Glasgow Airport Bus
IATA code: GLA
ICAO code: EGPF
Passengers: ~ 8 million passengers
Glasgow Airport, formerly known as Abbotsinch Airport, is an international airport in Scotland that serves the area of Glasgow. It is located 11km from Glasgow city centre.
After Edinburgh Airport, it’s the country’s second and UK’s ninth busiest airport in terms of passenger traffic. In 2019 the airport handled over 8 million passengers.
If you have a flight to Glasgow, make sure to prepare with our comprehensive guide to Glasgow Airport.
Table of Contents
How to get from Glasgow Airport to Glasgow
If you’re wondering how to get to Glasgow’s centre, below you’ll find info on various transportation options.
Airport Shuttle
Glasgow Airport Express (First Bus 500) is an official bus service that connects the airport and the city centre in only 15 minutes. It departs from Stance 1 at the airport.
- The bus runs every 10 minutes, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (except on Christmas day).
- The stops from the Glasgow Airport are: Bothwell Street, Hope Street, George Square, North Hanover Station, Buchanan Bus Station
- The stops from Buchanan Bus Station are: North Hanover Street, George Square, St Vincent Place, St Vincent Street, Waterloo Street, Glasgow Airport
- One way ticket costs £8.50 (open return £14).
- Tickets can be bought onboard or online.
Local Bus
Most buses connect the airport with the main Buchanan Street Bus Station in the city centre where bus services from all over the country arrive. The stop is right outside the main terminal building.
- First 77 Hospital Connect – Glasgow City Centre (via Renfrew, Braehead shopping centre, South Glasgow University Hospital and Partick) from Stance 6
- McGill’s 757 – Paisley Gilmour Street Train Station from Stance 7
- Citylink 914, 915, 917 – Skye (via Loch Lomond and Fort William) from Stance 9
- Stagecoach X24 – Cumbernauld and Fife
- Citylink 977 – Oban
Train
If you choose the train, the nearest station to Glasgow Airport is Paisley Gilmour Street, just 1.5 km from the terminal and connected by the McGill’s 757 bus service.
Tickets to Glasgow Airport can be purchased at any train station in Scotland or via the ScotRail website.
Taxi service
If you want to avoid the hassle of public transport, consider taking a taxi. There is a taxi rank just outside the Arrivals hall. One way ride costs approximately 18-25€, depending on the taxi company.
Transfer
Another way to travel from Glasgow Airport is with a private, door-to-door transfer directly to your accommodation in the city.
You can pre-book a transfer for a hassle-free experience, professional driver will wait for you at the airport and take you to your destination.
Glasgow airport rent-a-car
For those of you who would like to reach the city and explore the area on your own, the best option is to rent a car directly at the airport.
There are several car rental companies there: Avis, Europcar, Enterprise, National, Alamo, Hertz, Budget and Dollar. All the information desks are located in the Arrivals hall at the airport.
Compare their prices and offers and save time by booking online.
Renting a bus
If you’re coming in a larger group of people, consider renting a bus for your journey. Keep in mind to book it in advance, so that the transfer company has enough time to inform you of the meeting point and all other relevant information.
From GLA to Fife: The Stagecoach Express JET Connect travels directly to Fife from stance 9 (stops at Cumbernauld, Kincardine, Dunfermline, Halbeath P&R, Glenrothes, Cupar and St Andrews).
A return ticket costs around £20.
Airlines at the airport
The airport handles international and domestic flights by 18 airlines.
Some of the busiest routes are to London, Dublin, Amsterdam and even Dubai.
Here’s a list of carriers that handle seasonal flights to or from the airport:
- BH Air
- Corendon Airlines
- Icelandair
- Transavia
- WestJet
Services and Facilities
If you’re waiting for your flight or you’re on a layover, maybe some of these services and facilities available at GLA airport will help you:
| FACILITIES AND SERVICES | LOCATION |
| Baby Changing Rooms | Check-In Hall, Terminal 2 etc. |
| Kid’s Zone | west pier, after Gate 27 |
| Luggage Storage | main Check-In hall |
| Free WiFi | |
| Prayer Room | 1st floor, Departures |
Accommodation near Glasgow Airport
Below you can check the accommodation options in the close vicinity of the airport:
Glasgow Airport FAQs
No, the city is only a 15min drive away from the airport and the transport system functions very well. You can take the shuttle or some local bus or train since they run 24/7. Taxi and transfer are at your disposal as well.
Of course, the airport is only 11km away from the city centre and has an efficient public transport system, working 24/7.
