Public Transport in Glasgow

Public Transport in Glasgow

Public transport in Glasgow is a convenient and affordable way to get around the city. The city has an extensive network of buses, trains, and subway lines, making it easy to travel from one end of Glasgow to the other.

Getting around by Bus

Several bus operators provide an extensive network of bus services in and around the Glasgow area. Most services run from early morning until midnight. But some of the more frequently traveled routes have late services on Friday/Saturday nights.

Bus stops are situated throughout the city. Just look for the number of the bus you need on the bus stop information signs, and then put out your hand to stop the bus when you see it coming along.

Be aware that most of the bus services have an “exact change” policy. The money goes directly into a cash handler and not to the driver. On these buses no change will be given. So if you don’t want to lose out on a few pennies make sure you do have the exact change.

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.

Bus tours

The open top tourist bus tours within Glasgow mainly run from George Square. Visit City Sightseeing Glasgow for more information.

A comprehensive network of regular and frequent local rail services operates in Glasgow, its suburbs and the West of Scotland. Most suburbs and towns within this area are accessible by train. However, the level of service varies greatly and some stations are closed on Sundays.

Free timetables are available for each line from the appropriate train station, and are also available online at the Scotrail website. For more information on services and train times visit the Strathclyde Passenger Transport website or call SPT on 08457 48 49 50.

Tickets can be purchased in advance of travelling from the station booking office. But can also be bought on the train from the conductor if the station booking office is closed.

If you are staying outside Glasgow and would prefer not to drive into the city, you can use the “Park-and-Ride” system. This allows free parking at suburban train stations, where you then continue your journey by train.

Getting around by train

Glasgow is home to two major train stations, both of which are significant transportation hubs in Scotland. The first station is Glasgow Central, which is located in the heart of the city center and is the busiest train station in Scotland. It is a stunning Victorian-era building with an impressive glass roof and has direct connections to many major UK cities.

The second station is Glasgow Queen Street, which is also located in the city center and provides easy access to the north and northeast of Scotland. The station has undergone a major renovation in recent years, with a new modern concourse and improved facilities for passengers.

Both stations provide essential links to Glasgow’s vibrant city center, and they are an integral part of Scotland’s transportation network, providing connections to all major Scottish cities and beyond.

For more information visit the Scotrail website.

Getting around by subway

Glasgow’s Subway Station is an important part of the city’s public transportation system. It is also known as the Glasgow Underground or the Clockwork Orange. Due to its circular route and distinctive orange and brown livery. The subway system consists of a single circular line with 15 stations, running for 10.4 km (6.5 miles) beneath the streets of Glasgow.

The Subway Station was first opened in 1896 and is the third-oldest underground railway system in the world, after the London Underground and the Budapest Metro. It was initially built to provide a quick and efficient way to transport people around the city, particularly between the north and south sides of the River Clyde.

Today, the Glasgow Subway Station remains an important mode of transportation for locals and visitors alike. It is particularly popular with commuters, as it allows them to quickly travel around the city center without having to deal with traffic congestion. The subway system also serves many of the city’s key tourist attractions, such as the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the Glasgow Science Centre, and the Riverside Museum.

In recent years, the Glasgow Subway Station has undergone a significant renovation and modernization program. This has included the installation of new trains, the refurbishment of existing stations, and the addition of new technology to improve passenger safety and comfort.

For more information visit the SPT website.