Getting to Loch Lomond from Edinburgh and Glasgow
From Glasgow and Edinburgh, with and without a car
From Glasgow it is about 35 minutes by car to Balloch, or about 50 minutes on a direct train. From Edinburgh allow about 90 minutes by car, or a train to Glasgow and a second train on. You can do the whole trip without a car.
- Train from Glasgow
- 50 min
- Trains
- 2/hour
- Drive from Glasgow
- 35 min
- From Edinburgh
- 90 min
The short answer
Take the train from Glasgow to Balloch: it is direct, about 50 minutes, and runs every 30 minutes by day. Balloch has the loch, the boats and the buses on to the villages. For the hills, the West Highland line reaches Arrochar & Tarbet in about 1 hour 20 minutes. Times, platforms, fares and last trains are in the train section below.
From Edinburgh, take a train to Glasgow Queen Street (several an hour, the fastest about 44 minutes), then the Balloch train from the Low Level platforms in the same station. Plan on about two hours to the loch. A car takes about 90 minutes.
Without a car, the loch works all year: train to Balloch, then a cruise from the riverside or bus 305 on to Luss. The boat link between Luss and Balmaha runs only in the main season. If you want more help choosing a route, see our trip planning help.
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A83 Rest and Be Thankful: open, with temporary traffic lights (both directions). Traffic Scotland, Mon 2 Nov, 21:30. All roads around the loch
Glasgow to Loch Lomond by train
Balloch is the station for the loch: direct ScotRail trains from Glasgow, about 50 minutes, with the pier beside the station. For the quieter north end, the West Highland line stops at Arrochar & Tarbet and Ardlui.
- Journey
- About 50 minutes (47 to 55), direct, no change.
- How often
- Every 30 minutes by day; about hourly after 8pm.
- Where to board
- Queen Street Low Level Monday to Saturday; Glasgow Central Low Level on Sundays. Partick works on both.
- Last train back
- 22:44 Monday to Saturday (to Queen Street), 22:09 on Sundays (to Central).
- Fare
- Singles from £7.40 on Trainline (2 November 2026); one price all day, as ScotRail has no peak fares.
- Walk to the loch
- The cruise pier is beside the station; Loch Lomond Shores is about 10 minutes on foot.
Last checked 2 November 2026, against ScotRail’s Dunbartonshire timetable valid 28 September to 12 December 2026.
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Balloch
About 50 min from Glasgow Every 30 min by day
The south end: cruises, Loch Lomond Shores, the country park, and buses on to Luss and Balmaha.
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Arrochar & Tarbet
About 1 h 20 from Glasgow About 5 daytime trains
About 10 minutes' walk down to Tarbet and its pier. Arrochar village is about a mile from the station.
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Ardlui
About 1 h 30 from Glasgow About 5 daytime trains
The head of the loch, on the same trains as Arrochar & Tarbet. Sample times are below.
Balloch train times
From ScotRail's Dunbartonshire timetable, valid 28 September to 12 December 2026 and read on 2 November 2026. A new timetable starts after that, so check the ScotRail app for your date.
- Glasgow to Balloch, Monday to Saturday
- From Queen Street Low Level at about 13 and 43 minutes past the hour, from 06:43 until early evening, then roughly hourly (20:38, 21:39, 22:40). The last train leaves at 23:37 and reaches Balloch at 00:28. The journey takes 47 to 55 minutes.
- Balloch to Glasgow, Monday to Saturday
- At about 8 and 38 minutes past the hour from 06:08, then roughly hourly after 19:08. The last train leaves at 22:44 and reaches Queen Street Low Level at 23:35.
- Sundays, both ways
- Glasgow Central Low Level to Balloch about every 30 minutes, from 09:18 (arriving 10:04) to 23:16. Back from Balloch between 08:09 and 22:09. About 47 minutes each way.
From Balloch station to the loch
- Come out of the station: Sweeney's Cruise Co's riverside office and pier are right beside it (they share the G83 8SS postcode). Winter cruises leave at 10:15, 11:30 and 13:00.
