Scottish commuters hive mind: help please!

[EdinburghGlasgowEdinburgh]

AIBU to think I can get to Glasgow for 9 a.m. this Friday from Edinburgh on the train and then be back in Edinburgh for 1.30 p.m.?

I have an event from 9.30 to 10.30 about a 30 minute walk from Glasgow Central and then a train to catch to London. Originally - before Sunday's devastating fire - I'd planned to travel to London from Glasgow. It seems more sensible to go from Edinburgh now rather than faff about trying to take my chances from Motherwell.

But ... And this is where I'd really appreciate some help, please, how are the trains between Edinburgh and Glasgow Queen St? Running normally? An overcrowded nightmare? Taking 90 minutes or more?

If it comes to it, I can miss the Glasgow event, but I'd really rather not. I'd also much prefer not to run out of time getting back from Glasgow to Edinburgh.

Really not wanting to be pathetic either, but it'd be brilliant to hear how people are finding this journey given Sunday's catastrophe and the fact that Central most definitely won't be open this week for Edinburgh trains.

Thank you! I have tried to check other sources of advice, but can't quite fathom what's best to do, so experiences and thoughts really are welcome 🤗

Bus? Think Buchanan Bus Station is functioning as normal?

You can get the train from Glasgow central low level to Motherwell I think? Pretty straightforward journey

But if you really want to go from Edinburgh I think the train will be fine. You have a fair amount of time. I’ve not seen that the Glasgow to Edinburgh train is particularly affected by the fire.

Trains between Glasgow queen st and Edinburgh are running fine. Queen St not affected at all by the fire near Central.

I think Queen St is running as normal and mid morning trains should be ok. Early train could be packed so I'd aim for the one before you need ie 0800 not 0815.
I'd aim for train not bus, suspect the roads are even worse than usual. You'd need to be out the door sharp at 1030, try and make a train just after 11 from Queen St (not sure if they are every 15 min or 30 min at that time) then you'd be at Waverley in plenty of time - assuming you are planning to just go from your Glasgow train straight to London train in Waverley.

You can go from the low level of Glasgow Central (or any of the other stations on the line if they’re closer to your venue) and there’s 3 trains an hour to Motherwell. Takes 35 minutes.

Edinburgh trains from Queen St high level are half hourly and take 50 mins. Queen St low level takes quite a bit longer.

I've not done all the way from Queen Street to Waverley but was in and out of Edinburgh from an intermediate station last night and everything seemed to be running to time. Have you looked at the live train times to see if there's anything amiss? I don't see why the Edinburgh-Queen Street trains would be particularly affected, possibly more people on them but the evening ones seemed pretty normal. My husband hasn't complained about anything on his commute into Edinburgh.

Where in Glasgow is your event? If you’re a 30 min walk from central there may be a better option of station/change

You've two options (train wise):

• catch a train from Glasgow Queen Street to Edinburgh. They run every 30 mins and take just under an hour.
• get a Glasgow Central lower level train to Motherwell

We travelled from Glasgow Queen St to Edinburgh Waverley on the sprinter train yesterday. There in 48 mins and not too busy (it was around midday though).

Thank you!! That's really helpful. Much appreciated everyone 🙏🏾

I travelled Queen St > Waverley > London and back Monday and back on Tuesday.

Very easy/smooth.

Go to/from Glasgow Queen Street. There are two from Edinburgh to Queen Street, the trains are frequent, and quicker than the line to Glasgow Central, which as you are probably aware is closed this week.
To answer your question, yes, you can do those journeys in that time.

These days even the commuter hour train Edi- QS rarely very busy. They are always 9 carriage trains and have never not had a table.

I would avoid Glasgow central low level trains unless you really have to. So many people will be trying to use the low level trains as high level trains are out of action.

Do you have to get the train? In these circumstances I'd fly from Glasgow.

And now the weather is completely horrific, for perhaps further derailing of plans! (Tomorrow's event is outdoors.)

Let's see what Friday brings.

@TartanMammy I looked at flights, but flying into Gatwick really doesn't appeal and I'm not mad keen on the plane generally, always feel like I'm wasting time at airports somehow. But thank you.

I got buses yesterday Glasgow - Edinburgh and return. They were averagely quiet so I don't think there will be too many extra passengers on the trains. Fast trains leave Edinburgh Waverley at 15 and 45 minutes past the hour (not sure if there are extra trains for commuters) and depart the same times from Glasgow Queen Street.

Re getting to your event in Glasgow, is it worth using the subway? Buchanan Street subway is only two minutes from Queen Street. I believe it will be busy for rush hour but it's nothing like the London Underground to negotiate or travel on. Queen Street is barely 10 minutes walk from Central, maybe even closer to your event? Glasgow buses are also generally plentiful but anything which normally runs down Union Street is obviously being diverted and routes are changing frequently.

Another thought, your train to London may be busier because more people will be going down the east coast. When I have used the Avanti, west coast route, trains are mostly at least 3/4 full.

@Delphiniumandlupins yes, I anticipate a super-crowded train! But have a seat reservation, so as long as I can sit in it I won't complain too much (fingers crossed)!

All gone remarkably smoothly. Made it to Glasgow, walked in sunshine along the river, sunshine walk back again, then caught in a flash downpour, sat in first class on train back to Edinburgh (female conductor, she had no axe to grind with drenched me and DD), now on train about to depart from Edinburgh to London. And even got to put my wheelie case at Glasgow QS left luggage for a mere £5. Really so glad I went (it was for other DD playing in a hockey cup) and thank you everyone for your reassurance and good sense 🙏🏾

Brilliant, glad it all went well.