I’ve been so many times in Glasgow lately, both to visit the Scotland’s largest city and to explore its surroundings.
In this article I want to explain how to reach the city centre from Glasgow International Airport.
First of all, please don’t confuse it with Prestwick Airport, the other local – but smaller – airport situated in South Ayrshire and 32 miles (51 km) from Glasgow. It’s linked to the city by train on the route Glasgow-Ayr.
The Glasgow Airport Express service 500 to and from the city centre
It’s the Glasgow Airport’s official bus service and it connects the airport to the city centre in 30-45 minutes. It’s operated by First Bus and in 2018 it was awarded “Glasgow Airport’s Customer Service Team of the Year”.
At the Airport, the bus service departs/arrives from Stance 1, situated just in front of the terminal. In Glasgow, departing/arrival point is Buchanan Bus Station, stance 46. The stops in the city are the following:
- from the Airport: Bothwell Street, Bothwell Street (near Hope Street and Central Station), George Square (near Queen Street Station), North Hanover;
- from Buchanan Bus Station: North Hanover Street, George Square, St Vincent Place, St Vincent Street, Waterloo Street.
Once on board you can leave your luggage in the designated area and then sit back and enjoy the trip. Every seat has its own USB charging point and free 4G WiFi is also available.
Once arrived, you can decide to explore the city with Glasgow’s Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing bus. The stops are located near the local attractions and you have unlimited travels for 1 or 2 days depending on the ticket chosen. More information, fares, timetables and online purchase are available in this page.
Timetable and tickets
The Glasgow Airport Express 500 operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It departs up to every 15 minutes during peak times and it’s the fastest link between Glasgow Airport and the city centre. Indeed, the full journey from/to Buchanan Bus Station takes around 25 minutes.
For timetables and to plan your trip in advance my advice is to check Traveline Scotland and download the app on your smartphone.
A single ticket one costs £10 for adults and £5,50 for children.
It’s possible to buy the tickets:
- on board, paying only by credit/debit/contactless card;
- online and then you get them directly to your phone.
Having said that, for any further information and latest prices please always check Glasgow Airport Express website page. All the pictures of this article are courtesy of First Bus.