- For Loch Lomond Shores, SEA LIFE and the Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre, follow the riverside path, the route SEA LIFE recommends. The Bird of Prey Centre gives the walk as about 10 minutes (it closes for the winter from early November to the second week of February).
- For Balloch Castle Country Park, the main entrance is opposite the bus station, a short walk from the train.
- Buses on to Luss (305) and Balmaha (309) leave from Balloch; check the times on Traveline Scotland before you set off.
Finding the right platform in Glasgow
Balloch trains use the Low Level platforms at Queen Street, shown as "Glasgow Queen St LL" in the timetable. Monday to Saturday every Balloch train also stops at Charing Cross and Partick, and the Sunday trains stop at Partick too, so from the West End, Partick is the easier place to board. On a Sunday, go to Glasgow Central Low Level instead.
From Edinburgh
Trains from Edinburgh Waverley to Glasgow Queen Street run several times an hour all day; the fastest take about 44 minutes and the average is about an hour. At Queen Street, the Balloch trains use the Low Level platforms below the main entrance, and National Rail lists lifts and step-free access to all platforms. With about 50 minutes on to Balloch and time for the change, plan on about two hours from Waverley to the loch. On Sundays the Balloch trains start from Glasgow Central Low Level instead, so let the ScotRail app plan the link.
The north end by train
Arrochar & Tarbet is about 1 hour 15 to 1 hour 20 from Glasgow Queen Street, and Ardlui about 1 hour 30, on the West Highland line trains to Oban, Fort William and Mallaig. They are few: for Tuesday 10 November 2026, Trainline's timetable showed daytime departures from Queen Street at 08:22, 10:36, 12:22, 16:34 and 18:24, and the last daytime train back from Arrochar & Tarbet at 20:08 (into Queen Street at 21:43). Sundays differ, so check your date in the ScotRail app. In winter the only waterbus from Tarbet pier is the 11:45 to Inversnaid; the Rowardennan waterbus runs only at summer weekends.
Fares and passes
ScotRail scrapped peak fares for good from September 2025, so the price is the same whichever train you catch. On 2 November 2026 Trainline listed Glasgow Queen Street to Balloch singles from £7.40, before its booking fee. ScotRail's own fare pages showed us a security check, so confirm the return price in the ScotRail app or at the ticket machine. A Railcard takes a third off most fares (the Senior Railcard for over-60s is £35 a year). The Scottish 60+ card gives free travel on registered bus services, not on trains, so it helps with the onward bus from Balloch rather than the train.
At Balloch station
There is step-free access to the platform, ticket machines and a ticket office (Monday to Thursday 06:00 to 12:40, Friday 06:00 to 19:00, Saturday 07:00 to 19:00, Sunday 09:00 to 16:30). The station has no car park, so drivers use Loch Lomond Shores (£4 all day). For toilets, use the Shores foyer (9am to 6pm Monday to Saturday) or the bus station.
Balloch times: ScotRail Dunbartonshire timetable (28 September to 12 December 2026). West Highland line and Edinburgh times and the fare: Trainline listings read 2 November 2026 (ScotRail’s own pages showed a security check). Stations: National Rail Enquiries. Fares policy: Transport Scotland and Railcards. Boats: the operators.
Getting to Loch Lomond in photos
Every way to get there
Journey times and frequencies as we read them on 2 November 2026. Bus and boat times change by season, so use Traveline Scotland and the operators on the day.
