In short
- Drive via the M9 motorway in 40 minutes.
- Take a 20-30 minute train, then a 10-minute bus.
- Book a guided day tour to skip the planning.
In this article
Getting to Helix Park is straightforward from Scotland's two largest cities. Whether you rent a car, rely on public transport, or book a day trip, you have plenty of options. Here is exactly how to plan your route.
How do I drive to The Kelpies from Edinburgh or Glasgow?
The drive takes about 40 minutes via the M9 motorway.
Take the M9 motorway and exit at Junction 5 or 6. Follow the brown tourist signs directing you to The Helix. You can park at the main Helix car park for free, which remains open 24/7. Alternatively, use the closer Kelpies car park, which has a seasonal fee and locks at night.
Parking GuideWhich train stations are closest to The Kelpies?
Falkirk Grahamston and Falkirk High are the nearest train stations.
Trains from Edinburgh and Glasgow take 20 to 30 minutes to reach Falkirk. Falkirk Grahamston is the closest station at 2 miles away. Falkirk High is slightly further at 3 miles away. Train tickets usually cost between £10 and £15.
How do you get from the train station to The Kelpies?
You can take a bus or a taxi for a 10-minute ride to the park.
If you arrive at Falkirk High, catch the First Bus No. 2 heading towards Bo'ness. The bus ride takes 10 to 15 minutes and costs £2 to £3. Get off at the pink bus stop opposite Falkirk Stadium. This stop sits directly across from Helix Park.
Can you walk to The Kelpies from Falkirk town centre?
Yes, you can walk or cycle along the canal towpath in 45 to 60 minutes.
The paths connecting the town centre to The Kelpies are flat, well-paved, and highly accessible. This free route is heavily used by both pedestrians and cyclists. You can also extend your walk from the Falkirk Wheel along the same canal network.
Walk the Canal
Are there guided tours to The Kelpies?
Yes, day trips from Edinburgh and Glasgow often include The Kelpies.
If you prefer not to drive or navigate trains, a guided tour is a convenient alternative. These tours typically take a full day. They cost £40 to £60 and often combine the sculptures with stops at Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond.
How long does it take to travel to The Kelpies?
Total travel time is under an hour from both cities.
Driving takes exactly 40 minutes. The train journey lasts 20 to 30 minutes, plus another 10 to 15 minutes for the bus connection from the station to the park. Guided tours allocate specific travel times based on their itinerary.
Questions travellers ask
Which car park is best for The Kelpies?
The main Helix car park is open 24/7 but charges apply. The closer Kelpies car park charges a seasonal fee and locks its barrier at night.
Can you walk from The Falkirk Wheel to The Kelpies?
Yes, you can walk or cycle between the two sites along the canal towpath. The paths are well-paved, flat, and easy to navigate.
How far is the walk from the car park to The Kelpies?
The Kelpies car park is adjacent to the sculptures. If you park at the main Helix car park, you will follow a short, fully accessible path through the park to reach them.
