Travel from Newcastle to Scotland

Getting to Scotland from Newcastle is an easy and picturesque journey across the border. From Newcastle, you can catch a train, plan a bus or coach journey, or adventure up north by car and arrive across the border into Scotland in a matter of hours. 

A family enjoy a trip on a ScotRail train

© ScotRail

By train

A family wait for their ScotRail train in Edinburgh Waverely

© ScotRail

Newcastle to Edinburgh 

Travelling by rail is a quick and scenic option to reach Scotland's capital. There are plenty of train routes and rail operators travelling regularly every day from Newcastle to Edinburgh. The journey takes an average of 2 hours and takes you along the beautiful eastern coastline. 

Glasgow Central Station

Newcastle to Glasgow 

Trains also run run regularly from Newcastle to Glasgow, taking you closer to the western side of Scotland. The journey takes an average of 2 hours 40 minutes and either travels via Edinburgh or through to Carlisle and the Pennines.

Onward rail travel 

Once you’ve arrived in Edinburgh or Glasgow, there are plenty of other rail connections that can take you all across Scotland, including Inverness, Thurso, Aberdeen, Dundee, Perth and more.

Find out more about rail travel in Scotland

By bus and coach

Edinburgh Sunset

Edinburgh Sunset

© VisitScotland/Kenny Lam

Newcastle to Edinburgh 

Take the bus or coach from Newcastle to Edinburgh for a budget-friendly journey up north. The journey takes an average of 2 hours 35 minutes, giving you a chance to rest, unwind and watch the landscape unfold around you. 

Glasgow Central Station

Newcastle to Glasgow 

If you're looking to discover the west of Scotland, you can travel from Newcastle to Glasgow in an average of 3 hours 50 minutes by bus or coach. Travelling by bus or coach is a more eco-friendly way of travelling, as well as offering the chance to slow down and take in the the scenery. 

Onward bus travel 

There are plenty of bus and coach operators across Scotland that can whisk you away to the next stage of your adventure. 

Find out more about bus and coach travel in Scotland

By car

St Abbs

From Newcastle to Edinburgh or Glasgow, it's roughly a 2 hour 50 minute drive, taking you up through the historic countryside regions with plenty of interesting spots to stop along the way. 

To get to Glasgow from Newcastle by car, your route goes via the A69 and A74(M), heading over to Carlisle before passing through the Scottish towns of Lockerbie and Moffat in the dramatic landscapes of Dumfries & Galloway, before reaching East Kilbride and into Glasgow. 

If you're driving to Edinburgh from Newcastle, follow the A1 up the east coast, passing through the scenic Scottish Borders and East Lothian before entering Edinburgh via Musselburgh and Portobello. 

Onward car travel 

Scotland is served by a network of roads that connect our towns, villages and cities for your onward journeys. There are a variety of car hire options available too, including electric cars with charging points dotted across Scotland. 

Find out more about driving in Scotland

Useful information

Electric car in the Highlands.

© E-City Chauffeur Ltd / Patrice Mestari

Travelling in Scotland

If you’re travelling around Scotland, make sure to plan ahead. Booking tickets or car hire in advance is recommended - see below for route planning and live traffic updates. 

Find out more

Find more UK cities to travel from

Travel from London to Scotland

Explore options for travelling from London, including information of trains and flights to Edinburgh, Glasgow and other Scottish main destinations.

Travel from Manchester to Scotland

Find out how to travel from Manchester to Scotland. Including trains, bus and coach, driving, traffic updates, travel advice, park and ride and more.

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