Glasgow International Airport

Glasgow Airport (GLA), the main aviation hub of western Scotland, is more than just a point on your travel map. It once made history as the country's first airport to serve over one million passengers in a single month. Today, it serves as a modern and bustling gateway to one of the most vibrant cities in the United Kingdom, combining a rich history rooted in the Royal Air Force era with the highest standards of service. Located just a few kilometres from the city centre, it serves as a starting point for thousands of travellers eager to discover Scotland's cultural treasures and natural beauty.

Glasgow Airport is distinguished by its convenience and thoughtful infrastructure for passengers. One of its key advantages is excellent transport links to the city centre: the dedicated Glasgow Airport Express bus will take you to the central districts in just 15-20 minutes. The airport acts as a hub for the Scottish airline Loganair, as well as a major node for giants such as easyJet and Jet2.com, offering flights to over 100 destinations. Within the terminals, travellers can enjoy comfortable waiting areas, including the premium Lomond Lounge and UpperDeck Lounge, a variety of restaurants, Duty Free shops, as well as a Fast Track option for expedited security clearance.

• Official Website: www.glasgowairport.com
• Helpline Phone: +44 (0)344 481 5555. Please note that this is a general enquiry number, and waiting times may vary.
• Airport Address: Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland, PA3 2SW, United Kingdom.
• Email: For most enquiries, the airport recommends using the dedicated contact forms available on the official website under the "Contact Us" section.
• Social Media: The airport actively maintains pages on social networks such as X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, where you can find the latest news and updates.
• Lost Property Information: If you have lost items within the airport, you should contact the Lost Property service managed by Luggage-Point. For luggage lost by an airline, you must contact your carrier directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For passengers requiring Special Assistance, it is recommended to book the service in advance through your airline or travel agent. Additional information can be found on the airport website.

Reaching Glasgow International Airport (GLA), located approximately 11 kilometres west of the city centre, is possible via several convenient methods. The choice of the best option depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and comfort preferences.

Public Transport

The most popular and economical method is the bus. The Glasgow Airport Express (Service 500) shuttle is the fastest and most direct option. Buses run around the clock with intervals of 10-15 minutes during the day. The journey to the central Buchanan Bus Station takes only about 15-20 minutes. Buses are equipped with free Wi-Fi and luggage space. You can also reach the airport on local buses operated by McGill's (routes 757, 77) and Stagecoach (X24), which connect it to nearby areas, including Paisley Gilmour Street railway station.

Taxi and Transfers

Official taxi ranks are located directly outside the terminal exit. A taxi ride to central Glasgow will take about 20 minutes depending on traffic conditions and will cost more than the bus, but it ensures maximum comfort, especially if you are travelling with family or a large amount of luggage. Ride-hailing app services and private transfers are also available, which can be booked online in advance, often at a fixed price.

Car Rental and Parking

If you plan to travel around the United Kingdom by car, offices of all major international car rental companies are located at Glasgow Airport. The airport is conveniently connected to the main M8 motorway, allowing easy access to any part of Scotland. For those arriving in their own vehicle, various parking options are provided on the airport grounds: from short-stay (for pick-up and drop-off) to long-stay. It is recommended to book a space in the long-stay car park in advance to secure a more favourable rate.

It is worth noting that Glasgow has a second airport — Glasgow Prestwick (PIK), which is located significantly further from the city and primarily serves budget airlines. When planning your trip, always check which airport you are arriving at.

Glasgow Airport (GLA) has a simple and clear structure that allows passengers to navigate easily. In effect, it is one main terminal, which is divided into two connected zones for convenience: the main terminal (Terminal 1) and an additional terminal (Terminal 2), designed for check-in for certain budget airlines.

Main Terminal (T1) serves the majority of carriers, including international and domestic flights. Here you will find the main check-in desks, the arrivals area for all passengers, as well as the centralised security checkpoint and the main departure lounge with all shops, restaurants, and boarding gates.

Terminal 2 (T2) is essentially an annex to the main building, connected to it by a covered walkway. Its main function is to serve as a check-in zone for major low-cost carriers such as Jet2 and Ryanair. After dropping off luggage and receiving a boarding pass in T2, passengers proceed to the main terminal to go through security and wait for their flight.

The airport layout is logical: check-in takes place on the ground floor (in T1 or T2 depending on the airline), after which all passengers go up to the first floor, where they pass through a unified security control. Immediately beyond it opens the spacious departure lounge. Since all boarding gates are located in one zone, you will not have to worry about moving between terminals after passing security.

It is recommended to allow standard time for check-in and security: about 2 hours for European flights and up to 3 hours for long-haul flights. During peak seasons, especially in summer, the airport can be busy, so it is better to arrive with a little extra time. for quick navigation, always check in advance which terminal (T1 or T2) your flight check-in is located at, and follow the signs inside the building — they are intuitive.

The history of Glasgow Airport (GLA) begins long before its transformation into Scotland's main passenger hub. Originally, in 1932, a Royal Air Force base known as RAF Abbotsinch was opened on this site. For many years, it served as an important military facility, being used particularly actively during the Second World War for pilot training and aircraft maintenance.

