Glasgow Airport (GLA)

The Airport Express Bus (Service 500) is the fastest way to reach Glasgow city centre, running every 10 minutes around the clock. The journey to Buchanan Bus Station takes about 15–20 minutes, with adult fares around £8 single – proper value for money. 

Official black taxis are available outside the arrivals area, with a trip to downtown Glasgow taking around 20 minutes and costing approximately £25–£30. Uber and other ride-share services also operate from designated pick-up areas. 

Car rental companies, including Avis, Hertz, Enterprise and Europcar, have desks at the Car Rental Centre adjacent to the terminal. Talk to your Travel Expert about organising car hire for your trip or book it yourself online before you leave. 

While there’s no direct rail link at the airport, you can catch a short bus or taxi to nearby Paisley Gilmour Street station and hop on a ScotRail train to Glasgow Central in about eight minutes. 

Glasgow Airport offers short-stay, long-stay and premium parking options. Pre-booking online is recommended for the best rates. 

Glasgow Airport has a single terminal building, so there’s no need for inter-terminal shuttles. All gates are accessible on foot once you’re through security – walking from one end to the other takes under 10 minutes. 

A number of airlines fly into and out of Glasgow Airport, including easyJet, Jet2.com, British Airways, Ryanair, Loganair, TUI Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, Emirates, United Airlines, WestJet and more. With around 19 airlines serving 88 destinations across 28 countries, GLA is Scotland’s main international gateway for the west. 

As a general rule, you should aim to arrive at Glasgow Airport at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before European and international departures. During peak summer periods, security queues can be long, so building in extra time is a smart move. Check with the airport, airline or your Travel Expert directly for more information on recommended arrival times. 

There are plenty of transport options available from Glasgow Airport, including the Airport Express Bus (Service 500) to Glasgow city centre, trains via nearby Paisley station, taxis, ride-share services and car rental. The Airport Express is the most popular option, reaching the city centre in about 15–20 minutes. 

Yes, Glasgow Airport has two lounges: the UpperDeck Lounge and the Lomond Lounge. Both are located airside and offer food, drinks, Wi-Fi and comfortable seating. Access can be pre-booked online, purchased at the door or through lounge membership programmes. Check with the lounge directly or talk to your Travel Expert for more information. 

While there are no hotels within the terminal itself, both the UpperDeck and Lomond lounges provide comfortable rest areas during operating hours. There are also several hotels located very close to the airport, including options within walking distance or a short shuttle ride. 

You may be able to earn loyalty points or rewards on eligible flights to or from Glasgow Airport booked with us. When booking online, you’ll see a place to add your loyalty program or frequent flyer membership details if this is available, or you can ask your Travel Expert for help when booking in-store. If the booking meets your program’s requirements, you’ll earn points! For more information, check with your specific loyalty program and see our Booking Terms and Conditions. Keen for even more travel perks? Subscribe to our email list for birthday surprises, competition entries, exclusive deals and VIP pre-sale access to the hottest holiday savings around. 

Check-in times and baggage rules for flights departing from Glasgow Airport will vary depending on your ticket, so make sure you confirm with your airline in advance. Remember, it’s often possible to check in online or via your airline’s app, which can help save time at the airport. For more information or help finding your check-in times and baggage limits, talk to your Travel Expert. 

Glasgow Airport has a single terminal building, so you won’t need to worry about choosing the right one. All airlines operate from the same terminal, and all gates are accessible on foot once you’re through security. 

Yes, Glasgow Airport offers short-stay, long-stay and premium parking. Rates vary by option – check the airport’s website for the latest pricing and to pre-book online for the best deals. 

Glasgow Airport offers baby changing facilities in all restroom areas and private lactation rooms across the terminal. A multi-faith prayer room is also available 24/7. Special assistance for passengers with reduced mobility can be pre-booked through your airline. 

Keen to do a bit of shopping at Glasgow Airport? You’ll find a range of shops, restaurants and bars in the departures area, including duty-free stores, Scottish whisky specialists and local brands. Check the airport’s website for an up-to-date directory of stores and dining options. 

While last-minute sale fares to and from Glasgow Airport may become available, you’ll generally find it pays to plan ahead, especially if you’re booking international flights. As a rough guide, we recommend booking domestic flights three to six months in advance and international flights six to nine months before you plan to fly. When it comes to balancing flexible travel dates with the biggest savings, this should give you the best of both worlds!