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Outbound fromLondon to Glasgow Central by train
It takes an average of 5h 44m to travel from London to Glasgow Central by train, over a distance of around 345 miles (555 km). There are normally 29 trains per day travelling from London to Glasgow Central and tickets for this journey start from £34.50 when you book in advance.
| First train | 04:31 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 23:45 | |
| Departure station | London | |
| Arrival station | Glasgow Central | |
| Journey time | From 4h 30m | |
| Distance | 345 miles (555 km) | |
| Frequency | 29 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From £34.50 | |
| Train operators | Avanti West Coast, Caledonian Sleeper, London North Eastern Railway |
Travelling from London to Glasgow by train
Embrace the romance of taking the train north to Scotland! Direct trains from London depart every day from London Euston and London King’s Cross stations. Choose between high-speed trains operated by Avanti West Coast or LNER, and the iconic sleeper train operated by Caledonian Sleeper.
On high-speed services trains can take as little as 4 hours and 30 minutes. On Caledonian Sleeper services, trains depart London Euston between 23:30 and 23:45 and arrive at Glasgow Central at 07:30. (Note: Caledonian Sleeper trains on this route do not operate on Saturdays.)
Regardless of which train you take, you’ll have access to a range of amenities, from free WiFi and plug sockets to food and drink available for purchase from the onboard café. All trains offer upgrades to First Class—or, in the case of the Caledonian Sleeper, upgrades to private rooms with double beds.
Glasgow is packed with history, museums, nightlife and shopping. As soon as you step out of Glasgow Central station, you’ll be right in the middle of the action. Glasgow’s famous Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) is less than 10 minutes away by foot, as are shopping destinations Buchanan Street and St. Enoch Shopping Centre.
Glasgow is also a perfect jumping off spot for exploring the rest of Scotland. Just jump on a train and you can be in the heart of the Highlands in a matter of hours!
So why wait? Enter the dates and times you want to travel to our Journey Planner at the top of the page. We’ll find you the cheapest, fastest, or most luxurious seats (or rooms) available. If you want to read more about the journey and need help deciding between the different train companies, read on!
- Today’s train times
- Which train companies operate from London to Glasgow?
- LNER train classes
- Avanti train classes
- Caledonian Sleeper classes
- Food and drink on trains from London to Glasgow
- Services on trains from London to Glasgow
- Travelling to your train station in London
- What to know about London train stations
- Arriving in Glasgow
- Using public transport in Glasgow
- Things to see and do in Glasgow and Scotland
- Where to travel next after Glasgow?
- Why should I train by train from London to Glasgow?
FAQs about the train journey from London to Glasgow Central
Want to know more about your journey from London to Glasgow Central? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
Can you take a train directly from London to Glasgow Central?
How close is London to Glasgow Central by train?
Is it possible to get from London to Glasgow Central without flying?
What is the best way to travel from London to Glasgow Central?
What time does the first train from London to Glasgow Central leave?
What time does the last train from London to Glasgow Central leave?
How often are trains from London to Glasgow Central?
Do you need to book the train from London to Glasgow Central in advance?
Can you buy return train tickets from London to Glasgow Central?
Cheap train tickets from London to Glasgow Central
Book in advance
Look out for Advance tickets – they usually come out up to 12 weeks before the departure date and can be cheaper than buying on the day. If you’re here a tad early, sign up for our Advance ticket alert today to get notified when your tickets are released.
Consider a Season Ticket
If you catch this train more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly and weekly options available, find out if a season ticket for London to Glasgow Central is right for you.
Use your Railcard
National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel a few times or more in a year. Find out how you can save with a National Railcard here.
Split your tickets
Download our app to find split tickets — courtesy of SplitSave, our handy feature which 'splits' your train tickets where possible to find you a better deal. Learn more about the clever tech behind split tickets, and how to spot SplitSave discounts in our app.
For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.
Which train companies operate from London to Glasgow?
You’ll get a choice between three train companies operating direct trains from London to Glasgow. Bear in mind which company you choose to travel with when you book.
London North Eastern Railway (LNER)
LNER has been operating on the East Coast Main Line since June 2018 and offers direct high-speed trains between London and Glasgow. With its fleet of new Azuma trains, LNER offers frequent services and gives you the choice between Standard and First Class tickets.
Learn more about LNER trains.
Avanti West Coast
One of the primary rail operators in the UK, Avanti West Coast provides services from London Euston to several terminals including Birmingham New Street, Manchester Piccadilly, Liverpool Lime Street, Edinburgh Waverley and Glasgow Central.
Many of the routes feature high-speed services with no changes required, making Avanti West Coast an excellent alternative to air travel if you're looking to traverse up or down the length of the country.
