Glasgow Subway Information
The only heavy rail underground system in the British Isles, the Glasgow Subway began operation in 1896 in the city of Glasgow, Scotland. The third oldest underground railway system in the world, it was originally known as the Glasgow District Subway. It operates on 1 line with a total of 15 stations and has never been extended. This 10.5 km long line is operated by the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport and has a daily ridership of 34,950 passengers (2014).
The Glasgow Metro, also known as the Subway, is a key part of the city’s transport system and carries around 35,000 passengers a day. It does not operate 24 hours a day, operating from 6:30 to 23:45 Monday to Saturday and from 10:00 to 18:12 on Sundays.
Unfortunately, Glasgow Metro does not have air conditioning and passengers cannot walk between platforms. The trains are not driverless and there are no screen doors on the platforms.
The Strathclyde Partnership for Transport operates the Glasgow Metro and a single ticket costs £1.40.
Glasgow Subway Map
Map of Glasgow Subway showing next and stations. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Glasgow Subway map in PDF format.
Lines and Stations
Glasgow’s subway system operates entirely underground and has a total of 15 stations. The unique circular line runs in two directions: the Outer Circle (clockwise) and the Inner Circle (counter-clockwise).
The line is close to the city centre and spans the River Clyde. Eight of its stations are on the north side of the river, while the remaining seven are on the south side. The stations are as follows
Partick
This is the first station on the north side. It was originally called ‘Merckland Road’ until 1977. It provides access to the station of the same name and serves as one of the main transport hubs of the system.
Kelvinhall
The second station on the north side, it was formerly called ‘Partick Cross’ until it was renamed in 1977. Due to its location, it is one of the most used by tourists.
Hillhead
With over 1.8 million passengers a year, this is the third busiest station in the system. It serves the historic University of Glasgow.
Kelvinbridge
This station serves the Woodland, Woodside and Hillhead areas. Along with Hillhead, it is one of the northernmost stations on the Metro.
St George’s Cross
This station also serves the Woodland area and Queen’s Cross.
Cowcaddens
Located on the north side of the river, it serves the distinctive Chinatown area.
Buchanan Street
This is the busiest station in the system, with more than 2.5 million passengers a year. It is located on the street of the same name, known for its shops and commerce. It provides a link to Queen Street Station.
St Enoch
This is the second busiest station, with around 2 million people using it each year. It offers connections to other transport such as trains at Glasgow Central Station and is also connected to Argyle Street.
Bridge Street
The first station on the south side of the river (travelling clockwise on the Outer Circle), it is on the east side of the line. It serves the Laurieston area of the Gorbals.
West Street
This is the least busy station on the subway, as it is located in an industrial area that is not densely populated.
Shields Road
Like most stations on the south side of the Clyde, this station is located close to areas that were once industrial. It serves the district of Pollokshields.
Kinning Park
This station serves the suburb of Kinning Park, from which it takes its name. It is the narrowest of the stations and retains the original single island configuration.
Cessnock
This station serves the Cessnock area and the Ibrox district. It is close to BBC Scotland and the Glasgow Science Centre.
Ibrox
Formerly known as Copland Road until 1977, this station serves the Ibrox area. The Ibrox Stadium is close to this station.
Govan
This is the last station on the south side of the river. It was known as Govan Cross until it was rebuilt in 1977. It serves the Govan area.
The Glasgow Subway: Video
Connections with other systems
Due to its size, the Glasgow subway does not fully meet the public transport needs of the city. Connections to other modes of transport, including suburban and intercity trains and buses, are therefore essential. It wasn’t until the 1977 refurbishment that formal links with other modes of transport were established.
At present, the most important connections are with National Rail stations. Partick station is served by the North Clyde and Argyle suburban lines. Buchanan Street Station is a major hub, providing a direct link to Glasgow Queen Street Station, a railway terminal serving several other lines such as North Clyde, West Highland, Croy, Cumbernauld, Maryhill, Highland Main, Glasgow-Edinburgh, Glasgow-Aberdeen and the night-time Caledonian Sleeper.
Finally, St Enoch station provides connections to Argyle Street station and, more importantly, to Glasgow Central station, which serves 13 rail services: CrossCountry, West Coast Main, East Coast Main, TransPeninne North West, Lowland Caledonian Sleeper, Argyle Line, Ayrshire Coast, Inverclyde, Cathcart Circle, Paisley Canal, Shotts, North Berwick and Glasgow South Western.
In addition to the railway stations, the Glasgow Underground also connects to a number of bus routes. The city’s bus service is not unified, resulting in several companies providing the service. One of the most prominent is First Buses, which stops at most of the subway stations: Partick, Kelvinhall, St Enoch, Cessnock, Ibrox and Govan.
