ferry trips glasgow

THE BEST Glasgow Ferries

Ferries in glasgow.

• Taxis & Shuttles
• Bus Transportation
• Mass Transportation Systems
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Adventurous
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Waverley Excursions

2. Govan Ferry

3. Clyde Link

What travellers are saying.

• Waverley Excursions
• Govan Ferry

THE BEST Glasgow Ferries

Ferries in glasgow.

• Taxis & Shuttles
• Bus Transportation
• Mass Transportation Systems
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Adventurous
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Waverley Excursions

2. Govan Ferry

3. Clyde Link

What travelers are saying.

• Waverley Excursions
• Govan Ferry

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Find ferry timetables

If you plan on travelling by ferry, you should check the timetable to find out the departure and arrival times.

Many ferry timetables also include train times from major stations (like Glasgow Central), to help you plan getting to the harbour.

Visit the Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) website for full timetables for all CalMac services.

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Welcome to Arran

The island with everything, from walks and wildlife to golf, castles, wonderful island hospitality and local artisan cheese.

More about Arran

The best of scotland, in miniature.

Everyone says it, but it's true. Arran has a bit of everything: mountains, forests, beaches, glens. You can cycle round the island in a day, and there are beautiful golf courses if you like to take things a little more slowly. You can't miss Goat Fell as you approach on the ferry to Arran - it's the island's biggest mountain, and one of the most popular walks, with spectacular views from the top. And if you want more technical hiking and climbing, go for a scramble with one of the mountaineers from the Arran Adventure company.

Wildlife, castles, local cheese, and malts

The wildlife on Arran is abundant, so pack your binoculars for a chance to see seal colonies, otters, eagles, basking sharks, porpoises, and over 100 species of birds. There's plenty of history, too - head to Brodick Castle for a peak at the ancient seat of power, or Lochranza Castle, with its underground prison, 'the pit'. After all that you might need a bit of sustenance - and Arran's got that covered, too, with local cheese, beer and whisky.

Find out more about Arran from Visit Arran or Ayrshire Arran or see Taste of Arran for details of the island's renowned local produce.

How to get here

There are three routes to Arran:

You can take the ferry from  Ardrossan  to Brodick , which takes 55 minutes. Vehicle reservations are recommended on these routes.

You can travel from  Claonaig  in Kintyre to Lochranza , at the north end of Arran, which takes 30 minutes.

You can also travel from Troon to Brodick , from 29 March up to and including 21 August. View the  Troon to Brodick timetable . The crossing takes 1 hour and 20 minutes. Reservations are recommended in advance of travel.

For all three routes, you can book travel online, and when you do, you'll immediately receive an eTicket direct to your inbox - ready to board.

Claonaig-Lochranza is a Turn Up and Go route - when you pre-purchase tickets on this route, you'll be purchasing an 'open' ticket for a chosen departure date, valid for the season in which you've purchased it, but it won't have a specific sailing time. Simply turn up at the port of departure and go on the next available sailing.

Buy Tickets

In winter, the ferry from Kintyre leaves from Tarbert (Loch Fyne) , not Claonaig.

Looking for the best form of travel to and from our ports? Our Public Transport Journey Planner can help you plot your journey from anywhere in the UK, using a wide range of public transport companies.

We have also listed some travel information below that you may find useful. For travel to and from Troon, since this is a relatively new service, please also visit our dedicated frequently asked questions  page for advice.

From Glasgow by car

Ardrossan Harbour is just over 30 miles from Glasgow, and it's about a 50 minute drive.  If you are travelling with an electric vehicle you can find charging points at Brodick in the car marshalling area approximately 10m from the terminal.

Troon Harbour is approximately 35 miles from Glasgow and takes around 45 minutes to drive.

Travelling to Arran without a car

The train from Glasgow Central Station to Ardrossan Harbour takes about 45 minutes, and 42 minutes to Troon. Check the train times at ScotRail . Check out our new Journey Planner tool to plan your bus, rail and ferry travel to Scotland's west coast and islands and make active travel part of your trip.

By bus 

Stagecoach operates services throughout the week from Glasgow to Ardrossan and also operates across the Isle of Arran, connecting Lochranza in the north and Brodick in the south of the island. Passengers can find bus services and islands tours adjacent to terminal buildings.

Note: Port area is very busy at sailing times and all users of local bus services are advised to make their way to the bus stances when disembarking from the ferry.

Plan your bus journey with our Journey Planner tool.

Public transport on Arran

Arran has a range of transport options if you've decided to leave the car behind.  Public buses cover North Arran, South Arran and the String. There are also a number of local private hire taxi companies and guided tour options to explore for those excursions off the beaten track or outsie of bus timetabled hours. Visit  www.visitarran.com  for more information.

Walking and Cycling on Arran

With its diverse landscape, the Isle of Arran offers an array of walking routes for all levels with easier routes and defined paths taking between 1 - 2 hours to more challenging walk such as the Three Beinns Walk above Glen Rosa and the famous Goatfell. For more information about walks on Arran check out Visit Arran  and Ayrshire Arran .

By bike 

Enjoy cycling on the Isle of Arran with 15 mountain bike routes and 9 road routes that target all levels from enduring hill climbs to easy flat coastal rides. Bikes are available to hire at a number of locations across the island, further information can be found at Visit Arran and Ayrshire Arran .

Note: If you're bringing your bike, please add your bike(s) to your booking, - this means that you have more certainty about space. This ticket will remain free of charge.

Plan your journey at CycleStreets .  

Helpful tips for driving on Arran

Video transcript - How to drive on single track roads

Postcodes for sat nav

Ardrossan Harbour: KA22 8ED

Claonaig Slipway: PA29 6YG

Useful Information

Prior to your journey, familiarise yourself with VisitScotland's  #RespectProtectEnjoy guidance and check the arrangements individual islands and locations have for managing the safety of their visitors and communities. For Argyll and Bute, please read through the area's 'Be a great Visitor'  guidance.  

