Glasgow to Loch Lomond at a glance
Loch Lomond starts about an hour from Glasgow. The simplest trip without a car is the direct train from Glasgow Queen Street to Balloch, at the southern end of the loch. From Balloch, local buses run to Luss and Balmaha, and boats leave from the pier.
The loch has no road around it. The A82 follows the west shore, and the east shore is reached from Drymen. Plan your base first, then the route.
Train, bus or car compared
Pick by where you sleep and what you want to walk or sail.
| Option | Best for | Journey | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train to Balloch | Balloch, boats, Loch Lomond Shores | Direct, about 50 min | Check Sunday and holiday times |
| Local bus 305, 306, 309 | Luss, Helensburgh, Balmaha | Starts at Balloch, Balmaha takes about 30 min | Check the timetable for the day |
| Citylink 975 and 976 | Tarbet, Arrochar, Ardlui, Tyndrum | Glasgow to Oban routes | Balloch stop is not at the station |
| West Highland Line | Arrochar and Tarbet, Ardlui | Separate line from Balloch | Balloch is not on this line |
| Car | Luss, Balmaha, Rowardennan, Trossachs | A82 to the west shore | Parking fees and road works |
By train from Glasgow
Trains to Balloch leave from the low-level platforms at Glasgow Queen Street. The journey takes about 50 minutes on average, and the railway lists step-free access at Balloch. A return starts at £7.70. That is a starting price, so a particular train can cost more. Booking directly with the railway carries no booking fee.
The timetable page says it is based on a Monday service, so do not assume the same frequency on a Sunday or a public holiday. Our Balloch guide covers the park, the pier and Loch Lomond Shores.
Balloch is not a stop on the West Highland Line towards Oban. That line has its own stops at Arrochar and Tarbet, Ardlui, Crianlarich and Tyndrum.
Our picks: without a car
Day trips with transport from Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in British pounds (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Small-group tour to Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond
A 16-seat minibus with a driver-guide. The boat ride and Stirling Castle entry are included only with the matching option; meals and tips are not.
Check availability →
Loch Lomond, the Trossachs and Stirling Castle from Glasgow
Air-conditioned round-trip transport from Glasgow with a driver-guide and live commentary. The boat ride on the loch and Stirling Castle entry are not included.
Check availability →
Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and the Kelpies from Edinburgh
An air-conditioned bus with a driver-guide, live commentary and customer support. The boat cruise and Stirling Castle entry are not included.
Check availability →Day trips from Glasgow and Edinburgh
Guided day trips that cover the transport for you, with live prices and availability.
By bus
Local buses connect the villages. Long distance coaches pass through but do not stop everywhere.
Local routes from Balloch
The 305 runs from Balloch to Luss, the 306 to Helensburgh and the 309 to Balmaha. The 309 takes about 30 minutes to Balmaha and is the usual way to reach Conic Hill without a car.
Citylink coaches
The 975 and 976 run from Glasgow to Oban. The 975 goes via Ardlui and Tyndrum, the 976 via Arrochar and Inveraray. The Balloch stop is in a lay-by north of Stoneymollan roundabout, not at the railway station. The council also lists the 977 and the 914, 915 and 916 towards Fort William and Skye.
Rowardennan
There is no bus to Rowardennan, where the Ben Lomond path starts. Summer boats from Tarbet and Luss are mentioned generally, so check the timetable for your day before you rely on one.
The Trossachs
The Trossachs Explorer bus links Aberfoyle and Callander all year. See the Trossachs guide for the stops.
Check the current timetables and fares before you travel. Whether a coach stops in a given village depends on the route, so confirm your stop.
By car and where to park
For Luss and Tarbet, take the A82 along the west shore. For Balmaha, drive via Drymen and the B837. The road beyond Balmaha continues towards Rowardennan and ends at the car park there, 12 miles (19 km) from Drymen. You cannot drive a loop round the loch.
Parking is run by different bodies, so fees differ by village. Paying does not reserve a space.
- Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch: paying since 28 January 2026. Up to 30 minutes £0.50, up to 2 hours £1.50, up to 4 hours £2, all day £4. Blue Badge holders pay too. Pay on arrival at the machines, with RingGo or PayByPhone. Cameras read number plates.
- Luss, council car park at Old Toll House: 250 spaces, pay and display every day from 09:00 to 18:00. The 2026/27 tariff is £0.35 for 15 minutes, £0.60 for 30 minutes, £0.90 for 45 minutes and £1.20 per hour up to 10 hours. Luss South is a private car park with its own prices.
- Rowardennan: up to 1 hour £2, all day £5, minibus or coach all day £14. Blue Badge holders park free with the badge. Pay with coins, card or RingGo.
- Balmaha: a council car park and a private camera-controlled car park sit side by side. Read the tariff on the sign of the one you use.
The Shores tariff does not apply to Moss o' Balloch or to the country park. A car park being large enough for a campervan does not mean you may sleep there.
A82 works this autumn
Resurfacing between Firkin Point and Inverarnan affects night driving. The notice was updated on 9 October 2026.
- North of Firkin Point: work from 19:00 to 06:00, from the evening of 18 October to the morning of 23 October, then from 26 October to 28 October 2026. Expect temporary lights and a convoy at 10 mph. This is not a full closure.
- South of Tarbet Isle: full night closures from the evening of 3 November to the morning of 9 November 2026.
- North of Inverarnan: full night closures from the evening of 9 November to the morning of 20 November 2026.
- The closure windows are 19:00 to 06:00, with no work on Friday and Saturday nights.
The diversion for Tarbet to Crianlarich runs via the A82, A85, A819 and A83. It adds 27 miles (43 km) and about 52 minutes. Weather can change the dates. A further project at Blairannaich has moved to early 2027, with dates still open. If you drive at night in November, check the latest notice first.
For the seasons on the loch, read the weather guide. For beds near the stations and piers, see where to stay.
Next steps
Once you know how you arrive, choose what to do.
Getting to Loch Lomond: frequently asked questions
How long is the train from Glasgow to Balloch?
About 50 minutes on average, on a direct train from Glasgow Queen Street. Return tickets start at £7.70 in 2026.
Does the bus go from Balloch to Balmaha?
Yes, the 309 runs from Balloch to Balmaha and takes about 30 minutes. Check the timetable for your day.
Can I get to Rowardennan without a car?
There is no bus to Rowardennan. Summer boats from Tarbet and Luss are mentioned in general terms, so check the timetable for the day before you plan around one.
Is parking free at Loch Lomond Shores?
No. Parking has cost money since 28 January 2026, from £0.50 for 30 minutes to £4 for the day. Blue Badge holders also pay.
Can I drive all the way round the loch?
No. The road to Rowardennan ends at the car park there, and the A82 serves the west shore. Plan a base on one side and use boats or buses for the other.
Is the A82 closed in November?
There are full night closures between 19:00 and 06:00 on set nights from 3 to 20 November 2026, on two sections near Tarbet and Inverarnan. Dates can change, so check the latest notice.