Getting around Glasgow

Public transport

The subway and buses are managed by Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT), for further details contact +44 141 332 6811 or visit their website: www.spt.co.uk. There is a travel centre at Buchanan bus station (+44 141 333 3708).

Glasgow has a 15-station underground system, known as the 'Clockwork Orange' or Subway - a 10km (6-mile) loop runs through the city and West End. It runs frequently (Mon-Sat from 0630-2330 and Sun from 1000-1800 hours), and it's easy to connect to overland rail services at Queen Street station or Central Station and commute rail services at Partick station. You can buy a daily, weekly, or monthly ticket, zone card or you can register for an electronic Smartcard. ScotRail's suburban commuter rail network (+44 344 811 0141, www.scotrail.co.uk) is available around Glasgow, you can visit their website to plan your journey.

There is an extensive bus network, with main provider First Glasgow (+44 141 420 7600, www.firstgroup.com/greaterglasgow) operating Monday to Sunday - you can plan your journey on their website. Tickets are available from the driver (exact change only), or you can buy 10-journey carnet tickets from PayPoint outlets. You can purchase tickets via online, ticket machines or you can order and top-up a smartcard.

For cheaper, unlimited travel, on weekends and after 0900 during the week, All Day tickets cover the Subway; Roundabout includes rail and Subway while Daytrippers cover rail, Subway, most buses and some ferries. Mackintosh Trail tickets allow unlimited travel and free admission to all Mackintosh attractions in Glasgow.

Taxis

Licensed and metered taxis are widely available, and you can hail black cabs on the street. Tipping is appreciated but not compulsory. The largest operator is Glasgow Taxis (+44 141 429 7070, www.glasgowtaxis.co.uk)

Driving

Glasgow's city centre is relatively compact and most hotels are central, therefore hiring a car isn't necessary. There are, however, several 24-hour car parks including Concert Square, with cheaper tickets on weekdays after 1800 and on Sundays.

Car hire

The minimum age for car rental is usually from 21 to 25, and some car hire companies may allow younger drivers, although they might have to pay a Young Driver Surcharge.

You can hire a vehicle listed on your driving license if you are coming from a European country. If you are a national from outside of the EU, you can hire a small vehicle for up to 12 months with an international driving license.

Car hire companies include Arnold Clark (+44 141 237 4374, www.arnoldclarkrental.com), Avis (+44 344 544 6003, www.avis.co.uk) and Europcar (+44 371 384 1079, www.europcar.co.uk).

Bicycle hire

The city's bike-share scheme is run by nextbike (+44 208 166 9851, www.nextbike.co.uk/en/glasgow) and has docking stations across the city centre and West End.

Glasgow has over 300km (187 miles) of cycle lanes, linking to the National Cycle Network and the 34km (21-mile) trail from Glasgow to Loch Lomond.

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Book Accommodation

Featured Hotels

Glasgow Marriott

Just off the M8, this 300-room hotel is popular with business travellers. Style is corporate and comfortable, with a plasma TV in all the rooms and Wi-Fi access in the public areas and some rooms. The leisure club has a pool, spa, and gym with a cardio theatre and fitness studio. The hotel has 13 meeting rooms, the largest seating 800. There is a Mediterranean restaurant as well as a cafe/bar.

Radisson Blu

The Radisson Blu hotel is recognised as a leading hotel by the Scotland's leading Business Hotel Awards. This hotel opened in 2002 and has 250 bright, modern rooms. It is conveniently close to the smartest shops in the heart of Glasgow and has three types of rooms: City, Modern, and Nordic, all with different décor. All rooms have free Internet access and many offer stunning views across the city. The fitness centre is well equipped with a pool, exercise bikes, and techno gym.

Hotel du Vin at One Devonshire Gardens

Situated in the fashionable West End, this classy Victorian townhouse is the hotel of choice for visiting celebrities. It combines efficiency with country house comfort and contemporary style. All rooms have a plasma TV, powerful drenched showers and handspring mattress,. Some rooms are decorated in a more contemporary style complete with monsoon showers. The hotel's bistro uses locally sourced ingredients and there's a less formal eatery in the bar.

The Brunswick

This small, designer hotel occupies a prime spot in the Merchant City. It's fashionable but reasonably priced and has a cool basement bar and excellent restaurant. The 18 individually furnished rooms are all simple, modern and comfortable. It's a great choice if you want to sample some Scottish style without spending a fortune.

Merchant City Inn

Merchant City Inn is a comfortable 3-star lodge only minutes away from cosmopolitan Merchant City, the city centre and the West End. The B&B has 40 rooms all equipped with standard facilities. Choice of rooms includes single, twin, double, triple, quad and family sized. Guests can enjoy a continental breakfast (included or upgrade to full Scottish breakfast for £3 per person per night). A good, reliable find for budget travellers.

McLays Guesthouse

McLays guesthouse is located in central Glasgow, providing guests with comfortable rooms in a simply-furnished layout. There are two lounges and two dining rooms, offering guests free Wi-Fi and vouchers for on-street parking are available.

Introducing Glasgow

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