Take care on our coast: slips and falls can happen in all locations, not just high cliffs. Check out these  RNLI Safety Tips    #RespectTheWater

Find out about Scottish Island Passport here

Isle of Arran Cheese

Brodick Highland Games

Arran Food and Drink Festival

Listen to our Arran Podcast

The 8 best day trips from Glasgow for lochs, islands, and highlands

Feb 6, 2022 • 5 min read

From nearby beauty spots to scenic coastal escapes, here are the best day trips from Glasgow © Digital Vision / Getty Images

With  Glasgow’s renowned nightlife and music scene, its ever-growing culinary reputation, expansive parks and revered museums, you can have a ball without ever venturing outside the city limits. But thanks to its geographical position, Glasgow is the perfect base from which to enjoy Scotland’s raw nature and dramatic scenery.

To the north, south, east or west, here are eight of the best day-trip destinations from Glasgow.

See renowned L och Lomond and the charming village of Luss

One of the country’s most treasured spots, Loch Lomond and its surrounds offer beauty by the beach, on the water, and way up high. Whether you choose to go for a stroll on the shore at charming Luss village, paddle a kayak to one of the loch’s many islands from lush Balmaha , or conquer your first Munro in 974m (3195ft)   Ben Lomond , this national park offers postcard-perfect sights from almost every angle.

How to get to there from Glasgow  

It's best to take the car; it’s a 35-minute drive from Glasgow. Public transport is available, with a train station at Balloch on the loch’s southern edge.

Get a dose of Scottish history at Stirling Castle

Often overlooked for its more widely-known neighbor in Scotland’s capital, Stirling Castle is just as grand, if not more so, than its Edinburgh counterpart. Perched atop a volcanic rock, the castle is as dramatic as it is historic. Overlooking the famous battlegrounds of Bannockburn and Stirling Bridge, Stirling Castle has played vital roles in the stories of William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie and Robert the Bruce.

How to get to there from Glasgow

Stirling is just a 31-minute train ride from Queen Street station, or a 40-minute drive from Glasgow city center.

Enjoy the best of Scotland's raw nature in the Perthshire Highlands

There are few better places to witness Scotland’s spectacular countryside than in Pitlochry and the surrounding Perthshire Highlands . Queen’s View offers the perfect platform from which to make the most of the area’s raw nature, with the Schiehallion mountain a beautiful backdrop to the awesome sight of Loch Tummel below. The similarly stunning Faskally Wood breeds an atmosphere of adventure, while Blair Athol and Edradour distilleries  — the latter of which is the smallest in Scotland — is where visitors warm up with a wee dram of Scotland’s national drink.

Pitlochry and the surrounding countryside is best explored by car, with the town a 1 hour 40 minute drive from Glasgow.

Taste spectacular seafood in Oban

The gateway to the idyllic Hebridean Islands , this quaint harbor town offers picturesque views across the bay to Kerrera and Mull from the excellent vantage point at McCaig’s Tower , the intriguing and unmissable structure modeled on Rome’s Colosseum. For fans of lobster, mussels, and scallops, the call of award-winning seafood would be worth the trip alone. On your drive from Glasgow, consider stops by Castle Stalker (as featured in the 1975 film  Monty Python and the Holy Grail ) and the similarly impressive Kilchurn Castle on the often unheralded Loch Awe.

While there are trains from Glasgow to Oban, taking a car is quicker (2.5 hours) and allows you to visit many of fantastic sights on the way.

Spend a day on the scenic Isle of Arran

Lovingly described as "Scotland in miniature", for years Arran has proved a west coast sanctuary for Glaswegians keen to escape the city. For the adventurous, a climb up Goat Fell (the origin of the name still remains unclear) is a must, while a more relaxing outing may have you wind down at the excellent whisky distillery . A trip to King’s Cave  (of Robert the Bruce fame) and Brodick Castle will give a great insight into the island’s vast history.

Take the train from Glasgow Central station to Ardrossan Harbour (approx 45 minutes), from where ferries to Brodick (55 minutes) run at least five times daily.

Tour the sights of Edinburgh, Glasgow's fierce rival

Although Glaswegians steadfastly refute suggestions Edinburgh is the better city, they won’t begrudge visitors taking a trip to the capital to admire its awe-inspiring sights. The contrasts between these two neighbors are stark in terms of looks, feel and the locals. A day in Edinburgh would be best enjoyed exploring the castle , trekking up to Arthur’s Seat , and ambling down the Royal Mile in the Old Town . You’ll love it: just don’t harp on about it too much when you return to Glasgow.

Trains runs as often as every 15 minutes from Queen Street Station to Edinburgh Waverley and Haymarket, taking between 45 minutes and 1 hour 15 minutes.

Learn about Scotland's great poet, Robert Burns, on the Ayrshire coast

The birthplace of Auld Lang Syne, the Scots song sung around the world every New Year’s Eve, Ayrshire is the home of its creator and Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns. Immerse yourself in the words and stories of the bard at the Burns Birthplace Museum and Burns Cottage . Drive a little further down the coast and stop by regal Culzean Castle and take in nearby views of iconic island Ailsa Craig.

The Burns Museum can be reached by car in 45 minutes from Glasgow. Public transport options are available, involving taking the train and a local bus.

Cycle around the island of Great Cumbrae

Just a 10-minute ferry ride from Largs, the population of this small west coast island balloons when summer arrives, as families descend upon Great Cumbrae to experience its old-world holiday feel. A leisurely 10-mile trip on two wheels around the "island of 1000 bicycles" is almost mandatory, as is a stroll along the promenade with a classic Scottish fish supper. Great Cumbrae is also the home of Britain’s smallest cathedral .

Largs, where the ferry departs from the mainland, is easily accessible by train (1 hour) from Glasgow Central station. Ferries run approximately every half-hour, more frequently in summertime. 

You might also like: The 15 best things to do in Glasgow for fun (no kilt required)    27 things you should know before visiting Edinburgh: Why does it smell? Can I use English money? And more    The best things to do in Scotland from festivals to puffins and peaks   

This article was first published November 2019 and updated February 2022

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Day Trips & Day Tours from Glasgow

Fancy a brilliant day trip or  day tour from Glasgow ? With this dynamic city being so centrally located in Scotland, there are plenty of historic attractions, castles, lochs, outdoor activities and remarkable landscapes either right on Glasgow's doorstep or a moderate distance away.

