- Must visit
National Museum of Rural Life
Award-winning national museum with a historic working farm, galleries, and rural life exhibits just outside the town center.
Cheapest price
$33
Average price
$33
Fastest journey
2 h 25 m
Average duration
2 h 29 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
64 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Edinburgh to East Kilbride is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Edinburgh to East Kilbride will cost around $33 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $33.
Of the 3 trains that leave Edinburgh for East Kilbride on Sat, Aug 15, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Aug 15 the direct trains cover the 64 km distance in an average of 2 h 29 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 25 m .
On Sat, Aug 15 the slowest trains will take 2 h 38 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 East Kilbride among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $6. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 1h 22m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $6, and a train costs an average of $27.
Distance: 39 miles (64 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$33 Average price | $7 Average price Cheapest | $59 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 17m Average total duration 1h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 52m Average total duration Fastest 1h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 5m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Edinburgh to East Kilbride:
A bus is $26 (€21) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh to East Kilbride costing on average $33 (€27).
Other travel options to East Kilbride take longer:
Train takes on average 1h 47m.
Tickets start at around $33 (€27) compared to roughly $59 (€48) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $26 (€21). The journey takes 1h 47m versus 1h 5m 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 East Kilbride trains for today, Friday, August 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:45 AM Edinburgh | 2h04 | 7:49 AM East Kilbride | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:15 AM Edinburgh | 2h08 | 10:23 AM East Kilbride | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:27 AM Edinburgh | 2h22 | 10:49 AM East Kilbride | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:15 AM Edinburgh | 2h08 | 11:23 AM East Kilbride | 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 East Kilbride run on average 5 times per day, taking around 1h 47m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $27 (€22) but you can travel from only $6 (€5) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:49, the last at 22:31. The fastest train covers the 39 miles (64 km) distance in 2h 4m.
Distance 39 miles (64 km) |
Average train duration 1h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price $27 (€22) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 2h 4m |
First train 5:49 AM |
Last train 10:31 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 3 days |
Discover the best of East Kilbride — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect East Kilbride trip today.
Award-winning national museum with a historic working farm, galleries, and rural life exhibits just outside the town center.
Town arts venue with changing exhibitions, community arts, and performances, making it East Kilbride's key gallery destination.
Historic farmhouse interiors and interpretation beside the rural museum site, showing domestic life in the Scottish countryside.
Large country park with woodland walks, glen scenery, gardens, and family attractions; one of East Kilbride's top outdoor escapes.
Linear nature reserve of raised bog, boardwalks, and wildlife habitats, popular for peaceful walks close to the town center.
Historic village core with stone buildings, small lanes, and local character, offering the clearest feel of old East Kilbride.
Cullen skink is a rich Scottish smoked haddock, potato and onion soup. It is a classic comfort dish found across Scotland and suits the local climate.
Haggis is Scotland’s national savoury pudding of minced offal, oats and spices. It is a traditional celebratory dish often served with neeps and tatties.
Neeps and tatties are mashed turnips and potatoes, usually served with haggis. They are a staple Scottish side dish in homes and pubs.
Established family Italian restaurant known for pasta, pizza and warm service in a relaxed setting popular with East Kilbride locals.
Well-known Scottish bakery and cafe serving breakfasts, pies, sandwiches and traybakes. Casual, reliable and popular for local comfort food.
Stylish modern restaurant and bar at the town centre, serving grills, burgers and cocktails in a lively contemporary atmosphere.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than central Glasgow, while rail and bus costs are typical for the region.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common for good service if not included. Round up taxi fares. Cafes usually do not require tips, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
East Kilbride Station -> Glasgow Central
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh to East Kilbride 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 East Kilbride, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Edinburgh to East Kilbride trains use the Edinburgh Waverley to East Kilbride station pair, with some services arriving at Hairmyres. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and East Kilbride 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.
Wester Hailes is 6 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Wester Hailes has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Wester Hailes.
ATMs are available at Wester Hailes.
Available at Wester Hailes: Parking, Taxis.
Available at Wester Hailes: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Wester Hailes.
East Kilbride has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at East Kilbride.
Wi-Fi is available at East Kilbride.
Ticket office support is available at East Kilbride. 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 East Kilbride: Parking, WC.
Available at East Kilbride: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at East Kilbride: 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 Blue Badge parking bays: 14, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Hairmyres is 3 km from East Kilbride city centre. Public transport options include:
Hairmyres has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Hairmyres.
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 Hairmyres: Parking.
Available at Hairmyres: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Hairmyres: 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 single platform Blue Badge parking bays: 6, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, 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.
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