If you're coming to Glasgow, one thing we can guarantee is you will never be short of things to see and do in Glasgow. Scotland’s largest city disarmingly blends a modern contemporary lifestyle with down-to-earth friendly people. The city has evolved over the last couple of decades to become one of Britain's most intriguing and fun-filled cities, packed with music, culture, shopping, bars, restaurants, clubbing and activities to keep you busy. Within 30 minutes in any direction, you are completely out in the countryside packed with mountains to climb, trails to ride, lochs to swim and parks to explore.
Travel information
Plan your journey and find information on how to get to and around Glasgow.
By train
Glasgow is well connected by train from across the UK by 2 main stations:
- Glasgow Central Station links Glasgow to the south
- Glasgow Queen Street Station operates routes mainly to Edinburgh and the north
To book tickets, visit scotrail.co.uk, tpexpress.co.uk, and avantiwestcoast.co.uk. To view all available routes from across the UK, visit thetrainline.com.
If you’re planning a trip from London to Glasgow, check out the Caledonian Sleeper’s website and arrive refreshed after a comfortable overnight journey.
By sea
Travelling to Scotland by ferry from the major ports of Belfast and Larne in Northern Ireland is a popular option for Irish visitors to Glasgow. Ferries dock at Cairnryan in the southwest of Scotland, and there is a handy bus service which takes passengers to the city centre in around 2 hours 10 minutes.
You can also travel from mainland Europe to Hull in the northeast of England, around 4 hours drive to the Scottish border, and to Newcastle, around 2 hours 40 minutes drive from Glasgow.
Find out more information at stenaline.co.uk and dfds.com.
By road
Scotland has an extensive motorway road network. Glasgow is linked to Edinburgh with the M8, England on the M74, Stirling with the M80 and the west coast of Scotland with the M77.
For more information on Scotland’s road network, visit the Transport Scotland website.
By air
Glasgow has 3 international airports nearby, with connections across the UK and the world:
- Glasgow Airport is the closest airport to the city centre. Catch the express bus service from outside the terminal and arrive in Glasgow in around 15 minutes. Visit glasgowairport.com for more information.
- Glasgow Prestwick Airport is 32 miles (51km) from Glasgow and has handy public transport links to the city centre, including train and bus services. Find out more at glasgowprestwick.com.
- Edinburgh Airport is 39 miles (63km) from Glasgow. There is a direct bus service from the airport to Glasgow’s Buchanan Bus Station which takes around 1 hour. Head to edinburghairport.com for more information.
Getting around while here
Glasgow is a compact city and it’s easy to find your way around, whether on foot, by bike or by public transport.
Walk
Glasgow is a very walkable city, especially the city centre, so you can easily explore it on foot whilst taking in the beautiful buildings and architecture around you – don’t forget to 'look up' when you're in the city.
Get your bearings by visiting our neighbourhood guides.
Subway
The subway is the easiest way to get to the city centre and the west end. Trains run every 5 minutes at peak times and take just 24 minutes to complete a circuit of the 15 stations.
You can either buy a single ticket or a Subway Smartcard, which offers the best fare prices and allows you to top up as you go. The Glasgow Subway map is a great way to find your way around the stations.
Cycling
Getting around Glasgow by bike is a convenient and fun way to travel. Read the city’s guide to cycling in the city to find out more. Visit Cycling - Glasgow City Council to Plan a Route.
Glasgow is home to a fantastic cycle hire scheme, operated by OVO Bikes. Visit OVO Bikes website to find out how it works.
For ideas of the best routes in the city and surrounding areas to follow by bike, check out the Sustrans website.
Bus
First Bus Glasgow operates over 80 routes across the city and has a variety of tickets to choose from, including day tickets allowing unlimited travel in your selected area all day, or a weekly ticket if you’re staying here longer. For the cheapest prices, download the First Bus App where you can buy and store tickets on your phone, plan your journey in advance and track the arrival of your next bus.
First Bus also operate an express service between the city centre and Glasgow Airport with a journey time of around 15 minutes. Visit glasgowairport.com for more information.
Where to stay
Glasgow is absolutely packed with hostels, B&Bs, guest houses, hotels, serviced apartments, flats, and houses to rent. There is something to suit every budget. And there are hundreds of options all within walking distance of the training studio. So whatever budget you have or whatever degree of luxury you wish it's all so easy to arrange.
- Glasgow Youth Hostel - £25 / night
- Kelvingrove Hotel - £40 / night
- Ibis Hotel - £47 / night
- Easy Hotel - £54 / night
- Sandiford Hotel - £62 / night
- Moxy Hotel - £67 / night
- Argyle Hotel - £73 / night
- Boutique 50 - £79 / night
- Courtyard by Marriot - £84 / night
- Crown Plaza Hotel - £113 / night
- Citizen M - £120 / night
- Radisson Red - £140 / night
- Maldron Hotel - £160 / night
- One Devonshire Hotel - £170 / night
- Blysthwood Square Hotel - £190 / night
We recommend the Kelvingrove Hotel as it’s a great price, it’s a 3-minute walk from the training studio and bangs in the middle of all the action, and right at Kelvingrove Park.
Please note the prices here presented must be negotiated directly with the accommodation of your choosing. Bike for Good has not established any partnership with these companies to offer accommodation rates.
Food & drink
The West End is home to many of Glasgow’s iconic attractions, and some of Glasgow’s best restaurants.
There are many areas in the west end where you will find great restaurants, bars, and shops you need to go to. From Finnieston to Ashton Lane all are different. Finnieston it’s a great area to find independent eateries and bars in Glasgow. Ashton Lane is a lovely cobbled back street off Byres Road where you can chill and enjoy a drink on a warm summer’s day.
Glasgow has a great selection of vegan and veggie eateries. From neighbourhood cafes to award-winning restaurants offering plant-based menus, Glasgow is one of the world’s most vegan-friendly cities.
To find more about the best places to eat & drink in Glasgow visit https://peoplemakeglasgow.com/eat-drink
Local attractions
The west end of Glasgow is known for its top attractions, quirky lanes, amazing food scene and relaxed vibe. Find out more about this bohemian area which has landed on many 'coolest neighbourhood' lists. Things to see and do visit https://peoplemakeglasgow.com/neighbourhoods/west-end.
