Visiting Glasgow

media_198617_enAbout the University of Glasgow

The University of Glasgow, founded in 1451, is the fourth-oldest university in the English speaking world. The University occupies an architecturally stunning High Victorian campus on Gilmore Hill, within view of the Scottish Highlands. Visit the University’s web site for more information.

Travel Information

Travelling to Glasgow by plane

Glasgow International Airport

  • UK and europe map7 miles (11 km) west of the University, 8 miles (13 km) from the city centre
  • Bus service to the west end of Glasgow (no. 747) which stops minutes from the University with a journey time of about 30 minutes and a Glasgow Shuttle directly to the city centre
  • Taxi fare to West End costs approximately £15-20
  • Direct flight connections to all major European hubs, plus North America and the Middle East. It is often better to avoid London Heathrow, connecting instead at Amsterdam Schiphol.

Edinburgh International Airport

  • 42 miles (67 km) east of the University
  • There is a cheap direct Airlink shuttle from the airport to Glasgow city centre (every 30 minutes, about 55 minutes journey time).  From many destinations, this is the best way to travel to Glasgow.
  • There are  also frequent train connections which require travel via Edinburgh city centre

Prestwick International Airport

  • 22 miles (35 km) south west of the University
  • Has its own rail station with direct trains to Glasgow Central train station (journey time about 50 minutes)
  • Bus service to Buchanan Bus Station in Glasgow city centre (journey time about 50 minutes)
  • Low cost European connections

Travelling to Glasgow by train

Glasgow has two main city-centre terminals: Central and Queen Street with intercity links to all major cities and frequent services to Edinburgh (50 minutes) and London (under 5 hours). For timetables see: www.travelinescotland.com

Travelling to Glasgow by car

Glasgow is well served by motorways (M74 to England, M8 to Edinburgh, M80 to Stirling and A82 to the Highlands).

From Carlisle, Newcastle and the south, exit M74 onto the M73, joining the M8 at the Old Monkland junction. M8 exits for the University are J18 if travelling from the south, Edinburgh and the north and J19 if coming from Glasgow Airport and the west. Other main routes serving the University include Great Western Road (A82, north of campus), Clydeside Expressway (A814, south) and Byres Road (B808, west). Car parking on the University campus and surrounding area is extremely difficult.

Travelling to Glasgow by coach

Buchanan Bus Station is the main terminus for long distance coaches. For national services throughout the UK see Megabus and National Express.

Once You’re Here – Getting around Glasgow

Maps and Apps

MyCity App

University of Glasgow campus map

Buses

  • Routes 4 and 4A run through the main campus from the city centre.
  • Other routes serve Dumbarton Road, Great Western Road and Byres Road.
  • A seasonal tourist bus stops at the University.

Subway

Local trains

The nearest suburban rail station is Partick, about one mile west of the University. It has an interchange with the subway and with bus services on Dumbarton Road.

Taxis

Black taxi cabs can be picked up at most times in the University area and the city centre. You can also phone for a black taxi cab on 0141 429 7070.

Cycle racks

We have a number of places to park bicycles across campus. If you want to find out more about locations of cycle parking facilities, showers, bus stops, gates and car parking areas on our main campus, you can consult our University of Glasgow Active Travel Map (PDF).