Flights to Glasgow

The vibrant metropolis on the Clyde

Glasgow is a buzzing city still proudly aware of its historical significance as a major Victorian industrial center. These days it is reinventing itself as Scotland's creative hub for culture, commerce and nightlife.

The best time to visit Scotland's largest city

Cold wet winters are a characteristic of the Glaswegian climate but the late spring and early summer months are mellow and an ideal time to stroll the city's parks. Cultural activities are spread throughout the year, with highlights including the Jazz Festival and West End Festival in June. Glasgow's Hogmanay festivities on December 31 are legendary. 

 

Handy tips before you travel

Be aware that cheap rooms can be difficult to find when there is an important football match at Hampden Park or Parkhead or a major show at the SECC. Glasgow has an abundance of restaurants and pubs and it's easy to find an evening meal for around £10 and a pint of beer for around £3. Visitors with rental cars should be aware that it can be difficult finding parking spots in the center. Charges for the city car parks are around 40p for every 12 minutes.

 

Transport and lodgings in Glasgow

Glasgow International Airport is located near Paisley, 8 miles (13 km) west of Glasgow. There are several transport links, including the airport shuttle service 500 for around £5 single and the First 747 bus for around £4. The cheapest, if slowest, option is the local 66 bus to Paisley Gilmour Street for a connecting train to Glasgow Central Station, at a cost of around £3.50. Many budget airline routes use Glasgow Prestwick Airport, around 30 miles (50 km) south of central Glasgow. Direct trains take 45 minutes from the airport to Glasgow Central. Tickets are available at the discounted price of around £3.50 if you show an airline ticket or boarding pass.

A day travelcard for Glasgow buses costs around £4.50. A day pass for the underground costs around £4. Combined Daytripper cards for buses, underground and low level trains cost around £11.50.

Budget accommodation options include dormitory beds for around £10 a night or private rooms for around £25. A double room in a 3-star hotel starts around £50 a night.

Airport Glasgow GLA

Glasgow Airport (Glasgow International Airport) is located 1.8 miles west of the city center of Glasgow in Scotland. Glasgow Airport is the busiest of the three main international airports in Scotland and, along with the airports of Aberdeen, Edinburgh, London-Gatwick, London-Heathrow, London-Stansted and Southampton, belongs to the BAA.

• URL: Official website
• Parking: Yes, paid short-term and long-term parking.
• Nearby cities: Glasgow (12 km), Edinburgh (77 km)
• Directions by car: M8 (exit 28)
• Stations: Trains to Paisley Gilmour Street and Glasgow Central

Location

From the M8 take exit 28 to Glasgow airport. It only takes 20 minutes to reach the center of Glasgow and two minutes to reach Paisley, the nearest town. At a distance of 1.8 miles from the terminal is Gilmour station in Paisley, which is also accessible by bus. The stop for shuttle buses to the station and to Glasgow is in front of the terminal building. These are special buses for transfer to and from the airport, and not public transport. Direct trains from Paisley Gilmour Street operate to the centre of Glasgow, to Ayr and Clyde Coast.