Best of all, you've got options when it comes to how to go - you could book an organised tour, hop aboard public transport or take the car to enjoy a road trip! Here are some ideas on how to have a great day out from Glasgow.

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Loch Lomond Shores

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

By Tour Bus

An organised one-day tour is often a great way to experience many of Scotland's icons, from breathtaking landscapes to the amber-coloured delights of Scotch whisky.

It's time to re-think what you think you know about coach trips - tour buses are often luxurious and compact, accommodating small numbers for a more personal experience. Many also boast green initiatives which allows them to off-set their carbon emissions.

Find a  day tour from Glasgow .

Tour operators who offer one-day trips from Glasgow include  Timberbush Tours ,  Rabbies Tours ,  Discover Scotland Tours ,   Haggis Adventures  and  Highland Experience . For many, it can take the stress out of travel as you don't have to worry about navigation - instead, soak up the views from the window and listen to your knowledgeable guide tell you stories about the area.

But where do they go, we hear you asking? There are a number of destinations to pick from, depending on what is on offer from the tour operator. You'll find that there are trips which take in  Loch Lomond & The Trossachs ,  Oban  and  Glencoe , and  Perthshire  - some even go as far as  Loch Ness ! Tours follow the most scenic routes and take breaks at viewpoints with stunning views. On some trips, the bus will make a stop at a distillery, where you can take a tour and discover whisky-making secrets.

Stirling Castle

With the car, you can enjoy the freedom of the road and can head off in almost any direction.

It's amazing where you can travel to from Glasgow in an hour or two! Help reduce carbon emissions and rent an electric car/vehicle (EV) which you can collect in Glasgow from a company like  365 Luxury Car Hire  which offers a fleet of Teslas.

Find a reliable map of all the EV charge points in Scotland at  ChargePlace Scotland , Scotland’s national EVcharging network; and  Net Zero Nation .

If you're keen to see some of our coastline, head to  Ayrshire  and follow the coastal roads to the impressive  Culzean Castle and Country Park . On the way, plan stops at Ayrshire's seaside towns, such as  Troon . You could return to Glasgow via  Dumfries House , a stunning 18th century house with exquisite gardens.

From Glasgow,  Stirling  and  Falkirk  are less than 40 minutes' drive. In and around these places there is a huge range of fantastic attractions to visit, including  Stirling Castle , the  National Wallace Monument , the  Battle of Bannockburn Centre , the  Falkirk Wheel , and  The Helix , home to The Kelpies by Andy Scott. Make it a round trip by returning via the Trossachs taking in the  Lake of Menteith ,  Aberfoyle  and  Balloch  at the south of Loch Lomond. This route also takes in  Blair Drummond Safari Park  whilst  Doune Castle  is just a short detour.

For a day trip which allows you to see more of those famous bonnie, bonnie banks, head north west of the city and travel along the shores of  Loch Lomond  before heading over the  Rest and Be Thankful pass  to the charming historic town of  Inveraray  on Loch Fyne. It's a splendid drive which takes 1 hour 30 minutes. Instead of returning the same way, you could travel back via  Tyndrum  and  Crianlarich , and visit attractions along the way such as  Cruachan Power Station  and the crumbling  Kilchurn Castle . Why not find  lochs Near Edinburgh and Glasgow  for a fun-filled day out?

That's just the tip of the iceberg - there are plenty more ideas for brilliant  road trips  in Scotland!

Cyclists passing Lion Rock

© Kenny Lam

By Public Transport

Scotland's national and local rail and bus networks connect Glasgow with some wonderful places all across the country. 

From Glasgow, it's easy to visit one of Scotland's six UNESCO World Heritage Sites.  New Lanark , a restored 18th century cotton mill village, is easily reached by taking a train to  Lanark  and then jumping on a local bus to this fantastic family friendly attraction.

Did you know you can escape to the coast by train in under an hour, and then 'hop' to an island in the Firth of Clyde? It's just a 45 minute train journey to  Ardrossan , and then a 55 minute  ferry crossing  to the pretty  Isle of Arran , often referred to as 'Scotland in miniature'. Once on Arran, you can explore the port of  Brodick , or catch a local bus round the island.

Largs  has been a popular seaside destination for generations of Scots, and today this coastal town still makes for a jolly day out by the sea. The train from Glasgow takes less than an hour. Once you arrive, stroll along the promenade with an ice cream or jump aboard the ferry and take the short crossing to the  Isle of Cumbrae . Here you might want to hire a bike at  Millport  and discover the island on two wheels, or discover Millport's attractions as you wander round the tiny island town.

Or, take the train from Glasgow Central to  Wemyss Bay  where you can catch the ferry to the  Isle of Bute . The ferry arrives in Rothesay where you can get a local bus to the magnificent  Mount Stuart , Britain's most spectacular Gothic house.

Should you be more excited by the thought of seeing Scotland's capital than its coastline, then jump aboard one of the regular train or bus services to  Edinburgh . Lying just 45 miles east of Glasgow, you'll find that it doesn't take long before you are walking over the ancient cobbles of the  Royal Mile , admiring the stunning city skyline from  Arthur's Seat , or exploring world-class attractions such as  Edinburgh Castle  and the  National Museum of Scotland .

Remember, you can use  Traveline Scotland  to help you plan days out by public transport.

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Belfast to Glasgow by Boat

There are two travel options for the Belfast to Glasgow Ferry. First, by Coach, which boards the Stena Line crossing from Belfast to Cairnryan, before continuing on to Glasgow as a final destination. The other option is by “Sail and Rail” which follows the same crossing from Belfast to Cairnryan, only the connecting bus will only forwards to the convenient train lines and onward travel hub at Ayr. So we have done similar before on these Northern Ireland to Scotland sailings with Stena Line, often with travel plans continuing onward into Europe. Including our most recent travels, when we were winging it between Northern Ireland and Amsterdam (incl. Stena Line from Harwich, England to the Hook of Holland). So the Belfast to Glasgow boat is a bit like a gateway for overland travel in Scotland , Great Britain and Europe .