A turning point in the airport's history came in 1966, when it was transferred for civil use to replace the old airport in Renfrew, which could no longer cope with the passenger flow. On 27 June 1966, Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the new terminal, designed by the famous Scottish architect Sir Basil Spence. This step marked the beginning of a new era for air travel in the west of the United Kingdom.

Since then, Glasgow Airport has continuously grown and developed. In the 1980s, it was privatised, giving impetus to further modernisation. In the 1990s, a massive reconstruction and expansion of the terminal was carried out costing over 50 million pounds, which significantly increased its capacity and allowed it to serve a growing number of international flights. It was during this period that the airport cemented its status as one of the busiest in the country.

In the 21st century, development has not stopped. The runway was modernised, and in 2007, the new international Skyhub pier was opened, adding six airbridges and significantly improving conditions for passengers flying outside Europe. Today, Glasgow Airport is not just a transport hub, but an important part of the region's history, having journeyed from a military base to a modern gateway connecting Scotland with the world.

Glasgow Airport (GLA) offers passengers a full range of services and amenities to make the wait for a flight as comfortable and productive as possible. Here, every traveller will find everything they need, from diverse restaurants to business services.

Dining and Shopping: The terminal features a wide selection of establishments for every taste and budget. You can grab a quick bite at popular fast-food chains, drink coffee in a cosy café, or enjoy a full meal in a restaurant offering dishes of Scottish and international cuisine. For shopping enthusiasts, there are duty-free shops offering perfumery, luxury goods, and souvenirs, as well as boutiques of famous clothing, accessory, and electronics brands.

Comfort and Relaxation: For those who value enhanced comfort, the airport has several lounges. Access to these is available for business class passengers of certain airlines or for a separate fee for all visitors. The lounges offer complimentary snacks and beverages, fresh newspapers, and a quieter atmosphere. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and numerous charging stations will allow you to stay connected at all times.

Financial and Other Services: Bank branches, currency exchange points, and ATMs are located in the airport, making it easy to resolve any financial matters. In case of need, passengers can visit the medical centre for first aid. For travellers with children, mother and baby rooms and play areas are equipped. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with special assistance, which is recommended to be booked in advance through the airline.

Business and Accommodation: For business travellers, meeting rooms and business services are available. If you have a long layover or an early flight, you can stay at one of the hotels located in the immediate vicinity of the terminal — some of them are within walking distance.

At Glasgow Airport (GLA), travellers will find numerous options for a snack or a full meal, capable of satisfying any taste and budget. Catering establishments are located both in the public area and in the departure lounge after passing security, offering a wide choice from quick coffee to a leisurely meal overlooking the airfield.

Before Security (Landside): In the public zone of the airport, including the arrivals hall, the choice is somewhat limited but quite sufficient for meeters and greeters or those who have arrived early. Here you can usually find coffee shops such as Starbucks or Costa Coffee, where you can have a cup of coffee with fresh pastries, as well as shops with sandwiches and snacks.

After Security (Airside): The main part of the restaurants and cafés is concentrated in the departure zone.

• For a quick snack, establishments like Pret A Manger or Greggs are ideal, offering fresh sandwiches, salads, and famous British pastries.
• For a full lunch or dinner, consider full-service restaurants. For example, The Beardmore Bar & Restaurant or Frankie & Benny's offer an extensive menu with hot dishes. This is a wonderful opportunity to try a traditional Scottish breakfast, which is served throughout the day, or enjoy a refreshing beverage.
• Bars, such as The Caledonia Bar, offer an impressive selection of local beverages — a great way to acquaint yourself with local flavours before your flight.

Most establishments at Glasgow Airport cater to passengers with special dietary needs. Restaurant menus typically have clear markings for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free items. If you have any doubts, the staff are always ready to help with the selection. The price range varies from budget options in fast-food cafés to mid-level in full-service restaurants. Opening hours for most establishments are tied to the flight schedule, starting from early morning until late evening, however, for night flights, it is recommended to check information in advance.

To ensure your journey through Glasgow Airport goes as smoothly as possible, take advantage of our tips. Planning ahead will help avoid unnecessary stress and save time. The airport serves both domestic and international flights, so passenger flows can be significant.

Arrival Time and Check-in. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights. To save time, complete online check-in on your airline's website. This will allow you to head straight to bag drop (if you have luggage) or security control.

Security Control and Hand Luggage. At the security checkpoint, be ready to present your boarding pass and passport. All liquids in hand luggage must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent bag. Large electronics, such as laptops and tablets, must be removed from your bag. Adhering to these rules will speed up the screening process.

Seat Selection and Customs. When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences: a window seat offers beautiful views during take-off and landing, while an aisle seat allows you to stand up freely. Upon arrival in the United Kingdom from countries outside the EU, you will have to pass customs control. If you have no goods to declare, follow the "Green Channel" (Nothing to Declare).

Passengers with Connections. If you have a connecting flight, follow the "Flight Connections" signs. Ensure that your luggage is checked through to the final destination. If not, you will need to collect it and check it in again. Leave enough time between flights, especially if a change of terminal or re-screening at security is required.

Savings and Flight Delays. To save money, book parking and airport transfers online in advance. Prices for food and drinks in the departure lounge are higher, so you can bring an empty water bottle and fill it after security. In the event of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative. Depending on the length of the wait, you may be provided with vouchers for food or hotel accommodation.