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Glasgow Airport Guide (GLA)
Airport info
Code:
GLA
No. of terminals:
2
Dialling code:
+44
Address:
Glasgow Airport, Paisley, Renfrewshire, PA3 2SW, United Kingdom
Location:
Glasgow Airport is located 13.8km (8.6 miles) west of Glasgow city centre.
Telephone:
+44 844 481 5555
Glasgow Airport (IATA: GLA, ICAO: EGPF), formerly known as Abbotsinch Airport, is Scotland's second-busiest airport and the ninth-busiest in the United Kingdom. Located in Paisley, Renfrewshire, approximately 16 kilometres west of Glasgow city centre, it handled 8.06 million passengers in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 9.6 per cent. The airport is owned and operated by AGS Airports, the same group that operates Aberdeen and Southampton airports, with AviAlliance announcing a £350 million investment across the AGS network in March 2025, the majority of which is directed at Glasgow.
Glasgow is Scotland's principal gateway for transatlantic and long-haul flights, a position that reflects its role as the airport for Scotland's largest city. Emirates operates a daily service to Dubai, providing connections to the Middle East and beyond, while various North American carriers provide seasonal and year-round services to the United States and Canada. The airport is the headquarters of Loganair and serves as a hub for easyJet, Jet2 and TUI Airways, giving it strength across both the leisure and regional business travel markets.
A significant programme of terminal expansion and refurbishment is under way, driven by the 2025 AviAlliance investment. Work beginning in 2025 and scheduled for completion by 2027 includes expansion of the airside retail and dining area, enlargement of the check-in hall at both the west and east ends, and the first overhaul of the three boarding gate piers in thirty years. Glasgow is also directly adjacent to the M8 motorway, making it the only airport in Scotland with direct motorway access to the UK road network. Passengers should note that M8 roadworks are in progress until May 2026 and may add journey time.
The construction of a tram-rail link between the airport and the city centre is currently at the planning stage. If given the go ahead the service would likely be operational by 2025.
Layout
Glasgow Airport operates from a single main terminal, with a smaller Terminal 2 area at the east end of the check-in hall used for budget airline check-in. The main terminal check-in hall handles the majority of arrivals. Beyond security, the airside area extends across three piers: Pier A primarily serves domestic UK flights, Pier B handles international European routes, and Pier C is used for long-haul services. The three-pier layout means that some gates are a substantial walk from security, particularly Pier C. Ample signage and flight information screens are provided throughout.
Check-In
The main check-in hall handles all airlines, with traditional staffed desks alongside self-service kiosks and bag drop facilities. Terminal 2 at the east of the building processes check-in for certain low-cost carriers. Passengers are advised to arrive at least two hours before departure for short-haul flights and three hours for long-haul. Online check-in is available for all major airlines and is recommended to streamline the airport process. Luggage storage and bag wrapping are available through the Excess Baggage store, which opened its newly refurbished location in the terminal in 2025.
Security
Security is located in the main terminal building and leads to the airside concourse. Glasgow Airport operates standard UK security procedures. FastTrack security is included in the FastTrack Parking product and is available as a standalone purchase. Passengers should arrive with adequate time, as security queues can be lengthy during morning peaks, particularly on Monday and Friday mornings when the business travel market is busiest on Heathrow and European routes.
Information Desk
Glasgow Airport's information desk is on the first floor, next to the domestic arrivals/departures area. Additionally, there are computer information kiosks on the ground floor and a Visit Scotland tourist information office (tel: +44 141 566 4089) in the domestic arrivals area – this provides information on local attractions and accommodation.
Glasgow Airport is directly accessed from the M8 motorway at Junction 28, with the terminal visible from the motorway. This provides immediate access to the UK motorway network in all directions. From Glasgow city centre, the journey takes approximately 20 minutes in normal traffic. The airport operates a paid drop-off zone directly outside the terminal entrance in the terminal multi-storey car park. Free set-down for brief stops is available but enforced with a time limit. Passengers should be aware that M8 roadworks in the vicinity of the airport are in progress until May 2026 and are adding journey time on the motorway approach.