Belfast to Glasgow by Bus

The quickest and cheapest route for travel by the “Belfast to Glasgow Ferry” is by coach, a comfortable journey with onboard wifi, on what is really just a big luxury bus ( full details here ). The journey is also a thru-coach service meaning that the coach will also travel on the crossing, with initial pick-up either in Belfast City Centre (Donegall Square West) or at the Stena Line Ferry Terminal. Prices are the same either way ( full details on Hannon Coaches) . They are also cheap at around £29 each way . At the same time, crossings are limited with just 2 a day (atm) with both leaving Belfast before midday. The entire journey takes around 5 hours 15 minutes with drop-off at the Buchanan Bus Station in Glasgow (Stance 55). Anyway, here is a more recent video we made covering the Belfast to Glasgow crossing including a weekend in Glasgow City Centre and the return journey from Glasgow to Belfast.

“Sail and Rail” with Stena Line

Often called a “Rail and Sail” journey, only the trip starts with the sailing from Belfast to Scotland, before joining the rails towards Glasgow. (It would be a “Rail and Sail” journey from Glasgow). Anyway, the Sail and Rail option is great for those joining the rail lines in the U.K and Europe (e.g. for Interrail travels) and Stena Line also do various “Sail and Rail” routes from Belfast including bigger destinations in England and London etc. ( popular Stena Line sail and rail routes here ). But Glasgow is almost always the first major city to find on the mainland when travelling from Belfast to Scotland . However, unlike the thru-coach with travel from Belfast to Glasgow by bus, the journey is more independent and flexible, as outlined below. Advance bookings can also easily be made through Trainline .

Belfast to Glasgow by Train

I do prefer the Sail and Rail option for the Belfast to Glasgow Ferry, as it is more independent and adventurous, and I really just don’t like coaches/buses. Tickets are also not-so-different in price (around £33 each way) . Anyway, below I outline the 3-part Stena Line Sail and Rail journey from Belfast to Glasgow . Where each part are included in the journey and price of the Sail and Rail tickets.

Ferry from Belfast to Cairnryan

There are 5 ferry crossings per day from Belfast to Cairnryan in Scotland, starting in the early morning (07:30) and continuing to late at night ( timetable here ). However, due to onward travel, only the 3 earlier departures are possible on the Sail and Rail tickets, with the latest departure at around 15:30 PM from the Belfast Ferry Terminal. The Belfast to Cairnryan Ferry takes around 2 hours and 22 minutes

Bus from Cairnryan to Ayr

Cairnryan (Stranraer) is kind of in the middle of nowhere, so it’s not really possible to arrive on foot, to then walk. But there are fortunately many onward travel options by bus/coach to the nearest main travel hub/train station in the coastal town of Ayr (44km). Journey time, from Cairnryan to Ayr by bus, is around 1 hour 15 minutes .

Train from Ayr to Glasgow

It’s still a fair stretch from Ayr to Glasgow (66.8 km by bus), so I do recommend a stopover in the charming Scottish coastal town of Ayr, with as much as half-day when travelling on the earlier boats from Belfast to Cairnryan. There are then regular trains from Ayr to Glasgow throughout the day. Trains leave Ayr every 30 minutes, and the train from Ayr to Glasgow Central Station takes roughly 50 minutes ( full timetable here ).

Belfast Ferry Terminal

The Belfast to Cairnryan boats leave from “Victoria Terminal 4” at Belfast Ferry Port, although it is better signposted as “Stena Line” and “Belfast to Cairnryan” in the port area. Here is the useful port information:

• Drop-Off at Belfast Ferry Terminal?  Drop-off and free parking are allowed for 30 minutes at the front of the terminal building.
• Parking at Belfast Ferry Terminal?  Car parks are located opposite the terminal building. Costs are outlined in the image below.
• Buses to Belfast Ferry Terminal? Translink operates daily Metro services (96) from Upper Queen Street (near Belfast City Hall).
• Is Passport/ID Necessary for travel?   I.D. is not necessary to travel on boats to Scotland. Both ports are in the U.K. and no borders are crossed.

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Coach day trip to Glasgow from £29 return

Get away to Glasgow for a great value day out! Sail on selected dates with Stena Line to Cairnryan then on to the heart of Glasgow city centre by coach. How you spend your afternoon is up to you - explore the fabulous shops, take in the art galleries and museums, or discover the city’s lively restaurant scene.

When can I go?

Selected Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays in 2024:

• April: 27, 28
• May: 5, 6, 11, 18, 25, 26
• June: 1, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30
• July: 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 10, 13, 16, 17, 20, 21, 23, 24, 27, 28, 30, 31
• August: 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 17, 18, 20, 21, 24, 25, 27, 28, 31
• September: 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 29
• October: 6, 13, 20, 26, 27, 30
• November: 2, 3, 10, 17, 24
• December: 1, 4, 8, 11, 15, 18

While on board, you can look forward to relaxing in our bar,  Taste restaurant, Barista coffee house and Pure Nordic Spa during the 2hr 15min journey. There's a choice of Wi-Fi packages to keep you connected as you sail, or why not upgrade to the Stena Plus Lounge or Hygge Recline Lounge to really treat yourself?

How much does it cost?

From £29 per adult and £25 per child/infant

What’s included in the price?

• Return ferry travel onboard Stena Superfast
• Coach transfers between Cairnryan and Glasgow city centre
• £5 off shopping voucher when you spend £30 or more in the onboard shop
• 20% off onboard treatments in the Pure Nordic Spa

07:00 Belfast Latest Check-In

07:30 Depart Belfast

12:15 Arrive Glasgow (Buchanan Bus Station)

16:30 Depart Glasgow (Buchanan Bus Station)

18:45 Cairnryan Check-In

19:30 Depart Cairnryan

21:45 Arrive Belfast

How to book

Simply click the FIND TRIP  button on the top right of this page. Remember this offer is only available on selected Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year.

