Getting around Glasgow

TRAVEL AROUND GLASGOW BY BUS, FOOT OR EVEN BIKE

So you are here but how do you travel around Glasgow? Getting around Glasgow is easy.  The city centre is compact and the public transport system includes the third oldest subway in the world, railway, bus, taxi and even bikes for hire. Here are links to information about travel in Glasgow.

TRAVELINE SCOTLAND

Traveline Scotland is Scotland’s national public transport information service. Or you can download the Traveline Scotland app.

SUBWAY

You won’t get lost on this subway, but if you do, don’t worry as the route is a circle and you’ll come back around to your station!  At peak times there is a train every 5 mins.  The subway serves the city centre and the West End areas of the city of Glasgow.

Tickets can be purchased at the stations.  If you are staying for a few days you might be better off getting the Subway Smartcard which gives reduced-price fares.

Glasgow Subway Map

TRAIN

Glasgow has two mainline stations, Glasgow Central Station links Glasgow by rail to the south, with Glasgow Queen Street Station operating routes mainly to Edinburgh and the north.

Glasgow Queen Street Railway Station

Glasgow Central Railway Station/Image ScotRail

Both stations operate local urban rail lines as well. Check out the ScotRail website for information.

Suburban ScotRail Station

For exploring the area, the SPT ‘Roundabout’ ticket gives one-day unlimited travel on ScotRail and Subway services. This ticket can be purchased at stations or from staff on board. Valid after 0900 Monday to Friday, all day at weekends and Glasgow public holidays.

ScotRail Urban Railway Map

Image ScotRail

TAXI

Glasgow Taxis are recognisable for their distinctive black cabs.  To flag, a taxi down in the street make sure that the yellow light is on or go to one of the taxi ranks throughout the city.  The cabs can be pre-booked on  0141 429 70 70

Image People Make Glasgow

Private hire cabs cannot be hailed from the street and must be pre-booked.

BUS

First Bus Glasgow is the primary bus operator in the city.  There are a variety of ticket options available including all day and weekly tickets.  You can buy on the bus using contactless, or via their app.

If using cash, you will need the exact fare as no change is given.

Image First Bus

CITY SIGHTSEEING BUS

The City Sightseeing Glasgow open-top bus tour is one of the most fun ways to discover the city.  A tour of the city and handy bus stops to get on and off.   Sights served include the People’s Palace, Glasgow Cathedral, Riverside Museum, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and The Clydeside Distillery.

The open-top tour buses operate all year round with a complete tour lasting around 1 hour and 25 minutes. Full accessibility for wheelchair users is available on all tours, with one dedicated wheelchair space available on the lower deck of each bus.

Tickets are available online, from the driver or pavement staff, and are valid for 1 or 2 consecutive days. You

The City Sightseeing Bus at the People’s Palace, Glasgow

Image Credit: West Coast Motors

BICYCLE

Nextbike Glasgow has bikes and e-bikes for hire in over 50 locations and they are available 24/7. You can rent a bike via Nextbike’s app, by the on-bike computer, or by calling 020 816 69851.

Do you have any tips on getting around Glasgow? Let us know in the comments.

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