You can reach the central Glasgow in 15 minutes and you don’t have to worry about making it to your next flight, since there is always some shuttle, bus or train to catch.
Also, you can leave your luggage at the airport. Luggage point is located in the main terminal building hall right by the British Airways check-in desks, the price list is following:
0-3 hours: £8.50 per item
1 day: £12.50 per item
Each additional day: £10.00 per item
Week: £50.00 per item
Unfortunately, there are no Currency Exchange Offices or ATMs at Glasgow Airport. Make sure you organise your currency before your arrival at the airport.
Scotland’s official currency is the pound sterling.
All passengers at the airport can get 1 hour of free high-speed wireless internet access. One can get 4 free hours if signed up. But additional hours have to be paid – e.g. 4 pounds for 24-hour access to WiFi.
From the airport, you can go directly to the historic site of Fife, with Stagecoach Express JET Connect.
For more connections, you have to reach the Glasgow Central Station and check on your options there.
I will arrive to Glasgow airport at 9:30 pm and I want go to Fort William, is there bus at this time from the airport to Fort William? I see the 915 but I don’t see the timetable of it.
Many thanks
Dear Hala,
The bus 915 departs only twice a day – at 10am and at 3pm, so You will have to wait the following day to visit Fort William.
Best regards!
Melani, GBB Team
Is the airport bus currently running with the current virus restrictions. We are due to arrive tomorrow evening
Dear Maureen,
You should either contact the airline company you’re flying with or the airport contact number for more information.
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
Can I use my scottish bus pass on the airport bus service?
Dear Thomas,
I’m not quite sure about that, You will need to check that directly with the bus service.
Best regards!
Melani, GBB Team
Yes
Hi can l get a bus from Glasgow central. Train station to Glasgow main airport pl ?
Dear Joan,
yes, Airport Express (500) takes you from the airport to Glasgow main railway station.
Best,
GBB Team
I need to get to Glasgow Airport for a 4.30am check in. I’m staying in a hotel in Sauchihall st. Can I get a bus at that time. Thanks
Dear Ian,
Airport bus shuttle runs 24/7 so there’s no fear of missing Your flight. The closest bus stop is in Pitt Street.
Best regards!
Melani, GBB Team
I have a BritRail pass and will be traveling from Glasgow airport to London. Will the pass cover the 757bus portion of the trip?
Dear John,
Unfortunately, we do not have that kind of information but I think that BritRail pass covers only train tickets.
Best regards!
Melani, GBB Team
Hi Melanie, I am flying into Glasgow 7.50pm and staying in Renfrew Street…is there a bus that goes by Hampton Court Guesthouse or must I go to Buchanan Station and taxi from there Thank you for your time
Dear Joy,
There’s only one bus from the airport and it is 500 Airport Express, You can check the route map here but You will probably need to exit at Buchanan Station.
Best regards!
Melani, GBB Team
I need to be at Glasgow airport at 8am on Sunday, Im staying at Outside Cessnock tube guest house, how can I get there in time, which would be the best stop to take the bus?
Dear Silvia,
You first need to reach Buchanan Station by subway and then take 500 Express shuttle to Glasgow Airport. First subway train leaves at 6:30am from Govan St. (you should get on train at Cessnock subway stop) and around 6:50 it should arrive at Buchanan. There’s a shuttle bus departing at 7:00 from Buchanan to the airport and each following departure is every 10 minutes.
Best regards!
Melani, GBB Team
I arrive at GLA Airport and am headed to Z Motel at 36 North Frederick Street. I am confused about what but to take. Is there more than one type bus called 500?
How do you pay the driver and do you know the cost?
Can you inform me on a return when I need to return to the airport fro Z Motel?
I am not an experienced bus rider and any info is appreciated.
Dear Bettina,
I suggest taking 500 Airport Express bus and exit at Dundas Street bus stop and from there you have additional 3-minute walk. More info about bus tickets and how to buy them here.
Best regards!
Melani, GBB Team
Melani, I sent you an earlier request but now have my facts straight.
I will take the bus from GLA airport to 36 North Frederick. What stop will be best for me?
On return I will need to take the bus from 320 Argyle Street to GLA Airport. What but stop do I need to take? In both cases I assume I need the Airport shuttle bus? Credit card is ok for paying?
Dear Bettina,
On return I advise getting on the bus at bus stop in North Hannover Street, also 500 Airport Express bus. You can pay contactless on board.
Best regards!
Melani, GBB Team
I’m leaving from Eurocentral to Glasgow Airport
Any buses from here?
