Getting Around in Glasgow
The Scottish city of Glasgow, one of the largest in Europe, has excellent motorway links from both the south and east. There is also a major airport, as well as a couple of separate mainline railway stations. While Central Station is one of the main terminals for trains heading north along the West Coast line, passengers from Dundee, Perth and Edinburgh are taken to Queen Street Station.
Various modes of public transport in Glasgow
As in most major UK cities, public transport in Glasgow is convenient, frequent and inexpensive. The city’s underground system, an excellent facility for commuters, runs in a continuous loop around the city centre, with stations at both the south and north ends of the River Clyde. In addition to the subway system, you can use local trains and other bus services to get from one point to another in the city. Here is a comprehensive look at the various modes of transport available to tourists and residents of Glasgow.
Map of Public Transportation In Glasgow showing different lines and stations. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the map in PDF format.
Bus service in Glasgow
First Glasgow is the main bus operator in the city and their website has route maps and timetables. If you want to take the bus several times in one day, you can buy a day pass. The day pass can be used multiple times that day and is the most sensible option in such circumstances. This ticket is also valid on the 747 service from Glasgow Airport. The drivers are obliged to accept only the exact change, but unfortunately you cannot find out how much you will have to pay for a journey until you have boarded the bus. Again, a day ticket will come in handy, as the price is displayed on the side of most public transport vehicles. Make sure you are at the right bus stop to board the bus to your destination. Also, be sure to hold out your hand to “hail” the bus as it approaches, otherwise it will simply pass you by on its way!
Train service in Glasgow
Glasgow Central and Queen Street are the two main stations in the city, with the former being larger in terms of both footfall and number of platforms. For people living in the city centre, these stations are ideal destinations. Most of the hotels in the area are within a short walk or taxi ride of these stations. Long-distance trains to England and local services around Scotland operate from both stations. Trains running along the West Coast main line and through the Lake District, Preston and Birmingham depart from Glasgow Central. Queen Street is normally used for trains arriving from Edinburgh. As far as tourist attractions on these lines are concerned, take a train from Glasgow Central to Pollokshaws West station, where you can visit one of the city’s excellent art galleries, famous for its Burrell Collections.
Taxi in Glasgow
The city of Glasgow has no shortage of taxis. For tourists who want to know more about the city, it is better to strike up a conversation with one of the taxi drivers, who can tell you more about Glasgow than you will find in any tourist guide. Glasgow taxis can be ordered by telephone and they accept credit cards. Most of the taxis that ply the city’s streets have wheelchair access so that the elderly and physically challenged can travel with ease.
Glasgow Subway system
Those who stay in the central districts of Glasgow will find themselves on the Glasgow Subway, or the city’s underground railway system. The third oldest underground system in the world, there are only fifteen stations and a single circular line. Some of the major stations along the line are
- Buchanan Street and St. Enoch are located in the heart of the city centre with the former serving as a link to Queen Street Station.
The famous art school designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh is easily accessible from Cowcaddens Stations. - Hillhead Station, located on Byres Road in the trendy and bustling West End of the city, is also close to the famous University of Glasgow.
- Kelvinhall Station is close to the Transport Museum and the city’s main art gallery.
Useful information
If you are visiting the city of Glasgow and want to save money on your travel, then a day ticket is the way to go. If your itinerary includes a trip further afield to places such as the Ayrshire Coast or Balloch (where the infamous Loch Lomond episode began) then consider purchasing an SPT Day Tripper ticket. This ticket is valid on all public transport in Glasgow and is great if you are travelling with a family as it allows two adults and up to four children to travel. We hope that this guide is useful for your next visit to the city of Glasgow.