Get away to Glasgow for a great value day out! Sail on selected dates with Stena Line to Cairnryan then on to the heart of Glasgow city centre by coach. How you spend your afternoon is up to you -...

Get away for the day

Day Trip to Glasgow

From £29 per adult

Prices & Terms

• Age Category Price
• Adult From £29
• Child (4-15 yrs) From £25
• Infant (0-3 yrs) From £25

Stena Line Terms of Business apply to all bookings. For more information read our Terms & Conditions

• Day Trips are non-refundable
• Full payment is required at time of booking
• Persons found to be misusing the day trip fare will be surcharged the standard foot passenger fare
• 20% off treatments in the Pure Nordic Spa subject to therapist availability
• £4 service fee applies to non-web bookings
• £5 amendment fee applies for any changes made to the booking
• Fares are subject to availability and are not valid in conjunction with any other offer or discount
• No-shows: If all passengers on a booking fail to show for the outward sailing, the booking will be cancelled in full. If one or more passengers on a booking check-in for the outward sailing, then it will not be cancelled
• Stena Line reserve the right to withdraw or alter this offer at any time

Stena Line Terms of Business apply to all bookings. For more information read our Terms & Conditions.

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Get a Bit of Glasgow in Your Life!

There are many things about Glasgow that make it the perfect day trip, weekend break or even a longer holiday. You’ll need a bit of time to discover it all, so it’s worth taking some time to curate your itinerary…or you can always come back for more!

We sail into Scotland from Northern Ireland every day so we’re pretty au fait with this glorious city. It’s just a two-hour drive from our port in Cairnryan which makes it a very doable road trip.

People Make Glasgow – that’s what they say! The people of Glasgow give this incredible city its uniquely warm and welcoming accent, but there’s so much more to this great city.

If it’s your first time, there are a few must-dos: Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum offers a snapshot of everything Glasgow, from old masters to modern art, a peek into the city’s industrial and craft heritage, and a timeline of our natural history. Kids love it! Time your visit right and you might also catch the organ recital which completely changes the atmosphere of this incredible building and draws visitors to the stunning central hall. And it’s all FREE.

Both the Glasgow Science Centre and Riverside Museum, Glasgow's award-winning transport museum, are a perfect day out for families, rain or shine. You’ll learn a lot just by enjoying the exhibits – lots of which are interactive.

If you’re after a shopping break you’re in the right place with lots of options - Buchanan Street and its Galleries connects Sauchiehall Street and Argyle Street, making one of the best Great British High Streets in the country.

In the East End, you can explore The Merchant City, built for Glasgow’s rich tobacco barons and shipping merchants. Its former warehouses are now home to a vibrant café quarter and designer boutiques. And if you get a bit peckish, no problem! You’ve got a world of bistros to choose from: gourmet Scottish, Indian and Mediterranean flavours are all on the menu.

The West End has a vibe that’s a little different. Also well known for its beautiful architecture and quaint shops, the area around Byres Road bustles with students and young professionals and is also a hive of cafés, bars and lanes – Ashton Lane is well known for its bars and restaurants while Hidden Lane is home to independent shops and a tranquil tearoom.    

You’ll also notice that Mac and Cheese is on practically every menu! No one is quite sure how this Italian dish became a firm Scottish family-favourite but, whatever the reason, when you travel to Glasgow you can’t leave without trying a Macaroni pie!

Did we mention the murals? The street art is incredible in Glasgow. And they play football here too so catch a match if you can – there are a couple of teams in the city that are worth a watch!    

There are many things about Glasgow that make it the perfect day trip, weekend break or even a longer holiday. You’ll need a bit of time to discover it all, so...

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Islay dot Scot

Isle of Islay Info and Photos

Islay Ferry

The Islay Ferry is the lifeline service between the Scottish Mainland and the Isle of Islay. It’s a vital shipping link for folk living on the island, for business and distilleries, and for tourists visiting the island. The Islay Ferry is as much a topic of daily conversation as the weather, I guess that says it all! If the ferry doesn’t sail, the papers are late and locals miss their hospital appointments. Businesses suffer as they can’t deliver their goods and the supermarkets aren’t supplied with fresh food etc. Being left without a ferry for several days can be very annoying but it’s part of island life. It doesn’t happen a lot though and if, usually only in the wintertime.

In my opinion there’s nothing more rewarding than travelling by boat to your holiday destination, especially when it’s Islay. The Islay Ferry takes you to completely different place in a matter of hours. Hamish Haswell-Smith wrote in his book The Scottish Islands about the Hebrides: ‘The mere crossing of a short stretch of water can be like visting another continent.’ That’s exactly how it feels. The excitement to board the ferry, the views over the sea and seeing your final destination getting closer by the minute. It’s a thrill to take the ferry to Islay, to arrive in Port Ellen or Port Askaig and set foot on Islay.

Video of the Ferry Crossing from Kennacraig to Port Ellen

Islay Ferry History

In the 1800s private operators ran steamship services to the west Highlands and Islands. One of these island services came under control of G & J Burns which, through a later partnership, ended up eventually with David MacBrayne. The Islay service was added in 1876 and when the railways arrived MacBrayne carried mail from the railway end stations to the island. The mail-steamer was born. These services were back then already important for Islay as legal whisky Distilleries opened up and the production of Islay Whisky was growing. Supplies were needed on the island and whisky had to be shipped off the island to the mainland by boat.

One of the better known mailboats on Islay was the MV Lochiel. She was the regular Islay mailboat operated by David MacBrayne Ltd from 1939 until 1970. There is a garden and small monument for the MV Lochiel in Port Ellen, on Frederick Crescent.

Related links

Articles about Islay Ferry History and Ships

Calmac was Born

Early 20th century MacBrayne was the main company to carry passengers, mail and cargo from railway end points to the islands and remote parts in the west of Scotland. After world-war one the company was taken over by London Midland Scotland Railway (LMSR) and Coast Lines Ltd. The name MacBrayne was retained. The state gained control of half the share of MacBrayne’s and in 1969 this share was used to the Scottish Transport Group (STG). Later the state owned company Caledonian MacBrayne was born, known by many as Calmac.