Public Transport
There is currently no direct railway station at Glasgow Airport, though long-standing proposals for a rail link remain in development as part of the wider Clyde Metro project, which aims to connect the airport to Glasgow Central by a new metro system. In the interim, the closest rail option is Paisley Gilmour Street station, approximately two kilometres from the terminal, served by ScotRail on the Glasgow Central to Ayr and Largs routes. A shuttle bus connects the terminal to Paisley Gilmour Street, with a journey of around ten minutes. From Paisley Gilmour Street, Glasgow Central is approximately 12 minutes by train. Travellers using this option should allow sufficient time for the bus-to-train connection.
Bus: The Glasgow Airport Express service, route 500, is the primary bus link between the terminal and Glasgow city centre. Operated by First Glasgow under contract to the airport, it runs directly via the M8 motorway to Glasgow Central Station, Buchanan Bus Station and George Square, with a journey time of approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Services run every ten minutes throughout the day, with reduced frequency in the early morning and late evening. In March 2025, the route was upgraded with a fleet of eleven Wright StreetDeck Electroliner battery-electric double-decker buses, replacing the previous diesel fleet. Tickets can be purchased on board or in advance.
Passengers should note that ongoing roadworks on North Hanover Street, part of Glasgow's Avenues project, are causing lane restrictions and disruption to bus services serving Buchanan Bus Station until at least late 2026. Allowing additional journey time when connecting to onward bus or coach services at Buchanan Street is advisable. FlixBus introduced a coach service in April 2025 linking Glasgow Airport with Aberdeen via Dundee, Perth and Stirling, providing a new intercity connection at a low price point.
Taxi and Ride-Hailing:Official Glasgow Airport Taxis operate from the rank directly outside the main terminal on a 24-hour basis, seven days a week. These are the only taxis permitted to pick up passengers from directly in front of the terminal; all other vehicles, including private hire, must use Car Park 2 for collections. Glasgow Airport Taxis are all metered, and a journey to Glasgow city centre typically takes approximately 20 minutes in normal traffic. Pre-booking at a discount is available through the Glasgow Airport Taxi website. Uber and other ride-hailing services collect from the Car Park 2 meeting area.
Terminal facilities
Travelex currency exchange desks operate in the terminal. ATMs are available both landside and airside. Rates at airport exchange facilities are typically less competitive than city centre options.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. Connection requires registering through the airport portal. The initial free connection period is one hour, after which extended access may be purchased.
Airside dining options span a range of formats. A BrewDog bar and grill serves craft beers, hot food and light meals throughout the operating day. Burger King, Wetherspoon and coffee outlets including Costa are available in different sections of the concourse. A Boots pharmacy with food-to-go supplements the dedicated dining options. Landside, the terminal area offers coffee and basic food service for passengers and those meeting arrivals. The scope of dining options is functional rather than exceptional in the pre-expansion state; the 2025-2027 refurbishment programme is expected to deliver a significantly improved food and beverage offer.
The airside departure concourse offers the standard complement of UK airport retail. World Duty Free is the principal duty-free operator, offering spirits, tobacco, perfume and confectionery. WHSmith covers books, newspapers and travel essentials. Boots provides pharmacy and health and beauty products, including a full prescription dispensing service. A range of fashion accessories and gifting outlets is present. The 2025 investment programme is specifically earmarked in part for airside retail expansion, so the overall offering is set to improve during the construction period and beyond.
Left luggage and baggage storage services are operated by Luggage-Point from a location in the main check-in hall, offering storage by the hour or day. Bag wrapping and luggage-related retail items are also available.
Lounges
Glasgow Airport offers a small selection of passenger lounges in the airside area. The Upperdeck Lounge is located airside on the second floor of the International Pier and is accessible to all departing passengers, regardless of airline or class, through day-pass purchase or lounge membership programmes. It offers comfortable seating, complimentary food and beverages, Wi-Fi and flight screens. The Lomond Lounge, located airside and accessible by lift from near the Boots pharmacy, is an adults-only facility with a quieter atmosphere, available on a pay-at-door or membership basis and open until approximately 18:00.
British Airways operates its own lounge for eligible Executive Club members and premium passengers. Emirates operates a dedicated lounge for its first and business class passengers. The relatively limited lounge provision at Glasgow reflects the airport's size and development focus, with the 2025 investment programme intended to improve the overall airside passenger experience for all travellers.
Other facilities at Glasgow Airport include a pharmacy, prayer room, baby-care facilities and children's play areas.
Airport facilities
A business workstation with telephone, fax and internet facilities can be found on the first floor. The Glasgow Airport Business Centre (tel: +44 141 847 5450) is located next to the terminal building and provides meeting rooms, conference facilities and full secretarial support.
