Transport to Glasgow Airport, Buses, Trains and Taxis

Transport to Glasgow Airport: A Detailed Guide

Glasgow Airport, one of Scotland’s busiest international hubs, is conveniently located just 10 miles west of the city centre. Whether you’re travelling for business or leisure, there are various transport options to suit your needs. This guide will explore the different ways to reach Glasgow Airport, including by car, bus, taxi, train, and even cycling. We will also offer useful tips for navigating these transport modes and advice on choosing the best option for your trip.

Overview of Transport to Glasgow Airport
By Car
- Driving Directions
- Parking Options
By Taxi
- Taxi Services
- Cost and Journey Time
By Bus
- Glasgow Airport Express (First Bus 500)
- Other Bus Services
- Bus Services from Other Cities
By Train
- Train Services to Glasgow
- Connecting Bus Services from Paisley Gilmour Street
By Bicycle
Special Assistance Transport Options
Environmentally Friendly Transport Options
Tips for Planning Your Journey to Glasgow Airport
Frequently Asked Questions

1. Overview of Transport to Glasgow Airport

Glasgow Airport is a well-connected transportation hub, serving millions of passengers each year. As the main airport for Scotland’s largest city, it is easily accessible by a range of transport modes. Depending on your location, budget, and travel preferences, you can choose from several options to make your way to the airport. The airport is connected via the M8 motorway, and multiple public transport services operate from both Glasgow city centre and further afield. Here’s a breakdown of how you can reach Glasgow Airport.

2. By Car

Best for: Flexibility and convenience.
Distance from Glasgow city centre: 10 miles (16 km).
Journey time: Approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic.

Driving to Glasgow Airport is a popular choice for those who prefer flexibility and privacy. The airport is located just off the M8 motorway, making it easy to reach from the city centre, as well as from other parts of Scotland. There are clear signposts for the airport along the route, so it’s easy to find.

Driving Directions to Glasgow Airport

From Glasgow City Centre: Follow the M8 westbound, and take junction 28 for Glasgow Airport. The journey is approximately 15-20 minutes under normal traffic conditions.
From Edinburgh: Follow the M8 westbound for around 55 miles. The journey can take between 50-70 minutes, depending on traffic.
From the North or South: Use the M74 to connect to the M8 westbound for easy access to the airport.

Parking Options at Glasgow Airport

Glasgow Airport offers a range of parking options for those arriving by car. You can choose between short-stay parking, long-stay parking, and meet and greet services. There are also offsite parking providers that offer more budget-friendly alternatives with shuttle services to the terminal.

Short-Stay Parking: Ideal for those dropping off or picking up passengers. It’s located near the terminal and charges are applied per hour.
Long-Stay Parking: Suitable for travellers going on longer trips. A free shuttle bus operates from the long-stay car park to the terminal.
Meet and Greet: A premium service where a valet parks your car for you, allowing you to head straight to the terminal.

Tips for Driving to Glasgow Airport:

Use live traffic updates to avoid delays, especially during peak hours.
Pre-book parking to secure the best rates, particularly during busy travel periods.

3. By Taxi

Best for: Door-to-door service and convenience.
Journey time: 15-20 minutes from Glasgow city centre.
Cost: Approximately £25-£35 from the city centre.

Taking a taxi to Glasgow Airport is one of the most straightforward options, offering a door-to-door service. Taxis can be hailed from the street, booked via phone, or arranged through ride-hailing apps like Uber. If you’re travelling with a lot of luggage or need a more comfortable journey, taxis provide a hassle-free way to get to the airport.

Taxi Services to Glasgow Airport

Black Cabs: These traditional taxis are available throughout Glasgow and can be booked in advance or hailed on the street. Most black cabs accept card payments, and some are wheelchair accessible.
Private Hire Taxis: Private hire vehicles must be booked in advance, either through a local taxi company or ride-hailing apps.
Uber and Other Ride-Hailing Services: Uber operates in Glasgow, and it’s easy to request a ride via the app. Other ride-hailing services may also be available.

Cost and Journey Time

A typical taxi ride from Glasgow city centre to the airport costs between £25 and £35, depending on traffic and the time of day. The journey usually takes 15-20 minutes but can be longer during peak times. If you’re coming from further afield, such as Edinburgh or Stirling, taxi fares will be significantly higher.

Tips for Taking a Taxi:

Book your taxi in advance, especially during early morning or late-night hours.
Check if your taxi or ride-hailing service accepts card payments if you don’t have cash.

4. By Bus

Best for: Budget-friendly and convenient public transport.
Cost: £8.50 one way (Glasgow Airport Express).
Journey time: 15-25 minutes from the city centre.

Buses provide an affordable and efficient way to get to Glasgow Airport, with several services operating regularly from the city centre and surrounding areas. The most popular bus service is the Glasgow Airport Express (First Bus 500), but there are other routes available, depending on your starting location.

Glasgow Airport Express (First Bus 500)

The Glasgow Airport Express is the fastest and most convenient bus service, operating 24/7. It departs from Glasgow city centre and runs every 10 minutes during peak times. The service operates from Buchanan Bus Station, George Square, and Central Station, stopping directly at the airport.

