Glasgow Transport
Perhaps the best way to explore Glasgow is on foot. The interesting centre of town is laid out in a logical grid pattern, making map reading and navigating easy. However, some of Glasgows best attractions are located in the surrounding suburbs, so youll need to use the public transportation system or a car.
By Metro
Glasgow is the only Scottish city which has a metro system, affectionately called Clockwork Orange due to its vibrant colour. The simple but efficient system operates two separate circular routes which travel in opposite directions, so all trains eventually return to the station where you boarded. There are 15 stations linking the city centre, West End and parts of the Southside, with trains passing each station every five to eight minutes. Flat fares and one-day passes are available for the trains, which run Monday through Saturday from early in the morning until late in the evening. Sundays have only a limited service.
By train
Glasgow and its surrounding region have the largest rail network in Great Britain after London. Train service is provided to both Central and Queen Street Stations. During the day, trains runs about every 10 minutes to a number of destinations in the Southside and the West End. The Daytripper ticket is excellent value, as it allows two adults and up to four children to travel anywhere on the transport network using trains, subways, buses and even ferries.
By bus
Glasgow has an extensive, if somewhat confusing, bus system run by a private company. There is a reliable and frequent service during the day but after 23:00 most routes stop running, except for a few premium routes which run all night long. It is possible to buy tickets for a single fare, an unlimited day and an unlimited week. The family-focused Daytripper Ticket is a great deal if you plan to take in a lot of sights.
Ferries
Ferry service runs between Glasgow and a number of destinations around Britain. Cruises are also popular on Loch Lomond and out to the islands in the Firth of Clyde.
Taxis
Metered taxis can be found at stands all over the city centre and most of them also have a radio dispatch. If the for hire sign in illuminated, you can hail one on the street. Taxi drivers generally receive a 10 per cent tip.
Tourist services
The Mackintosh Trail Ticket includes one-day admission to many of the citys attractions as well as transportation. City sightseeing bus tours depart daily from George Square and there are also plenty of tours leading to the Highlands and the islands. Another fun activity is the walking tours which focus on Glasgows wonderful architecture and the fascinating stories that accompany them.
From the airport
There are several ways to get from the airport to your destination in Glasgow. Even though theres a train station 3kms from the airport in Paisley, most visitors simply take a taxi or bus to their destination in the city. Express buses leave from the airport every 15 minutes throughout the day to the Central railway station, Queen Street railway station and Buchanan Street bus station. Otherwise, the best choice is to hire a metered taxi, which is available 24 hours a day outside Arrivals. For more information on the transportation options from the airport, call the Airport Travel Line (tel: +44 0141 848 4330).