The Glasgow Airport Express bus (Service 500) provides the most frequent and convenient connection between the airport and Glasgow city centre.

About Glasgow City Centre

Glasgow's city centre is Scotland's commercial and cultural powerhouse, built around the grand Victorian and Edwardian architecture of George Square, Buchanan Street, and Merchant City. The Style Mile—Buchanan Street, Argyle Street, and Sauchiehall Street—forms one of the UK's premier shopping districts outside London.

The city punches far above its weight culturally: the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Riverside Museum, and Gallery of Modern Art are all free to visit. Glasgow is a UNESCO City of Music, with legendary venues like King Tut's Wah Wah Hut, Barrowland Ballroom, and the SEC Hydro arena. The West End, centered on Byres Road and the University of Glasgow, offers a bohemian atmosphere with excellent restaurants and vintage shops.

Glasgow Central Station and Queen Street Station provide rail connections throughout Scotland and to London. The Subway—the world's third-oldest underground system—loops around the city center and West End.

Nearby Landmarks

George Square Buchanan Street Glasgow Cathedral Kelvingrove Museum Merchant City

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $28-$38
Time 15-25 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost $22-$30
Time 15-25 minutes

Follow signs to pick-up area outside arrivals

Step-by-Step Directions

Exit arrivals and follow signs to the bus stance directly outside. The Airport Express 500 runs every 10 minutes to Buchanan Bus Station via city centre. Buy tickets from the driver or use contactless.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $28-$38 15-25 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare $22-$30 15-25 minutes Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The Glasgow Airport Express (Bus 500) runs 24 hours, with reduced overnight frequency (every 30 min from midnight to 4 AM). A taxi at night costs £25-35 and takes 15-20 minutes via the M8. Uber is also available at Glasgow Airport.

Luggage Tips

The Airport Express bus has a large luggage hold underneath. Taxis can fit 2-3 large suitcases. Glasgow Central Station has left-luggage facilities (£6-10 per item). City centre streets are flat and easy for rolling luggage.

Accessibility

Glasgow Airport Express buses are wheelchair accessible with ramp deployment. Glasgow Subway has step-free access at some stations (check SPT website). The city centre is relatively flat and wheelchair-friendly. Glasgow Central Station has lifts and accessible facilities.