Best Time to Visit

The warmer spring and summer months from March to August are the best time to visit Glasgow, when nice temperatures and long daylight hours treat you to pleasant city walks and plenty of other outdoor activities. And with festivals filling the city's entire calendar from Piping Live! in the summer to Burns Night in the winter, the colder months are no less interesting — and have the added bonus of smaller crowds.

Passport/Visa

Starting from January 8, 2025, the United Kingdom has introduced an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement for visa-exempt travellers. Initially, this applies to citizens from countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and others. From April 2, 2025, this requirement will extend to European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) citizens, including those from Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The ETA permits short-term visits of up to six months for tourism. Travellers must apply for the ETA online or via a mobile app before their trip. The process involves providing personal details, passport information, and answering a series of questions. The ETA costs £10 and is valid for two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Most applications are processed within three working days, but it's advisable to apply well in advance of travel. However, travellers planning to work or study in the UK for more than six months will need to obtain the appropriate visa. It is essential to consult the UK Government's official website to understand the specific requirements and ensure a smooth journey. Please note that the ETA does not guarantee entry into the UK. Border officials retain the authority to grant or deny admission upon arrival.

• Web:

  www.gov.uk/uk-border-control

Glasgow International Airport (GLA)

Glasgow's main airport, located a mere 15 km from the city, has great connections to the city by bus and by train. Glasgow Airport Express is the airport's official bus service, with multiple buses departing every 10 minutes from the airport (Stance 1), most passing through Buchanan Street Bus Station along the way. Tickets can be purchased directly on board, pre-bought online or using the "First Bus mTickets" app. The closest train station to the airport is Paisley Gilmour Street, a mile away from the terminal building. McGill's 757 bus service operates that stretch and tickets can be purchased at any Scottish train station or online, via the ScotRail website.

• Web:

  www.glasgowairport.com

• Address:

  Paisley, Renfrewshire, United Kingdom

• Phone:

  +44 344 481 5555

Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK)

Glasgow's second busiest airport is located in the town of Prestwick, approximately a 40-minute drive away from the city centre. The Stagecoach Western X77 Express Service runs to and from Glasgow Buchanan Street Station directly. There is also a late night and early morning service (X99). Prestwick Airport also has its own railway station. Taxi service, provided by Streamline Taxis, is also available just outside the terminal building and can be pre-booked.

• Web:

  www.glasgowprestwick.com

• Address:

  Aviation House, Prestwick, United Kingdom

• Phone:

  +44 1292 511000

Public Transport

Public transport services in Glasgow are provided by SPT and consist of a circular underground line with 15 stations and a range of train and bus routes. There are several ticket options including day passes for both the city and the surrounding areas. Subway tickets can be purchased at any underground station: a single ticket is at a fixed price and takes you to any station of the network. Bus tickets are available to purchase from the driver on board (have the exact change ready). Smartcards are a great way to save time and money and are a convenient solution for both commuters and visitors.

• Web:

  www.spt.co.uk

• E-mail:

  enquiry@spt.co.uk

• Address:

  131 St Vincent Street, Glasgow

• Phone:

  +44 141 332 6811

Taxi

The classic London cabs are available all over the city, and can be hailed in the street or ordered by phone. Glasgow Taxi Ltd is a well-established and the largest service provider in the area.

• Web:

  www.glasgowtaxis.co.uk

• Phone:

  +44 141 429 7070