Private car transfer from Glasgow to Edinburgh

But before you begin exploring the capital of Scotland and its atmospheric surroundings, you might want to dedicate part of your trip to exploring destinations along the route. If you drive with Daytrip’s door-to-door private car service, you’ll begin your Scottish adventure at Linlithgow Palace, where you can learn more about the lives of Scottish royalty and see where the science of Outlander was filmed.

For your own escape in time, there is New Lanark, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site that you can visit for a glimpse into what life was like for Scottish people in the 19th century. Then there is beautiful Jupiter Artland to feast your eyes upon.

This contemporary art location is a whimsical parkland that you will want to get lost in before you travel to Rosslyn Chapel. This chapel, featured in the Da Vinci Code, is a medieval religious building that will inspire awe.

As you can see, there’s much to do in Edinburgh, so be sure to chat with your driver about what to do before and after you arrive in the city.

Interestingly, the old town was built during the Middle Ages and was built high because of the ongoing fears of attack. Most of the city's old town is huddled on Castle Rock, which overlooks the surrounding plain and is a great spot to take in the views below. In contrast, the new town also shouldn’t be dismissed during your travels. The new town is known for its spectacular succession of terraces, crescents, and streets.

However, no matter where you visit within the city, you’ll see beautiful green hills, falls on all sides, and the hint of the blue sea that calls to many a weary traveler. So when you get to Edinburgh, wear comfy shoes and prepare to hit the streets on foot, where you can discover something old and something new as you wander through hidden churchyards, mysterious passageways, and quaint narrow streets.

But of course, also don’t forget to visit the city's main attractions and we promise you’ll like the local food even if it might not be as fancy as the fair in other European cities. With its mix of old and new, you’ll see sights that will remain in your memory for years. So cherish every moment when you entertain yourself in Edinburgh!

It is also surprising to learn that the short distance between the two cities might require a hotel stop since there is so much to see and do along the way. So, if you want to stop and explore and see as much as possible, book your hotels well ahead of schedule to avoid missing out!

Pack rainy-weather clothing and accessories

If there is one negative thing about traveling from Glasgow to Edinburgh, it would be the weather. The route is filled with unique destinations you’ll want to visit, but the weather doesn’t always play ball. One minute, it's sunny and warm, and a few moments later, clouds roll in, and a light drizzle begins.

For this reason, we recommend packing rainy-weather clothing and accessories like an umbrella or raincoat. You never know when you’ll need to pop open your umbrella or pop on a pair of rain boots to continue your outdoor explorations.

Make sure you plan enough time to explore

The distance between Glasgow and Edinburgh is only about 46 miles, but since there is so much to see and do along the way, you’ll probably need to plan more time into your itinerary than you might believe.

With places like Hopetoun House, which has hosted knights and kings, and the Five Sisters Zoo, which has species from all over the world, you’ll need time to explore and enjoy yourself.

So plan your stops if you drive with a private car service like Daytrip and enjoy living in the moment as you go from one place to the next. And you’ll need more time in Edinburgh than you think, so keep this in mind, too!

If you choose one of the other two to complete a Glasgow to Edinburgh transfer, it will cost between $20 and $35. However, you should note that trains can become incredibly crowded, especially during peak times and seasons.

In addition, prices can vary drastically, and you could end up paying a small fortune if you need to book a last-minute trip. In addition, trip length varies, so you can expect to travel for about 50 minutes by train, depending on if you travel directly.

From Glasgow to Edinburgh by bus

Bus travel is a boon for those who are on a budget. Since the distance between Glasgow and Edinburgh isn’t far, you can expect the price of the tickets to be quite affordable. If you book with companies like Citylink or Megabus, you will pay between $8 and $15.

Taking the bus is longer in terms of trip length, with a trip taking between one hour and 15 minutes and one and a half hours. You also have less luggage space than if you traveled by car.

From Glasgow to Edinburgh by private car transfer service Daytrip

If the idea of traveling by train or car doesn’t appeal to you, it might be worth considering driving from Glasgow to Edinburgh with a private car transportation service like Daytrip. With Daytrip, you’ll travel comfortably and in style with a professional, local driver who knows the route and can regale you with local insights. Even better, unlike public transportation, you can stop for sightseeing on the way!

In addition, driving is faster than taking the bus and is slightly longer than train travel, at about an hour and 10 minutes. Cost-wise, Daytrip starts at $45 per person, but this is reasonable considering the level of service, customizable itinerary, stops along the way, travel tips from your driver, and comfortable and safe driving.

In particular, you’ll want to wander its stone walls and view the Honours of Scotland, otherwise known as the oldest crown jewels in Britain. Then there is also St. Margaret's Chapel, which is Edinburgh's oldest building and is also found within the castle grounds. After visiting the chapel, Mons Meg is waiting for a visit. This is considered one of the most spectacular guns still surviving from Medieval Europe.

Royal Yacht Britannia

The Royal Yacht Britannia might be offering voyages as it used to for esteemed royals like Princess Diana and then Prince Charles or Princess Margaret and her husband, nor is it a floating residence for the royal family as it was for nearly 44 years.

However, it has become a national treasure for Scotland. You’ll find the Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh at the Leith Docks, where it is now anchored and has made itself a new home. This yacht offers visitors a tour of the boat where you can see everything from the State Apartments that have housed the likes of Ronald Reagan and Nelson Mandela to the Crews Quarters.

Additionally, depending on your tour, you can enjoy lunch in the yacht's Royal Deck Tea Room and pretend to be a royal!

Princes Street Gardens

Edinburgh is steeped in history, and the Princes Street Gardens are no different. This location is a place you’ll want to explore if you’re an outdoor enthusiast who loves to traverse beautiful parks and learn their quirky and sometimes mysterious history.

The Princes Street Gardens wasn’t as grand as it is now. In fact, it has a sordid history. It used to be a boggy lake that was used to drown suspected witches during the 17th and 18th centuries. Over the years, the land was developed and turned into the gardens it is today.

When you visit, expect to enjoy a vast green space with pristine flower beds, luscious grass, and beautiful chestnut trees. And if you stay long enough, you can walk through the gardens and uncover the Scott Monument, a memorial to Sir Walter Scoss.

There is also the Ross Fountain, which features an incredibly stunning cast iron fountain sculpted by Jean-Baptise Jules Klagmann. Plus, let's not forget about the floral clock, which was created with thousands of real flowers and offers the perfect photo opportunity.