We took night trains, first-class seats, standard seats, direct trips, connecting journeys, high-speed trains, slow routes, off-peak trains, commuter trains…
The Scottish cities were awash with railway options, and we would have taken the original wooden waggonway trail, too, had they not turned it into a walking path. Living like this is a full-time business, so all we can point you in the right direction of the Trainspotting movie locations you can find in Edinburgh.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Wirestock. Image Location: Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh, Scotland
Where was Trainspotting filmed?
Trainspotting is set in Edinburgh, not Glasgow, which is a common misconception.
However, Trainspotting, and its sequel T2 Trainspotting, were filmed primarily in Scotland between Edinburgh and Glasgow, though Trainspotting had a few London locations and T2 had a scene set in Sofia, Bulgaria, at the Poduyane train station.
We’d also be remiss if we didn’t mention the Corrour train station, one of the most remote train stations in the Scottish Highlands. It’s a haul from Glasgow and a small trek from Edinburgh, but worth it for adventurers, film buffs, and Potterheads who wish to walk a scene from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Alvin Huang. Image Location: Princes Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
Trainspotting Edinburgh filming locations
From Renton’s run to Renton’s return, here are Trainspotting and T2 Trainspotting movie locations filmed in Edinburgh.
Renton’s Run
The opening chase — and iconic monologue — that sets the tone for Trainspotting takes place in Edinburgh. Renton runs down Princes Street, Hanover Street, and Calton Road all the way beneath the Regent Bridge.
Edinburgh Airport
Speaking of Princes Street — that’s where Renton passes by in T2 after returning home via Edinburgh Airport. You can get between the two by taking the tram from the airport to Edinburgh Gateway train station and continuing into the city center.
Spud’s Support Group
If you pass by picturesque Circle Lane, you’ll see St Stephen’s Church where Spud’s support group was set.
Renton & Veronika’s Dinner
While you may not be able to take a seat at the Worst Toilet in Scotland, you can sit down at the Harvey Nichols Fourth Floor Restaurant where Renton and Veronika did. It’s on St Andrew Square near Edinburgh Waverley.
Watch closely during these chase scenes and you’ll spot Edinburgh Waverley train station, Edinburgh Castle, and The Royal Scottish Academy in the background.
Renton’s Return
As Renton reunites with his old pals, he and Spud go for yet another run, this time without being chased. The pair pump their legs up Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Park, a craggy parkland that offers the best views of Edinburgh.
Forth Road Bridge
We wouldn’t recommend jumping off (or getting thrown off) the Forth Road Bridge, as Renton and Spud did. Rather, take a look at this list of things to do in Edinburgh rain or shine that will be better than taking a dip in the estuary — like visiting A Castle for Christmas filming locations.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Adam Z. Image Location: Forth Road Bridge, Edinburgh, Scotland
Choose Trainline
You’re not getting any younger. The world is changing. Travel is changing.
Even trains are changing.
You can’t stay in your wanderlust all day, dreaming about what wonders await. The point is, you need to visit somewhere new, like Edinburgh.
They say choose a rental car.
Choose a seat.
Choose snacks.
Choose a gas station for a bathroom break.
Choose making a wrong turn.
Choose learning how to drive on the opposite side of the road.
Choose getting lost in a different country.
Choose flat tires.
Choose watching your vacation time tick by as you’re stuck in traffic, slowed by the rain, and detoured away from your dream destination.
Choose a rental car…but why would you want to do a thing like that?
You choose not to rent a car. You choose somethin’ else. And the reasons? There are endless reasons, but who needs more than one reason when you’ve got the train?
Download the Trainline app and visit the Trainspotting movie locations in Edinburgh.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Andrew Merry. Image Location: Holyrood Park, Edinburgh, Scotland
