How to Get from Glasgow Airport to City Center

Located in the Lowlands of Scotland, there are three ways to travel from Glasgow Airport into its famous city center, by taxi, private transfer, or bus. A Glasgow Airport taxi or private Glasgow Airport transfer both take around 20 minutes to reach the city center of Glasgow, in normal traffic conditions, providing a direct and door-to-door service. If you don’t want to wait around in line, however, then a private transfer is your best option.

A cheaper option if you’re traveling on your own or in a small group is the public Glasgow Airport Express Service 500 bus. The bus makes several convenient stops on the way into town, including the train and bus station, taking between 25 and 35 minutes in total, not including wait times.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Glasgow at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€41.60	20min	24/7
Bus	€25	25min	05:00–00:00
Welcome Airport Transfer	€40	20min	24/7

How to get from Glasgow Airport to the city center by taxi

Taking a taxi from Glasgow Airport to the city center is the fastest and easiest way to travel. You can reach your hotel door in just 20 minutes, with taxis available 24/7 directly from the airport. Official Glasgow Airport taxis are white and can seat up to 4 passengers. While no booking is required, it’s important to note that there are only 180 registered vehicles allowed to provide this service so if a few flights arrive at once, wait times can increase to more than 30 minutes.

How much does a taxi cost from Glasgow Airport to the city center?

Glasgow taxis don’t offer a set price for rides from the airport. Instead, the taxi fare from Glasgow Airport to the city center will be calculated based on several factors, including the time of day, the number of passengers, the journey time and the vehicle type. On average, you can expect the cost of this journey to be £30 (€35.60).

*An airport surcharge of £5 (€6) will also be added to the final cost of your taxi from Glasgow Airport to the city center bringing the average cost up to £35 (€41.60).

Cost

€41.60 (£35)

Trip Duration

20 Min.

*Prices may vary unless booked in a advance.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Glasgow Airport.

Where do I get a taxi from?

The taxi rank can easily be found right outside the Terminal exit doors. Look for the long line of cars and walk to the front of the line.

Convenience

If you’re landing late at night or during bad weather, you don’t want to wait in the cold for public transport to arrive or have to battle to secure a seat. Instead, you can enjoy a fast and seamless taxi ride with the convenience of being dropped right at the doorstep of your hotel. This option is marked down a bit for convenience because you’ll have to wait for an available taxi, unlike a private transfer which affords you with zero wait time upon landing.

Editor’s Note

If you're traveling in a group of 3 or more people, taking a taxi and splitting the cost will be around the same price as taking public transport, but it's much more convenient.

Useful Tips

A standard Glasgow Airport taxi can take up to 4 passengers with a standard suitcase each.

If you didn't agree on a price upfront, make sure your driver resets the taximeter to 0000 before you begin your journey.

Tipping your taxi driver in Glasgow isn't expected, but if the service was excellent, you can round up your bill.

How to get from Glasgow Airport to the city center by bus

The Glasgow Airport Express Service 500 is a modern and comfortable bus service that runs from Glasgow Airport to the city approximately every 15 minutes. It’s a great option for those traveling on a budget, plus the journey takes just 25 minutes with stops at Bothwell Street near Central Station, George Square and Buchanan Bus Station.

How much is the bus from Glasgow Airport to the city center?

The cost of a one-way ticket on the Glasgow Airport Express service 500 is £10.50 (€12.50) for adults and £6 (€7.10) for children up to the age of 15. You can purchase your tickets from the driver on the bus using a card or cash, online in advance or from the First Bus app.

Photos (1)

Glasgow Airport Express Service 500

Cost

€12.50 (£10.50)

Trip Duration

25 Min.

From 06:30 until midnight the bus runs every 10 to 15 minutes. From midnight until 04:00, buses run hourly, and then every 30 minutes until 06:30.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The Glasgow Airport Express Service 500 operates 24/7.

Where do I get the bus from?

The Glasgow Airport Express Service 500 from Glasgow Airport to the city center leaves from Stand 1 just outside of the Arrivals Hall exit doors. Look for a large, purple double-decker bus.

Convenience

The Glasgow Airport Express Service 500 is quite a luxury bus service compared to other cities. They offer spacious seats, free WiFi, flight alerts and quick transfer times. However, they do make a few stops in the city center of Glasgow and you will need to take alternate transportation from the bus stop to your hotel once in the city.

Timetables

Bus Timetable

Glasgow Airport to Buchanan Bus Station

Editor’s Note

While the bus is a good budget option for solo travelers, if you're traveling as a group it may work out just as cheap to take a taxi and travel directly to your hotel.

Useful Tips

Buses are comfortable and provide free WiFi and USB charging points on board.

Up to two children under the age of five can travel for free.

Be sure to arrive 10 minutes before the bus leaves to get a seat.

There's ample luggage storage on the bus.

The bus doesn't operate on Christmas or New Year's Day.

How to get from Glasgow Airport to the city center by private transfer

If you don’t want to be waiting around in the cold Scottish weather, a private Glasgow Airport transfer offers the most convenient and reliable transport option to get from Glasgow Airport to your hotel in the city. The trip will take just 20 minutes in light traffic and offers a number of added benefits such as a guaranteed fixed fare price, a local English-speaking driver and a meet-and-greet at the airport.

