- Must visit
The Hill House
Historic house museum by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, famed for inventive design and immersive interpretation.
Cheapest price
kr219
Average price
kr221
Fastest journey
2 h 17 m
Average duration
2 h 17 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
86 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Edinburgh to Balloch is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Edinburgh to Balloch will cost around kr221 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only kr219.
Of the 3 trains that leave Edinburgh for Balloch on Fri, Aug 14, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Aug 14 the direct trains cover the 86 km distance in an average of 2 h 17 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 17 m .
On Fri, Aug 14 the slowest trains will take 2 h 18 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.






Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Balloch among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from kr65. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 41m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of kr65, and a train costs an average of kr181.
Distance: 53 miles (86 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
kr225 Average price | kr110 Average price Cheapest | kr435 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 11m Average total duration Fastest 1h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 41m Average total duration 5h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 34m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Edinburgh to Balloch:
A bus is kr115 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh to Balloch costing on average kr225.
Other travel options to Balloch take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 11m.
Tickets start at around kr225 compared to roughly kr435 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about kr210. The journey takes 1h 41m versus 1h 34m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Balloch trains for today, Thursday, August 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 10:15 AM Edinburgh | 2h17 | 12:32 PM Balloch | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:00 PM Edinburgh | 1h59 | 5:59 PM Balloch | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, August 14 | |||||
![]() | 9:15 AM Edinburgh | 2h17 | 11:32 AM Balloch | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Edinburgh to Balloch run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 41m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at kr181 but you can travel from only kr65 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:00, the last at 22:44. The fastest train covers the 53 miles (86 km) distance in 1h 59m.
Distance 53 miles (86 km) |
Average train duration 1h 41m |
Cheapest ticket price kr181 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 1h 59m |
First train 5:00 AM |
Last train 10:44 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Balloch — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Balloch trip today.
Historic house museum by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, famed for inventive design and immersive interpretation.
Modern art gallery and museum in Glasgow with major collections, architecture, and broad appeal for day-trippers from Balloch.
Leading transport museum in Glasgow with vintage vehicles and interactive displays, easy to combine with a wider city visit.
Major country park on Loch Lomond with woodland trails, gardens, shoreline views, and access to the castle grounds.
Popular lochside promenade and arrival hub with piers, open views, and easy access to cruises and family attractions.
Waterside park area with beaches, picnic spots, and classic views over the southern end of Loch Lomond.
Cullen skink is a rich smoked haddock, potato and onion soup. It is a classic Scottish comfort dish, especially fitting in Loch Lomond's cool weather.
Haggis combines sheep offal, oats, suet and spices. It is Scotland's iconic national dish and commonly served with neeps and tatties in local pubs.
Neeps and tatties are mashed turnips and potatoes, usually served with haggis. This simple side is a staple of traditional Scottish meals.
Refined dining room at Cameron House known for seasonal Scottish produce and polished service. A good choice for a more upscale meal near Balloch.
Well-known casual spot for fish and chips and takeaway favourites. Good for a quick traditional meal after exploring Loch Lomond.
Popular waterfront restaurant in Balloch with modern Scottish dishes, steaks and seafood. Relaxed setting with loch views and a strong local reputation.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels can rise in peak season, but casual dining and local transport are usually manageable for visitors.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis, and small change is fine in cafes.
Official public transport app
Balloch Station -> Balloch Village Centre
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh to Balloch by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Balloch, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Edinburgh to Balloch trains use the Edinburgh Waverley to Balloch station pair. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Balloch train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Edinburgh Waverley has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Bagel Factory, Burger King, Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, JD Wetherspoon, The Pasty Shop, The Beer House, M&S, Pret a Manger
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are there are a few ATM machines around the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59, Sun: 07:00 - 23:59. Information desks are information booths are located on the concourse. .
Luggage storage is you can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2. . Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Waverley: Entrances are step free. Station is equipped with an elevator. Staffed with guide communicators for the deaf. Tactile warning strips are on the platform edges for the blind.
Nearby hotels include Old Waverley Hotel, Jurys Inn Edinburgh, The Scotsman Hotel.
Haymarket is 1 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Haymarket has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Haymarket.
Wi-Fi is available at Haymarket. ATMs are available at Haymarket.
Ticket office support is available at Haymarket. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Haymarket: Parking, WC.
Available at Haymarket: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Haymarket: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to all platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the automatic ticket gates Blue Badge parking bays: 2, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Edinburgh Park is 7 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Edinburgh Park has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Edinburgh Park.
Wi-Fi is available at Edinburgh Park.
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Edinburgh Park: Parking.
Available at Edinburgh Park: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Park: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to both platforms, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Balloch has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Balloch.
Wi-Fi is available at Balloch.
Ticket office support is available at Balloch. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Balloch: Parking, WC.
Available at Balloch: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Balloch: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to single platform. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the Ticket Office, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need