Edinburgh to Glasgow - Rush Hour, Airport and Living

TheFrugalSaver

I am working in Edinburgh for a few weeks and will be doing the commute to my accommodation in Glasgow every night about 5pm. There seem to be quite a few different services (Scotrail, CrossCountry) and even a National Express Bus at £4 I am going to try out. Some of the trains are direct, others loads of stops, others really expensive! Can anyone tell me which is the most pleasant or quietest of the options (if any!)

I am really impressed at how many Ryanair routes go from Edinburgh. However, the flats seem very expensive in Edinburgh. Is there a nice commuter town with good access to Edinburgh Airport but perhaps in between Glasgow and Edinburgh. Are Falkirk or Linithgow ok? Just looking for that Holy Grail of low crime, plesant area, good rail links and perhaps tram access for the Airport?

Ergates

The bus isn't the quickest, but if you don't mind the time, it's fine.  Drops at the bus-station in the middle of Glasgow near Queen St where the trains from Edinburgh arrive.

TheFrugalSaver

Are all the 5pm trains always chocka busy? I see there are a few... CrossCountry, direct service and a few that do multiple stops as well.

Grizebeck

The best train is the one that's goes via Falkirk high.
Electric and quickest route