Glasgow Layover Guide (GLA)

What are you looking for in GLA?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Glasgow Airport (GLA) is an international airport located in Paisley, Renfrewshire. It’s situated about 13 km (8 miles) from downtown Glasgow. The airport officially opened in 1966. Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and is known for its rich cultural scene, vibrant nightlife, and historical landmarks. It’s also recognized for its friendly locals and serves as a gateway to exploring the scenic beauty of the Scottish Highlands and islands.

Can you leave Glasgow Airport (GLA) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
During a layover at Glasgow Airport, you may exit the terminal if you hold valid UK entry clearance or qualify for a visa exemption. Short-stay visitor or standard transit visas are required for most nationalities. Always verify requirements before travelling. Additional guidance is available on official online government immigration portals. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Glasgow Cathedral Explore this awe-inspiring medieval cathedral featuring intricate stonework, vibrant stained glass windows, historic tombs, and serene cloisters, offering a glimpse into Scotland’s ecclesiastical heritage and architectural grandeur timeless landmark iconic. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: Take Glasgow Airport Express bus 500 to Buchanan Bus Station, then 15-minute walk.)
• Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum Discover over 8,000 exhibits spanning art, natural history, and arms and armor collections within an impressive Spanish Baroque-style building set in beautiful Kelvingrove Park, a free-entry cultural highlight of Glasgow’s. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Bus 500 to city center, then Subway from St Enoch to Kelvinhall station and 5-minute walk.)
• People’s Palace and Winter Gardens Stroll through this elegant museum showcasing Glasgow’s social history since 1750, then wander lush Winter Gardens botanical displays under a historic glasshouse roof filled with exotic plants and interactive exhibits. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi approximately 10 minutes.)
• Riverside Museum and Tall Ship Visit Zaha Hadid-designed Riverside Museum housing Glasgow’s transport collection, from vintage locomotives to classic cars, then board the Glenlee Tall Ship berthed alongside on the River Clyde waterfront with interactive displays. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi approximately 15 minutes.)
• Glasgow Botanic Gardens Relax in 27 hectares of landscaped gardens, explore Victorian Kibble Palace glasshouse full of tropical flora, seasonal flower beds, and serene pathways perfect for a peaceful urban retreat, and benches. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Bus 500 to city center, then Subway from St Enoch to Hillhead and 5-minute walk.)
• Shopping on Buchanan Street Enjoy vibrant shopping district featuring high-street brands, luxury boutiques, and department stores, set along iconic pedestrian mall with street performers, cafés, and beautiful Victorian columns, seasonal events and live music. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Bus 500 to Buchanan Bus Station directly at Merchant City.)
• Glasgow Necropolis Climb this atmospheric Victorian cemetery atop a hill for panoramic city views, admire ornate mausoleums, statues, and lush greenery while learning about Glasgow’s notable historical figures interred here in peace. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Bus 500 to city center, then 10-minute walk.)
• George Square and City Chambers Explore central George Square surrounded by grand civic buildings, statues of Scottish heroes, bustling events, and impressive Glasgow City Chambers interior tours showcasing ornate halls and murals, behind-the-scenes audio guides. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: Bus 500 to city center, 5-minute walk.)

Things to Do in Glasgow Airport (GLA)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Glasgow Airport offers three main lounges: the UpperDeck Lounge with runway views, complimentary drinks, snacks and Wi-Fi; the British Airways Lounge for Gold/Silver members; and the Emirates Lounge next to the West Pier. Priority Pass holders can also access select lounges for a pre-flight unwind. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Just steps from the terminal are the Premier Inn and Holiday Inn, offering comfortable rooms, meeting facilities and on-site parking. Both are within a few minutes’ walk, making early departures or late arrivals stress-free. Reservations can include breakfast and flexible cancellation options for added convenience. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Overnight guests will find ample seating throughout the terminal, including padded benches and couches landside and airside. Carpeted areas near the M&S and quieter concourses offer makeshift beds. No dedicated sleep pods exist, but travellers report reasonable comfort when spreading out chairs in Terminal 2.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Glasgow Airport provides complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. Simply connect to “GLA Free WiFi” with no password required. The service supports browsing, messaging and light streaming, making it easy to stay connected while waiting for your flight.

SIM/eSIM Card: SIM cards from EE, Three and Lebara are available at WHSmith and other kiosks in the main terminal. Physical SIMs cost around £10–£20 with various data bundles; eSIM options can be arranged online in advance for instant activation on arrival. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: A fleet of over 180 white-liveried taxis awaits outside the terminal. No pre-booking is needed: join the rank, hop in and pay the metered fare. Return trips aren’t currently provided, so book a private transfer in advance if you need a round-trip service.

Train: There is no direct rail link; the nearest station is Paisley Gilmour Street, one mile away. From there, take McGill’s 757 bus or a taxi. Alternatively, the First Glasgow Airport Express service 500 connects Queen Street and Central stations directly to the terminal. (more info)

Bus: Service 500 (Glasgow Airport Express) runs 24-hour electric buses every 10–15 minutes between Buchanan Bus Station, Queen Street and the airport in about 15 minutes. Regular local buses also serve the terminal for travel across the region. (more info)

Shuttle: Official long-stay car parks offer free electric shuttle buses that run every 10–15 minutes, 24/7, between the parking areas and the terminal. The journey takes under five minutes, ensuring a quick transfer even during peak travel times.

Car rentals: Major rental firms (Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt, etc.) are located just outside the domestic arrivals area and by Terminal 2. A full range of vehicles, from compact cars to SUVs, can be picked up and dropped off on-site; bookings are recommended to secure your preferred model. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Options include: Short-Stay multi-storey (2 minutes’ walk to terminal), Mid-Stay (5-minute covered walk), Long-Stay (shuttle service), Valet (drop keys at Car Park 1) and Fast Track. Blue-badge spaces, CCTV and ANPR guarantee a secure, convenient experience. Pre-booking online secures the best rates.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Luggage Point in the main check-in hall offers secure storage for 0–3 hours (£9.50/item), 1 day (£14.50), additional days (£12.50/day) or weekly (£60). Oversized items incur double rates. Receipts are issued on deposit; items can be stored for up to three months. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Glasgow Airport (GLA) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks