Search Flights from San Francisco to Glasgow

Glasgow is known as Scotland’s largest and most exciting city. There are many direct and connecting flights that link the city to major destinations throughout the UK and Europe. The most economical transportation alternative to get to the city center from Glasgow Airport, which is located about 14 km away, is by bus.

If you want a more convenient and enjoyable transportation alternative then you can take a taxi to the city center; taxis are readily available at the terminal exits. Renting a car is another comfortable method of transportation to get to Glasgow city center and explore its surroundings.

Like many European cities, Glasgow is also bicycle and pedestrian friendly. Bicycle owners in the city can choose this method of transportation thanks to the free bicycle parking areas at the airport. Although the airport is not located that close to the city center by foot, there are pedestrian-friendly roads dedicated for those who want to walk to the airport.

Glasgow Airport offers passengers a range of services to meet their pre-flight and post-flight needs such as ATMs for monetary transactions, postal services, a special area for passengers who want to pray, and a private terrace for passengers who wish to smoke.

The airport also contains baby care rooms for passengers traveling with babies and children, a rich selection of restaurants and cafes for those who want to grab a bite to eat or something to drink, outlets and stores where passengers can go shopping, and a special passenger lounge called UpperDeck.

This lounge is great if you want to sit in comfortable seats and read a newspaper or magazine while enjoying complimentary snacks before your flight or if you want to relax in a peaceful environment once you land, before heading to the city. The lounge offers passengers free drinks, with alternatives like tea and coffee, free internet access for those who need to work or want to surf the net, and a children’s playground and Xbox games.

Glasgow Airport also features meeting and conference rooms particularly aimed at meeting the needs of business travelers who are visiting the city. Moreover, there is free internet service throughout the entire airport for 1 hour. Afterwards you need to pay 5 pounds for 3 hours or 9 pounds for 24 hours. The airport also features charging stations for passengers who need to charge their cell phones or other mobile devices.

Although shuttles and buses are the most affordable options among the transportation alternatives that you can use to get to the city center from the airport, you can save time by transferring to the train. Furthermore, you can travel to Glasgow and many destinations around the city by train. It is a great way to explore different areas surrounding the city.

Glasgow Airport is relatively close to the city center, so taking a taxi to the city won’t be too expensive. Taxis are a convenient transportation alternative, especially since they provide door-to-door service.  

Glasgow is also a great city for passengers who want to rent a car. There are international rental car companies like AVIS, Hertz, Alamo and Keddy located both at the airport and in the city center. Thanks to these companies you can find a vehicle to suit your needs and your budget.

Bus

City buses are a great way to get to Glasgow city center as well as other parts of Scotland. Most of the buses that run between the airport and the city center provide transportation directly to the Buchanan Bus Station. At this bus station you can easily transfer to vehicles that travel to different cities.  

One of the biggest advantages of taking the bus is that buses are directly connected to the terminal building; buses depart from the terminal building when leaving the airport and drop passengers off at the terminal building when traveling to the airport. This way you can easily get on the bus without having to walk a long way with your heavy bags. First 500 Glasgow Shuttle provides transportation directly to the city center. First 77 Hospital Connect passes by central locations, such as Renfrew and Braehead Shopping Center, before heading to the city center. McGill’s 757 provides transportation to Paisley Gilmour Street Station.

Bus tickets can be purchased from the bus driver once you board or online and you can pay with a valid credit card or in cash.

Glasgow Airport Express is the best option to get to the city center from the airport by bus. Moreover, the Glasgow Airport Express operates 24/7, 365 days a year. Bus fares vary depending on the route but the average fare to the city center is 7 pounds. Tickets for children vary between 4 and 6 pounds depending on the ticket features, such as a one way or round-trip ticket. If you purchase a round-trip ticket it is more advantageous.

Buses in the city are an affordable and economic option for large families. However, if you have excess luggage you might want to use a transportation alternative that will provide door-to-door service, such as a taxi or private shuttle.

Train

Taking the train is one of the fastest transportation alternative to get to the city center. The closest train station to the airport is Paisley Gilmour Street Station. This station is accessible by McGill’s 757 buses; these buses provide transportation between the airport and the station.  

Taxi

Taxis are another convenient transportation alternative to get to the city center from the airport. White colored taxis are readily available at the terminal exit. Taxis are a great alternative for those who are in a hurry to get to Glasgow city center. You can also take advantage of a 20% discount if you book a taxi in advance. For reservations and more detailed information you can call 0141 889 1813. Advantageous membership options are also available for passengers who continuously travel between the airport and the city center for business or similar purposes.

Airport Shuttles

Airport shuttle services are another convenient transportation alternative to get to the city center from the airport. Hotels in the city usually offer shuttle services to and from the airport. The fees for these services can vary depending on the hotel but they aren’t extremely high. One of the most important advantages of airport shuttle services is the fact that you know how much to pay beforehand thanks to the fixed prices. If you plan on using an airport shuttle service contact the hotel you are staying at or your tour operator a couple of days before your flight so that they can arrange a vehicle for you.

Rental Car

Renting a car from one of the rental car offices located at Glasgow Airport is a scenic transportation alternative to get to the city center. You can also book your vehicle in advance by making a reservation online through such companies as AVIS, Hertz, or Europcar. That way your vehicle will be ready for you upon landing. Traffic in the city is relatively light and organized. If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit the city before we recommend using a navigation device; it will make getting around in the city much easier.

Car

Perhaps the best way to get to the city center from the airport is by car. If you have a car that you use in the city or relatives that are going to pick you up just know that this is one of the most convenient transportation alternatives. Traffic in the city is very organized. The city center is easily accessible via the M8 motorway.

The parking lot located near the airport terminal offers great comfort for those who want to park their cars at the airport. You can leave for you car here for a short period of time or take advantage of the long-term parking options. If you’re dropping someone off at Glasgow Airport you can do so using the dedicated drop off areas.  

Walking and Cycling

Like many European cities, cycling is an important part of everyday life in Glasgow. There are dedicated bike paths throughout the city as biking is used in both urban transportation as well as a transportation alternative between the airport and the city center. There are dedicated bicycle parking areas at the airport for those who want to travel to the city center by bike. These areas offer short-term and long-term bicycle parking options. But remember to bring a lock for your bicycle as a safety precaution.