Commuting in Edinburgh

Most residents of the Edinburgh city region are employed within the city centre, however, work locations are also spread into the wider city region and other Scottish cities. In comparison with other European cities, commuter times are still considerably shorter.

Currently around 90,000 people commute into the city from the areas around Edinburgh, though commuter traffic goes both ways. For example, 20,000 Edinburgh residents choose to commute to Glasgow, whilst 25,000 Glasgow residents commute into Edinburgh.

The express train link between Glasgow Queen Street and Edinburgh Waverley serves commuters from either city in less than one hour, whilst the M8 motorway transports commuters in approximately 50 minutes. In addition, regular bus services operate between the cities of Scotland’s central belt.

The possibility of improved rail links with the Scottish Borders will inevitably lead to faster commutes from the region.

With direct air links to the rest of the UK, Europe, North America and beyond, Edinburgh city region is one the best connected areas in Britain.