Glasgow

✈️

Airports

An overview of Glasgow's main airports and their role as gateways to the city and beyond.

Sections

Comprehensive Guide to Airports in Glasgow, United Kingdom

Glasgow, Scotland's largest city, is served by two main airports: Glasgow Airport (GLA) and Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK). Below is a detailed guide to help you navigate these airports, including transportation options, facilities, costs, procedures, and local tips.

1. Glasgow Airport (GLA)

Overview

  • Location: Approximately 10 miles (16 km) west of Glasgow city center, near Paisley.
  • Primary Use: The main international and domestic airport for Glasgow, handling the majority of flights.
  • Airlines: Hosts major airlines such as British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, Emirates, and KLM, offering flights to destinations across Europe, North America, and the Middle East.

Transportation Options to/from Glasgow Airport

a. Bus

  • Service: The Glasgow Airport Express (Service 500) is the fastest and most convenient bus service.
    • Route: Direct connection between the airport and Glasgow city center (Buchanan Bus Station).
    • Frequency: Every 10-15 minutes during peak hours.
    • Travel Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes.
    • Cost: £8.50 for a single ticket, £14.00 for a return ticket (adult fares).
    • Tickets: Can be purchased online, at the airport, or directly from the driver (contactless payment accepted).

b. Taxi

  • Availability: Taxis are readily available outside the terminal.
  • Travel Time: 15-25 minutes, depending on traffic.
  • Cost: Approximately £25-£35 to the city center.
  • Tip: Confirm the fare with the driver before starting the journey, as some taxis may charge extra for luggage.

c. Ridesharing

  • Services: Uber and other ridesharing apps operate in Glasgow.
  • Cost: Similar to taxis, but prices may vary depending on demand.

d. Train

  • Nearest Station: Paisley Gilmour Street (1 mile from the airport).
  • Connection: Take a short taxi or bus ride (McGill’s Bus 757) to the station, then board a train to Glasgow Central Station.
  • Cost: Around £3.50 for the train ticket.
  • Travel Time: 30-40 minutes (including transfer time).

e. Car Rental

  • Providers: Major car rental companies like Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, and Europcar have desks at the airport.
  • Cost: Prices vary but typically start at £30-£50 per day for a standard car.
  • Tip: Book in advance for better rates and availability.

Facilities at Glasgow Airport

  • Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi available throughout the terminal.
  • Food & Drink: A variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars, including Starbucks, Wetherspoon, and Frankie & Benny’s.
  • Shopping: Duty-free shops, high-street brands, and local Scottish products.
  • Currency Exchange: Travelex counters and ATMs available.
  • Luggage Services: Left luggage and baggage wrapping services are available.
  • Lounges: Aspire Lounge and UpperDeck Lounge (access via membership, pre-booking, or on-the-day payment).
  • Accessibility: Fully accessible with assistance services for passengers with reduced mobility (pre-booking recommended).

Arrival and Departure Procedures

Arrivals

  1. Immigration: For international flights, proceed to passport control. UK/EU citizens can use eGates, while others must queue for manual checks.
  2. Baggage Claim: Follow signs to the baggage carousel for your flight.
  3. Customs: Choose the appropriate lane (Green for nothing to declare, Red for goods to declare).
  4. Transportation: Exit the terminal and follow signs for buses, taxis, or car rentals.

Departures

  1. Check-In: Arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights. Check-in desks are located on the ground floor.
  2. Security: Follow signs to security screening. Liquids must be in containers of 100ml or less and placed in a clear plastic bag.
  3. Boarding: After security, proceed to your gate when announced.

Local Tips for Glasgow Airport

  • Peak Times: The airport can get busy during early mornings and evenings. Arrive early to avoid delays.
  • Weather: Glasgow’s weather can be unpredictable, so check for potential flight delays during winter months.
  • Public Transport: The Glasgow Airport Express is the most reliable and cost-effective option for most travelers.

2. Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK)

Overview

  • Location: Approximately 32 miles (51 km) southwest of Glasgow, near the town of Prestwick.
  • Primary Use: A smaller airport primarily serving low-cost carriers like Ryanair.
  • Special Note: Known for its connection to budget flights, especially to European destinations.

Transportation Options to/from Prestwick Airport

a. Train

  • Service: Prestwick Airport has its own train station with direct services to Glasgow Central Station.
    • Frequency: Every 30 minutes during peak times.
    • Travel Time: Around 50 minutes.
    • Cost: £8.00 for a single ticket, £12.00 for a return ticket.
    • Discount: Passengers receive a 50% discount on train tickets by showing their flight boarding pass.

b. Bus

  • Service: Stagecoach buses connect the airport to Glasgow and nearby towns.
    • Travel Time: Around 1 hour.
    • Cost: Approximately £6-£10, depending on the route.

c. Taxi

  • Availability: Taxis are available outside the terminal.
  • Travel Time: 45-60 minutes to Glasgow city center.
  • Cost: £50-£70, depending on traffic and time of day.

d. Car Rental

  • Providers: Similar to Glasgow Airport, major car rental companies operate here.
  • Cost: Starting at £30-£50 per day.

Facilities at Prestwick Airport

  • Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi available.
  • Food & Drink: Limited options compared to Glasgow Airport, but includes a café and bar.
  • Shopping: Small duty-free shop and convenience store.
  • Currency Exchange: Limited services available.
  • Accessibility: Fully accessible with assistance services (pre-booking recommended).

Arrival and Departure Procedures

Arrivals

  1. Immigration: Similar to Glasgow Airport, with eGates for UK/EU citizens.
  2. Baggage Claim: Follow signs to the baggage area.
  3. Customs: Standard customs procedures apply.
  4. Transportation: Exit the terminal and follow signs for trains, buses, or taxis.

Departures

  1. Check-In: Arrive at least 2 hours before your flight. Check-in desks are located in the main terminal.
  2. Security: Follow standard UK airport security procedures.
  3. Boarding: Gates are within walking distance due to the airport’s smaller size.

Local Tips for Prestwick Airport

  • Budget-Friendly: Ideal for travelers looking for low-cost flights.
  • Train Discount: Take advantage of the 50% train fare discount with your boarding pass.
  • Limited Services: Facilities are more basic compared to Glasgow Airport, so plan accordingly.

Final Tips for Travelers

  • Currency: The local currency is the British Pound (£). ATMs and currency exchange services are available at both airports.
  • Language: English is the primary language, but you may hear Scots or Gaelic in some areas.
  • Weather: Always check the weather forecast, as Glasgow is known for rain and occasional fog, which can impact flights.
  • Contactless Payments: Widely accepted for transportation, shopping, and dining.

By understanding the options and procedures at Glasgow’s airports, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience. Safe travels!