Tower Bridge, Tower Bridge Road, St John's Estate, Bermondsey Village, Bermondsey, London Borough of Southwark, Greater London, England, SE1 2UP, United Kingdom
Tower of London, Tower Hill, East Smithfield, Tower Hill, Whitechapel, London Borough of Tower Hamlets, Greater London, England, EC3N 4AB, United Kingdom
Danny Boyle’s electric adaptation of Irvine Welsh is set in the Edinburgh of heroin and hope – but its grimy pubs, flats and the notorious “worst toilet in Scotland” were mostly filmed in Glasgow, with the famous opening dash shot in Edinburgh and a memorable escape to the Highlands.
Where was Trainspotting filmed?
Trainspotting was filmed mainly in Glasgow (most interiors), with the opening in Edinburgh, a Highland scene at Corrour, and some work in London.
Every Trainspotting location, explained
1
Edinburgh – the opening chase
Renton’s iconic sprint down Calton Road, near Edinburgh Waverley, opens the film in its true setting.
2
Glasgow – the flats and pubs
Most interiors were shot in Glasgow, including the cafe D’Jaconelli on Maryhill Road and the pubs and clubs of the city’s West End.
3
Corrour – the great outdoors
The lads’ bleakly funny trip to the Highlands used the remote Corrour station on the West Highland Line.
4
London – the move south
Renton’s stint in London used real locations, including Talgarth Road in London.
Planning a visit
Edinburgh’s Calton Road hosts the film’s famous opening, while Corrour – one of Britain’s most remote railway stations, reachable only by train or foot – offers the Highland scene’s stark beauty.
Trainspotting Fun Facts
1
'Edinburgh' is mostly Glasgow Despite its Edinburgh setting, most of the film’s interiors were shot in Glasgow.
2
The worst toilet in Scotland The film’s infamous toilet-diving scene became one of its most talked-about moments.
3
Corrour is gloriously remote The Highland scene used Corrour station, which has no public road access at all.
4
'Choose life' Renton’s opening monologue became one of the most quoted speeches in British film.
5
A Britpop landmark Its soundtrack helped define the sound of mid-1990s British cinema.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Trainspotting set in Edinburgh?
Yes – it’s set in Edinburgh, though most interiors were filmed in Glasgow.
Where is the opening running scene?
On Calton Road near Edinburgh Waverley station.
Can you visit the locations?
Yes – Calton Road in Edinburgh and Corrour station in the Highlands are both accessible.
