Getting around Glasgow: public transport, passes and taxis

Glasgow is compact. The centre, the west end and the southside are close enough that walking beats waiting for a bus for many trips. The Subway loop is the fastest way between those three areas, and ScotRail covers the wider city and the Clyde coast.

Prices below are 2026 estimates. Fares change; check the operator before you travel.

Glasgow's Subway is a single 15-stop circle, nicknamed the Clockwork Orange. It links the city centre (Buchanan Street, St Enoch) with the west end (Hillhead, Kelvinbridge) and the southside (Bridge Street, Shields Road). Trains run every 4–8 minutes, and a full loop takes about 24 minutes.

It is small and easy to use: two platforms, one line, no branches. Buy at the gate or tap contactless where available. A day ticket pays for itself after about three rides. Service starts around 06:30 and ends around 23:30, with shorter Sunday hours — check the last train if you are out late.

The Subway does not reach the airport, the east end beyond Bridgeton, or most suburbs. For those, use ScotRail or a bus.

ScotRail runs the suburban network from Glasgow Central and Queen Street. Central serves the south and west — Paisley, Ayr, the Clyde coast. Queen Street serves the north and east — Edinburgh, Stirling, the Highlands. Trains to Edinburgh take about 50 minutes and run frequently.

Buses fill the gaps the Subway and trains leave. First Glasgow and Stagecoach run most city routes, with a flat-ish single fare and day tickets. They are the cheapest option but the slowest in traffic, especially along Argyle Street and Great Western Road.

For a single journey across the city, the Subway or a train is usually faster. For a route with no rail nearby, take the bus and allow extra time.

There is no single Glasgow-wide travel card that covers every operator, so pick the pass that matches your day. Contactless bank cards and phones work on the Subway and on ScotRail; keep to one card or phone per day so your charges stay consistent.

If you are staying several days and using the Subway a lot, a Subway day ticket or a multi-day ticket is the simplest buy. For trains, buy an off-peak return or a day return; advance singles are cheaper but tie you to a train. Buses sell their own day tickets on board or in the app.

Children, students and older travellers often get discounts; bring proof of age or status.

Black cabs are metered and easy to find at Central and Queen Street stations, Buchanan Bus Station and the main streets. Short hops in the centre cost about £8–12. Ride-hailing apps operate in Glasgow and often come in slightly cheaper off-peak, but surge pricing at closing time can push them above a cab.

For groups of three or four, a taxi is often cheaper than four singles on the Subway or bus. For the airport, a taxi is the fastest door-to-door option; the bus is much cheaper.

At night, taxis are the safe default once the Subway has closed. Book ahead on weekends or walk to a rank rather than hailing on a busy road.

Central Glasgow is a walking city. George Square, the Merchant City, the Riverside Museum path and the university are all reachable on foot, and the grid is easy to read. Allow 20–25 minutes from the centre to the west end.

Bike hire and the riverside paths make the Clyde and the Kelvin Way pleasant on two wheels. The city is mostly flat, though the west end has short hills. Cycle lanes are improving but not continuous; use quiet streets where you can.

A typical sightseeing day using the Subway and walking costs about £5–10 per person. Add a train day trip and it rises to £15–25. Taxis push a day to £25–40 for a couple.

Cash is rarely needed: contactless works on the Subway and most buses and trains. Keep a small amount for the odd bus that still prefers it.

Plan around the Subway's closing time if you are out late. Keep your card or phone consistent for contactless so charges stay predictable. If you are heading to the airport, decide early between the cheap bus and the fast taxi — the airport has no train link.

For a full trip plan, see the Glasgow itinerary and the airport transfer page.