Learn more about Avanti West Coast trains.
Caledonian Sleeper
The Caledonian Sleeper is one of the best sleeper trains to take from London. Six nights a week, the Caledonian Sleeper runs overnight from London to Scotland. If you want to save on a hotel room, this could be a good option for you.
On the Lowlander route, you can travel from London Euston to either Edinburgh or Glasgow. There are 4 different classes to choose from: Seated Coach, Classic Room, Club Room and the Caledonian Double.
Learn more about Caledonian Sleeper trains.
LNER train classes from London to Glasgow
Explore the differences between the two seating classes on LNER trains in a bit more detail.
Standard Class
Standard Class seats are either arranged airline style with two seats next to each other on either side of the central aisle or with four seats around a table. These amenities come as standard:
|
Plug sockets |
✔ |
|
Free WiFi |
✔ |
|
Table at every seat (fold-down or fixed) |
✔ |
|
Luggage storage |
✔ |
First Class
First Class seats are arranged with four seats around a table, two seats side by side, two seats facing each other, or one seat on its own. You’ll benefit from these additional amenities:
|
Complimentary food and drinks |
✔ |
|
Plenty of legroom |
✔ |
|
Larger tables |
✔ |
|
Reclining seats |
✔ |
|
Plug sockets and USB outlets at seats |
✔ |
|
Ambient lighting |
✔ |
|
LNER’s best-ever WiFi connection |
✔ |
Avanti West Coast train classes from London to Glasgow
Avanti West Coast trains offer seats in three different classes.
Standard Class
In Standard Class on Avanti West Coast services from London to Glasgow, you’ll be able to make use of the following onboard services:
|
Free onboard WiFi |
✔ |
|
Access to the onboard shop/café |
✔ |
|
Refurbished seats and tables |
✔ |
|
Plug sockets at selected window and table seats |
✔ |
Standard Premium Class
In Standard Premium Class, you’ll receive the same amenities as Standard Class, plus:
|
Larger seats |
✔ |
|
Guaranteed table at your seat |
✔ |
|
Plug sockets at every window seat |
✔ |
First Class
In First Class, you’ll receive all the above, as well as:
|
At-seat service |
✔ |
|
Complimentary food and drink |
✔ |
|
Access to First Class lounges at stations |
✔ |
Caledonian Sleeper train classes from London to Glasgow
On the Caledonian Sleeper, you can travel in 4 different classes, from the comfortable seats of the Seated Coach to the luxury of the Caledonian Double.
Seated Coach
Seated Coach offers an economical Caledonian Sleeper experience, but still ensures a stylish and comfortable journey. On board, you will find the following amenities:
|
Adjustable headrest and footrest |
✔ |
|
Tray Table |
✔ |
|
Individual reading lights |
✔ |
|
USB charging port and plug socket |
✔ |
|
WiFi |
✔ |
|
Secure overhead storage |
✔ |
|
Dedicated food and drink menu |
✔ |
|
Complimentary sleep kit |
✔ |
|
Luggage storage area |
✔ |
Classic Room
Choose the Classic Room and travel between London and Glasgow in your own personal room, with twin bunk beds and a sink.
|
Twin bunk beds |
✔ |
|
Breakfast available |
✔ |
|
In-room sink |
✔ |
|
WiFi |
✔ |
|
Plug sockets |
✔ |
|
Room service |
✔ |
|
Keycard entry |
✔ |
|
Temperature control |
✔ |
|
Dimmable lights |
✔ |
Club Room
Club Rooms include an en-suite with a shower, as well as comfortable mattresses to ensure a great night’s sleep.
| En-suite with toilet and shower |
✔ |
|
Breakfast included |
✔ |
|
Complimentary beauty and grooming products |
✔ |
|
Station Lounge access |
✔ |
|
Priority Club Car access |
✔ |
|
Priority boarding |
✔ |
|
Complimentary chocolate |
✔ |
Caledonian Double
The Caledonian Double offers a truly luxurious experience, with a double bed and a complimentary breakfast to start your day in Glasgow the right way.
|
Double bed |
✔ |
|
Complimentary beauty and grooming products bag |
✔ |
|
En-suite with toilet and shower |
✔ |
Food and drink on board trains from London to Glasgow
LNER and Avanti West Coast and the Caledonian Sleeper all offer food and drink services on board their trains. You can compare the different offerings here.
LNER
Avanti
Caledonian Sleeper
Services on trains from London to Glasgow
Compare the different services you can expect with each train operator—including rules and restrictions—so you can plan your journey.
Luggage
Entertainment
Pets
Bikes
How to get to London train stations
When travelling from London to Glasgow, your train will depart from either London King’s Cross station or London Euston station. Not sure how to get to either one? Read on for more information on how to navigate the city’s public transport to your train.