Another important one is McGill’s, which stops at Partick, Kelvinhall, St. Enoch, Cessnock, Ibrox and Govan stations. There are several others that serve one or two subway stations, particularly Buchanan Street, which is a major bus hub connecting 13 different lines.
Connections to the airport
The Glasgow Subway does not have a direct link to Glasgow International Airport (GLA). However, there are a number of bus services that connect the airport to the city centre, which can then be used to access the subway stations. The First Bus Service 500 runs a regular service from the airport to the city centre, including a stop at Buchanan Street Station. Tickets cost £7.50 (approximately $9.72 USD) and buses run approximately every 10 minutes. Similar services are also provided by Traveline Scotland, McGill’s and Citylink.
Schedule and Timetables
As the Glasgow Subway operates on a single-line system, timetabling is fairly straightforward. The subway is open Monday to Saturday from 6.30 a.m. to 11.40 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6.12 p.m. Specific timetables are available for both the Outer and Inner Circles, with trains generally running every 4 minutes during peak times and every 6 to 8 minutes during off-peak times. A full round trip on the line takes approximately 24 minutes.
Tariffs, Tickets and Travel Cards
The Glasgow Subway offers a variety of ticket options for both occasional and regular users. Single adult tickets cost £1.65 ($2.15 USD), while child tickets (for children under 16) cost £0.70 ($0.91 USD). Return tickets are also available at £3.10 ($4.03) for adults and £1.35 ($1.76) for children. An unlimited day pass is also available for £4.00 ($5.20 USD).
In addition to paper tickets, the Underground also offers a ‘smartcard’ system. The Smartcard can be purchased at any station for £3.00 ($3.90 USD) or can be obtained free of charge by pre-ordering online. All adult fares are discounted with a Smartcard. Single tickets are £1.45 ($1.89), while unlimited day tickets are £2.80 ($3.65). Weekly, monthly, 6-month and 12-month passes are also available for Smartcard users, with significant discounts on longer term passes.
Park and Ride
Park and Ride facilities are available at several Tube stations to encourage use of the Tube and reduce car traffic in the city centre. These facilities are currently located at Bridge Street Station (159 spaces), Kelvinbridge Station (150 spaces) and Shields Road Station (800 spaces). The basic rate for all-day parking is £5.20 ($6.76 USD). However, there are a number of concessionary rates available for Smartcard users.
Future Expansions
The Glasgow Underground is unique in that it is one of the oldest underground systems in the world, but also in that it has never been extended or modified since it opened in 1896. There are currently no confirmed plans to expand the subway. However, studies by the operating company, SPT, have suggested possible extensions to areas such as the West End, East End, South Side and Glasgow Harbour. While no concrete action has been taken on these proposed extensions, an ambitious plan to modernise the existing subway system is currently underway.
Tips and Advice
Due to the Tube’s 19th century origins, the system can be uncomfortable for taller people. Passengers are advised to be careful and aware of their surroundings, especially when boarding trains, to avoid bumping their heads. As this is a popular system with tourists, passengers should also take care of their belongings to avoid pickpocketing. Large bags or oversized luggage may not be allowed on the trains due to limited space.
Fun Facts and Trivia
- The Glasgow Underground was originally cable operated.
- It is the third oldest underground railway system in the world.
- The subway is often referred to as ‘The Clockwork Orange’ due to its circular operation and the orange paint used on the trains following the 1977 refurbishment.
- There is a popular challenge known as the ‘subcrawl’, which involves visiting a pub at each subway stop along the line.
What to See
Located in the city centre, Glasgow Subway provides convenient access to many local attractions, including
Riverside Museum: Home to Glasgow’s Transport Museum, the Riverside Museum is an architectural marvel and was named European Museum of the Year in 2013. The nearest tube station is Partick.
University of Glasgow: Founded in 1451, this is the fourth oldest university in the English-speaking world. It can be reached from Kelvinhall, Hillhead or Kelvinbridge stations.
Glasgow Botanical Gardens: One of the most prestigious botanical gardens in Europe, the Glasgow Botanical Gardens cover 11 acres and are home to various species both in the open and in greenhouses. The nearest tube station is Hillhead.
Buchanan Street: Known for its shopping, this bustling street is conveniently located just outside Buchanan Street tube station.
Glasgow Science Centre: One of Scotland’s most popular tourist attractions, the Glasgow Science Centre includes the Science Mall, the Glasgow Tower and an IMAX cinema. The nearest tube station is Cessnock.
Ibrox Stadium: Home of Rangers F.C., this stadium holds over 50,000 spectators and is close to Ibrox underground station.
Glasgow Subway Pictures