| Route | Time | How often | Operator or road | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glasgow to Balloch (train)ScotRail (platforms, fares and last trains in the train section) | About 50 minutes | Every 30 minutes by day | ScotRail (platforms, fares and last trains in the train section) | The simplest car-free route, ending at the south end of the loch. |
| Glasgow Queen Street to Arrochar & Tarbet (train)ScotRail, West Highland line | About 1 hour 20 minutes | About 5 daytime trains on a weekday | ScotRail, West Highland line | Hills at Arrochar and the waterbus from Tarbet. Ardlui is about 1 hour 35 minutes. |
| Edinburgh Waverley to Glasgow Queen Street (train)ScotRail | Fastest about 44 min; average about 1 hour | Several an hour all day | ScotRail | The first leg from Edinburgh. Change at Queen Street to the Low Level platforms for Balloch. |
| Balloch to Luss, Balmaha and Helensburgh (bus)McColl’s Travel: 305 to Luss, 309 to Balmaha, 306 to Helensburgh | Times not recorded: use Traveline Scotland | Check on the day | McColl’s Travel: 305 to Luss, 309 to Balmaha, 306 to Helensburgh | Villages on both shores from the Balloch hub. |
| Glasgow to Oban and Fort William (coach)Citylink 975 and 976, and Ember E5, stopping at Balloch, Luss and Tarbet | Times not recorded: check the operator | Check on the day | Citylink 975 and 976, and Ember E5, stopping at Balloch, Luss and Tarbet | Direct to the west shore. Some Ember journeys need pre-booking. |
| Waterbus from Tarbet to the east shoreCruise Loch Lomond | About 30 minutes a crossing | Winter: Tarbet to Inversnaid daily at 11:45. Summer only: Tarbet to Rowardennan on Saturdays and Sundays, back on Fridays and Saturdays | Cruise Loch Lomond | Rowardennan has no bus, so check the day before planning around this boat. Tarbet pier is about 10 minutes from the station. |
| By car from GlasgowM74/M8, M898 to the Erskine Bridge, then the A82 | About 35 minutes to Balloch | Any time | M74/M8, M898 to the Erskine Bridge, then the A82 | Flexible for the upper loch and the hills. Parking charges apply. |
| By car from EdinburghSame route as from Glasgow | About 90 minutes to Balloch | Any time | Same route as from Glasgow | The quickest door-to-door option if you are carrying kit. |
| By bike from GlasgowNational Cycle Network route 7, mostly traffic-free | Not stated: no reliable figure | Any time | National Cycle Network route 7, mostly traffic-free | Follows the Clyde through Clydebank and Dumbarton to Balloch. |
Train times: ScotRail Dunbartonshire timetable and the National Park. Car times: the National Park. Waterbus: Cruise Loch Lomond timetable on 2 November 2026. Bus and coach times are not recorded here.
A car-free day from Glasgow
Take an early train to Balloch
Leave Glasgow early: the train section above has the times, the Sunday platform and the fare. Loch Lomond Shores is about 10 minutes' walk from Balloch station.
Get on the water
In winter, Sweeney's 1-hour Experience Cruise leaves Balloch at 10:15, 11:30 and 13:00 (adult £18.50), and winter sailings can depend on demand. In the main season you can also take its ferry from Balloch to Luss.
Bus 305 to Luss
McColl's bus 305 runs from Balloch to Luss via Arden. We have not recorded its times, so check Traveline Scotland before you rely on it. In the main season, Cruise Loch Lomond sails from Luss to Balmaha; on 2 November 2026 its timetable showed only the Tarbet to Inversnaid waterbus at 11:45, so there is no Luss to Balmaha boat in winter. Look at waterbus and boat options for the full list.
Come home by bus or boat
Return on the 305 from Luss, or in the main season by boat to Balmaha and bus 309 back to Balloch. Check the last bus before you set off; the last trains back are in the train section.
Walking instead
For a longer trip on foot, the West Highland Way: route, parking and timings runs from Milngavie through Drymen and along the east shore.
Check on the day
- Balloch train times come from ScotRail's printed Dunbartonshire timetable, valid to 12 December 2026. We could not read current West Highland line or Edinburgh to Glasgow timetables, so check the ScotRail app for those legs.
- Bus 305, 306 and 309 times are not recorded here. Use Traveline Scotland for the date you travel.
- Some Ember journeys need pre-booking, and dogs are reported as not permitted on Citylink coaches, so check the operator.