Clyde Puffers

Clyde puffers were small bulk cargo vessels capable of landing at small piers or on the beach to discharge coal and other cargo. These puffers [link to youtube video] provided a vital supply link around the west coast and Hebridean islands. The original Clyde Puffers were introduced in the Clyde and Scottish canals from the 1860s onwards. From this basic puffer three varietes evolved and one of them was the outside boat with a length of around 27 metres. These were built for the rougher sea routes to the Hebridean islands and had a crew of four. Clyde Puffers were built until 1939.

Video with Para Handy Theme Song and Puffer Photos:

Para Handy is the famous captain on board the Vital Spark, a Clyde Puffer. He was invented by Neil Munro who started with his short stories in the Glasgow Evening News in 1905. He achieved widespread fame as he wrote about Para Handy for over twenty years! The adventures of Para Handy were turned into three popular BBC television series and the Clyde Puffers themselves were the stars in the film The Maggie . Parts of this film were shot on Islay.

Ro-Ro & Drive Through Ferries

The cargo vessels and Clyde Puffers were not equipped to deal with road transport. Cars where therefore regarded as cargo and hoisted onboard the ships like bulk cargo. Later on the first purpose built car ferries were introduced, the so called Ro-Ro (roll-on roll-of) ferry , operated by Western Ferries . On these ships you drove forwards onto the car decks and then turn before you could leave the ship. A time consuming operation!

Later ferries were of the ‘drive through’ sort, the ones similar to the current Islay Ferry with ramps at the bow and stern. Caledonian MacBrayne as we now know it was formed in 1990. Due to the fact it was state owned they were becoming a major operator on the west coast of Scotland and on the Islay service. Western Ferries lost the battle and claimed they were forced off the Islay route. They now operate a service on the Clyde.

Islay Ferry Present Day

The state owned company Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd. or Calmac, is still running the Islay Ferry service. But not only that, they run most of the west coast and Clyde services. A few services are run by the council such as the Islay to Jura Ferry. And Calmac is also not present on the routes to Orkney and the Shetland Islands.

Calmac provides a mostly reliable ferry service to Islay from Kennacraig to either Port Ellen or Port Askaig. In the summer season there are two ferries on the Islay route. In the winter season it’s often down to one as the ferries are taken off the service one by one for their annual overhaul.

Islay Ferry Ports

There are two ferry ports on Islay, one in Port Ellen and one in Port Askaig. Both ports receive around the same amount of ferries although Port Ellen is more sensitive to swell and wind conditions. That’s why the ferry service to Port Ellen is sometimes diverted to Port Askaig during such conditions. The port of Port Askaig is also used for the car ferry to Feolin on Jura and for the Oban Colonsay Ferry.

The mainland has one ferry port for Islay, that’s Kennacraig in Argyll and Bute . It’s a three hour drive [link to google maps] from the centre of Glasgow over the A82 along Loch Lomond and the A83 over Rest and be Thankful.

The Islay Ferry MV Finlaggan

The MV Finlaggan is the newest ferry on the Islay service. She was built in Poland and arrived on the Islay ferry service in 2012. Ar first the ferry was considered too luxury and posh by some as it was quite a step up from the MV Isle of Arran , the vessel it replaced. But after a few years in service folk appreciate the Finlaggan very much. It has all the luxuries one can wish for, plenty of space to sit and a good restaurant and bar as well. The capacity of the Finlaggan is 85 cars, 10 lorries and max 500 passengers.

Youtube video of a day trip to Islay on the MV Finlaggan in May 2019

The Islay Ferry MV Hebridean Isles

The MV Hebridean Isles is one of the oldest ferries in the Calmac network. The ferry was built in 1985 and is now 36 years old. With its age come the problems and it happens quite frequently that this ferry is delayed or cancelled due to technical issues. The capacity compared to the MV Finlaggan is considerably less. The Hebridean Isles can take 62 cars and 494 passengers. And with each lorry on the ferry it can take 3 to 4 cars less. Space can be somewhat limited, especially on busy days. A pleasant thing from this ferry is the fact that there is plenty of outside space compared to the MV Finlaggan.

Ferry Journey Time, Price and Booking

If you travel from Glasgow to Islay by Car it will take around three hours to get to Kennacraig. The journey time from Kennacraig to Port Askaig is around 2 hours and from Kennacraig to Port Ellen 2 hours and 20 minutes. Price for a return tickets are as follows: Passenger £14.20, Car £71.10. Food and drinks are served on board and pets are allowed as well, albeit not in all areas of the ship.

Booking is easy and can be done either online (recommended) or over the phone. For details and online bookings check the Calmac website www.calmac.co.uk . Make sure to book as soon as possible!

Islay Ferry Boarding Procedure

After you’ve shown your tickets you are directed to a lane where you’ll have to wait until you can board the ferry. Assuming the ferry is on time you can usually board around 10 to 15 minutes before sailing time when the arriving passengers and vehicles have onboarded the ferry. When you enter the ferry itself you are directed to a space to park. Always follow the staffs directions and make sure to apply the handbrake AND switch off your car alarm.

When you leave your car you’ll go up to the passenger areas where you can either go directly to the cafeteria for a meal or you’ll find another place for the journey. If the ferry is crowded and you want to have a meal make sure not to wait too long in order to find a free table. The number of tables/seats, especially on the Hebridean Isles, is somewhat limited.

While on board you are free to access the decks on the designated areas. Some areas are blocked off, only accessible for the crew. You’re not allowed on the car deck during the crossing. When you travel with a pet be aware that you can’t take your pet inside the restaurant area. It is allowed to leave your pet inside the car during the crossing.

Ferry Timetables (Summer and Winter)

The Islay ferry sails on two fixed schedules, a summer schedule and a winter schedule. The summer schedule runs roughly from April to mid October, the winter schedule from mid October to the end of March.

During the summer schedule period there are around five ferry sailings arriving and leaving Islay each day. In the winter schedule it’s sometimes down to three, or even fewer crossings.

