in this wee place that Robert Burns was born, and you can visit the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum and discover the roots of this most famous Scot.  

Mythology lovers... 

We can’t pass up an opportunity to talk about our favourite local: Nessie. If the legends are true, she chose the dark and murky waters of Loch Ness as her home. Once you see it for yourself – learn about its history and depths – you might wonder why she finds somewhere so unnerving comfortable enough to be her home. 

But if the Loch Ness Monster is real, why shouldn’t she reside in such a place?  

If you’ve ever dreamt of becoming a monster hunter, now is your chance. Join us on the 1-day Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Highlands tour from Glasgow, jump on the (optional) cruise on the loch and see if you can’t be the one who finally proves the naysayers wrong. 

So, which adventure will you choose? Perhaps more than one. Don’t get us wrong, we adore Glasgow and all it has to offer. But on the city’s doorstep is wild and wonderful Scotland, endless adventures for you to choose from, countless ways to spend your day.

Countless ways to make one single day so incredibly special. 

Popular Posts

Our 10 favorite travel hacks

Want to travel better? The Upgrade has your back.

The Upgrade is By The Way’s series offering guest writers a place to share their travel hacks and hot takes. For every edition, illustrator extraordinaire Min Heo animates the advice. Below are some of our most popular entries. Some may look basic, but ask yourself: Are you optimizing your travel routine?

Want to write your own Upgrade? See how to submit here .

Dress up for your flight

David Coggins longs for the Cary Grant era of aviation, wishing more passengers would step up their game to bring some dignity and glamour to the experience. The author of “ Men and Style ” argues that making a sartorial effort shows respect to gate agents and flight attendants in uniforms — and your fellow passengers.

“I realize this is a losing battle, but it’s still a good fight,” Coggins writes. “If a sweatsuit is your truth, then there’s nothing else I can say, other than nobody has looked good in a sweatsuit in the history of the world.”

He’s not sure if wearing that checked blazer will really get you upgraded to first class , but it couldn’t hurt.

Visit ‘second cities’ in Europe

Rick Steves is our favorite pétanque-playing philanthropist . He’s a respected travel expert, too. In his beloved Europe, Rick recommends you break up every visit to a capital with a final day in a “ second city .” Think Porto vs. Lisbon , Glasgow vs. Edinburgh and Marseille vs. Paris .

“While lacking the popularity and the bucket-list sights,” Steves writes, “Europe’s second cities tend to enjoy a creative edge, a strong civic spirit, a Rust Belt toughness, fun-loving eateries with cutting-edge menus, entertaining street art … and far fewer tourists, which also means lower prices, a more authentic welcome and arguably a more honest cultural experience.”

Pick your travel uniform

Like Steve Jobs and many practitioners of quiet luxury , travel writer Jessica Poitevien is all about eliminating decision fatigue. Standardizing a set of clothes only for flying doesn’t just help you streamline your packing routine. Poitevien “doesn’t worry about leaving anything important behind, because I have two of everything: one that’s for home and one that sits in my backpack waiting for the next trip. All I add is my passport, laptop and current reading material, and I’m good to go.”

What’s her uniform look like?

“My top is always a long, loosefitting T-shirt or sweater, so I’m covered through all the bending and lifting that happens with luggage and going through security,” Poitevien writes. “I add a jean jacket to stay warm on those freezing planes and use its inner pockets to keep my phone, passport and boarding pass within easy reach.”

Cut your airport arrival dangerously close

It’s not for the faint of heart, but travel writer Brad Japhe wants to waste as little of his life in airports as possible.

“I live about five miles from Los Angeles International Airport,” Japhe writes, “and if my scheduled domestic flight is at, say, 9 a.m., I’m comfortable entering an Uber up until 8:32 a.m.”

Besides some serious bravado, pulling this off requires the use of PreCheck or Clear, among other conditions:

• Traveling solo .
• Express security lanes .
• A familiar airport.
• No checked bags .

Order the Hindu meal

Food and travel writer David Farley thinks we should reject the binary of chicken or pasta in favor of a plant-based meal that exudes spice . By reserving a Hindu meal on your next long-haul flight, you could be treating yourself to dal makhani and naan, or bhindi masala and raita. As long as you reserve your meal at least 24 hours ahead of your flight, airlines told us, you won’t be taking a special one away from anyone else.

Get up early on vacation

Life is short. So take a cue from the dad playbook, and seize the vacation day with an early wake-up call . For Deputy Features Editor Amanda Finnegan , rising with the sun means hours of calm before your travel partners join you. And by 10 a.m., you’re ready for your first nap.

Make a fashion statement in black and blue

Rachel Tashjian ’s job is cooler than your job. As a fashion writer, she flies to Europe three or four times a year for work, watching extravagant clothes appear in fashion shows for weeks at a time . It’s a dream, but there’s an understandable amount of pressure to look amazing every single day. Enter the black-and-blue hack . By mixing a pop of navy in with a collection of dark pieces, you’re making the daring choice to break one of the primary rules of fashion.

Her packing list:

• Two skirts: something that flows and something that hugs.
• Three jackets: a classic blazer, something weird and an open-front wool jacket.
• One pair of trousers.
• One black dress.
• Three T-shirts.
• Black shoes.

Stop eating airport food

Noah Galuten is a hero hubby. By the simple act of making his wife a sandwich to take to the airport, the Los Angeles-based chef and author had the epiphany that we should all swear off precooked egg patties forever .

Sure, you could settle for upcharged coffee, a Dunkin’ wrap or a sad Caesar from “Weirdly Branded Bar & Grill You Have Never Heard Of.” Or, you could be the game-changer for your household, whipping up breakfast burritos or English muffin sandwiches — or just buying a better sandwich in advance in the real world (see: Emily’s Pork Store , Brooklyn).

Take a solo trip

The secret to a happy relationship is compromise. And giving your partner time to travel solo — especially if you’ve got a kid at home.

That’s the philosophy preached by writer Austin Graff , an extrovert who has learned to appreciate the benefits of going it alone: It’s easier to get into top-rated restaurants, there’s time to wander, and you return to your family more thoughtful and present.

Take a buffer day

The weekend-warrior routine is for people in their 20s. Once you’re in your 30s, Rachel Orr writes, you know well enough to quit pushing so hard and to give yourself an extra day to chill before rushing back to work . “Think of it as a mini staycation at the end of your vacation,” she suggests.

More travel tips

Vacation planning: Start with a strategy to maximize days off by taking PTO around holidays. Experts recommend taking multiple short trips for peak happiness . Want to take an ambitious trip? Here are 12 destinations to try this year — without crowds.

Cheap flights: Follow our best advice for scoring low airfare , including setting flight price alerts and subscribing to deal newsletters. If you’re set on an expensive getaway, here’s a plan to save up without straining your credit limit.

Airport chaos: We’ve got advice for every scenario , from canceled flights to lost luggage . Stuck at the rental car counter? These tips can speed up the process. And following these 52 rules of flying should make the experience better for everyone.

Expert advice: Our By The Way Concierge solves readers’ dilemmas , including whether it’s okay to ditch a partner at security, or what happens if you get caught flying with weed . Submit your question here . Or you could look to the gurus: Lonely Planet and Rick Steves .