- Sunday and bank holiday trains can differ, and journeys may take longer at weekends.
- To see how we date every figure, read how we verify prices and times.
Which station for which village
Where you get off decides what you can reach without a car.
- BallochTrain terminus. The Balloch village guide covers the pier, the Shores and the castle park.
- LussNo station. Bus 305 or a coach from Balloch, or a boat. Luss is the first village on the west shore.
- Tarbet and ArrocharArrochar & Tarbet is on the West Highland line. The station serves Tarbet and Arrochar, and connects to the waterbus.
- Balmaha and DrymenBus 309 from Balloch runs via Gartocharn and Drymen to Balmaha. Balmaha is the start of the Conic Hill walk, and you can visit Drymen on the way.
- RowardennanThere is no bus. Take the waterbus from Tarbet in summer. The village of Rowardennan is the start of the Ben Lomond path.
- Aberfoyle and CallanderThe Trossachs Explorer bus links Aberfoyle and nearby Callander, with four return journeys a day since it relaunched on 29 June 2026. Check Traveline Scotland to get there from Glasgow or Stirling.
- KillinBus C60 runs from Callander to Killin via Strathyre and Lochearnhead, and Ember E4 coaches on the Edinburgh to Fort William route call there too. Check Traveline Scotland for times.
Cars, bikes and planning your base
Driving? Which car park to choose lists charges village by village. On two wheels, by bike covers the route from Glasgow.
To see every stop together, open our map of the park. If you are still choosing a base, start with all places around the loch.
Driving the A82 or A83? Landslips can close the Rest and Be Thankful, and works can slow the west shore. Check road status first.
Coming with a tent? These campsites you can reach by bus or train are listed by shore.
Questions people ask
How long does it take to get to Loch Lomond from Glasgow?
About 50 minutes by direct train to Balloch, or about 35 minutes by car.
Can you get to Loch Lomond by train from Glasgow?
Yes. Direct trains run to Balloch every 30 minutes by day and take about 50 minutes; the train section above has the platforms, last trains and fares.
Which railway station is closest to Loch Lomond?
Balloch, at the south end: Loch Lomond Shores is about 10 minutes' walk. In the north, Arrochar & Tarbet (about 10 minutes from the loch at Tarbet) and Ardlui are on the West Highland line.
What time is the last train from Balloch to Glasgow?
22:44 Monday to Saturday and 22:09 on Sundays, on the timetable valid to 12 December 2026.
How much is the train from Glasgow to Balloch?
Trainline listed singles from £7.40 on 2 November 2026. ScotRail has no peak fares, so the price is the same all day; check the return in the ScotRail app.
Do over 60s get free train travel in Scotland?
No. The Scottish 60+ card gives free travel on registered bus services, not trains. Some councils offer rail discounts to cardholders, so ask yours.
Can you do a day trip from Edinburgh to Loch Lomond?
Yes, but plan on about two hours each way by train: Edinburgh to Glasgow Queen Street (the fastest about 44 minutes), then the Balloch train from the Low Level platforms. By car it is about 90 minutes each way.
What is the closest town to Loch Lomond?
Balloch, at the southern end of the loch, with direct trains from Glasgow about twice an hour.
Can I visit Loch Lomond without a car?
Yes, all year. Take the train to Balloch, then a cruise from the riverside or bus 305 to Luss. In the main season a boat links Luss and Balmaha. Rowardennan has no bus; its waterbus from Tarbet runs only at summer weekends.
Is there a cycle path from Glasgow to Loch Lomond?
Yes. National Cycle Network route 7 runs from Glasgow along the Clyde through Clydebank and Dumbarton to Balloch and is mostly traffic-free.
How long does it take to explore Loch Lomond?
One village, a cruise and a short walk fill a day. A big hill such as Ben Lomond takes about 4.5 to 5.5 hours on its own.
What is Loch Lomond famous for?
It is a long freshwater loch you can reach by train from Glasgow, with cruises, villages on both shores and walks from Conic Hill to Ben Lomond.