• Link to Summer Timetables
• Link to Winter Timetables

Ferry Cancellations

Due to the ageing Calmac fleet, some ferries are around 30 years old, breakdowns occurred more frequently in recent years with cancellations or delays as a result. This is happening more often in the winter season due to high winds and/or swell conditions combined with the fragile state of some older boats. Cancelled ferries can be a real nuisance, especially when you’re living on Islay and have appointments on the mainland. Also businesses are sometimes hit hard when they can’t get deliveries or supplies. For tourists it can be very annoying as well and it can happen that you’ll need to find accommodation on the mainland because your booked ferry has been cancelled and a next one can’t take you if it’s fully booked or doesn’t sail at all.

Check if the ferry sails

Calmac has a few good systems in place to keep you up-to-date on cancellations. For more info on that please visit the Service Status page on their website or visit our comprehensive page on How to Check if the Islay Ferry is Sailing .

Future of the Islay Ferry

News item from the Ileach, dated 25 Sep 21 : Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) has confirmed that a bidding process has been started for two new ferries for Islay! According to CMAL, following extensive consultation with Transport Scotland, CalMac, and communities on Islay, the decision has been made to build two vessels, providing much needed new tonnage in the fleet and improve the resilience of the network.

The two 94.8m long vessels will replace the 36 year-old Hebridean Isles and the ten year-old Finlaggan, the latter being allocated to a different route. The new vessels will have greater vehicle capacity than both the MV Finlaggan and MV Hebridean Isles, along with significantly lower energy requirements. They will be designed with a clear focus on freight, including the capability to operate a possible overnight freight service.

News item from the Ileach, dated 26 March 2022 : Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) has awarded the contract to build two new ferries for the Islay route, to the Cemre Marin Endustri shipyard in Turkey, following a ten day standstill period since the announcement on Friday 11 March.

The new ships will replace MV Hebridean Isles and allow the redeployment of MV Finlaggan to another route, while bringing a 40% increase in vehicle and freight capacity on the Islay routes, along with a reduction in emissions and improve the resilience of the CalMac fleet. The first ferry is expected to be delivered by October 2024, with the second vessel following in early 2025.

Artist Impression of the New Islay Ferry

A Personal Note

This website is not an (un)official Islay Tourism initiative in any way. It’s a place where I write about my own personal experiences, trips, walks, meetings and share some articles for which I’ve been given permission personally to publish them.

The photos are all taken by myself and can be purchased either by making an enquiry directly to me or by visiting the Islay Prints section Here

• Islay Federation Local History Project
• Islay Accommodation – How to Save Money
• Thomas Telford Churches on Islay
• Kilnave Cross and Chapel
• Kildalton Cross and Chapel

My Account – Privacy Policy – Purchase Agreement – Terms and Conditions

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13 Best Day Trips From Glasgow by Train

Posted on Last updated: March 12, 2024

Home » Destinations » Europe » Scotland » 13 Best Day Trips From Glasgow by Train

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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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Scottie Scheffler sees course record broken by Korn Ferry Tour’s Frankie Capan III

Frankie Capan III, a 24-year-old who played collegiately at Florida Gulf Coast, set a new course record on the Korn Ferry Tour.

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Share All sharing options for: Scottie Scheffler sees course record broken by Korn Ferry Tour’s Frankie Capan III

Move over, Scottie Scheffler . Frankie Capan III has taken one of your records.

On Thursday, at the Veritex Bank Championship on the Korn Ferry Tour , Capan III recorded the second-lowest score in tour history with a 13-under 58.

His 58 set a new course record at Texas Rangers Golf Club in Arlington, Texas, which Scheffler previously held. The reigning Masters champion shot a 59 on this course on May 3, 2020, while playing with friends, as the PGA Tour was on hiatus due to COVID-19 at the time.

Meanwhile, Capan III bested Scheffler during the first round of an event on the Korn Ferry Tour, which has seen six different players card sub-60 rounds since the beginning of the 2023 season.

“It was a lot of fun out there. After the first four, five holes, I just felt really comfortable with my game and where I was at,” Capan III said.

“I’ve been putting in a lot of work in the last few weeks and really the last few months just trying to dial a few things in. I think it all came together, which was nice. And then whenever you’re out there playing well and going low, I really just wanted to keep going as much as I could.”

Capan III rattled off four birdies over his first five holes and then capped off the front nine with an eagle three to shoot a 6-under 29.

By the time he made the turn, he knew his round had the potential to enter rare territory.

Seven consecutive birdies followed on holes 10 through 16, and suddenly, Capan III sat at 13-under par through 16 holes.

But he did not realize that this course played as a par-71. He thought it was a par-72.

“When I got to [13-under], I knew that, okay, there’s 59,” Capan III added.

“But very seldom are you that far under par. I shot 59 before, so I thought I might as well break that. Then, I didn’t know it was par 71, but I was really just trying to birdie 17 and 18. Unfortunately, I didn’t get either one. I made an eight-foot slider on 18 to shoot 58. It was pretty cool.”

His tee shot on the par-5 18th found the fairway bunker, forcing him to lay up on the 524-yard par-5. He then found the green with his third shot and two-putted from 39 feet away, including that slider, for par.

“I still thought it was for 59,” Capan III added.

“When someone said it was for 58, I was excited because I know Scottie Scheffler shot 59, so whenever you can beat that guy, especially nowadays, I mean, you’ve got to take advantage.”

Jack Milko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. Be sure to check out @_PlayingThrough for more golf coverage. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko as well.

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My four-day rail and ferry adventure from the UK to Albania

From London to Tirana, via Chambéry’s medieval streets, bustling Bari and Albania’s dynamic capital, this trip across Europe has treats at every turn

M y overriding memories of crossing countries by train, on a trip from London to Albania, are of half-empty carriages and countryside sweeping past windows bathed in the soft orange glow of sunset. I remember cypress trees, red-roofed villages with square churches, farmland in neat strips and row upon row of vineyards.

On my London-Paris-Chambéry-Turin-Bari-Tirana journey over land and sea, there was, for long stretches, little to do. The wifi was patchy. It took a while to adapt to having so much time to simply watch the world go by, travelling through landscapes without having to navigate them.