Cost: £8.50 for a one-way ticket; £14 for a return ticket.
Journey Time: Approximately 15-25 minutes, depending on traffic.

Other Bus Services

McGill’s 757 Bus: This service connects Paisley Gilmour Street Station to Glasgow Airport, making it a useful option if you’re arriving by train.
Local Bus Services: Several local buses run from surrounding areas such as Renfrew, Clydebank, and Paisley, offering additional options for passengers in nearby towns.

Bus Services from Other Cities

There are also intercity buses that connect to Glasgow Airport from places like Edinburgh, Stirling, and Ayr. These services are ideal for travellers coming from further afield who prefer not to drive.

Tips for Taking the Bus:

Buses can be affected by traffic, so allow extra time if you’re travelling during rush hour.
Purchase tickets in advance online to save time and ensure availability, especially during busy periods.

5. By Train

Best for: Travellers arriving in Glasgow by rail.
Cost: From £3.80 (for train and bus combo).
Journey time: 45 minutes from Glasgow city centre (including bus transfer).

Although there is no direct train service to Glasgow Airport, it’s still possible to travel part of the way by rail. The nearest train station to the airport is Paisley Gilmour Street, which is located just over a mile from the terminal. From there, you can catch a connecting bus or taxi to the airport.

Train Services to Glasgow

Glasgow has two main train stations: Glasgow Central Station and Glasgow Queen Street Station. Trains to Paisley Gilmour Street depart from Glasgow Central Station frequently, and the journey takes about 10-15 minutes. From Paisley Gilmour Street, you can take a short bus ride (McGill’s 757) or a taxi to the airport.

Cost: A combined train and bus ticket starts at £3.80.
Journey Time: 10-15 minutes on the train, followed by a 5-minute bus ride to the terminal.

Connecting Bus Services from Paisley Gilmour Street

Once you arrive at Paisley Gilmour Street, buses run regularly to the airport. The McGill’s 757 bus takes approximately 5 minutes and costs around £1.50 for a one-way fare.

Tips for Taking the Train:

Trains to Paisley Gilmour Street are frequent, but allow extra time for delays or waiting for the connecting bus.
If you have heavy luggage, consider taking a taxi from the station to the airport for added convenience.

6. By Bicycle

Best for: Eco-conscious travellers and cycling enthusiasts.

Cycling to Glasgow Airport is an environmentally friendly and low-cost option for those living nearby. The airport has bike parking facilities available, making it a viable option for cyclists. However, it’s important to note that cycling to the airport is more practical if you are travelling with minimal luggage.

Tips for Cycling to Glasgow Airport:

Check local cycle routes in advance, as some roads around the airport may be busy with traffic.
Ensure you have a secure lock for your bike, as airport bike racks are unsupervised.

7. Special Assistance Transport Options

Best for: Passengers with reduced mobility or special requirements.

Glasgow Airport offers special assistance to passengers with disabilities or mobility issues. If you require additional support, it’s best to arrange this in advance with your transport provider or the airport itself. Many taxi companies offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles, and all buses and shuttle services to the airport are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility.

Tips for Special Assistance:

Contact the airport’s Special Assistance team at least 48 hours before your flight to arrange support.
If taking a bus or taxi, confirm in advance that the vehicle will accommodate your needs.

8. Environmentally Friendly Transport Options

For those concerned about their carbon footprint, there are several eco-friendly ways to reach Glasgow Airport:

Electric taxis and ride-hailing services are available in Glasgow, offering a greener alternative to traditional petrol or diesel vehicles.
Cycling is a zero-emissions option, especially if you live close to the airport.
Public transport such as buses and trains produce fewer emissions than driving a private car, making them a more sustainable choice.

9. Tips for Planning Your Journey to Glasgow Airport

Check Traffic Reports: If you’re driving or taking a taxi, monitor live traffic updates to avoid delays, especially during rush hour.
Book in Advance: Whether you’re taking a bus, taxi, or parking at the airport, booking ahead can save you time and money.
Allow Extra Time: Always build in some buffer time, particularly if travelling during busy periods or relying on public transport.
Consider Your Luggage: If you have a lot of luggage, taxis or private hire vehicles might be more practical than buses or trains.

10. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way to get to Glasgow Airport?

The cheapest way to reach Glasgow Airport is by taking public buses like the Glasgow Airport Express, which costs around £8.50 for a one-way ticket from the city centre.

How long does it take to get from Glasgow city centre to the airport?

It typically takes 15-20 minutes to drive or take a taxi from Glasgow city centre to the airport, depending on traffic. Buses take around 25 minutes.

Are there direct trains to Glasgow Airport?

No, there are no direct trains to Glasgow Airport. However, you can take a train to Paisley Gilmour Street and then connect via bus or taxi to the airport.

Is there a shuttle service to Glasgow Airport?

Yes, several offsite parking providers offer shuttle services, and buses from Paisley Gilmour Street also serve the airport.

Conclusion

Glasgow Airport is easily accessible from Glasgow and beyond, with a wide variety of transport options to suit different budgets, needs, and preferences. Whether you prefer the convenience of driving, the affordability of public transport, or an eco-friendly approach, there’s a mode of transport that will get you to the airport smoothly.