Furthermore, when you book your private transfer with Welcome Pickups, you’ll receive a fully personalised trip including a mini tour of Glasgow on the way to your accommodation.

How much is a private transfer from Glasgow Airport to the city center?

Unlike a taxi, when you book a private transfer you’ll receive a fixed fare price without the hidden extras. That means the price won’t increase if you get stuck in traffic and there won’t be any surcharges added on top.

The price for a private transfer from Glasgow Airport to the city center is just £33.70 (€40) for a 4-passenger vehicle, or you can book a spacious minivan for £41.30 (49) which can seat up to 8 passengers, with plenty of room for luggage and stretching out.

Booking is quick and easy. Simply enter your personal information and flight details either online or through the Welcome Pickups app, and then select the time and date you’d like to be collected.

Cost

€40

Trip Duration

20 Min.

To have a private vehicle waiting on arrival, you will need to book in advance.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Private transfers are available 24/7 from Glasgow Airport.

Where will my private transfer depart from?

Your driver will be waiting for you in the Arrivals Hall on arrival so you won’t need to go searching for them or stand in line for a taxi or bus. So you won’t miss them, you’ll be sent their details the day before, including a photo, plus your driver will be holding a sign with your name. Following a friendly introduction, your driver will lend a hand with your bags and take you to your pre-selected private vehicle so you can be on your way.

Convenience

Private transfers are a great way to travel since they’re fully customisable and can be tailored to suit your needs and wants. Considering they’re cheaper than a taxi – and the bus if you’re traveling in a larger group – and provide complete flexibility, the choice is easy.

Editor’s Note

Flight monitoring is part of the service with Welcome Pickups so if your flight is delayed, or even early, your driver will be notified so that they can adjust your pick-up time.

Useful Tips

Your driver will be happy to answer any questions and offer up some advice on how to get the most out of your Glaswegian holiday.

Payment will be made with a credit or debit card at the time of booking to ensure a seamless transfer on arrival.

You can customize your ride at the time of booking; baby seats, wheelchair-accessible vehicles, minivans plus travel assistance can all be requested.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Glasgow. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

DAYTIME

€40.0

NIGHTTIME

€48.0

Same price as a regular taxi from the line

PRICES FOR

Sedan Car

4 pax, 4 pieces of luggage

Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Frequently asked questions

How much does a taxi cost from Glasgow Airport to the city center?

Taxi services in Glasgow don’t offer an official set-rate fare; you’ll be charged depending on the time of day, number of travelers and the time it takes to reach your destination. For a taxi from Glasgow Airport to the city center the price is typically around £35 (€41.60), including the airport surcharge fee of £5 (€6).

If you’d prefer peace of mind and a set-rate fare you can count on, we suggest booking your personalized Glasgow Airport taxi in advance with Welcome Pickups.

How do I get from Glasgow Airport to the city?

There are three ways to get from Glasgow Airport to the city center: taxi, private transfer or bus. Taking a Glasgow Airport taxi or private transfer takes 20 minutes to reach the door of your hotel, whereas the public Glasgow Airport Express Service 500 takes 25 minutes – excluding wait times – but costs just £10.50 (€12.50).

How far is Glasgow Airport to the city center?

The distance between Glasgow Airport and Glasgow city center is 14.5 km. A taxi from Glasgow Airport to the city center should take around 20 minutes to reach the city and the Glasgow Airport Express service 500 bus takes around 25 minutes, depending on traffic.

Is there a train from Glasgow Airport to the city?

Unfortunately, it’s not possible to travel directly from Glasgow Airport to the city center by train. However, the Glasgow Express Bus connects passengers with train stations in town, or you can catch the McGill’s 757 bus service or take a taxi to nearby Paisley Gilmour Street Station.

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How to get from Glasgow Airport to the city center by taxi

How much does a taxi cost from Glasgow Airport to the city center?

Cost

€41.60 (£35)

Trip Duration

20 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Glasgow Airport.

Where do I get a taxi from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Glasgow Airport to the city center by bus

How much is the bus from Glasgow Airport to the city center?

Photos (1)

Cost

€12.50 (£10.50)

Trip Duration

25 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The Glasgow Airport Express Service 500 operates 24/7.

Where do I get the bus from?

Convenience

Timetables

Bus Timetable

Glasgow Airport to Buchanan Bus Station

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Glasgow Airport to the city center by private transfer

How much is a private transfer from Glasgow Airport to the city center?

Cost

€40

Trip Duration

20 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Private transfers are available 24/7 from Glasgow Airport.

Where will my private transfer depart from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Welcome Pickups transfer

Best drivers

Flight monitoring

Quality support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Prices

DAYTIME

NIGHTTIME

Sedan Car

Frequently asked questions

How much does a taxi cost from Glasgow Airport to the city center?

How do I get from Glasgow Airport to the city?

How far is Glasgow Airport to the city center?

Is there a train from Glasgow Airport to the city?

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The best way to arrive in Glasgow

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