Travel Information
Getting to Glasgow and the SECC
Glasgow is an extremely well connected city with excellent transport links to/from and within the city. It is served by its own international airport a short distance away and further links are provided by airports at Prestwick (30 miles or 48 km) and Edinburgh (40 miles or 64 km). There are two main-line train stations serving the UK and Scotland while a combination of Low Level and Subway services provide transport witin the city and its environs. A comprehensive bus network exists within the city.
By Air
Glasgow International Airport
Glasgow International Airport, is located just eight miles (13 kilometres) west of Glasgow City Centre and combined with Edinburgh airport (less than one hour away) services direct flights from many European and international cities www.baa.com/main/airports/glasgow/
Travellers arriving at Glasgow International Airport can take either a taxi or airport bus to the City centre. The taxi rank is located at the front of the airport terminal and Taxi fares from Glasgow International Airport to the city centre are usually around £20. The airport bus leaves at 15 minute intervals from the front of the terminal building to go direct to Glasgow city centre. The journey takes around 15 minutes (longer at peak times) and costs around £3.50 single or £5.50 return. The bus stops at various points in the city centre and the service terminates at Buchanan St. Bus Station. An alternative route is to take a bus or taxi to Paisley Station (5 minutes away) and take the train to Glasgow Central Station. There is no direct public transport link between the airport and the SECC, delegates are advised to take the train, bus to Central station (see below) and then take a taxi or train to the conference venue or hotel.
Glasgow Prestwick International Airport
Glasgow Prestwick International Airport is located thirty miles (48 kilometres) south of Glasgow. A railway station is adjacent to the Airport with regular direct trains to the city centre. These trains are at 30 minute intervals and the journey time is 45 minutes, arriving at Glasgow Central Station in the heart of the city. Approximate cost of journey is around £3.00 ($5 or 4 Euros) and tickets are purchased on the train.
Edinburgh International Airport
Located on the outskirts of Edinburgh, this airport supports a range of national and international flights. Although only 40 miles from Glasgow, there is no direct train/bus link between Edinburgh Airport and Glasgow city centre; the quickest way to reach Glasgow from Edinburgh Airport is to travel into Edinburgh city centre by bus or taxi and then take a bus or train to Glasgow city centre.
By Rail
Rail Information at www.firstgroup.com/scotrail/index.php
Glasgow Central Station
The main station within the city. This station serves trains to and from the south as well as the local trains. Located in the heart of the city, it is a short walk from the Radisson Hotel and Queen St station. The conference venue, the SECC, can be reached using the low level services that depart from this station. The SECC's own railway station is called Exhibition Centre Station. There are four trains an hour from Central Station (Platform 15) that will bring you to the SECC doors in less than 10 minutes.
Glasgow Queen Street Station
The second main line station situated in the city centre. There is a bus service which operates to Glasgow Central Station. As well as providing links to areas in and around Greater Glasgow its Express service to Edinburgh takes under 50 minutes and runs every 15 mins.
By Bus
Buchanan Bus Station
Located in the north of the city centre, the bus station services long distance and short distance bus journey. Bus from Edinburgh, Glasgow Airport and Prestwick arrive and depart from this station. Visit the website.
By Car
Approaching from the south follow the M74 motorway past Hadrian’s Wall on to Glasgow city centre via the M73 and M8. The Clyde Valley Tourist Route (via the A73, A72 and A702) offers motorists an alternative through the South Lanarkshire countryside. Approaching from the north the M80 motorway takes you through North Lanarkshire to Glasgow while, from the east, the M8 from Edinburgh travels through Glasgow city centre. For additional information about driving in the UK including maps, route planners, and travel insurance visit www.multimap.com.
The SECC is east from Junction 19 of the M8 motorway. Simply follow the SECC signs. On-site parking will be arranged.
