Getting to the Airport
Everything you need to know about reaching Glasgow International Airport — by bus, train, taxi, or car.
Glasgow Airport Express — Service 500
The fastest & most popular option
Service 500 is Glasgow Airport's official 24-hour bus service, operated by First Glasgow. Running on a full fleet of electric buses, it connects the airport to Glasgow city centre in as little as 15 minutes — the quickest and most affordable way to travel.
⚠️ George Square North is closed Jan–March 2026 due to roadworks. Use Bath Street (opposite Sainsbury's) or St Vincent Street (opposite Lloyds) as alternative stops towards the airport.
From Glasgow Airport
Board at Stance 1, directly outside the terminal building. Buses depart every 10 minutes, 24 hours a day.
From Glasgow City Centre
Board at Buchanan Bus Station, Stance 46. Stops include Bath Street, St Vincent Street, Waterloo Street, and Buchanan Bus Station.
City Centre Stops (to Airport)
Buchanan Bus Station → North Hanover Street → St Vincent Place → St Vincent Street → Waterloo Street → Glasgow Airport
City Centre Stops (from Airport)
Glasgow Airport → Bothwell Street → Bothwell Street at Hope Street (near Central Station) → Queen Street Station → North Hanover Street → Buchanan Bus Station
Fares & Tickets
One journey on Service 500 + one connecting First Glasgow journey
Two journeys on Service 500 + two connecting First Glasgow journeys. Valid 28 days.
Unlimited travel on Service 500 + unlimited connecting First Glasgow travel all day
Key Features
- 24-hour service
- Electric buses
- Free WiFi on board
- USB & wireless charging
- Luggage space
- Scottish Concession passes accepted
Train to Paisley Gilmour Street
Connect via ScotRail from Glasgow Central
There is no direct rail link to Glasgow Airport, but the nearest station — Paisley Gilmour Street — is just over one mile away. From Glasgow Central, ScotRail trains run frequently to Paisley Gilmour Street, from where you can take the McGill's 757 bus to the terminal.
Step 1: Take the Train
From Glasgow Central station, take a ScotRail service towards Paisley Canal or Ayr/Largs. Trains run every 10–15 minutes during the day. Journey time to Paisley Gilmour Street is approximately 12 minutes.
Step 2: Take the Bus
From Paisley Gilmour Street station, take the McGill's 757 bus service directly to Glasgow Airport terminal. The bus journey takes approximately 10 minutes.
Alternative: Service 500
The First Glasgow Airport Express Service 500 also stops near Queen Street and Glasgow Central stations, making it a convenient direct alternative to the train + bus combination.
Buying Train Tickets
Purchase tickets at Glasgow Central station, via the ScotRail app, or on the National Rail website. Advance tickets offer the best value. Railcards are accepted.
Fares & Tickets
ScotRail single fare. Advance booking recommended for best price.
Single bus fare from Paisley Gilmour Street to the airport terminal.
Key Features
- Frequent departures from Glasgow Central
- 12-minute train journey
- Connecting McGill's 757 bus
- Railcards accepted
- Advance tickets available online
Official Airport Taxi Rank
Door-to-door, no pre-booking needed
Glasgow Airport operates a fleet of 180 official white taxis available directly outside the terminal building. No pre-booking is required — simply walk out of arrivals and join the taxi rank. Fares are metered and regulated by Renfrewshire Council.
Taxi Rank Location
The official taxi rank is located directly outside the terminal building, just past the arrivals exit. Look for the white taxis — they are easily recognisable and regulated by the airport.
Fares to Glasgow City Centre
Fares are metered and typically range from £28–£38 for a journey to Glasgow city centre, depending on traffic and time of day. The meter starts when you board.
Fares to Nearby Destinations
Paisley town centre: approximately £10–£14. Glasgow West End: approximately £30–£40. Edinburgh: approximately £80–£100 (pre-book recommended for long distances).
Business Accounts
Frequent business travellers can set up a taxi business account with the airport for fixed-rate journeys. Contact [email protected] for details.
Fares & Tickets
Metered fare. Approximately 20–30 minutes depending on traffic.
Approximately 6–10 minutes.
Approximately 25–35 minutes.
Key Features
- No pre-booking required
- Fleet of 180 white taxis
- Metered, regulated fares
- Available 24 hours
- Business accounts available
- Accessible vehicles available
Driving & Drop-Off
Direct access via the M8 motorway
Glasgow Airport is directly accessible from the M8 motorway, making it one of the most convenient airports in Scotland to drive to. The airport is approximately 8 miles west of Glasgow city centre — a journey of around 20–30 minutes in normal traffic.
From Glasgow City Centre
Take the M8 westbound towards Greenock/Paisley. Exit at Junction 28 (Glasgow Airport). Follow signs for the terminal. Journey time is approximately 20–30 minutes in normal traffic.
From Edinburgh
Take the M8 westbound all the way to Junction 28. Journey time is approximately 60–75 minutes.
From the South (M77/A77)
Take the M77 northbound, then join the M8 westbound towards Greenock. Exit at Junction 28. Journey time from Ayr is approximately 45–55 minutes.
Drop-Off Zone
A dedicated drop-off zone is located directly outside the terminal building. Short-term drop-off is free for the first 10 minutes. After that, standard parking charges apply.
Fares & Tickets
Dedicated drop-off zone directly outside the terminal.
Terminal Multi-Storey car park, directly opposite the terminal.
Long Stay car park with free electric shuttle bus.
Key Features
- Direct M8 motorway access
- Junction 28 exit
- Free 10-minute drop-off zone
- Short stay & long stay parking
- ANPR automatic barriers
- 24/7 CCTV security
Other Ways to Get Here
Cycling & Walking
Glasgow Airport is connected to the local footpath network and the National Cycle Network. Secure cycle parking is available at the terminal. The airport is approximately 8 miles from Glasgow city centre — a 45–60 minute cycle via the Clyde Corridor route.
Worldwide Transfers & Private Hire
For pre-booked private transfers, Holiday Taxis and other transfer providers offer door-to-door service from any UK address to Glasgow Airport. Ideal for groups, families with luggage, or passengers travelling from further afield.
Travel Tips
Allow Extra Time
Always allow at least 2 hours before departure for check-in and security. Add 20–30 minutes for Long Stay parking or train connections.
Pre-Book to Save
Pre-booking your bus ticket, parking, or transfer online can save significant money compared to turning up on the day.
Check for Disruptions
M8 roadworks near Glasgow Airport can cause delays. Check the Glasgow Airport website and Traffic Scotland before travelling.
Service 500 is Best Value
For solo travellers and couples, the Service 500 bus is the fastest and most affordable option at just £11 single or £17.50 return.
Ready to Plan Your Journey?
Book your flights, parking, and transfers all in one place from Glasgow International Airport.