Dear Mao,
I’m afraid the best option would be to take 500 Express bus since there are no buses from Eurocentral to Glasgow Airport.
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
hello
I wonder if their is a bus from Buchanan Street bus station to glasgow airport 7pm on a Saturday 9 March
Dear Linda,
Airport bus 500 Express runs regularly every day, on Saturday the first bus departs at 04:30. Then it departs every half hour until 06:30. After that it’s every 15 minutes.
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
we are flying into Glasgow Saturday Sept 21 and staying at the Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow. 2 questions: 1. how close does the First 500 Bus get us to our location? and 2. we each have a “carry on” small piece of luggage and a 26″ larger piece. Are these pieces of luggage allowed on the bus, even if the bus is crowded? thanks
Dear Genevieve,
You should get off at bus stop Waterloo Lane. It’s the closest to your accommodation. Regarding the luggage, the airport bus has a compartment for luggage inside the bus so I think your luggage should fit.
Best regards
Melani GBB Team
I’m trying to get contact details for the airport shuttle 500 bus that runs from Buchanan Street. I need to get a refund as our trip is cancelled
Dear Linda,
Glasgow Airport Express service 500 is operated by First Glasgow company, we suggest that you visit their website where you can find their contact info.
Best regards,
Antonia, GBB Team
Hi,
I am staying at the Travelodge Glasgow Central this Friday could you advise which stop I would have to get off that would be closest to the hotel?
Thanks in advance.
Dee
Dear Dee,
The nearest stations to Travelodge Glasgow Central are Cambridge Street, Rose Street and Cowcaddens Spt Subway Station.
Best regards,
Gabriela GBB Team
Arriving at Glasgow airport on 26th December 2019, departing 1st January 2020. Will the Shuttle bus ro rhe city centre be running on these days?
Dear Mari,
Glasgow Airport Express service 500 is operating every day of the year except on Christmas day, so arriving to the city center shouldn’t be a problem any other day.
Best regards,
Maja, GBB Team
I want to book a bus from Buchanan bus station to Glasgow airport but the bus shows bus station as a stop rather it shows city. Please help me book a bus ticket for Buchanan bus station to Glasgow airport on 19th of November between 10 AM – 11AM.
Thanks
Dear Abhishek,
You can find the link for online ticket purchase in the blog post.
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
We are in Glasgow for a long weekend – is there a bus that goes from Buchanan Bus deport to Edinburgh? If so how long does it take and approx cost?
Dear Terry,
Yes, the buses to Edinburgh depart from Buchanan Station, and you can check departures and book your ticket on the following link: Glasgow to Edinburgh
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
Does a bus go to Pacific Quay from Buchanan Bus Station?
Dear Terry,
The exact route of the airport bus from Buchanan Bus Station can be seen here.
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
I use a mobility scooter ,are the airport to city center bus services accessible ?
Dear Paudi,
Information on mobility scooters in airport buses can be found on the official website of the bus carrier.
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
Hello,
Is the £12 return ticket an open ticket. ie we will be in Glasgow for 5 days.
If not what is the price for an open ticket.
Regards,
Alex
Dear Alexander,
Yes, return ticket is open, however, the price went up and now it costs £14.
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
Hi, does Glasgow airport have a park and ride like they do in Edinburgh?
Dear Jim,
yes, Glasgow Airport offers various parking options which you can check and directly book on their official website.
Best regards,
Maja GBB Team
I need to know if I can catch the bus from Glasgow airport to my hotel the Holiday INN express center riverside. If so what is the best way thanks
Dear George,
the best way to get to your hotel is to take a shuttle bus (500 Airport Express) from the airport to the city. From there, you have a few options, the easiest would be:
– exit shuttle bus at Waterloo Lane then take a train from Glasgow Central station to Argyle Street or
– exit shuttle bus at Dundas Street then take a subway from Buchanan Street to St. Enoch
In both cases, you are left with a few minutes walking to your accommodation.
If you choose to travel by local buses, most of them make a stop at Buchanan Street.
Best regards,
Maja, GBB Team
If I arrive at Glasgow airport and want to go to Cumbernauld by bus. How do I do this?
Do I get a shuttle from airport to Glasgow Central then get a Buchanan bus? I’ve not been in Scotland in years.Does the bus go directly to Cumbernauld? Will the driver let me know when I have reached my destination?
Hi Jacqueline,
yes, first you need to take a shuttle (500 Airport Express) to Glasgow city center, then you can switch to a bus to Cumbernauld. You can book your tickets directly on the link.
Best,
GBB Team