Public transport is one of the easiest ways to move around Glasgow. The city has a diverse transit system that covers every area of the city you would want to visit.
Immediately after leaving Glasgow Airport you will be introduced to the public transport system, after all it is the easiest way to travel to the city.
Glasgow is home to multiple different transport modes including buses, trains and a Subway. I will outline each form in this post and provide you with the relevant links and information you need to know.
This post will outline the following main points;
Feel free to read the entire post, or just the sections you feel are relevant. Make sure you save this post to your favourites so you can easily access it when you arrive.
Airport Express Bus Service
The easiest form of public transport from the airport to the city is the dedicated Airport Express bus. Operated by First Glasgow these buses take 15 minites to reach the city, and provide easy integration to First Glasgow’s extensive network.
Buses depart every 30 minutes from outside the airport terminal. Tickets can be purchased from the dedicated counter at the bus stop, or from the driver.
The bus makes multiple different stops in the city, and to help you understand the network more I have included a route map from the First Glasgow Website that shows the routes taken.
Ticket Costs
- A one way (single) ticket will cost £8.50 for an adult.
- A First Day (allows travel on all buses all day) will be £13 for an adult
- A open return (allows a return to the airport whenever) will be £14 for an adult
- A family single will be £19
- A family return will be £29
It may look overwhelming, but the bus driver or staff at the airport will be more than happy to help you find the best value ticket. If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask.
Returning to Glasgow Airport
All buses begin their journey at Buchanan Bus Station in the city. This is the best place to catch the bus as you are guaranteed a seat and will have the best luggage storage options.
Buses for the airport depart from Stance 46, which is clearly marked with the purple branding for the service. Please see the map included earlier in this section for other stops made by the bus on its way to the airport.
More information can be found on the First Glasgow Website.
Glasgow’s Bus Network
Glasgow is home to an extensive network of buses that you can use to access many of the tourist attractions in the Glasgow area.
The main operator you will come across is First Glasgow, who operate services across the city. As a result of this, they offer multiple different ticket types, meaning there will be one that is the best value for your situation.
I have provided a link to the “Visitors Guide to Glasgow by bus” leaflet produced by First Glasgow, it can be accessed here.
Understanding each Bus Ticket
The three main ticket types that will interest you are a day ticket, weekend ticket or a week ticket, more information is available below.
A Day ticket will cost £4.60 and allows unlimited travel on the First Glasgow Network.
A Weekend ticket allows you to choose between purchasing 5 journeys or 10 journeys. The 5 journey option is £11, and the 10 journey option is £21.
A Week ticket will cost £17 and allows you to travel the First Glasgow network as many times as you like within 7 days.
Where to Buy Tickets
My advice is to purchase your ticket on the First Bus App available on iOS and Android.
This allows you to keep your ticket on your phone and safe during your stay. Single tickets can be purchased on the bus by using contactless payments or cash, however, no change will be given.
Glasgow Subway
The Glasgow Subway is almost a tourist sight in its own right. Opened in 1896 the Subway is the 3rd oldest in the world (after London and Budapest). Comprising of 15 Stations the network is an ideal way to explore the west end of the city.
Due to its narrow track guage of 4ft, the trains are considerably smaller than other metro systems. The Subway is a circular loop comprising of two lines – Inner & Outer.
Ticket Types and Prices
There are two ways you can store a ticket for the Subway, on a paper ticket or with a smartcard.
Smartcards cost £3 and can be purchased from any ticket office or machine. I would strongly recommend puchasing one, as ticket prices are cheaper and more ticket options are available.
Smartcards need to be topped up with credit. For a 7 day stay in Glasgow I would recommend £25 on your card. This should be enough to cover using the system every day.
| Ticket Type | Paper (£) | Smartcard (£) |
| Single | 1.75 | 1.55 |
| Return | 3.30 | Not Available |
| All Day Ticket | 4.20 | 3.00 |
| 7 Day Ticket | Not Available | 14.00 |
All stations have a ticket office that will have at least one member of staff working in them. Should you have any questions about tickets, or what station you need please do not hesitate to ask.
ScotRail Services
ScotRail offer a number of services that run through Glasgow City Centre. If I am honest, there are very few stations you will likely need to visit by ScotRail whilst in the City.
The most common route you will need to focus on is Glasgow Central Low Level to Exhibition Centre (here you will find the Hydro and SEC.)
Services to Exhibiton Centre depart from Platform 17 and depart on average every 10 minutes. It is the second station after leaving Glasgow Central.
Tickets and Pricing
You can buy your ticket on the ScotRail app, from the ticket offices, or from a ticket machine. The ticket office in my opinion is the best for tourists as they will be able to direct you to the right place.
| Ticket Type | Price (£) |
| Single | 2.10 |
| Return | 1.80 |
You might be reading that twice, a return ticket is cheaper than the single ticket, so even if you are only doing the journey in one direction buy the return ticket.
Some Advice for People Travelling
Where possible buying your ticket before boarding is the best option. This means you are able to access the lowest fares and do not need to worry about buying at the station.
For trains in particular avoid travelling between 7am and 9am and 1630 and 1800 Monday to Friday. These trains are “Peak Services” and will cost more to travel on.
Glasgow has a safe public transport network, however, the British Transport Police can be contacted by Texting the number 61016 and giving details of your situation.
All transport operators have a Twitter account and they can be easily contacted online.
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George Nugent Travels 
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