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This helpful guide details how to get to Loch Lomond from Edinburgh by driving, hopping on a train, or joining a day tour.
The distance from Edinburgh to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs is 78.8 miles and takes less than 2 hours to drive.
However, if you don’t fancy being behind the wheel, you can let someone else do the driving on this Loch Lomond tour from Edinburgh.
You may also enjoy our free 7-day Scotland itinerary.
Edinburgh to Loch Lomond by Car
To drive to Loch Lomond from Edinburgh, head to the Edinburgh City Bypass.
It is recommended that you do this outside of peak traffic times as it does get congested.
Next, join the M8 to Glasgow, then the A898 in Renfrewshire.
It really isn’t much of a scenic drive from Edinburgh to Loch Lomond up until this stage, but the next leg improves.
At junction 30, take the M898 exit to Erskine Bridge/Erskine, then the A82 to your destination in Loch Lomond.
What destinations are in Loch Lomond?
Most visitors go to Loch Lomond Shores for the shops and Duck Bay for a scenic lunch on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond with views over the loch to Ben Lomond.
Those with time also do a ‘cruise’ boat tour from Balloch and hike Conic Hill in Balmaha.
- Edinburgh to Loch Lomond Driving Time: Approx. 2 hours
- Pros: Flexibility, independence, scenic
- Cons: It can be tricky for first-time visitors, the weather
Scenic Drive from Edinburgh to Loch Lomond
There is a more scenic route that you can take by car, which goes through Linlithgow, Falkirk, and Stirling and then to Balloch.
Linthilogow is well worth a visit as it is home to Linthilogow Palace, which was used in the filming of the Netflix movie Outlaw King.
Falkirk is home to the 30 m (100ft) tall Kelpies, designed by sculptor Andy Scott.
Stirling has lots of tourist attractions such as Stirling Castle, the National Wallace Monument, and The Battle of Bannockburn Experience.
The route is around 72 miles and takes just over two hours to drive without stops.
Edinburgh to Loch Lomond by Train
If you don’t have access to a car and/or prefer to take the train to Loch Lomond from Edinburgh, it is possible and takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes with one change.
The first leg of the train journey leaves from Edinburgh Waverley or Haymarket Train Station and ends at Glasgow Queen Street.
From Glasgow Queen Street, you take the next train to Balloch.
You can pre-book your tickets on the ScotRail or TrainLine app.
- Edinburgh to Loch Lomond Train Time: Approx. 2 hours and 20 minutes
- Pros: No driving, scenic, seat reservations, electronic charging points, on-board restrooms
- Cons: Changeover, restricted when there, an expensive option
From Balloch, you can hop aboard the one-hour cruise, which sails over the Queen of Scottish Lochs and narrates the stories behind the scenery.
The ride provides views over Ben Lomond and the highland boundary fault line as you enter into the Scottish Highlands from the Lowlands.
It does get chilly on the water, so bring layers or grab a seat indoors if the weather isn’t great.
You may also like our Edinburgh packing list.
Then grab lunch and a drink at The Tullie Inn (modern, sports on TV), Balloch House (gorgeous fire), or Cucina if you fancy Italian food.
Return from Loch Lomond to Edinburgh by train, following the same route in reverse.
Edinburgh to Loch Lomond Day Trip
The train seems too fussy; consider a Loch Lomond tour from Edinburgh for a stress-free, informative day trip!
This Loch Lomond day tour lasts for nine hours and doesn’t just visit Loch Lomond!
The air-conditioned bus leaves from Edinburgh in the morning and kicks off its tour at Loch Lomond, where you have the chance to take an optional boat cruise.
Next, the tour stops at the Trossachs National Park to see more lochs, mountains, and forests before heading past Doune Castle to Aberfoyle in Stirlingshire for lunch.
From here, the bus travels to Stirling Castle to learn more about William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, and Mary Queen of Scots.
- Edinburgh to Loch Lomond By Tour: Approx. 9 hours
- Pros: Expert guided tour with driver, variety of sightseeing opportunities, additional cruise tour
- Cons: Lack of flexibility in itinerary, long day
Final Words
This guide has described the best ways to get from Edinburgh to the Trossachs National Park, where the famous Loch Lomond sits.
We’ve discussed the route by car, train, and bus trip.
Are you heading to Loch Ness, too? Here’s how.
Which option will you choose? Tell us in the comments!