The biggest stress happened long before I set off, when a landslide not far from the French border with Italy blocked the rail line between Chambéry and Turin, forcing a closure that continues today. Byway, the no-fly operator I had booked with, offered to reroute me through Nice and on to Turin via the Vermenagna valley (with changes in Tende and Cuneo), or book me on the FlixBus service over part of the Mont Blanc massif. I was keen to see Chambéry and the Alps, so I chose the bus.

People seemed surprised when I told them I was travelling overland to Albania. As I gushed about the romance of slow travel by train and sleeper ferry, and my excitement about Tirana, I got comments about being “brave”. I didn’t feel especially brave: all the planning, tickets and hotel bookings were done for me, and friendly help was a WhatsApp call away if needed.

I just had to download the Rail Planner app for my Interrail pass and make sure I was at the right station at the right time (Turin was the biggest challenge: it has four main railway stations and taxis scream between them bearing anxious-looking passengers).

The entire journey took four days. If I did it all again, I’d stay longer in Puglia, the heel of Italy’s boot – and remember to buy my Paris Métro ticket from the cafe on the Eurostar.

Day one: London to Chamb éry

First to Paris’s Gare du Nord, then the metro to Gare de Lyon, where I make a beeline for a cafe opposite the station. Noise pervades the pavement tables of Café Terminus, but the cacophony is delightful – an atmospheric place for a citron pressé .

I’m in plenty of time for the train to Chambéry and, excitingly, am on the upper deck. Soon, we break free from the suburbs to trace huge stands of forest. Beyond Lyon begins a ripple of hills, lazy rivers and thickly forested slopes. As evening approaches, it’s all Alpine scenery. I arrive at an almost-empty station and walk to the boutique Hotel des Princes in Chambéry’s old town.

Chambéry has an Italian feel – it was the seat of the House of Savoy before the dynasty moved on to Turin – and its medieval alleys, cathedral and pastel-coloured townhouses are quietly impressive. The 1838 Fontaine des Éléphants sits in the middle of the closest square to the old town, and peeking from the end of every street are the Bauges and Chartreuse mountain ranges. My stay is peaceful and easy.

Day two: Chamb éry to Turin

From Chambéry, the train to Turin would take about 2½ hours, but the bus takes double this. I’m on the top deck again, which is worth it for the sight of misty fingers of early morning light breaking across the mountain ridge. Snoozing backpackers rouse themselves to snap pictures of remote Mont Blanc peaks, before slumbering once more through the tunnel to Italy. In Turin there’s perfume in the air from the blossom-covered trees.

Turin’s grid of long, straight boulevards is testament to its development by the Romans – the redbrick Palatine Gate is another Roman relic – and its grand piazzas, royal palaces and graffitied colonnades date from the city’s Savoy heyday in the 16th and 17th centuries. Today, the number one attraction is the Museo Egizio (Egyptian Museum).

My favourite moments? Ricotta and fig ice-cream on Piazza San Carlo, an aperitivo on off-the-beaten-path Via Sant’Agostino and the towering neoclassical Mole Antonelliana (national museum of cinema). I eat Turin’s famous doughy pizza al padellino (pan pizza) and spend a comfortable night in the eaves of Hotel Urbani in 19th-century residential streets close to the grand Porta Nuova train station.

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Day three: Turin to Bari

The views from my next train are of cinematic Tuscan scenes. Scorched fields, vines and Italian cypress trees. Neat red roofs and shabby-chic farmhouses. Fluffy clouds cling to hills that Google Maps tells me are the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. After hours of soothing golden landscapes, the opal-blue Adriatic wallops into view just north of Ancona. Beach bars whip by and cypress trees are replaced with palm trees: I’ve arrived in the south of Italy.

Bari is hands down my favourite stop. The noise, heat and energy as we step off the train in the early evening are joyous. After Chambéry and Turin, Bari feels brash, a little rough around the edges even; a proper port city. The labyrinthine alleyways of the whitewashed old town are almost cliched in their cuteness. Despite the troupes of tightly packed headphone-wearing Americans following guided tours, it somehow manages to retain a tranquil atmosphere.

Old ladies yawn from the shade as tourists surreptitiously snap pictures and laundry flutters from balconies. I could stay for ever, but after 24 hours (which includes a lot of pasta, a stroll along the posh promenade to the not-so-posh city beach and a night in an elegant aparthotel, Residence Zodiacus , halfway between the station and the old town), it’s time to board the night ferry to Albania.

Day (and night) four: Bari to Tirana

I arrive at the ferry on foot and am escorted through the car deck to jokes about going in the wrong direction (to Albania, instead of from it). In the early morning I spot a pink sky through the cracked window of my comfy en suite cabin, and head to the top deck to see the sun rise over the distant outline of Albania. Disembarking in the port of Durrës is a bit of a scrum and there’s a bus to the capital waiting, but I opt instead for a five-minute taxi ride to the centre of town and breakfast of pastries and espresso on a dazzling white road lined with boutiques and palm trees. I later regret this though, as the aircon on the grubby public bus I eventually take to Tirana is more tired than I am, and drops me in an urban sprawl miles from the centre.

Tirana itself is a revelation. My hotel, Padam Boutique , is a grand villa with handsome rooms and floor-to-ceiling windows, and there’s striking new skyward architecture on every nearby street. A short stroll away is the landmark Pyramid of Tirana , which stands as a symbol and monument to change (and is fun to climb at sunset). Skanderbeg Square – a jumble of buildings erected on a roundabout at the time of the celebrations to mark the fall of communism in 1992 – is now a pedestrianised, glossy public space. There are nods to Albania’s recent, wretched history behind the iron curtain, of course – the Bunk’Art and Bunk’Art 2 museums, in nuclear bunkers are unmissable – but Tirana and the country are more than just the last century. My journey is done, but it feels like Tirana is just getting into its stride.

The trip was provided by Byway , which offers sustainable travel and accommodation packages across the UK and Europe. Its Alps to Albania trip costs from £679pp

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