Search flights to Glasgow - Glasgow Intl. Airport

Glasgow International Airport was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1966. During its first years, it only operated flights to the main cities of the United Kingdom and Europe. Thanks to new flight routes gradually being added to Glasgow International Airport, the passenger average exceeded four million people. In 1986, the terminal building was having difficulties in meeting the number of passengers, so a massive redevelopment plan was carried out. In 1994, a new international departaure lounge was added to the airport terminal. Today, you can fly to many important destinations in Europe, North America and the Middle East. The annual passenger statistics of Glasgow International Airport which is the second busiest airport in the country, is over nine million people.

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.     

Glasgow is one of Scotland’s most beautiful cities. There are many comfortable and convenient transportation alternatives to get from the city center to Glasgow Airport. The airport is accessible by bus from almost every central part of the city, by train, which is a fast and affordable option, and by taxi.

Another convenient method of transportation to get to the airport are airport shuttle services provided by hotels and private companies. Moreover, these services are sometimes offered to guests for free or at a reasonable price. There are also many options available for those who want to rent a car.

You can also book a rental vehicle online in advance before arriving in Glasgow. This way your rental car will be ready for you once you land. Renting a car is a great way to explore the beautiful city and its surroundings. Driving in Glasgow is very enjoyable because traffic is light, drivers are easy going, and the roads are very organized and easy to navigate.

Those driving their personal car to the airport will find the drive to be easy and pleasant. The airport features parking lots with long-term and short-term parking options. Keep in mind that parking rates can get quite high the longer you leave your vehicle there. Glasgow Airport is in such close proximity to the city center that it is accessible by bicycle or on foot.

If you want to bike to the airport you can park your bicycle in the bicycle parking areas located right outside of the terminal building. Glasgow Airport contains a variety of restaurants where you can enjoy British and world cuisine and stores where you can buy souvenirs and gifts. The airport also features a duty free shop that offers passengers a wide variety of products.

Bus

The airport is easily accessible by bus from Glasgow city center or other parts of Scotland. Buses in the city are comfortable and more affordable when compared to other transportation alternatives. Buses serving the city and long-distance buses from other cities all arrive and depart from the Buchanan Bus Station. You can transfer to airport buses from this station and get to Glasgow Airport in a short amount of time.  

If you want to get to the airport by transferring to a bus from the train then you can use the McGill’s 757 service, which departs from the Paisley Gilmour Street Station. Buses to the airport also pass by major locations in the city like the Braehead Shopping Center. The bus fare to the airport is around 7 pounds; the fare for children varies between 4 and 6 pounds.  

Train

Another transportation alternative to get to the airport is by train. You can take a train from the city center to Paisley Gilmour Street Station, which is located about 1 mile from the airport. Paisley Gilmour Street Station is linked to the airport by bus. You have to transfer to the McGill’s 757 bus service.

Taxi

Taxis are a convenient transportation alternative to get to the airport. Taking a taxi to the airport is quick and easy. Taxis in Glasgow are easily accessible in the city center. You can always ask the driver how much it will cost to go to the airport from your location. You can also have the hotel you are staying at help arrange a taxi for you. Taxi services are available 24 hours a day in Glasgow; for more detailed information about taxis you can call 0141 889 1813. If you travel between the city center and the airport regularly, you can negotiate with the taxi driver for more affordable rates.

Airport Shuttles

Airport shuttles are another convenient transportation alternative to get to the airport. Shuttle services that operate in the city are usually operated by hotels. If you are staying at one of these hotels you can arrange a shuttle service to the airport through them in advance. If the hotel you are staying at doesn’t provide shuttle services to the airport then you can arrange an airport shuttle service through private companies. There are various companies in the city that provide shuttle services to the airport; by searching the internet you can find out which companies offer such services.  

Rental Car

There are many international rental car companies that have offices in Glasgow city center including AVIS, Europcar, and Hertz. By renting a car from one of those offices you can easily drive to both the airport and other parts of Scotland. The airport is easily accessible by road via the M8 motorway. You can also drop off your rental car before your departure at the airport office of the company you have rented the vehicle from.    

Car

The airport is located about a 20 minute drive from the city center via the M8 motorway. Although most people visiting Glasgow don’t prefer driving to the airport it is among the most convenient alternatives. If you’re dropping someone off at the airport you can do so in the dedicated drop off areas or park your car at the airport parking lot. Keep in mind that drivers in Glasgow are extremely respectful of the rules and expect all drivers to obey the rules.

Walking and Cycling

Glasgow is an extremely ideal city for cycling. Bicycles are used extensively in the city for both daily transportation and as a transportation alternative to get to the airport from the city center. There are dedicated bicycle parking areas located at the airport. In fact, if you don’t have a lot of luggage you don’t have to use a vehicle to get to Glasgow Airport, you can walk! You can walk from the city center all the way to the airport entrance. However, we would recommend keeping the weather conditions in mind, especially during the winter when the temperatures are low.

Airport Information

Glasgow Airport is a paradise for those who want to taste different cuisines before their flight or go shopping for affordable products at duty free shops. You can go shopping for a range of products from perfume, to city guides, books and newspapers and enjoy a bite to eat or something to drink at countless venues. Stores where you can go shopping include Accessorize, Celtic, Boots, Discover Glasgow, Swarovski, Victoria's Secret, Luggage Point, and Sunglass Hut.

Glasgow Airport offers passengers a rich selection of eating and drinking venues that they can enjoy before their flight or after they land. At Glasgow Airport you  can find world-famous restaurants and venues that offer local cuisine. Restaurants and cafes located in the terminal building include Beardmore Bar & Restaurant, Frankie & Benny's, Mozzo Coffee House and Fresh Food Center. Frankie & Benny’s is one of the best options for families with children. There is also a Starbucks at Glasgow Airport if you’re looking for more familiar tastes.

There are also ATMs at the airport for passengers who need to complete monetary transactions before their flight or after they land. Glasgow Airport also offers passengers postal services if needed.

There is a special area dedicated to passengers who wish to pray at the airport, a baby care room for passengers traveling with babies or small children, a children’s play area for passengers traveling with children between the ages of 2 and 6, and an area where you can watch planes land and takeoff. Another exceptional service offered at Glasgow Airport are meeting rooms that are particularly well-suited for business travelers. If you want to take advantage of these rooms you can make a reservation in advance by contacting the airport.

UpperDeck Lounge is an ideal option for who want to spend time in a comfortable and relaxed environment either before their flight or after they land. At this lounge passengers can enjoy complementary snacks and coffee and tea while they read daily newspapers and magazines, connect to the internet for free, and play Xbox games.

As your children play in the playground at the lounge you can relax and enjoy the cozy and comfortable environment that Glasgow Airport has created for its passengers.