Glasgow’s super easy to get around once you figure out the options. The airport’s pretty close, the center’s all compact, and that little circular metro makes hopping between neighborhoods a blast.
1. From Glasgow Airport to the city
The easiest way to get from Glasgow Airport to the city centre is the purple airport bus, the Glasgow Airport Express service. It runs directly between the terminal and central Glasgow, with stops near the main train stations and at the bus station. The journey is quick compared with regular city buses and much cheaper than a taxi, so it is ideal if you are arriving for a city break with hand luggage.
The bus stop is right outside the terminal building, clearly signed for the airport express. Buses run throughout the day and into the evening, with more frequent services at busy times. They drop you in the city centre, close to major hotels, shops and onward connections. For exact times and fares, it is best to check the official airport or bus company website before you travel.
How to buy tickets
- From the driver when you get on (card or cash, contactless is accepted)
- At ticket machines or kiosks in the airport arrivals area
- Through the bus company’s mobile app
2. Getting around in the city | Subway
Central Glasgow is compact, so you will probably walk more than you ride. Most of the main sights, shops and restaurants in the city centre are within easy walking distance of each other. For journeys that are a bit longer or when the weather turns, the subway is your friend.
It is a small, circular metro system with 15 stations that runs in two directions around a loop, often called the inner and outer circle. It is especially handy for quick journeys between the city centre and the West End. Trains run from early morning until evening, It is not a 24‑hour system, so for late nights your readers may need to switch to taxis.
How to buy tickets
- From ticket machines at every station
- From ticket machines at every station
- Onto a reusable smartcard, which you can top up and use like pay-as-you-go if you are staying longer
