The Scottish city of Glasgow, one of the largest places in Europe, has an excellent connectivity of motorways running down from the south as well as the east. There is also a major airport apart from a couple of mainline railway stations which are separate from one another. While Central Station is one of the major terminals that serve trains headed up north along the west coast line, passengers travelling from Dundee, Perth and Edinburgh are taken to the Queen Street station.
Various modes of public transport in Glasgow
As has been observed in most of the major cities around the United Kingdom, public transport in Glasgow convenient, frequent and also a cheap mode of conveyance. The Underground system in the city, an excellent facility for commuters, runs around the city center in a continual loop and has stations along both the south and north ends of the River Clyde. Beyond the scope of travel offered by the subway system, you can avail local train and other bus services to take you from one point to another in the city. Here is a comprehensive look at the various modes of transport that tourists and citizens of Glasgow can make the most of.
Bus service in Glasgow
First Glasgow is the primary bus operator in the city and if you visit their website, you can get hold of the route plans and timetables. If you wish to travel by bus a number of times in a day, purchase the day ticket for yourself. The day ticket can be used numerous times for that day and is the most reasonable option are such circumstances. Moreover, this ticket also stands valid on the 747 service that runs from Glasgow Airport. Drivers are under obligation to accept only the exact change but unfortunately, you can tell how much you will be required to pay for a journey only after you have boarded the bus. In this case too the day ticket comes in handy as the price for the same is written on the sides of most of these public carriers. Ensure that you stand at the right bus stop to board the bus to your preferred destination. Also, stretch out your hand in order to “hail” the bus towards you as it comes along else it will simply pass you by on its way!
Train service in Glasgow
Glasgow Central and Queen Street are the two main train stations in the city with the former being larger both in terms of footfall and the number of platforms. For the people residing in the city center, these train stations are ideal destinations. Most of the hotels in the area are just a short walk or taxi ride away from these stations. Long distance trains to England as well as local services around Scotland are operational from both the stations. For the trains that run along the West Coast mainline and through the Lake District, Preston and Birmingham, they start from the Glasgow Central station. Queen Street normally caters to the trains that come in from Edinburgh. As far as tourist attractions on these lines is concerned, take a train from Glasgow Central to the Pollokshaws West station where you can visit one of the excellent art galleries in the city that is famous for its Burrell Collections.
Taxi in Glasgow
The city of Glasgow does not have any shortage of taxis. For the tourists who wish to know more about the city, it is better to strike up a conversation with one of the cab drivers who have more to say about Glasgow than you can find on any tourist guide book. Glasgow Taxis can be ordered over the phone and they are also open to accepting payments by credit cards. Most of the taxis that ply the city streets offer wheelchair access to passengers so that the elderly and physically challenged do not have any difficulty travelling.
Glasgow Subway system
For those who stay in the central districts of Glasgow, they are bound to find themselves on the Glasgow Subway or Underground Railway System of the city. The third-oldest subway system in the world, there are only fifteen stations and one single circular line. Some of the important stations along the route are as follows:
- Buchanan Street and St. Enoch stand at the heart of the city center with the former serving to connect with the Queen Street station.
- The famous school of Art that was designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh can be easily accessed 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 located close to the Transport Museum and main Art Gallery in the city.
in Glasgow
While on a visit to the city of Glasgow, if you wish to save money on your travels then you are advised to buy a day ticket. In case your travel itinerary includes a trip further afield to places such as Ayrshire Coast or Balloch (this is where the infamous Loch Lomond episode started) then consider purchasing an SPT Day Tripper ticket. This ticket is valid on every mode of public transport in Glasgow and is very convenient if you are travelling with a family as it allows travel for two adults and as many as four children. We hope this guide will be of help to you the next time you intend to visit the city of Glasgow.