The UpperDeck airport lounge is available to all passengers for a fee, and offers free internet access, complimentary drinks and newspapers.
Conference and meeting facilities are also available at some nearby hotels, including the Ramada Glasgow Airport (tel: +44 141 843 4800; www.ramada.co.uk) and the Holiday Inn Glasgow Airport (tel: +44 871 942 9031; www.higlasgowairporthotel.co.uk).
Comprehensive accessibility provision is available throughout the terminal, including wheelchair assistance from the terminal entrance to the aircraft. Passengers requiring special assistance should notify their airline at least 48 hours before travel. Accessible toilets are located throughout the building, lift access is available between floors, and induction loops assist passengers with hearing difficulties at information and service desks. The airport's 500 bus service operates accessible low-floor buses on all journeys.
Glasgow Airport provides several parking products ranging from highly convenient to economy options. The Terminal Multi-Storey is the closest car park to the terminal, with a covered walkway providing direct access to the building. This is the most expensive option but eliminates any outdoor transfer. FastTrack Parking offers close covered bays plus priority security access for all passengers in the booking party, up to five people per car. Valet Parking is available for drop-off at Car Park 1, with the vehicle collected by airport staff. The Long Stay car park is the most economical option for longer trips and operates regular shuttle buses to the terminal.
Advance online booking via the official Glasgow Airport website consistently reduces parking costs compared to turning up without a reservation. The airport's parking booking system is at www.glasgowairport.com. Disabled badge holders should use the designated spaces close to the terminal. During busy departure periods, the multi-storey can become congested; using the express drop-off for brief set-downs is an alternative when accompanied by a driver.
Car hire counters from all major companies including Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Europcar and Budget are located in the terminal arrivals area. Vehicle collection points are in the airport car park complex. The direct M8 motorway access from the airport makes Glasgow an efficient starting point for road travel to the Highlands, the west coast, Ayrshire, and onward connections to the A82 towards Loch Lomond and Glencoe.
Hotels
Glasgow Airport has a well-developed hotel cluster in close proximity to the terminal, making it one of the more convenient Scottish airports for overnight stays adjacent to the departure point. The Holiday Inn Glasgow Airport is the only hotel actually on airport grounds and is located directly opposite the terminal, close enough to see the building from certain rooms. It offers a full-service restaurant, bar and fitness facilities, with rooms available at different price points. Parking packages with the Holiday Inn are a common choice for passengers taking early departures.
The Premier Inn Glasgow Airport is within a three-minute walk of the terminal, offering reliable and well-priced accommodation with on-site dining. The Courtyard by Marriott Glasgow Airport is approximately seven to eight minutes on foot and provides a step up in quality. The Travelodge Glasgow Airport is also within walking distance. The relatively small cluster of hotels all operate close to capacity on Sunday evenings and Monday mornings when business travellers fill the early-morning Heathrow and European services.
Just 1km (0.6 mile) from the airport, the independent Normandy Hotel operates a free shuttle service to the terminal. A good option for those on business with its extensive meeting and conference facilities, the hotel also boasts a steak restaurant and regular evening entertainment.
Inchinnan Road,
PA4 9EJ,
Renfrewshire,
United Kingdom
One of a number of budget hotels at the airport, Holiday Inn Express Glasgow Airport is situated directly opposite the terminal. Guests can eat on site at the Great Room restaurant, which has a varied menu, and the hotel provides free Wi-Fi internet access, business facilities and valet parking services.
St. Andrews Drive, Glasgow Airport,
PA3 2TJ,
Glasgow,
United Kingdom
Providing good value accommodation just a minute's walk from the terminal, Holiday Inn Glasgow Airport features an on-site restaurant, lounge and business centre equipped with 18 meeting rooms.
Abbotsinch, Paisley,
PA3 2TE,
Glasgow,
United Kingdom
Handily located near to Braehead’s shopping complex and within minutes of the airport, the Premier Inn Glasgow Airport has an on-site restaurant and car parking spaces for guests.
Whitecart Road, Glasgow Airport,
PA3 2TH,
Paisley,
United Kingdom
Housing a bistro restaurant, the Courtyard by Marriott is a good budget option minutes from the terminal via a paid-for shuttle service. Those staying on business will appreciate the free internet access and choice of meeting rooms.
Marchburn Drive,
PA3 2SJ,
Glasgow,
United Kingdom
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