How to get to London King's Cross station
London King’s Cross station is conveniently located in the centre of the capital, and can be easily reached by National Rail, London Underground, bus services or car.
King’s Cross St Pancras Underground station is served by 6 Tube lines: the Hammersmith & City (pink), Circle (yellow), Metropolitan (magenta), Northern (black), Piccadilly (dark blue) and Victoria (light blue) lines.
You’ll also be able to get a taxi to King’s Cross station, though this will likely be more expensive than using public transport.
If you’re driving to London King’s Cross station, you’ll find a Click and Park car park at nearby London St Pancras International station – it has 315 spaces and is always open, with staff on hand 24/7. If you’re cycling to the station, there are plenty of cycle spaces to store your bike safely.
How to get to London Euston station
Located in the heart of the capital, London Euston station is easy to get to from all parts of the city. If you’re in the city centre, you can simply walk to the station to take your train. Alternatively, you can get to the station with one of the following modes of transport:
- London Overground: services run between Watford Junction and London Euston station.
- London Underground: the Northern (black) and Victoria (light blue) lines stop at London Euston station. The Hammersmith and City (pink), Circle (yellow) and Metropolitan (magenta) lines stop at Euston Square station; from here, it’s a short walk to Euston train station.
- Transport for London (TfL) buses: Bus lines 1, 18, 30, 68, 73, 91, 168, 205, 253, 390 and night bus lines N5, N20, N73, N91, N205 and N253 stop at London Euston.
Everything you need to know about London King's Cross and Euston stations
What's on offer at London King's Cross station?
What's on offer at London Euston station?
What is LNER's First Class Lounge?
What is Avanti West Coast's First Class Lounge?
What is the Caledonian Sleeper Guest Lounge?
Arriving at Glasgow Central station from London
Glasgow Central station is right in the centre of the Glasgow and within walking distance of the city’s top attractions. You can also get where you need to go using public transport.
On foot: The Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) is less than a 10-minute walk away from Glasgow Central station
By bus: You’ll find bus stops outside the station on Hope Street and Union Street. There’s also an inter-station bus that leaves from Gordon Street; this bus calls at Queen Street station and Buchanan bus station before returning to Glasgow Central.
By subway: The closest Glasgow Subway station is St. Enoch, a 7-minute walk away.
By taxi: Taxis will likely be more expensive than public transport options, but you can find them opposite the station entrance on Gordon Street.
Using public transport in Glasgow
It’s easy to wander central Glasgow on foot, but the city’s subway and bus system are also cheap and convenient ways to get around.
Subway: Glasgow’s iconic and recently modernized Subway links the City Centre and West End of the city in a loop of 15 stations. Trains run every 4 minutes at peak times and operate both clockwise (Outer Loop) and anti-clockwise (Inner Loop). Tickets start at £1.80 for an Adult Single bought in the station. You can also register online for a free Smartcard which you can top up online (an Adult Single costs £1.60 with a Smartcard).
Bus: Buses operate across Glasgow and the Strathclyde area. Buses are operated by different companies (First, Stagecoach, McGills, CityLink etc.). You can purchase tickets on board with exact change, by buying mobile tickets using the bus company’s app, or with a contactless card or device.
Things to see and do in Glasgow and Scotland
There’s so much to do and see in Glasgow, and we’ve got a guide you can check out to get your planning started. Glasgow’s rail links also make it easy to get out of the city and explore the countryside.
Where to travel next after Glasgow
Glasgow is so well-connected by train that it’s incredibly easy to reach all the other major destinations in Scotland. Check out some of the most popular train routes:
Why should I travel by train from London to Glasgow Central?
If you want to travel from London to Glasgow Central, choose the more sustainable option - choose train!
Go green
Taking the train instead of driving lowers your CO2 impact by a whopping 67%.* Keep it simple, keep it low-carbon.
Save time & money
What's faster or cheaper than driving from London to Glasgow Central? Ah yes, that'd be the train. Cheaper even without a Railcard, too. Win for you. Win for the planet.
Bikes on board
In the UK, you can take your bike on the train, for free! Cool, huh? And, thanks to our bike reservation feature, travelling with your bike has never been easier.
Travel in style
Unlike flying or driving, going by train means no extra luggage charges or parking costs. Plus, you step off the train, right into the city-centre. Aaaand relax.
* Calculations are based on CO2 / passenger km, comparing an average petrol car, using statistics and conversion factors published in the government’s greenhouse gas reporting conversion factors published 7 June 2023 and revised 28 June 2023. See here for more.
Between London and Glasgow Central, 89% of journeys sold on Trainline from May 2022 to May 2023 were cheaper and faster by rail vs car.